Omoluabi Podcast | Season 7 Episode 2

A Proverb on Hope and Patience

Proverb:Ó pẹ́ títí aboyún, oṣù mẹ́sàn-án. (Translation: "The longest respite for the pregnant woman is nine months.")

Key Takeaway:This episode delves into an African proverb about pregnancy, using it as a lens to explore biblical themes ofhope, patience, andperseverance during challenging times. The proverb emphasises thatwaiting periods, like pregnancy, have definite endpoints,bringing into perspective the popular saying,"This Too Shall Pass."

Although pregnancy might seem like a pause from regular life, it brings its own unique challenges while leading to a transformative new beginning. Through this metaphor, we draw powerful parallels between pregnancy and other life challenges, demonstrating thatevery difficult season eventually concludes, ushering in either relief or new obstacles to overcome. By weaving together these themes with biblical teachings on faith and endurance, the episode encourages listeners to maintain hope during trials, trust in God's guidance, and stay focused on positive outcomes even when facing significant hardships.

Scriptural References:

• Romans 5:5 – Hope that does not disappoint
• Psalm 79:9 – Asking for God's help
• 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 – Temporary struggles vs. Eternal glory
• James 1:2-4 – Joy in trials and developing patience

Omoluabi Podcast | Season 7 Episode 1

PROVERB CONSIDERED: “Ní teere, ní tèèrè, Ṣàngó ṣe bẹ́ẹ̀ ó jó wọjà.” (Translation: Erratically and imperceptibly, Shango continued to dance until he was at the market.)

Context:

• The proverb uses the imagery of Shango, the Yoruba deity of thunder and lightning, known for his erratic and unpredictable dance moves.
• The proverb highlights how seemingly small, unnoticeable actions, performed consistently, can lead to significant and sometimes irreversible outcomes.
• Dancing into the marketplace in Yoruba culture signifies reaching a point of no return.

Biblical Connections & Applications:

• Songs of Solomon 2:15 -"Catch us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines, for our vines have tender grapes."
• John 15:1-8 - Jesus as the true vine and God the Father as the keeper of the vineyard, emphasising the importance of bearing good fruit.
• Psalm 90:12 -"Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom."
• Ephesians 5:15-17 MSG -"So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times! Don't live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants."
• 1 Peter 5:8 -"Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."
• Isaiah 5:1-7 - God is disappointed when His vineyard yields sour grapes despite His care.

Practical Takeaways:

• Regularly reflect on your progress and make necessary adjustments.
• Practice small, consistent actions to achieve larger goals (e.g., the one-penny challenge).
• Be aware of subtle distractions and temptations("little foxes") that can derail you.
• Strive to bear good fruit in your life, reflecting God's work in you.

Book Recommendation:Atomic Habits by James Clear

Omoluabi Podcast | Season 6 Episode 6

PROVERB CONSIDERED: “Alájàpá ò lẹ́ran láyà..” (Translation: "The tortoise has no flesh on its chest.")

REFLECTION

Some expectations are plainly futile! It is pretty obvious that the turtle's chest is always hard. As such, it is futile to be seeking flesh from that part of the turtle's body.But where is the place of faith in a God that can do all things?

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.