Penvi Writes

  It was one of those nights. The kind where you smuggle yourself into your comfiest blanket, get lost in your thoughts, and almost without thinking, reach for your phone. I started scrolling through social media. One post became another, and before I knew it, I was looking at the lives of different lifestyle influencers. Some of them were around my age. They seemed to be doing so much, starting new things, reaching new milestones, becoming the people they had always dreamed of becoming. And then, almost quietly, the comparison crept in. A wave of unfulfillment washed over me. Why am I still stuck? I couldn't help but wonder. Everyone seems to be moving forward with their lives. Everyone is achieving something new. So why does it feel like I'm standing still? The more I thought about it, the heavier it felt. But then, something shifted. In the middle of all those thoughts, a strange sense of peace began to settle over me. Not the kind of peace you can explain away. The kind tha...

 It's a real feeling. The loneliness that sometimes comes when you choose to devote yourself completely to God. The moments when your heart longs to laugh over silly things with friends, to share little moments and feel understood, but you look around and the room feels empty. Sometimes taking a stance for Christ comes with a season of separation. When the Holy One begins to prune you, He gently removes what no longer aligns with His purpose for you. Your desires begin to shift. The things that once consumed you lose their appeal, and your hunger for Him grows stronger. And in that transition, you may feel misunderstood or even out of place in a world whose language you no longer fully speak. But beloved, you are not alone. There are countless others walking this narrow path, learning to exchange the approval of men for the presence of God. Exodus 40:13 (KJV) "And thou shalt put upon Aaron the holy garments, and anoint him, and sanctify him; that he may minister unto me in the...

 “God abeg,” I muttered to myself for what felt like the thousandth time. Exams were around the corner, and no matter how hard I tried, nothing seemed to make sense. Equations refused to balance. Theorems felt like a different language. Every page of my textbook looked like gibberish. I honestly wondered if whoever invented exams was just… cruel. “I just can’t anymore,” I whispered, slamming my book shut. I flopped onto my bed, feeling defeated. Then, a thought came to me—the story of Daniel. How he stood out among his peers. And how, as a child of God, failure wasn’t something I had to accept. I opened my Bible, flipping to the book of Daniel, and one verse jumped out at me: Daniel 1:17 “As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.” Everything clicked. I had been relying on my own wisdom, my own understanding, and expecting myself to do it all. I realized it was time to lean...

  “Thank you so much! I really appreciate it,” Zuri beamed. Her excitement was contagious. Her dad had finally agreed to get her the human hair wig she’d been dreaming about—and sis was glowing. Now, let’s be honest: Zuri wasn’t exactly known for being the best-behaved student in school. But her dad had made her a promise: “If I hear you’ve been a good girl at school, you’ll get whatever you want.” And that’s where I came in. The Ask That Made Me Pause Zuri knew her dad respected me—he always referred to me as a “decent girl.” She figured my words would hold weight. So, she asked me to speak well of her. Just a few kind words. Just a little boost to her image. At first, I didn’t see the harm. She was my friend. She was sweet, fun, and genuinely kindhearted. So, I said, “Sure.” I gave her the glowing recommendation she wanted. The Smile That Didn't Reach My Heart I replied to her cheerfully, “Anytime,” wearing a smile on my face. But deep down? I was not okay. There ...

A Moment of Brokenness  “I’m so sorry, Jesus…” That was all I could whisper as I sat on my bed, hugging my Bible close and sobbing uncontrollably. My pillow was drenched with tears, but even that couldn’t wash away the weight I felt inside. It suddenly hit me like a wave-I had been so selfish. Not in a loud, obvious way… but in a quiet, subtle drifting. I had chased dreams, crafted ambitions, and set personal goals, all wrapped in glitter and glamor, but I never paused to ask: “Lord, is this Your will?” The Wake-Up Call While studying the Word, I stumbled upon that familiar verse in Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” — Matthew 6:33 (ESV) I froze. My heart sank. At that moment, it was as if God gently pulled back the curtain and showed me where I had gone wrong. I had sidelined His kingdom. I had been caught up in worldly fantasies and the shallow glow of financial dreams. My mind had become so co...

Oh my! Baby, you’ve grown up so much,” my mum exclaimed as I slipped into my gown, getting ready for my final-year high school dinner. Her words hit different that evening. It was more than just a proud mum moment—it felt like a turning point. For the longest time, I had been mummy’s little girl—the one who needed help with literally everything. But now, standing in front of the mirror, I saw someone new. A young woman. One who was learning to make decisions, trying to figure out her purpose, and daring to dream about life beyond school. 🎓 College? Check. But… What’s Next? Yes girl, I had already gotten into college (yay me! 💃), but I couldn’t shake off this lingering question: “After college… what next?” I felt a little lost, not gonna lie. That moment when you feel excited, yet unsure? Yup, that was me. But then something amazing happened… A Lightbulb Moment (Thank you God!) One day, while scrolling through my Bible, I came across this powerful scripture: “Eyes have not seen,...