So, I was getting ready for work today and I kept on remembering a really dark time in my life. So much happened to me last year and it was crazy y’all. Life hit me the way it usually hits young people in their twenties. It was tough out here. All through school, I kept telling my mom that when I’m done with school, our lives are going to get much better because I’m going to get a well-paying job. Little do I know that it was a long road to that outcome.

I spent five months after my national service without a job and my mom still taking care of my grown ass and I couldn’t bear it. I started a retail business that was quite difficult to maintain considering I was selling things I actually didn’t have in stock but I had suppliers that when someone is interested, I can still deliver. That crashed and burned because one supplier let me down and I was afraid it was going to mess with my reputation and y’all know that a good name is better than riches. So, I still had no income and I had needs. Man, I was 24 and my mama still bought me sanitary pads and airtime. I was depressed.

My mind went to all sorts of places and let me tell you that you just need one bad thought and everything would go downhill. The main point of all this is, I nearly killed myself one morning when everyone had gone to work because I felt like a failure. There are a lot of people irrespective of their age that are having a hard time these days and all I want to say is that just take it one day at a time. Get the help you need. Talk to someone. Help is just around the corner. People make a lot of jokes about suicide and mental health these days.

To those who have never been to these dark places, don’t judge. You can’t judge a path you’ve never walked. These days, I’m learning that what you see isn’t the whole story and till you know the whole story and even then, you can’t judge someone else’s journey. If you are in a dark place like I was, I pray for you today that the God who saved me from slitting my wrists that day and putting my family in a lifetime of pain would come through for you just the way He did for me.

I would only talk about God and how much He means to me because even in my darkest moments He found a way to reach me. I am alive today because He said my story isn’t over. So, dear friend, the sun would shine again. The night doesn’t last forever. Just keep fighting someday you’ll be happy you never gave up. It is a battle and the moment you commit suicide; you have lost. You are a winner. You are supposed to come out strong so you can lift up someone like I am doing.

Life is tough and will keep getting tough but one thing that is keeping me is something Jesus said. Here goes; John 16:33

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

I hope this helps you as much as it helps me. If you need someone to talk to, I am available. Just send me an email here: adwoabaawa@gmail.com.

Stay blessed y’all. Remember, you are deeply loved and your presence matters.