I wept
“Jesus wept” - John 11:35
Is it manly to shed tears? Should a man be seen crying, or worse weeping? I believe crying is when tears flow freely from your face, and weeping when you make some noise with it, or you shake visibly in trying to muzzle the noise. I grew up believing that crying was not manly. I believed that it wasn’t masculine to show emotions. If you love, it ought to be concealed, if you are angry, you should manage it. If you are hurt, you should never cry. As far back as primary school, we measured ourselves as mature and strong, by our abilities to maintain a calm look in the midst of 6 strokes of cane, back in those days, I got beaten (I meant flogged) daily in school by my class teacher - the formula is stand still and take your medicine like a man. Real men don’t cry, so I thought. Until one day.
On this faithful day, I was in an Airbus 340, Lagos en route London. My favourite pastime in the plane is watching movies. When I’m watching a good movie, time flies. I was on the flight to London on my last assignment for P&G, and interestingly on the same flight with my recruiter to my next job offer. Thousands of feet above the ground, way into the clouds and over the seas, I sat and watched my movie of the year 2005 - “Coach Carter”. Nobody died in this film, no catastrophes, no wounded, but I got to a scene in this film where I burst into uncontrollable tears. I didn’t cry, I wept, I was thoroughly shaken to my roots.
What scene is this you ask, let me explain. Coach Carter had invested so much time in making these students not only good basket ballers, but also good people with potentials of playing basketball beyond their current levels. To play college football, you first need to get to college. He was aware that the easiest destination for a black kid in the hood is prison, and he was determined to help see that they had a balanced life. It started out rough, but gradually, he had got them into a routine, the habits were forming, when all of a sudden an opportunity for a match came up close to an exam. The students wanted to play, their parents wanted them to play, even the school officers wanted them in the court, but Coach Carter insisted that the basketball court remained locked while the students continued with their studies. He wasn’t popular for this decision, he was brought before the school council, and he lost the case. He was ordered to open the court, and let the students train. He felt bad, that the people he had labored so hard for didn’t appreciate his work. He made up his mind to leave the school. It just wasn’t worth it! He started packing a few of his things, and decided to go over to the court to pick his final items. He got to the big door of the court, and saw that the chain and padlock had been opened, he picked up the lock, and went into the court - expecting to see the students playing as he passes buy to pick his things. One of the students stood up and said (don’t quote me), they can force us to come to the court, but they can’t force us to play. They were in the court alright, but with their tables and chairs reading. One started to recite a poem - What is our greatest fear, our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate, but that we are powerful beyond measure, it is our light not our darkness that frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually who are you not to be? …. At this point… I lost control!
Why did I cry? I’ll tell you. That day I made a discovery. I was able to put my finger firmly on my passion. Whatever problem, solution, or event that moves you to tears holds a key to your assignment. I don’t know if what I’m describing has happened to you before, if it has, go back to that moment, if it hasn’t, watch out for it. What I felt for Coach Carter was joy… here was a coach, teacher or instructor who had finally come to the point where the people for whom he labors become aware. He’s going all out to prepare them for their future, and they appreciate it. The teacher and coach in me, could hold back no longer, for the first time in my life - I wept! (I secretly wished my wife was there, she would have been stunned). In that flight I took out my pen and jotter, and scribbled my thoughts. I am passionate about helping people succeed, I am passionate about people development, I am passionate about education. Luckily I was alone, but I wasn’t spared in another of such occurrences. This time around I was in the company of friends and family. The film wasn’t one that warranted any emotions - The Redeem Church Of God, that was the film of the history of that church. In the scene that shook me - The now Pastor Enoch Adeboye, as a boy refused to eat for 3 days because he wanted his father to send him to school. For me, that little boy’s life would have been completely different today without an education, he sacrificed much for it. You might not understand this, but it hit me so badly, I had to go to my room to let it all out. My bucket of my passion was rocked, and it the waters had to spill.
Enough of me, how about you. Have you identified your passion? Do you know what you are passionate about? Bill Gates is reported as saying that your only chance at greatness lies within your passion. What does it for you? When was the last time you watched a scene in a film that moved you to tears? When was the last time you saw an injustice and it made you fume? When was the last time you felt it deep down, “this is what I should be doing?” You might be good at concealing it, but deep down you know when you see the things that connect with your passion. Quit procrastinating, take time out to observe the things you are passionate about today.
Hello. I am 
There some times that i feel i should be alone and Cry.
And this reminds me of a popular saying by one of my friends
If you don’t have a course worth dying for, you don’t have a reason worth Living For
This sounds like a great film to watch! Have you seen Hardball (with Keanu Reeves)? It explores similar themes — the only difference is that Reeves coaches baseball instead of basketball.
Deolu, thx for re-energizing my heart. I hope and pray that for a lot of us may the zeal never go down again for that which we are passionate abt according to God’s will. Bro. keep the fire burning. I bid u more grace. Amen!
Deolu, ta for want u ve been doing in peoles life most especially me and my friends i really appreciate u.ve seen the movie and is very touching.
Chairman,
Your story reminded me of a an incident at home when someone asked me “how much do you charge all these people that call you?” and i answered “it’s not about the money but this is one of the things am very passionate about”, reaching out to people, touching hearts.
We all need to get to that point where we can put our hands on our passion, that thing that drives us, that thing we enjoy doing.
You need to see how contented i feel when i speak to someone and discover that that person is satisfied with the talk most people thank me but in my hearts of hearts i thank God and those people for helping to express my passion.
Great write up chairman!!!
Josh
08034389504
Wao Deolu You just hit my heart real hard with this one! I think you are a prophet as you brought more insight into those passions I feel times without number. I have better understanding now and I quit procrastinating from today. I must pursue those things that really connect with my passion.Tx!
Had a passion lighted n driven in me reading through this.Truly,wht u r passionate abt is worth weepn over.God bless u!
hi deolu,
its funny that you opened up this discussion because i have been through the last six months deciding whether or not my passion is worth a dime.
i am passionate about women being all they can be as partners on earth for men. i believe that women are not just made to look pretty (though i think they should always make an effort) but they are also made to be equally as productive, fruitful, courageous and encouraging to every member of their family and people they come across, as men seem to make out to be.
i am passionate that women should realise that the quote in the bible ‘i can do all things through christ who strnegthens me’ isnt just for men as providers for the family but for women to stand up tall and strong, develop themselves, be loving and charismatic, and above all be modeled after the woman in Prov 31.
as much as i love fashion and styling, i believe it’s all from the core of the person. you have got to discover God’s purpose on earth for you and live to your dull potential.
Way to go Deolu,
Despite the fact that that i’ve heard you relate this experiences to me personally, the force of it’s impact while reading it now still took my breath away.I am crying right now as i write because I am passionate about God. I love Him so much it hurts. Ofcourse, I hurt Him as well even though i don’t want to.
I’ll give anything to let people see how much He loves them and how much He wants them to know it. I have never seen a creator so fascinated by His creation such that he decides to sacrifice all he has for the continued existence of His creation.
i remember when one time when i hurt God and felt so bad that i told Him-
“God how come I never come out as a perpetual vessel of honour when you mold me?”
“How come I develop faults and cracks after a while?”
“why can’t you just throw me(clay) away, i’ll never make a good vessel”
and I heard Him say-
“son, you are not useless clay. I know you think I molded you just so that i can hang u somewhere and put flowers in you, but I love it when you have a crack or fault. I long so much to come in contact with you, breaking you, melting you and molding you again. i love the intimacy of making you again and again and again.”
“if you stayed hung up so perfectly without a fault, i would miss you coming into contact with you so much, it would hurt.”
“My loving you means touching you as much as I can and remolding you into something better each time I touched you”
thanks for “i wept” because I’m weeping now
cheers
Good stuff!
if its about weeping after seeing a movie, i’ve done that so many times i cant even remember which movies they were, but i know that its beyond just the tears, its the connection ur heart makes when u realise wat it is u were really created to do.
@Bussee
u’ve blessed my life with that write up
God bless u
hi deolu,
i have visited this site several times but i’ve never dropped a comment on any issue but today is completely different!
this topic is so powerful and touching that after reading it, i re-contacted 2 fellowships i had earlier told that i will not be honoring their invitations for speaking engagements bcos i thought i was busy, but after reading this i changed my decision and accepted their invitations.
my greatest passion is derived whenever i stand to preach or teach God’s word.i feel satisfied whenever i am doing that.
i think it is high time we all began to separate the “externals” and the “eternals”, between what is important and “most important” after all is said and done on earth, the only thing that will count is …welldone good and FAITHFUL servant….
God bless you deolu, hope to see u in harvest international church next month.
Enoch
It is an observation that is coming on time, when so many pple ve lost touch with reality and are chasing more money(HYIP”S…} at the expense of losing touch with their moral values.
once in a while i think we should just sit down and ask ourself what legacy do i want to leave behind?
yemisi
Deolu,
This piece really touched the innermost part of my heart and it took me back memories lane when i do some things that i wasnt meant to do, i open my heart and cried to God. He is always there to support and assures me that i should still go ahead and fulfil the purpose of which he created me for.
To God be the glory
Deolu
Right on target. Good stuff. We all need to search deep within (some deeper than others..lol) for what it is exactly that drives each of us. I am passionat about fashion and beauty but i guess what i need now is the guts to strike out on my own.
We all need to get out of our “comfort zones” (if they really are!!!!!!), explore opportunities and make firm decisions.
Lets not forget that most great men dared to dream and took bold steps.
Keep keeping on guys.
I agree with Yemisi. At least let us have a break from the HYIPs and Forex Trading etc.
Good one Deolu, more of that and less of HYIPs plsss
@Bussie,
How touching, indeed you are very passionate about God. please keep it up.
@All,
It’s about time we start doing those things we are all possionate about because that where our true happiness and joy is lies. If you you are in search of happiness or joy, just follow your heart, do those things you have always wanted to do, then you will not only be happy or found joy but you will come in contact with fulfillment.
See you all at the TOP!!!
Josh
08034389504
@ All
I must confess, I don’t visit deoluakinyemi.com as much I am suppose to, I am convince that I should make it an Habit as must of you has made it.
However, this is what I am lead to contribute.
As with everything in Life, “Weeping” can be Good or Bad, Right or Wrong, It all depends on the Timing and the Reason.
Could be EARLY or LATE, could be for JOY or REGRET
Going through the words of Deolu, You’ll discover that He was in-touch with the reality of what He is truly Passionate about, he found what could make him WEEP, He found is Passion.
“Your Purpose in life is hidden in your Passion, Locate your passion and you will find your purpose”
“Whatever problem, solution, or event that moves you to tears holds a key to your assignment” - Deolu
So many people go through Life without locating their Passion. it doesn’t cross the mind of some. And at the END of the LIFE, They WEEP.
To me, WEEPING at the END of the “RACE of LIFE” is something no body want, but to avoid that We Must locate what will make US WEEP EARLY in Life.
To live a Fulfilled Life, we must locate our PASSION.
JESUS wept, DEOLU wept, Bussee wept, I also wept some years ago.
Will you join the Roll Call of those who have paying the price of a FULFILLED LIFE with TEARS of JOY.?
It is well, I am trying to get out of the rat race of paid employment and face what I have passion for,I am only trying to put things that will give me cusioning effect in place when what I will be pursuing will be at the level of little beginning…the stages of growth.
Deolu,just keep us at our toes
Deolu,
Thanks for this wonderful piece again, you are highly appreciated. I know many of us are already working at things around our passion, so this piece is an encouragement to keep moving on, ” that which we have to do, we should do it quick”.
Deolu i cannot say this enough, you are a blessing and an inspiration, reading stuffs on this website has made me excited about Nigeria and the upcoming generation ” indeed the EAGLES ARE GATHERING”. Jesus said after His disciples went out and perform miracles according to His words ” BEHOLD I SAW SATAN FALL AS LIGHTENING” That is exactly what i see for Nigeria youths, we shall be great and do exploits. Please keep it up, we are learning and inspired. Your cruise of oil (inspiration, insight, knowledge & wisdom) shall never run dry. The Lord will preserve your life for us all, cheers.
Deolu,
Very inspirational, coincidentally i’ve been doing a lot of soul searching recently bout what i should be doing with my life. I guess the right question should be what am i passionate about?? and while i agree with you & Bill Gates that greatness probably lies in doing what you are pasionate about, i personally do not really have any visions of being remembered as that great man…..
I think i’l be very much satisfied doing what i love doing & being there for my family. keep it up.
Hi Deolu,
Thanks for the inspiring reminder. I call it a reminder ‘cos I’ve seen the movie and felt same way too, particularly that it came from timo cruz, the most unlikely person to inspire anyone.
Passion is everything… when you find a job you love, you never have to work a day in your life ‘cos its like having fun and being paid for it. No society can survive the twin evil of corruption and inefficiency. One cant be really efficient without passion.
Looking forward to the day when passion becomes our creed for living. Then, and then only can Nigeria be great. I love this country and i love everyone that loves NIGERIA. Again, thanks Deolu for exemplifying passion.
Deolu,
To say you are a wonderful man will be an understatement, I’m sure you’re an Angel sent to this generation of ours. I actually got to know about you yesterday while trying to get more information about Pennywise but I soon forgot about my reasons for trying to know more about “magicians” after reading some of your articles. This piece on “I Wept” is another wonderful motivational article and I have vowed to visit your site at least 3 to 4 times weekly. My prayer for u is that God in His infinite mercy will continue to strengthen and energize you. He will continue to shower you with His Divine Wisdom and more importantly, He will continue to bless u to enable u continue to bless people through your site.
More grease to your elbows!!!
” What is our greatest fear? Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate, but that we are powerful beyond measure, it is our light not our darkness that frightens us….”
You just made my day.
deolu, u re a rare gem thanks for the write up. see, so many of us dont know what we are living for and just someone said if u dont have something to live for, u have no reason to live at all. life is only worth living when a reason is attached to it.i have for young people to serve the Lord in music basically and i have been at it ull soon hear about me!
keep up the good work man!
hi Deolu well i ve seen so many films dat made cry but when i watch Alapadupe( unquestionable God)a yoruba film by Muyiwa Ademola i wept like a little child,u wanna know why realise we see so many nasty things 2 God when we are sorrowful like when we loss someone v close 2 us or when things we want did come thr,but in dat movie i realise dat in everything dat happens 2 us we shld give thanks.like when i was told my father was dead i said so many thing dat i’m really sorry abt now,but later d doctor asked us not 2 cry dat if my father had lived he wuld ve been useless,dat he wnt be able 2 do anythin on his own ever again not even be able 2 go 2 d toilet himself,dere and then i broke down and wept so hard dat i landed 2 d hospital.so its even better he died i’m not happy i lost him but i know he his at d bossom of our lord jesus christ.i love CHRIST SO MUCH BUT SIN deprives me 4rm Him but i know i ve conquered it in Jesus name.tanx,may d lord strenghten u so u can become a better person
Nice piece once again from a genius …i have a suggestion though.Many of us have passions and talents we’ll love to work on and develop,but all we need is just a little push.i suggest a kind of club/group for people with common ideas and talents to come out and talk about ways to be what we really want to be in life..many heads they say,is better than one..for me i’m a fantastic artist right from my secondary sch days(fgci)but ended up being caged in an airline..very fraustrating..
Deolu,
This is heavy.We must all go back to the drawing board particularly those of us living in Lagos Nigeria.many came to Lagos with a great passion to make a difference but today money has changed their courses and yet many see nothing missing.
This is a word to be ‘kept at the left hand so that one should not eat with it’,
As the Elders will say.
Try watching ‘Knights of the south Bronx’ you’ll most likely shed another tear. that moved me to tears.
Hope i’ll get to eat out of the fish Generis is catching. Talk to you later.
Bros,
Loooonnng time!
That was powerful! Thanx for keeping on. God Bless u.
@Deolu,
Thanks for the piece!
@Bussee,
What an inspiring word there! I stand in awe of Him!!
@All
If you pursue your passion diligently, you will ultimately prosper!
Deolu,
This just shows how much passion you have for teaching your passion and earning income from doing what you enjoy.
It’s quite unfortunate that a lot more comments go to some particular posts than some others. I need people to understand that wealth building has to do with building habits, and these habits must be life-long.
What you do here is not only commendable, however i know that somehow your heart bleeds (just like Coach Carter did when his students were not imbibing what he was trying to teach them) when you read the “enthusiasm” of some discussants about HYIPs ONLY!
Keep keeping at it though, you need to help a lot more people see more opportunities that lie out there. Yeah you can cry all you want, but hey, there are a lot more people waiting for your helping hand, so dry your tears and get to WORK!!!!
Keep it REAL brother!
What a life changing and purpose driven piece.Great one to ruminate on all night,thanks for taking us back to the place of encounter,what a rare coach and teacher you are,you are indeed a plus factor to our generation and a channel by which many will be blessed. Looking forward to a live experience with you at HIC on 30Th June
Ba’Ire,
Again, it’s about personal definition and personal standards.
Thank you for sharing your passion and for showing that even if we live in a developing country marred with corruption, greed and people who thrive on chaos
THERE CAN BE MEN JUST AND FAIR with a the bar raised high on DIGNITY and INTEGRITY.
Thank you my friend.
Jide
Baa’ire,
I’m glad i know you.
I’m glad you cribbed in my room 6~7 years ago when we were in Uni and you were visiting Ma’Ire.
I’m glad you signed me on to Procter (I still have that kletter) and gave me an opprtunity to discover the buyer in me.
I’m glad most importantly that u’re a brother and that we knew way before earth.
A great piece i must say, especially at times like this when the very pivot of life(which i consider 2 be d act of GIVING) has been eroded with d crave for recieving. -which ever form it’s taken up until now- We all need 2 Xtray our lifes 2 see what it is we are endowed with dat must be given in order 2 qualify for a recieving. This i believe is d ultimate investment principle. It is more blessed to give than to recieve.
nice one, i learnt quite early also that you may be mocked for those things you’re passionate about, simply bcos its not easy for others to see or feel what you are feeling about somethings..
but one shldnt be discouraged, rather stay focussed and keep at it..
eventually when you achieve your aim, you feel that contentment in your heart and that unexplainable feel of fulfillment….others may appreciate it ….they may not…..but important is the fact that you’ve followed your heart
..and done that you love to…not what they seem to like you to…….
….sooner or later, they wld come to accept (if not appreciate) your mission statement.
There is nothing more fulfilling than doing that which we are passionate about on a daily basis…….
..even if it looks stupid to others…as long as its for the common good.
Deolu thanks for the re-awakening!
seeing people suffer is one of my greatest reasons for weeping.its not as if i stand there and shout with tears all over my face, not that, but within me, i break and i ask myself this question, why?why should some have too much and others, nothing.aside from that, when i see aged people still struggling and going through hard labour just to make ends meet,its very touching.So many things of such makes me cry and i know i believe that someday, i will touch such lives around me positively but for now,i do the little i can, pray for them.
On a lighter but serious mood, i knew how bad i felt when the first girl i ever loved told me on phone not to call her agaian, not bexcause she doesn’t but because the mum was standing beside her and told her to say it,its over 10yrs,but its fresh in me.
bros Deolu
It is only God that can pay you back for this great work, my heart shake reading this post, i am really happy for your kind of man, i pray your heart desires be fulfilled in Jesus name. keep it real up.
What a piece. Deolu thnx so much for that inspiring piece. i ve watched the film and the same thing happened to me the nite i watched it. truly, your chance to success lies in your passion.
keep up the good work.
All is anyone is the house who knows about DCC…kindly send the infos to my mail box kokomistress2dcore@yahoo.com…..thanks
I have seen a man who speaks the truth about the African mentality about The African Man Emotion please i will appreciate it if more of this stuff is sent to my mail. God bless you
After a long time… this story still makes same impact it did the first time i read it.
Your writing is truly priceless.