God Can!

Celebrating Kemi's Journal
One of my claims to fame is my sister Abidemi Sanusi, Christian Writer and author of many books, one of which is Kemi's Journal of Life, Love and Everything. I love Kemi's Journal - read and re-read it many times and must have tired Abidemi with a thousand and one requests for her to courier case loads of the book to me here in Ghana (can't buy them here yet). I just had to keep buying extra copies of the book for friends. I just had to pass the book on.

The me in Kemi
As the book starts Kemi, newly born again, rants about how the super spirituals in her church have told her that she must keep a journal and record what God is doing in her life. "Yeah, like anything exciting ever happens to me anyway, " she said. Thankfully she succumbed and we now have Kemi's Journal.

There's a bit of everyone in Kemi. Honestly, there are so many parts of that book that reminded me of my experiences, and many who have read the book say the same thing. It was so refreshing to see a Christian Writer come out, so to speak. Actually, to be honest, there were times when I had to pause when I was reading the book for I felt that I was actually reading about myself. (Abidemi, you didn't, did you?!).

There's a similarly themed book by Bishop T D Jakes called Cover Girls - ladies, go out and buy it. In fact, this book offended me because I saw bits of myself in every single one of the characters, and I was wandering why Bishop Jakes was publicly dealing with everyone of my emotional deficits. Some of these writers are agents of the Holy Spirit, you know.

But then again, the book, like Kemi's Journal, also brought healing.

Keeping Journals
I remember in 1999 I joined a non-denominational fellowship of twenty and thirty something Nigerian and Ghanaian professionals (the Ghana link started way before, right?) in London. Funky guys and gals - seeking to be sold out in work and play to our Lord and Father. Great days of fellowship and Bible study. Powerful sessions. We met weekly for 2/3 hours, and once a month we met for all-night prayers. It was indeed a fellowship of love.

Then someone from the fellowship prompted me, like they did Kemi in Abidemi's fiction, to start a journal. Being cautious as I am (blush, blush), I was reticent, but I nevertheless committed to document significant moments - new spiritual learning curves, praise reports, pity party reports - the lot.

Last weekend I stumbled upon something that I had written to my family and close friends on September 9 2003 - my 33rd birthday. It smiled as I read the entry, for it documents the ever faithfulness of God, and my joy and peace on that day. It also reminded me of the value of documenting - our reminders of where we have been, where God has brought us from, our expectations and our victories.

Here goes: God Can!
As I danced blissfully to the jingle of Ray Parker Jnr, Maze and Bette Davies at a friend’s 40th birthday party on Saturday night, I reflected for a moment on my elation. Here I was, totally delighted. Totally delighted that I was here, at this time, doing this very bop, and loving every moment of it. I felt assured that I was created to be at this place, in this very city, at this very time, with these very people. I danced unreservedly; I danced a dance of freedom, and loved every minute of it.

As I celebrate my 33rd birthday to day, I celebrate the faithfulness of God to me, and I celebrate my life in Christ. I celebrate the you in me, and the contribution you have made to date in my growth. I celebrate today the beginning of a lifelong dream.

I write this journal entry as a record of my delight in the Christ Jesus who I serve. I thank Him for 33 years of learning, 33 years of growing, and for 33 years of receiving. I am grateful to God for His many, many, many blessings unto me. I thank Him for giving me the desires of my heart. Only He could have brought me to the place of contentment that I am in now. I am truly blessed.

Today, I encourage you to live YOUR life – pursuing the worthy, honest desires of your heart; those very desires which prod you from deep down within. Dreams do come true, and yours and mine are no exception to that rule.