I grew up under the heavy cloak of religion. Church was never really a choice, it was an obligation. I attended because I had to, not because I wanted to. For years, I perfected the routine: show up, sing along, take notes, smile, go home.
I became so good at doing “church” that somewhere along the line, I lost track of being myself. I didn’t know who I was anymore, I felt like I was borrowing someone else’s life. There was always this voice in my head, whispering:”Can I not just see a little bit of the outside world?”
That longing didn’t stop. I wanted to breathe. To taste freedom. To know what was beyond the boundaries I’d known all my life.
Then came my service year.
Three weeks into orientation camp, the world I had only imagined started to unfold before me. I heard about a place everyone called “Dorime Center.” A sort of club, right inside camp. I had only seen clubs in Nollywood movies, never in real life. So I went just for sightseeing, I told myself.
It was loud. Wild. Amusing. The guys were excited, dancing like they had no worries.And I stood there thinking,”No one’s going to tie me down, I can live life on my own terms here.”
And I did try.
A few nights later, there was a birthday party for a respected military officer, and curiosity got the better of me. I joined the crowd. I danced. I shouted. I jumped. I tried to blend in. To feel something. Anything.
But somewhere between the noise and the lights,I realized something deep:This life wasn’t meant for me.
I had finally tasted the freedom I craved for yearsand it was not what I had expected.
But I wasn’t ready to return to the old version of life either. I wanted comfort, just not the kind that chained me. So, instead of moving into the fellowship house like everyone advised, I got an apartment with a friend. I wanted space and freedom on my own terms. Nothing that reminded me of the past I was running from.
But life had other plans.
Within a week, strange and crazy events forced me out of that apartment. And just like that, I found myself right back in the lock I thought I had escaped.
Except… this time, something was different.
In that place I never wanted,In that fellowship house, I avoided,I found what I had been searching for all along.
It wasn’t exciting.
It wasn’t freedom in noise or thrill.
It felt like I truly belonged.
It was Jesus, quietly waiting for me where I least expected Him.
He didn’t guilt-trip me.
He welcomed me.
Loved me, intentionally and gently.
And I realized:
Sometimes, what you’re chasing “out there”
is actually hidden in plain sight,
on your side of the world—waiting to be unlocked.
Thank God Jesus came through before she went far….
God is love indeed…
Yas! God is love!
Aww, this is really great and helpful, thank you for sharing this❤️
You’re very welcome.
We’re truly glad it brought you value.
Lovely piece. So real to me
We are so grateful it connected with you.
I love this .
This is more than a natural thought it’s extremely preternatural.
More grace ma
Amen! We are glad it spoke to you.
Wow… Thank you for sharing this 🙏…
Jesus is the only way to freedom… He said I am the Way the Truth and light… If a man doesn’t have or know this 3 things.. he just like a blind man.
Yes, Jesus is, The Only Way!
Growing up under the weight of religion can feel like living in a cage. The routine of church became a mask, hiding the person I truly was. I longed for freedom, to explore the world beyond the boundaries I knew. Yet, when I finally tasted it, it wasn’t what I expected. Why is it so hard to find a balance between freedom and comfort? WordAiApi
Ermm. It is not really difficult. Freedom and comfort can go hand in hand.
It all depends on the kind of freedom you’re talking about.
When freedom is rightly directed, especially toward fulfilling purpose, it actually brings true comfort to the heart and soul.
Olajumoke B. Alade
This is not just a piece of writing, it’s life changing ma, God bless you for this ma….I couldn’t help but read and read it over again, and I got pinned in my bed till this time because of it. The whole world really needs this ma ‘Not all freedom tastes sweet’ hmmmn God bless you ma
Amen, ma’am. We are glad you got value.
Blessed yet! Thank you for sharing!✌️
You are welcome, sir.
This is a good read.
Thank you, babes😍