• Facebook
• Twitter

The most important post I've ever written.

Don't let the profile picture to the right fool you.

I know I look like I just saw Jesus.

Or a cute puppy. Or Jesus holding a cute puppy.

I look really really happy and that day I was. But don't be fooled, it's just a highlight reel.

There was a professional photographer standing across from me doing what she does best (making people look good). And besides, for that one picture of me looking so joyful, there are 20 that didn't make the cut.

I guess I just wanted to let you guys know in case you missed the memo, that having a platform not withstanding, I'm just as broken as you are.

Yes I'm smiling in that picture but some days I'm sad and angry.

* Yes my wife and I are on an adventure that's greater than anything we could have ever imagined but we still fight and sometimes still go to bed without talking to each other.

* I always share great stories about my daughter but our adoption has been harder than you'd ever fathom.

* I upload inspiring pictures and share compelling stories from the young adult community (SOMA) I pastor but there are ministry days I want to drive off a cliff (had one last week).

* I'm a very energetic and gifted communicator and inspiring a room full of people comes fairly easy for me but I don't remember the last time I didn't feel inadequate before walking up stage. 

* I'm a full time pastor but I still struggle with doing my daily devotions.

A while ago, I heard Steven Furtick say:

"One reason we struggle with insecurity is we’re always comparing our behind the scenes to everyone else’s highlight reel."

I guess that's the point of this post.

A caution not to be fooled by my highlight reel, a reminder that we are all broken.

I'm honestly sitting here trying not to cry because I don't want you to miss this. This might be the most important post I've ever written because if you're coming here to read the words of a star then you're going to completely miss the real star of the show.

I'm not saying that to be cliche. It's true. I'm just a little tiny voice in a much bigger story.  

I'm extremely thankful for the platform God has given me and I'm thankful that everyday people from all over the world click over to read my measly words but please, please, please, remember that we are in this together.

We all have one hope and his name is Jesus and this is all about him and his grace.

If you get any encouragement from my words, it's because of Jesus.
If I challenge you in any way, it's because of Jesus.
If you see me smiling, it's because of Jesus.

That or there's a professional photographer saying cheese.

All that to say, If you're reading this and you've got it all together (i.e you're just Mr or Mrs awesome), then you might as well not bother coming back because you won't fit into this community.

But if you feel broken, weak, tired, inadequate, sinful, worn out, weary, beaten down, lonely or despised. If you've ever felt like you wanted to quit, run away, give up or drive off a cliff...

Welcome to the club. Welcome to grace, love, forgiveness and unlimited second chances through Jesus. Take a deep breath. You're not a lost cause and you're not alone.

You.

Are.

Not.

Alone.

Love you guys. Excited to continue this journey together towards life in Jesus.

Who's in?

Your Friendly Neighborhood Nigerian. 

-Sammy 

P:S: I'm guest posting over at Prodigal today. If you have a min, please stop by and say hi. 

P:S:S- If you've not officially joined our "broken-but-full-of-grace" community, sign up here for email updates. No spam. Just love from hundreds of people on a journey towards life and Jesus. It takes 3 seconds and I promise you won't regret it.