My 40s: A Season of Mercy, Healing, and Purpose

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Last Sunday was my birthday, and I had so much joy sharing it with people who mean the most to me at this moment in time.

I’ve never been the type to go all out for birthdays, but something changed when I turned 40 a few years ago. Since then, I’ve made it a yearly ritual to do a photoshoot and honestly, I love it!

Those beautiful pictures are more than just images; they are reminders. They remind me of the many times mercy said no to situations that tried to break me.

Life has not been gentle with me. 

I’ve been roughly handled many-times by the storms of life. Yet people admire me. They call just to tell me how “strong” I am and how proud they feel of me. I usually chuckle when I hear that—not because I don’t appreciate it, but because they know… without fully understanding. They don’t know the details of what my life has been and still is. And yet, here I stand. 

Still standing. Still rising.

Truth be told, I don’t know how I do it but I’m even prouder of myself.

I am not one to bow to storms.

I serve a God who calms storms with His words, heals wounds, and restores in overflowing folds. So I shall not be moved. 

Every day, I remind myself that I am worth much more and I choose to live in that reality, whether the devil likes it or not.

Love?

Ah! That’s one area of my life that has experienced several tornadoes. But somehow, after every episode, I emerge fresh—standing taller than the last time. Again, I don’t always know how I do it, but I do. I move on. I move quickly and pick myself up with the speed of light. Resilience has become my second nature.

This year’s birthday met me as a happy woman.

A woman walking in her purpose.
A woman living beyond her dreams.

I’ve met some special people along the way, but this season has introduced someone who makes me feel like a little princess whose daddy never disappoints. Okeagu is how I hail him—a great one indeed. I’m grateful every single day for this phase of my life and all the beautiful experiences it brings.

Atleast if love no favor me, make life favor me…

There’s a scripture that has become my testimony:

“It is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that shows mercy.”

And truly, mercy has carried me here.

I am thankful…
I am grounded…
I am becoming…

And this new year of my life?

I’m walking into it with grace, courage, and unwavering faith. I am preserved by God and surround by love. I dare say, I am happy to be here!

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