High-Impact Family Centre

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐎𝐏𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐘 (𝟏)

Cut to the chase: it's no longer news that the world is in a chaotic mess. A chaos created by the privileged few, and leaving the rest of the people in intense pain and hardship. Many can thrive because they have an existing system that enables them to adjust to every situation. But many more have plunged into abject poverty as their spending power has been badly corroded.

If you belong to the party of the recipients of the hardship, what opportunities exist in times of adversity?

𝟏. 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐉𝐎𝐘
This is insane: joy? Seriously? Yes. JOY. When things are bad, you need the right attitude to thrive. Rejoicing in a difficult time means you have a vision of the end and you won't be bogged and boxed by the pressures of the moment.

JOY ensures that your spirit is strong and above oppression. With this mindset, you are able to see the way ahead and out of the moment.

Know this: NO MATTER HOW BAD THINGS ARE, THERE IS ALWAYS A WAY OUT.

𝟐. 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐔𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄
Look at the tree: the deeper its roots, the higher its capacity to withstand weather elements. Paul Stoltz coined the word "Adversity Quotient" in his 1997 book. One word captures the essence of the book: ENDURANCE. He said while some people cower and fall in the face of adverse conditions, others develop wings and fly.

Let's go back to the tree analogy: compare a maize and a mango tree. The maize roots are shallow. Hence, it can hardly withstand storms and you can harvest from it only once. But the mango tree has roots so deep that it can withstand storms, you can harvest from it many times over, and it lives for an average of 50 years.

𝟑. 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐆𝐑𝐎𝐖𝐓𝐇
Success cannot be microwaved. If you jump, you are coming down. But if you grow, you'll remain up. Even when you fall, you'll have developed a strong frame that can put you back on your feet. This essence is the backstory of adversity.

Adversity provides the mechanisms for you to develop grit and attract grace. Each step climbed on the staircase of success fuels you with confidence to keep striving, hence, you're also growing in impact, influence, and income.

Let me leave you with the below quotes:

"𝑻𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒕, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒅𝒐." Robert H Schuller

"𝑰𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒗𝒆, 𝒏𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒕, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆." Charles Darwin

You have what it takes to survive and thrive.

Let's keep growing.

I believe in you!

DAB

Dear Role Model,

As we step into this new month, we also celebrate the 64th anniversary of our nation's independence. While this should be a time of joy, many of us are deeply aware of the challenges in our economy. Inflation has crept into our daily lives, and for some, the weight of it seems unbearable. Yet, in times like these, we are reminded of one undeniable truth — there is always hope. Job 14:7-9 (NLT): “Even a tree has more hope. If it is cut down, it will sprout again and grow new branches.” We stand on this promise that no matter what we face, we are not without hope.

The reality of our times cannot be ignored, but as a community, we can rise together. We are encouraging everyone to embrace vulnerability. Let us not hide our struggles but create spaces where we can speak openly about our needs. Healing begins when we acknowledge that we are not alone in our challenges, and together, we can lift each other up.

This is also a season to embrace side hustles, to expand beyond the familiar. Many have relied on one source of income, but now is the time to explore new opportunities. There is no shame in trying something new — it might just be the avenue through which God blesses you.

Empowerment is key. Take advantage of all the training opportunities around you, free or paid. It's never too late to learn something new.

In all of this, the importance of working with a budget cannot be overstated. The little in your hands can go further than you imagine when carefully planned. Let us be wise stewards of what we have, making every naira count.

Let’s also remember the power of unity. We have talents and resources all around us. Trade business with your family and friends, support each other’s ventures, and keep the wealth circulating among yourselves. The answer to your next breakthrough could be in the hands of someone close to you. However, let integrity and discretion guide you. If you can't deliver excellence, don't take it.

Lastly, we must be willing to step outside our comfort zones. Growth happens when we push beyond the familiar, and faith requires us to trust God even when the road seems uncertain. We are reminded in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (MSG): “So we’re not giving up. How could we? Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without His unfolding grace.” God is working, even now, in ways we cannot see.

This month, as we celebrate our nation’s freedom, let us also celebrate the freedom we have in Christ — freedom from fear, from lack, and from despair. Let us hold tightly to our Endless Hope and trust that God will make a way where there seems to be no way.

Stay blessed, hopeful, and courageous.

I believe in you!

DAB

God will make a way. Trust the process.

Gentle reminder:

“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning,
studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or
learning to do”.
Pele

𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐝𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬.

That statement was a timely reminder as I facilitated Financial Management at the last DLA Teens.

The invite came at a time when I had taken the subject of finance seriously and adjusted my private life to begin to align with the insights garnered.

I spent over 30 minutes behind the hall attending to questions from the teeming teens, ranging from financial intelligence, and investment to work-study balance.

As I reminisced on the experience and the impact it had on them, I have these few tips to share:

1. Never miss any opportunity life presents you to improve yourself.
2. When you grow, you become empowered to add more value to others.
3. Life will respond to you based on the value you bring to the table. To enhance your value, grow up. And never stop growing.

Keep living your best life.

I believe in you!

DAB

𝐏𝐎𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒...

1 𝑻𝒊𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒚 6:3-5, 𝑵𝑳𝑻

3 Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life.

4 Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding. Such a person has an 𝒖𝒏𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒉𝒚 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒃𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒔. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions.

5 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒔𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒆. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy.

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Pay attention and sift the things you hear. Like the saying, the fruit falls close to the tree.

If it leads to 𝒂𝒓𝒈𝒖𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏 𝒋𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒚, 𝒅𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝒔𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒍 𝒔𝒖𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔, the seed may have been corrupted.

Selah.

Jeremiah 12:1-5, 10-11, 14-15 NLT

[1] Lord, you always give me justice when I bring a case before you. So let me bring you this complaint: Why are the wicked so prosperous? Why are evil people so happy?

[2] You have planted them, and they have taken root and prospered. Your name is on their lips, but you are far from their hearts.

[3] But as for me, Lord, you know my heart. You see me and test my thoughts. Drag these people away like sheep to be butchered! Set them aside to be slaughtered!

[4] How long must this land mourn? Even the grass in the fields has withered. The wild animals and birds have disappeared because of the evil in the land. For the people have said, “The Lord doesn’t see what’s ahead for us!”

[5] “If racing against mere men makes you tired, how will you race against horses? If you stumble and fall on open ground, what will you do in the thickets near the Jordan?

[10] “Many rulers have ravaged my vineyard, trampling down the vines and turning all its beauty into a barren wilderness.

[11] They have made it an empty wasteland; I hear its mournful cry. The whole land is desolate, and no one even cares.

[14] Now this is what the Lord says: “I will uproot from their land all the evil nations reaching out for the possession I gave my people Israel. And I will uproot Judah from among them.

[15] But afterwards, I will return and have compassion on all of them. I will bring them home to their own lands again, each nation to its own possession.

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The fights and struggles are real. But more real is the assurance of God's love and his promise to restore.

Don't envy the wicked. Don't learn their ways. Don't give up on God.

Your faith will not fail. Your hope won't be disappointed. Your love won't wane and grow cold.

Our God is still alive.
Our God still reigns.
Our God is still in control.
Our God will come through for you.

Let this assurance guide you as you go out today.

I believe in you ❤

DAB

"It rains every now and then. But no one gets wet in their safe zone. To be wet, you must get in the rain." Dele Ayo Bankole

"Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces." Psalm 34:5 NLT‬

AS YOU LOOK TO GOD THIS WEEK, YOU WILL BE RADIANT WITH JOY. THE LORD HELPS YOU; YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.

THE LORD IS YOUR RADIANCE, YOU WILL NOT BE PUT TO SHAME.

THERE IS AN AIR OF FAVOUR AROUND YOU THAT MAKES YOU ATTRACTIVE, LOVED, ACCEPTED, FAVOURED, AND ELEVATED.

TODAY, YOU WILL TASTE, EXPERIENCE, ENJOY, AND RELISH IN THE GOODNESS OF GOD.

YOU ARE FOREVER BLESSED.

AMEN.

Hello ,

The greatest defeat in life is Self-Defeat.

The best thing to happen to anyone is self-discovery, that is, to know how much you are to be treasured and valued. God fashioned you in such a unique and unusual way. And you've got to accept your person; otherwise, everyone else will reject you.

No one accepts a rejected fellow.

If you reject yourself, then no one will accept you. Your rejection of yourself reflects in the way you think, the way you talk, the way you act, and even in your silence. People can read self-confidence and self-esteem on your face. They can easily perceive frustration. Like strong cologne, depression will easily find expression through the frames of your body.

Do you like who you are?

As you go about your day, think about those things.

I know you are a star.

I believe in you!

DAB

Hello, Imọlẹ!

July will make sense.

Don't dim your light.
Don't decrease your intensity.
Don't discontinue the race.

Work harder.
Work smarter.
But never stop grinding.

England equalized and won over Slovakia in extra time ( ).

Your harvest is closer than you think.

It's your winning season.

I believe in you!

DAB

THINK EFFICIENCY!

For some days, I have been contemplating the power of doing more with less and how we can increase our efficiency if only we can lower costs and find better alternatives.

Then I remembered an illustration of Jesus about the cost of discipleship:

"Have you ever heard of a commander who goes out to war without first sitting down with strategic planning to determine the strength of his army to win the war against a stronger opponent? If he knows he doesn't stand a chance of winning the war, the wise commander will send out delegates to ask for the terms of peace. (Luke 14:31-32, TPT).

There are three principles I could pick from meditating on this text:

1. Clarity. Commanders are clear on the goal they want to achieve - to defend their borders and protect their people and properties. You can only achieve efficiency if you know what the exact goal is. Otherwise, you may be majoring in the minor and minoring in the major.

2. Cost. Achieving your goal will cost you something: time, energy, effort, money, sweat, and blood. Spelling out the costs would help you know what you are up to and if expending so much of your mental and physical resources would be worth the pursuit.

3. Consideration. When you are clear on the costs, it is also critical to consider your options. The commander must be sure that he stands a chance with his army of 10,000 against 20,000 soldiers. How many of his soldiers would be lost in battle? How can he decimate his enemies without depleting his army? How long will the war last? Do they have the resources to sustain them for that long? If we are not going headlong, what are the peace terms? Is it a good bargain? Should we call for reinforcement from neighboring countries? What are the payoffs?

These three principles of clarity, costs, and considerations apply to all aspects of life, from education to work, relationships, business, and family life. We must always remember that everything comes with some costs. Wisdom then behooves that the cost is worth the returns. The lower the cost of achieving your result, the more prudent and efficient you are. The mere fact that you can afford it does not mean you have to spend it; it may be channeled to more productive endeavors.

Don't waste your youthful days. Don't waste your productive hours. Don't be reckless with your hard-earned money - let it work even harder for you. Don't be careless with organizational resources and properties - you may start your own business someday.

Like a commander does not have to get his men killed to prove a point, you don't have to kill your resources, too.

Ponder on this.

© Dele Ayo Bankole || 27.03.2024