Omoluabi Podcast Joseph and Anu Ola

Omoluabi Podcast | Season 6 Episode 3

PROVERB CONSIDERED: “Ẹṣín dára ó ku aré; èèyán dára ó ku ìwà; ajá òyìnbó dára ó ku àtidẹ.”(Translation: “The horse looks great but lacks speed; the man is handsome but lacks character; the European dog is good-looking but cannot hunt.”)

REFLECTION


We all have weaknesses. No man is an island.
What we lack is made up for through the gift of community.
We should not judge by outward appearance.
We should work on becoming better in our areas of deficiencies.


LISTEN TO THE EPISODE: 

✥ Our Website — ⁠https://www.josephkolawole.org/omoluabi 

✥ Other Platforms — https://pod.link/1550735589 

FOR MORE RESOURCES FROM JOSEPH & ANU OLA: 

Explore additional resources and content from Joseph and Anu Ola on various platforms:

✥ Linktree — ⁠https://linktr.ee/josephola⁠ 

✥ Disha Page — ⁠https://josephola.disha.page/⁠

JOIN THE OMOLUABI COMMUNITY: Stay connected with us as we journey together towards becoming true Omoluabis — people of character and wisdom. You can like our Facebook page at ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/omoluabipodcast/⁠⁠ or join Alive Mentorship Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/alivementorship. If you have African proverbs you'd like us to discuss in future episodes, you can submit them through our website — https://www.josephkolawole.org/contact or reach out on social media. 

Till next time, remain an Omoluabi.

Omoluabi Podcast | Season 6 Episode 2

PROVERB CONSIDERED: ““Níbo ló gbé wà?” nìyájú ẹkùn.” (Translation: "[To ask] ‘Where is it?’ is a great insult to the leopard.")

REFLECTION

To put the proverb in context, imagine yourself in one of Kenya’s national parks. Your son has been looking forward to seeing his favourite animal—the leopard—up close in the wild. As your tour guide drove you around from place to place across the park showcasing various animals to you, you finally arrived at a vast expanse of grassland where you could see an animal with black spots as well as a lion and a black rhino. Your tour guide tells you, “Look over there! That’s the leopard.” You looked. You saw the lion, the rhino, and the other animal covered in black spots, but still, you asked, “Where is it? Where is the leopard?”

The proverb we considered in this episode says, for you to ask such a question is an insult to the leopard! What kind of person would not be able to tell which is the leopard among a lion, a rhino, and a spotted animal? If the leopard could understand your language and heard you ask such a dumb question, it would probably teach you a lesson! Indeed, the leopard is a rather unmistakable creature in the wild, isn't it? That's the point of this proverb—one should be knowledgeable enough to avoid displaying ignorance about things they should know.

But sometimes, in life, we do the exact opposite. We speak or choose to think in ways that reveal our ignorance! In our biblical reflection on this proverb, we offer two distinct interpretations of the proverb:

1. Living as a Christian and reflecting God's presence: Anu applies the proverb to the concept of Christian identity. Relating it to Romans 8:16 and 2 Timothy 2:4, she emphasises the importance of Christians embodying their faith in all aspects of life. Christians, like leopards, should be easily identifiable in any sphere they find themselves in. They shouldn't need to camouflage or compromise their identity to fit in. This perspective underscores the significance of living a life that reflects the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.

2. Awakening from Ignorance: Joseph takes a different approach. He sees the proverb as a way to highlight someone's ignorance. Asking "where is it?" about something obvious is a way to point out a lack of awareness. He connects this to the story of King Nebuchadnezzar, who forgot God's role in his achievements (Daniel 4:29-35). This serves as a caution against the human tendency to take credit for God's work, thereby diminishing His glory. This should prompt us to consider our own actions and speech, ensuring that we never rob God of the glory that rightfully belongs to Him.

Furthermore, the episode highlights the subtle attacks on our faith, whether through external challenges or internal complacency. The devil will always seek to downplay the importance of faith for us in times of comfort or difficulty. However, a strong Christian identity, rooted in the knowledge of God, allows one to resist such temptations. “. . . the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.” (Daniel 11:32 NKJV)

Anu's reminder to hold onto the truth of our identity as children of God, as affirmed by the Spirit, is both comforting and empowering. In the face of such attacks, there's no need to engage in futile arguments or attempts to prove our faith. Instead, we can find solace in the knowledge of whose we are.

Key Takeaways:


Christians should strive to live in a way that reflects their faith authentically.
We should desist from acting in ways that reveal our ignorance of God’s all-pervasive role in our life. He alone deserves the glory for any accomplishments we may achieve in life.
A strong Christian identity helps resist temptations that might lead one astray.
Someone with a strong sense of self-worth wouldn't need constant validation.


LISTEN TO THE EPISODE: 

✥ Our W

Omoluabi Podcast | Season 6 Episode 1

PROVERB CONSIDERED: “Pípẹ́ ni yó pẹ̀ẹ́, akólòlò á pe baba.” (Translation: “It may take a long while, but the stammerer will eventually manage to say ‘‘Papa.’’”)

REFLECTION

Perhaps this proverb reminds you—as it reminded me—of a stammerer you know. Or perhaps, it reminds you of yourself and your occasional stutter. Stammering can be embarrassing, but the way the stammerer is portrayed in this proverb is as a champion that we should learn from. What kind of lessons can stammering teach us?

1. It’s only a matter of time. Between a stammerer’s stutter and their being able to say what they intend to say eventually, it’s only a matter of time. Likewise, between where you are and where you hope to be—or between who you are and who you hope to become—it’s only a matter of time! That’s the wisdom of Ecclesiastes 3, verses 1 and 11.

2. Refrain from giving unsolicited assistance. Whether you are helping someone with whom you are speaking complete their sentence or you are offering your spouse an unsolicited solution to a matter to which they primarily desire your empathy, offering unsolicited assistance can stifle intimacy rather than nourish it. Besides, if stammering nurtures perseverance in us (as the proverb surely implies), offering unsolicited assistance in helping the stammerer complete their statements will kill their opportunity to develop their perseverance further. 

3. There is a blessing in our disabilities and incompetence. God, in His sovereignty, has blessed us with limitations that become tools that shape us into ever-increasing Christlikeness. The more we acknowledge our limitations, the more we will live a life that is fully dependent on Jesus—and the more we will bear the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

4. Stammering reminds us that failure—even repeated failure—is okay. The stammerer fails again and again before eventually being able to say a word, phrase, or statement correctly, but they don’t give up. Besides, for the stammerer, the fact that they were able to get the word out eventually in one moment does not mean that they will be able to do it again in the next moment. Such should be our disposition in life. No matter how many wins we record, we should not become so familiar with success that failure becomes abhorrent. Failure has always been one of God’s best tools to cultivate in us humility and utter dependence on Him. Perseverance validates failures.


5. Lastly, be patient. Be patient with other (fellow) stammerers, and be patient with yourself. If we are being honest, we will admit that, at the end of the day, we are all stammerers—and that’s okay! We all have one area of life or the other where we stutter. Rather than wanting to cover these up, let us acknowledge them for what they are: portals for God’s power to find expression in our weakness!

Be encouraged by the words of Habakkuk 2:3 NKJV — “For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry.”




LISTEN TO THE EPISODE: 

✥ Our Website — ⁠https://www.josephkolawole.org/omoluabi 

✥ Other Platforms — https://pod.link/1550735589 

FOR MORE RESOURCES FROM JOSEPH & ANU OLA: 

Explore additional resources and content from Joseph and Anu Ola on various platforms:

✥ Linktree — ⁠https://linktr.ee/josephola⁠ 

✥ Disha Page — ⁠https://josephola.disha.page/⁠

JOIN THE OMOLUABI COMMUNITY: Stay connected with us as we journey together towards becoming true Omoluabis — people of character and wisdom. You can like our Facebook page at ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/omoluabipodcast/⁠⁠ or join Alive Mentorship Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/alivementorship. If you have African proverbs you'd like us to discuss in future episodes, you can submit them through our website

Omoluabi Podcast | Season 5 Episode 5

PROVERB CONSIDERED: "Ìwà lẹwà" (Translation: "Character is beauty.")

MEANING & ETYMOLOGY

n this enlightening episode, we explore the profound Yorùbá proverb above, which emphasises the deep connection between a person's inner qualities and their external beauty. At the core of being an "Omoluabi" (which breaks down into "Ọmọ tí Olú ìwà bí" -- a child born by the lord of character, i.e., a child of supreme character qualities and virtues) is the understanding that good character is the foundation of true beauty. Character is not merely a facade but a reflection of one's true essence.

CONNECTING PROVERB:
We draw a connection to another Yorùbá proverb, "Èéfín nìwà" (Character is like smoke; it is difficult to hide), highlighting that character inevitably shines through and cannot be concealed. Both proverbs emphasise the importance of cultivating and nurturing one's character.

BIBLICAL APPLICATION:


✥ We discussed the need to prioritise cultivating the fruit of the Spirit, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23, over being solely focused on manifesting the gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12). True beauty is found in the character that reflects the nature of Christ.
✥ We reference 1 Peter 3:1-3, which implies that the character of a believing wife can have a transformative impact on her unbelieving husband. This underscores the power of character to influence and inspire positive change in others.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:


✥ Character is at the heart of true beauty.
✥ The term "Omoluabi" encapsulates the importance of character.
✥ Character cannot be hidden; it shines through like smoke.
✥ Cultivating the fruit of the Spirit is paramount in our spiritual journey.
✥ Character can have a profound influence on relationships.

LISTEN TO THE EPISODE:
Join us as we unpack the wisdom contained in this week's proverb and delve into the moral and spiritual applications it holds.

✥ Our Website — ⁠https://www.josephkolawole.org/omoluabi/⁠
✥ Other Platforms — ⁠https://pod.link/1550735589⁠

FOR MORE RESOURCES FROM JOSEPH & ANU OLA:
Explore additional resources and content from Joseph and Anu Ola on various platforms.

✥ Linktree — ⁠https://linktr.ee/josephola⁠
✥ Disha Page — ⁠https://josephola.disha.page/⁠

JOIN THE OMOLUABI COMMUNITY:
Stay connected with us as we journey together towards becoming true Omoluabis — people of character and wisdom. You can like our Facebook page at ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/omoluabipodcast/⁠⁠



Picture Credit: Oye Diran

Omoluabi Podcast | Season 5 Episode 4

PROVERB CONSIDERED: "Èké mọ ilé-e rẹ̀ ó wó; Ọ̀dàlẹ̀ mọ tirẹ̀ ó bì dànù"
(Translation: "The devious person builds a house, and it collapses; the treacherous person builds one, and it tumbles in ruins.")

In this captivating episode, we delve into the profound Yorùbá proverb that carries a powerful message about the consequences of deceit and treachery. The proverb paints a vivid picture of the fate that awaits those who engage in underhanded actions, highlighting that their efforts will ultimately lead to ruin.

MEANING & BIBLICAL CONNECTION:
We explore the depths of this proverb's meaning, drawing parallels to the story of Job and the wisdom found in Job 5:3ff. Particularly, we anchor our discussion on Job 5:12-13 (AMPC) which reads, "He frustrates the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise. He catches the [so-called] wise in their own trickiness, and the counsel of the schemers is brought to a quick end."

MORAL & SPIRITUAL APPLICATION:


On a moral level, we reflect on the importance of choosing a path of righteousness and integrity over deceit and treachery. The proverb serves as a reminder that dishonesty ultimately leads to downfall.
On a spiritual level, we find solace in the assurance that no evil can overcome the believer. This aligns with Jesus' teachings in Matthew 5:43-48 (NLT), urging us to love our enemies and live in a manner that reflects the character of God.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:


The consequences of dishonesty and treachery are depicted vividly in the proverb.
God frustrates the plans of the crafty and catches them in their own schemes.
As Christians, we are called to live righteously and extend love even to our enemies.
Trust in God's protection and be guided by the principles of integrity.

LISTEN TO THE EPISODE:
Join us as we unpack the wisdom contained in this Yorùbá proverb and delve into the moral and spiritual applications it holds.

✥ Our Website — https://www.josephkolawole.org/omoluabi/
✥ Other Platforms — https://pod.link/1550735589

FOR MORE RESOURCES FROM JOSEPH & ANU OLA:
Explore additional resources and content from Joseph and Anu Ola on various platforms.

✥ Linktree — https://linktr.ee/josephola
✥ Disha Page — https://josephola.disha.page/

JOIN THE OMOLUABI COMMUNITY:
Stay connected with us as we journey together towards becoming true Omoluabis — people of character and wisdom. You can like our Facebook page at ⁠https://www.facebook.com/omoluabipodcast/⁠

Omoluabi Podcast | Season 5 Episode 3

PROVERB CONSIDERED: “Ilé ahun ò gba ahun; ọ̀dẹ̀dẹ̀ ahun ò gbàlejò; ahún kọ́lé ẹ̀ tán ó yọ ọ̀dẹ̀dẹ̀ níbàdí” (Translation: "The tortoise's house is not large enough for it; the tortoise's porch is not large enough to receive visitors; the tortoise built its house and adds a porch at the rear.")

MEANING: In this episode, through the above Yorùbá proverb, we highlight the issue of stinginess and its consequences. The proverb cleverly plays on the word, "ahun" which could either mean "stingy" or (as a contracted form of "alábahun", means) "tortoise." Of course, the tortoise is often depicted as both a stingy and cautious creature in many Yorùbá folk tales.

The proverb is using the morphology of the tortoise as an object lesson. If the tortoise's shell is its house, it would seem that the tortoise but itself a house that is hardly spacious enough to contain himself alone let alone have some spare room (not even a well sized porch) to entertain visitors in.

BIBLICAL APPLICATION: In a world often driven by self-preservation and scarcity mentality, the call to generosity can be challenging. However, the wisdom of both Yoruba culture and the Bible reminds us that true fulfilment lies in giving to others selflessly. When we open our hearts to generosity, we participate in a beautiful cycle of blessings.

Just as the tortoise's limited space denies it the joy of hosting guests, stinginess restricts us from experiencing the joy of enriching others' lives. God designed us to be conduits of His love, and when we share what we have with others, we sow seeds of hope, love, and transformation.

In contrast to the tortoise's morphology, the example of a kangaroo comes to mind. Think of the kangaroo's pouch, with enough room to embrace multiple young ones. When we give without reservation, we create space in our hearts to nurture and support others. Our acts of kindness, no matter how small, can have a profound impact on those around us. We draw parallels from biblical teachings, such as Proverbs 11:24-25 and Proverbs 28:25, that emphasize the principle of scattering and increasing wealth through generosity.

BIBLICAL REFERENCES:
✥ Proverbs 11:24-25 (NIV) - "One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed."
✥ Proverbs 28:25 (NIV) - "The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the LORD will prosper."

KEY TAKEAWAYS:


Generosity leads to abundance.
Hoarding and excessive caution can lead to impoverishment.
Be led by God in giving and trust Him to prosper you.
Embrace a saving culture but avoid making savings an idol.

ACTION STEPS:
This week, let us strive to be more generous and open-hearted. Reach out to someone in need, give even when it pinches, and trust that God will bless your acts of kindness. Remember, true generosity leads to an enriched life.

LISTEN TO THE EPISODE:
Listen to the thought-provoking discussion on stinginess and generosity on our website or other podcast platforms.

✥ Our Website — https://www.josephkolawole.org/omoluabi/
✥ Other Platforms — https://pod.link/1550735589

FOR MORE RESOURCES FROM JOSEPH & ANU OLA:
Follow us on social media and explore more insightful content and resources.

✥ Linktree — https://linktr.ee/josephola
✥ Disha Page — https://josephola.disha.page/

JOIN THE OMOLUABI COMMUNITY:
Stay connected with us as we journey together towards becoming true Omoluabis — people of character and wisdom. You can like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/omoluabipodcast/