Wow…this seems like quite a BIG one. Okay before anybody judges me this quote or expression was not coined by ME per se. I am sure some of you might have stumbled upon it someway somehow. Personally, I stumbled on a meme similar to the caption which actually reads ‘We live in a world of smart phones and stupid people’.

‘Ermmm excuse me? I use a smart phone alright but am in no way stupid!’ was my remark. I had immediately assumed this was referring to me just by ‘personalising’ it. I mean it is not like the person who put this meme up directed it to me by tagging me or mentioning me in the post. Phew! Silly assumptions on my part! BUT after reflecting on this for a while, I think there was a point beyond its harsh outlook.

Mobile phones as a communication device we all know have come a long way in terms of branding and all. I mean at first, it was the Nokia 3310’s, Motorola and the likes with the basic functions of receiving and making calls, texting and other related stuff. Fast forward to about 5 or 6 years ago was the emergence of the Android, Windows Phone and Iphones among others. With the inception of these new kind, ALMOST everyone craved to have the ‘new era’ phones and most eventually got it (I mean with the exception of those who could not afford it or those who did not care about the ‘new era phones’). These phones could be used for literally everything particularly INTERNET SURFING. I mean we would not expect less at a time where internet is almost easily accessible to many people.

Now this ATTITUDE of finding out what’s trending, replying every single text from that friend who chats once in a while, sharing that video which probably isn’t APPROPRIATE, scrolling through all those messages you missed in your numerous group chats on WhatsApp and what have you is of major concern. Now, I wonder why people cannot FIND time to do all these somewhere in the day but RATHER choose to do this whilst crossing the road, walking on a busy street, doing an important assignment and other things which are SERIOUS BUSINESS! I am a CULRPIT too in some of these instances and in no way trying to exonerate myself. But you see these things that we do BEING CONTROLLED by that tiny or large device could cost us a GREAT DEAL.

I mean I have heard stories of people being knocked down by cars, some end up with brutal injuries or minor ones or some dying in the process. My dad for one always complains about how the craze of phones are these days as he recounted of how he had to be in ‘traffic’ one time just because this guy was crossing the road and was on his phone and probably forgot where he was. Thus, cars coming from all angles had to wait for him to finally cross the road before proceeding. What if the first driver in the supposed traffic decided to ignore this boy, knocked him down and he eventually died? How pathetic! What was soo important about that message he was trying to reply or that email he may be reading that could not wait? Really? In exchange for his life? I am not saying there is a right or wrong way to lose one’s life but you will agree with me that some deaths are preventable and in this case, this ONE is included in that list. I mean I don’t know if it is a way of these people trying to tell drivers or people walking in the streets to tread carefully or whatever but hey! that is not solely one person’s duty but you as well should register that in your LONG TERM MEMORY.

Apart from this craze, people spend too much on the accessories of mobile phones these days compared to the days of the old. I remember a friend of mine giving me a description of a particular phone case to buy for her and I was like SMH (Shaking my Head)…all that covering including screen protectors which mostly costs loads of money! Now, I am in no way saying it is a ‘bad thing’ to beautify your phone like any other thing but what makes me wonder is when some people are almost naked but have their phones all covered! The IRONY!

I once saw a group of ladies and a gentleman in the city centre during the winter period and judging from the day and time, my best guess is they were going to the club (FRIYAAYY!). Though the gentleman was all covered up, the ladies were in skimpy dresses, with their hands covered around their bodies (signifying they were cold) yet their phones were covered! Now, I did a bit of digging and I was told that in the clubs, you are charged for bringing extra clothing along…let’s say for someone to keep watch over your clothings whilst you are LETTING YOUR HAIR DOWN! (That’s some smart move especially when they know people will definitely come along with some jackets and all judging from the weather!).But how wrong they are to include people such as these ladies above. I may not know exactly why these ladies refused to wear jackets whether for the sake of saving the little money for something better or whatever. But what could be better than your health?? Exposing your body to such cold could result in some terrible cold and fever which could cost you your job or inability to do CERTAIN things (You will understand only if you have been knocked down in bed by a terrible cold before). In other words, if you saw the need to cover your phone to keep it NEW all the time (I mean a phone you will replace probably in a year or two) then why can’t you cover a body which is soo precious which is DEFINITELY irreplaceable!

I mean I could go on and on. One funny thing I realised is, some people strive to have these ‘smart phones’ which cost a lot in most scenarios yet can hardly fend for themselves. I mean why do you have to TRY TO BELONG? Then you find yourself on the streets after your landlord sacks you from the house because of instead of using that money you saved up to pay the rent , you THOUGHT it will be nice to also SHOW THEM THAT YOU ARE ALSO THERE. Who benefits and who loses in the end? I know of a guy who was squatting (staying with someone for a while) with a family friend due to family issues. I mean they were kind enough to not only provide housing for him but also food, care and protection without taking money from this guy…I mean he was not working. Now, this guy is offered a huge amount of money after doing a translation job. What is the most sensible thing to do? Be courteous enough to at least give the money out for the upkeep of the house. But as excited as he was, this was the right opportunity to purchase a brand new phone he had been targeting for a while! Alas! his prayers have been answered. But wait for it….It cost him his shelter. He was sacked from the house for this ‘act of stupidity’. How sad!

There are so many examples I could list where people choose a ‘smart phone’ at the expense of their life, health, accommodation and other things. I, with all HONESTY state here that it is not worth losing anything precious just because of a MOBILE PHONE…It is an inanimate object, your life is just one. If you lose it, that’s it! You cannot go back into your mother’s womb to be born again not even with the concept of reincarnation. I mean even if you did, you will MISS on a lot. Why not act WISELY by doing things at the RIGHT time. After all, the Bible even says in Eclessiastes 3:1 it says there is time for everything under the sun!

So, a friend of mine told me some time back that he was writing a book (I think) and he wanted people to write about one or two topics in the said book. Pondering over this few times, there were so many topics that came into mind (being the kind of person who talks to myself aloud about different topics mostly). So I had to finally settle on one topic that has been on my mind for a while now which is summarily about one’s PURPOSE in life. This is an excerpt of what I wrote, Hope you enjoy reading.

”I remember back in Secondary School there was a time where a book titled ‘Purpose Driven Life’ was very popular amongst students and I remember there was one particular girl in my dormitory who was very serious about it. She practically always had it in her hands. I used to wonder what all that farce was about.

Fast forward to about a year ago, I started thinking deeply about the reason I am on this earth. I mean even with us human beings, everything we create and use has a purpose for which it was made. For instance, we have invented telephones for communication purposes, as well as cars for easier transportation, clothes to cover our nakedness, houses to serve as a confinement where we could lay our heads among others. In fact, let us take a house for example, why would one (especially in these recent times where the economy is very tough) just waste money in buying a plot of land, employ workers to start a foundation and then commence the construction of the house FOR NO REASON OR PURPOSE. I mean even the richest man wouldn’t do that…..at least he would want to put his money into profitable use though he has it in abundance.

Likewise, we human beings have a CREATOR (forget all those ridiculous stories about the Big Bang and Evolution of Man from an Ape like Animal and what have you). This creator surely had a purpose for us when he made us. I mean if the inanimate objects we human beings create have purposes then how much more won’t we ourselves have purposes for which we have been brought forth to this earth. I mean we were created on the last day of creation and I am sure God saved the best of all his creations for the last so He would have adequate time to complete EVERYTHING in style.

So back to the story I started with of the ‘Purpose Driven Life’ just summarises the fact that firstly there is a PURPOSE attached to life and subsequently that purpose MUST drive or guide a person’s life. As simple as it may seem, it is a quite complex concept and sadly many people are miles away from their purpose and chasing after things they have been told they are supposed to pursue or things that look good to the eye which could be in the form of degrees, relationships, careers and so on. I think that is the most dangerous thing ever yet little attention is paid to that. Let’s take parts of the body into consideration,,,, Imagine your arms doing the talking or your ears breathing instead of your nose you will be scared right? I mean that is not its rightful job. But funny enough it is not scary that somebody who is actually supposed to be a teacher finds himself working in a bank and does not consider that SCARY enough. I mean all that matters is the money right because on average many people are much more concerned about their incomes and care less about whether or not they are ACTUALLY enjoying it.

The thing is, when you serve a different purpose other than what you were created to do, you automatically prevent someone else from fulfilling theirs. So, it’s like a ripple effect. So back to my example, someone who was probably supposed to be taking the position you have at the bank finds him or herself doing something else. Just because of one person’s mistake or should I say inability to identify their God given purpose. But you see, to identify one’s purpose too is not as easy as knowing the purpose of the things we human beings create for ourselves. I mean some people are born with extra ordinary talents such as singing, dancing, painting, acting, playing football among others. Others too are academically gifted. That is talent and NOT purpose. The difference is simple. Your talent might be singing well but the purpose that heavenly or succulent voice is supposed to serve is probably to draw someone towards God or to inspire people but when you end up addressing your singing or should I say the song to the wrong audience you have missed your purpose. Sadly, many people might have started out doing the right things regarding their purpose but have been snatched by the pursuits of money, fame, power and what have you.

How then do I know my purpose or better still know it and fulfil it accordingly. Know the Creator. Knowing God as the Creator is different from knowing of. It may sound cliché but the more you draw closer to your maker, he continues to lead you to your purpose. It may not be an easy ride as you may have to try out some few things along the way, be told NO severally, fall down and rise again few times among others but that is all part of the growth purpose. How you get to your purpose may also be dependent of how BIG your purpose is. Yes, some people’s purposes are bigger than others….and that is how it is. If the road seems tough and thoughts of quitting sets in like it always would and has, just remember how your mum had to carry you in her womb for 9 months and for some over that. The pain and struggles she had to overcome….I mean she had an option (you may disagree) but still thought the end product which is YOU is worth all that struggle. So imagine how the end product (YOUR PURPOSE) will be worth it if you draw closer to God, stay under HIS feet and allow him to teach and direct you towards YOUR PURPOSE”.

P.S  I have recently started to discover my purpose and I am loving it. I mean there is this innate peace and satisfaction when you find that thing which comes easily to you whilst making an impact in your audience’s life in a positive way. Truthfully it is WORTH it though it has been a long way coming! You can find yours too!

Can or are you able to really say honestly who you are? Someone once said if you do not know who you are, other people’s opinions will give you a false interpretation of who you really are? Well, I think that is very understandable right? This is because we as much as our friends, families and loved ones may know the ‘basics’ about us including our name, our place of birth, our parents, probably our age (probably not the case where people decide to hide their ages for some reason best known to them…wink**) and others.

Well, this is not the concern here? But aside these ‘basics’ what about what you are made of? Your character, attitudes, dislikes, your deep seated demons, pretence games which come to play once in a while…among others. These things constitute who a person really is. I mean given different situations, we can all be nice, compassionate, gentle, interesting, hold good conversations and the likes….but that character exhibited there may just be a nine day wonder! You know that deep down you are acting (living a lie or pretending to be someone you are not, at least for a while).

And you know one thing about acting? It has to be BELIEVABLE ( an attribute some movie actors lack, but hey they still make their monies right?). But one thing is, assuming or making a character come to life does not mean that is who you really are…For instance I don’t think a person who plays the role as a drunkard or a womaniser in a movie is like that in REAL life. Yet, many people even after the movie has been sold out and producers making their profits and all still associate the character with the person such that they are quick to believe that the actor is like that in real life (meaning they REALLY played that role really well right?). I once heard one Nollywood actor say he was walking down the street and people starting insulting him and throwing things at him just because he PLAYED the role as a LOVER BOY in a movie, breaking the hearts of girls here and there.

Isnt that interesting? Well it is, because the same way that people who ‘acted’ or ‘played’ out a character very well are being abused just because they were very believable, I think the same could be said for most people in the world today. This is because they are playing the character of someone else and made it soo believable to the extent that they HAVE become associated with it. This means you have killed your REAL SELF in order to allow your OTHER SELF (like I learnt in Social Studies) to come to play. This is very dangerous as such anybody who gets to this stage needs to do a serious self re-examination and identify the root cause like How did I get here?

More so, some people are very comfortable living the lie. Why? Because it may get them to some position they have been craving for, FOR A VERY LONG TIME or in order to someone or keep up amidst a group of friends. In fact there is always a benefit lying in there…somewhere. But the HONEST truth is, people will end up falling in love with the wrong person (which is not you) but that person you are trying hard for them to accept and LIKE. At the end of the day, different strokes for different folks! You decide to show your TRUE self for people to appreciate you or hate you OR show them your OTHER self and let them love you or hate you. Because at the end of the day, either ways, not everybody will like you anyway so PERSONALLY, I always do myself a BIG favour and be REAL…no need for fakeness (Not in my dictionary).

Thanks for reading. God bless you all!

My name is Gertrude Asumadu, a 24 year old young lady who is passionate about women empowerment, girl child education and overall helping others to achieve their own dreams. I am a graduate of University of Leeds with a degree in BSc (Hons) Economics. My time in university was the turning point for me I believe as I have been able to stretch myself and in essence on way to achieving my purpose.

Email: asumadugertrude@yahoo.com/asumadugertrude@gmail.com

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