If we indeed are a sum total of our experiences and the vital impressions they have left on us, then no individual is fully introduced until you have a glimpse at where they are coming from, and the experiences that have shaped them. It is interesting however, that we get to know people and learn from their experiences after they die in their biographies, of if they do it themselves in their later years.
Somehow the world makes us feel it’s self aggrandizement to begin to write an autobiography at a young age, but it’s interesting however that when we read about the great, our attentions are not focused on how they died, or how they spent their old age, our eyes are riveted rather on their making, their early years. We look around for traces in them of similarities with us, as if somehow to convince ourselves that greatness has not completely eluded us. Greatness hasn’t eluded you, it’s never too late to start to do things right. When all is said and done, and your history is written, there will be no reference to the kind of car you drove, no reference to how many houses you have, no reference to how loaded your bank account was. Think about it, do you know what car Bill Gates drives? Do you know how many houses he has or where he has them? Remember, this man is still alive now, and 99% of us don’t even know those things. When your coffin is lowered and your grave sealed, what lives on after you, are the lives you have blessed, the people your coming made a difference to, what you gave, the sacrifices you made and the things you did, that made others say thank you.
Against popular culture, I have decided to start these series, maybe it will form the template or the beginning of my actively documenting my autobiography, maybe it will all end here on this blog for ages to come and for others to read. Or maybe someone after I am gone, will use this to tie it all together and present before the world a masterpiece. I am not sure. I am sure of one thing however, my life is going to have a happy ending. The story is going to be interesting and intriguing, there are moments when even I have watched in suspense, so I believe that the viewers or readers should also. Courage, vision, dreams, passion, love, joy, success, help, friend, father, lover, believer, patriotic, enigmatic, teacher, counselor, brother, enterprising… are some of the themes that my life should capture. If my life has 3 Seasons, then perhaps I just concluded Season 1 and need to capture the thoughts before they are forgotten. In my characteristic style, I’ll write so at least you can learn a few things from what I have learnt as well.
In the times ahead when I’ll be motivated to capture the stories, I’ll write from the following headings, Spiritual, Business, Adventure, Fun, Academic, Failure, Fear, Courage, Marriage, Challenges, Victories and as much as I find inspiring. I’ll start today however from the story of the transformation of Deolu Akinyemi. It’s a story that comes to mind because I shared it with a church I spoke in last Sunday.
The city was Ilorin, it was 1992, I can’t find the exact month or day of the year. I had grown up in a Baptist Church, Emmanuel Baptist Church Ilorin Kwara State, it was the church my parents attended. I had started having strong pentecostal leanings, and in order to keep me “unrebellious” in moving to another church, they had encouraged me to join the Baptist Student Fellowship arm of the church. Where we leave was very far from the church, so the encouragement was actually quite a financial investment as well. I fell in love with the fellowship, the president of the fellowship fondly known as “Go Ye” won my heart from day one. It’s 17yrs ago now, and I can still remember his first message, I can even see the way he moved around, and how he literally brought the wilderness of the Children to life and showed us the wilderness of the 21st Century. I decided to get involved and get close and somewhere along the line, got permission from my parents to go for a 3 days camp with all interested youths in the church.
Many of the youths who had never showed up for BSF meetings got interested in the camp and came as well, there is nothing more exciting to young people as an opportunity to escape from home and be in the company of friends for 3 days in a row. Many people boarded the buses, and we headed for a town outside Ilorin, I think it is called Eye Nkorin. We were at least 200, if my memory serves me right, and trust, we came there for different reasons. Reasons ranging from freedom, to time out with friends, to seeing that young fine lady up close, to making new friends, to have fun, to “x”. X being whatever you can imagine that can catch the fancy of a teenage boy or girl.
When I got to the venue, I was startled by the number of youths, I was excited at how much preparation had obviously gone into making this event happen. I could see bags of rice, tubers of yam, loads of food. No sooner had we landed that cooking had begun, the program of events was shared, the rooms were allocated and people struggled to settle down. In the midst of settling down, I snuck out some time to go to the altar and have a tete a tete with the almighty. It’s one of my first clear vivid discussions. I told God that amongst all of us in that camp for those 3 days, I desired to His favorite. While I do not want to sound theatrical in my expressing the conversation that ensued with God, God told me there and then, that he had no favorites. He referred me to his word, that if I drew near to him, he would draw near to me, and the if I moved away, he would move away. He told me that if I wanted to be His favorite, I should make myself His favorite. God made it clear to me that our relationship was up to me. That the difference between mortals is not because God differentiates them, but because they differentiate themselves by moving closer to Him. He asked me what I was willing to do to be different. I looked around me, and saw the picture of the enjoyment that lies in the days ahead, the fun, the soccer matches, the late night gists, and the possibilities of falling in love. My mind wondered on, and then back. I told God, that to differentiate myself, I was willing to abstain from food and water, and observe my first ever 3 days absolute fast in that camp, while at the same time ensuring that I danced, participated and mixed without anybody getting to know. I committed myself to spending time with him in all the breaks that I would have – breaks for breakfast, lunch and supper, and some of the breaks for fun.
We sealed the deal, and the first reference point for my life was formed. I honored my part with God’s grace, and God honored his part. I feel like a favorite, I have felt so ever since. I can’t measure against anybody, but that camp left me a different person, and it reflected on everything that I touched from then. The things that make a man stand out in his generation are not God initiated, they are man initiated. Those that draw near to God, will find God drawing near to them, and those that mock him and move away from him, will end up helpless.
I remember vividly the fishing expedition, the bee hunting adventure, my first set of students in my life as a teacher, I remember my first ever business loan of N1,500 to buy and sell bread, I remember my first commercial student, the businesses I did, the events I lead, the people that made a difference in my life, the deals I brokered, songs I sang, prayers I prayed, my friends, my associates, my brothers and brethren. I remember the times I cried, the moments of anguish, the times when hope kept me, the daring moments, the events of failure and the moments of victory. My parents, My teachers, my family, my wife, my in-laws, my readers, the various interfaces I have had with community, I remember, and say boldly that as long as these hands continue to move, and my mind stays preserved, I will yet write about the Season 1 of Deolu Akinyemi, and I pray, that I will live long and healthy enough to document Season 2 and Season 3
41 thoughts on “Adventures of Deolu Akinyemi 1-1”
going back memory lane?thats great. i look forward to reading each of them. as usual, you are always a great blessing.
Revealing….. His ears are indeed not deaf that He does hear.
Sir, I woke up with the same thought this morning asking myself, What will my eulogy read?
The things that we sometimes run after like cars, houses, riches anf fun don’t even weight much but the kind of live we led in affecting people arround us….
I make bold to say that the greatest advantage anyone can have is to know Christ…He gives meaning to our living.
My brother, may you live long!
I feel greatly honoured to be the first to comment on this post, this post further confirms it nothing happens by chance. ‘3 days fasting’ at dat age! Ur life has been a challenge in every way, I vividly remembered my first encounter with u, it was in one of the classes in white house OAU can’t remember the exact class now , during one of the organised tutorials by Exploit makers. I was young with a lot of ideas on how to spend my campus years then u came in looking very young, first i was llike what has this young guy got to tell us now just because we were jambitoos but when u finished, i went back to my room reordering my priorities.Tthougn on most occassions when i set target i dont get to meet them all the same am gonna set 1 now hope i’ll meet it this time. God bless u looking forward to the remaining post of season 1.
Apparently i wasn’t the first….grrrrrrrrrr
thanks 4 dat motivation,its really mind blowing
Our life is like a timed bomb with a counter attached…from the day of our birth, we were born to die, but the question here is…what are we dying for? Do you have a cause?
May your days be long Deolu.
Deolu Season 1, this is so thotful. Like someone said we may not be able to influence where or how we were born but surely we can determine where and how we die. Our lives are written, we need to discover in the books what is written about us what we have to do about it. We can live forever in the heart of millions of people if we really can reach those million hearts and create a room for ourselves there through impact we make with people we are in contact with. How else do I say this? Thank you so much.
wow, this is a good one again sir, i just don’t know what to say but i think it is a life changing experience, motivating and inspiring, may you live long for your good works and you you shall live to write as more seasons as possible. Jah bless
Kai Cm you have come a long way. Your prayer as a teenager brought me close to tears, i can remember strong things that i have done myself in the time past and God still remain faithful till date. I hope to be part of season 2 and 3,i know it totally depend on me, but as you write your own biography destinies will be shaped and lives will be transformed in Jesus name. Meanwhile you no mention your colleagues oh.lol
Wonderful!
Your life is indeed full of wonders. Thank God for where you have been through. Thank God for where you are. All the best of God in where u are going to
Cannt wait to read the rest! Bros, you are an inspiration to so many people, i know you know that though!
Oga D, this is just great. I am really on the look out for the continuation of this session. You are really a role model. Some dare not do this that you have done bcos they have lived a life out of bearing and not worthy of emulaton. In some years time, God will give me the grace to do the same.
wao!
WOULD THE BOY YOU WERE BE PROUD OF THE MAN YOU ARE?
this is a true reflection of a puposeful life. i have known History not to be destiny, wher you have been only impacts where you are going. the issue is not that we have a past but what role our past has to play in our destiny. many have gotten themselves drowned in the dongeon of their past forgetting that the power to go comes from the past.
certain leaders have emmerged in this country that a careful study of their antecedence would show that they were indeed headed for the top.
look at the progression, its overwhelming and promising.
what will people read about you ?
thanks a lot for launching me to a world of endless possibilities, you are greatly TREASURED
According to Slum Dog Millionaire..it is written…Do you know this words, i had known from the bible..in Psalm 40 – 7 and Hebrews 10- 7..but it hit home when i watched the film Slum Dog Millionaire!..So it is written of you my dear Prophet..you will end well and finish strong with generations yet unborn celebrating you! You will be all that God wants you to be because you have decided to serve Him in spirit and in truth..and with God, when you seek first His kingdom, every other thing na jara!!..Look forward to all the other parts..maybe na me go do the film..season 1 – whatever ! Adeolu Akinyemi..God’s favorite!!
Guess what we have a lot in common o..My Parents are confirmed Baptist..my mum especially, i got married in a Baptist church despite being a pentecostal rebel later!!lol..my punishment for being the first child and for thinking i would get away from worshipping in a pentecostal church despite being a Baptist..lol!
lol.. welcome my sister. I say a hearty amen, and thanks as always.
I really should write a post on Slum Dog Millionaire, my summary of that movie, is don’t complain about anything unfavorable that happens to you, it’s all leading to a perfect moment.
Great thought…I cant but feel both happy and sad.I love this post dearly as it chronicles the beauty of a man of greatness. U have showed that God can answer prayers as he answered you by making you His favourite. However It was because you drew nearer to Him. I know that scripture as i believe many people know it too, but i am afraid i have not followed it in its totality. Thank you for opening my eyes one more time. However my good brother and teacher, i feel sad. I don’t know how to express my thoughts here because this is a public site. Nonetheless, may the almighty keep you and protect you, he will give you the insight that will preserve you to old age (as i believe that is what His will will permita). Hmmmm!!! It is well
Slumdog millionaire is a spiritual film just like one of my friend said. We all have stories to tell. The essence of what we go through is so that our movie will be an interesting read for all to read.
Of a truth, going through this really confirm the thoughts in my heart that we have things n common.
My prayer is that the world will continue to celebrate you even until the day you enter the six feet. All the best in the rest of your life. Your story has sparked up inspiration in me to write “The Life of Adesoji ADEGBULU” and also about slumdog millionaire…
1 word- Splendid
1 sentence- God bless U
.
Did not finish reading this on friday but i’m back on it. When all has been said and done Deolu, our epitaph shall read ”purposed fulfilled”. Great piece! Exactly what me mean by sow seeds of prayer!
in most cases, the future is a reflection of your past. but when you dwell on the ruins and regretts of your ast and refuse to move on up, you become a failure to the purpose of God.
secondly, it becomes pertinent to state that tomorrows greatness begins today, just as today’s greatness began yesterday. so begin a concious preparation for a resounding tomorrow.
that you had a regrettable past does not mean you can not have a bright future. it all begins here- the now (TODAY)
SEE YOU AT THE TOP!
I LOVE NNC
Eni ba mo’nu ro. A mo’pe da. (He who thinks deep enough, acknowledges gratitude as a necessity. ) I hope my interpretation in English is correct.
As we think of a great future and plan towards it, we should also think of the past (not live in it) as it could serve as a map reminding us of when we changed our course for the better or otherwise. What we held up as values and habits which served as strength or flaws in making that landmark move….
God Bless you Adeolu.
“Wisdom,” they say, “can only be acquired through hard personal experience.” We like to believe that is not true. Rather than having to experience everything for ourselves the hard way, we can learn from other people’s experiences and insights. learn the lessons from every experience because they could change your world
FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
I asked God, “How do I get the best out of life?” God answered, ” Don’t be a prisoner of the past. Leave your past behind cause we can never change it. But we can correct our mistakes. Handle your present with confidence and prepare for the future without fear.” Then He added, ” Keep the faith and drop the fear. Don’t believe your doubts and never doubt your beliefs. Life is wonderful if you know how to live.”
Very inspiring!
I was only thinking over the weekend, that I wanted to start to write an autobiography.
Thanks for the reminder that ‘The things that make a man stand out in his generation are not God initiated, they are man initiated. Those that draw near to God, will find God drawing near to them”
I am encouraged by your prayer at the camp……..I know that ‘Eiye korin camp’ I remember my own times there too.
I have no doubt that all the ‘Seasons of Deola Akinyemi ” would change lives!
More grace!
That was an inspiring one. Someone once said that “if God seems far away, guess who moved?”. God is ever present. He just needs people who will draw near to him.
More ororo to your elbow!!
it makes sense realy when you remember people that one way or the other added to your success.thats cool.keep the flag rolling.
deolu, i’m really motivated by this story line. it’s great. truly God is no respecter of pple. but whatever we became in Him is mostly up to us.
Nice one. It is important we know the defining moment of our life. It will help us to have a good reference of how it began. And more important, when you discover your defining moment, put it in black and white.
Wonderful! This is so inspiring.
Reading this almost made me shed tears. At that teen age? you started well. You sought first for the kingdom of God and today every other things are being added.
There is no gain without pain. You sacrificed then, and you’re seeing the result now.
You have not seen anything yet, because the bible says “the path of the righteous shines brighter and brighter unto the perfect days”. Your life (light) will shine brighter. This is the least you will ever be. Generations yet unborn will celebrate you. Amen!
looking forward to other articles. nice article
I think its good to know where you started from in order to be encouraged and I’m particularly interested in the fact that you mentioned Emmanuel Baptist Church. That’s my church and I am a facilitator of the teens fellowship, I wonder if “Go ye” will believe he has impacted the life of someone who is doing what you’re doing now and this encourages me to give my all into what I have on my hands now because someone might just be getting motivated
Oh the nostalgia! I still remember the bread selling venture you know. I remember I did some marketing in Progress house then (remember?).
I believe it is essential that we journal our lives. We can look back and see the pattern with which God operates with us and then chart a good course for our future.
Lastly, there can be no more powerful truth that those who draw near to God, He makes Himself accessible to. God is not a respecter of persons. We are all the same before Him but the nearer we are to Him, the better the light we will receive and then we will not stumble.
Keep on keeping on Adeolu!
last night a friend of mine called and pleaded i come and be the MC at his birthday, which took place today. i felt like turning it down but i later remembered Deolu’s words on “Feedback from Ilorin….do things for free this month….” and i thouht i wise to grace the occassion. in the course of the event, i asked the guests to tell the clebrant the things he does that they are not pleased with and it was like the sky will fall…but it was a “…revelation for caution” as the celebrant called it.
thanks Deolu for letting loose a future that was beclouded with over confidence in himself.
i’m grateful!!!!!!!
if we human beings are to pay attention to the way God works, we will se that HE gives room for some element of difficulties. even if life were to be a bed of roses, there is no rose without a thorn.
Am still waiting for the part two..of Deolu Akinyemi..God’s favorite..have i missed much on the site? good to be back again..nobody missed me this time, Papa Emma O, where hath thou? lol. Am already working on my own autobiography..will let out the title in due season..
3days? you never seize to amaze me, after seeing all that food, anyway our strengths and weaknesses are in different areas so is our level of discipline. I like the series, i think i’ll continue mine too.
@Ikotun: “WOULD THE BOY YOU WERE BE PROUD OF THE MAN YOU ARE?” you know what, I have been thinking about this question, i feel it would be a better caption for this article.
@Babajide: i appreciate your understanding about this subject matter.
when i grew up, a little older than i used to be (i be small boy o) i got to understand that there were a lot of ambitions i nursed as a littlle boy like being the youngest public speaker, most succesful man in my family (fastest achiever) and so many others that pains me as i see them not coming any soon, though i am not discouraged about working towards them. i ask my self what has become of these dreams in just few years.
many reasons came accross my mind as answers to those questions but the most reoccuring one is that my associstion has killed my dreams or better still i allowed my association to deprieve me of the realities of my future.
Thanks to God for people like Deolu that have rekindled those passions and i see the need to refire.
once again i ask: “WOULD THE BOY YOU WERE BE PROUD OF THE MAN YOU ARE?”
Sacrifice is so great a price that God honours. Three days fasting started a transformation that has become something extremely great today in the life of my mentor. we need to look within and make sacrifices of worthy amounts to our God and have Him transform us. those who draw near to Him, He make them His favourites. It’s all up to us.
doing things for free really pays. most times, we make life long contacts that matters just because we show acts of concern to people in need. I remeber these words each time I am previlleged to help it may cost us our strengths but in the long run, it pays us off. http://www.deoluakinyemi.com…great posts…as fresh as ever.
Resources such as the one you mentioned here will be extremely helpful to myself! Ill publish a hyperlink to this web page on my personal blog. Im certain my site visitors will discover that very useful.