If you read me regularly, you’ll likely know that I enjoy watching AGT and BGT, just to unwind and draw some inspiration. I particularly watch those reality shows because they showcase raw, unedited, ‘happening-now’ talents. The things I see on AGT and BGT point me to the Awesome GOD, Who has truly done all things well. I see people who are battling life-threatening challenges write moving, award winning songs about their struggles; autistic individuals showcasing incredible abilities in almost ‘impossible’ areas of life; bullied folks finding hidden talents in their moments of trepidation, etc. The amazing list of talents on both shows is mindboggling.
Take for instance, ‘Shadow Ace’. He’s a shy young man from the Philippines; his real name is Philip Galit. After being bullied in high school, Philip isolated himself from other teenagers and found solace in the lost art of hand-shadow puppetry, where he was able to make friends with his shadow characters. Growing up in the Philippines, his home didn’t have electric power, so he used the reflection of candle lights on the wall to create shadow art to entertain himself. Over time, he gained enough confidence to perform for others and presented his act from behind a white fabric so that audiences couldn’t see him. Word quickly spread about his performances from those who were amazed by his craft and the way he made his hand shadows dance. The success of his show led him to receive many awards and titles from talent competitions throughout his home in the Philippines. He eventually made it to the “AGT” in 2023, where he wowed the audience and judges with his incredible talent.
He discovered that talent (like many others I’ve seen, and read about) because he was bullied and ‘retreated into his shell’, within his family home; and because there was no electricity where he lived, he fantasized with the art of shadow puppetry, practiced it to perfection, and has become a ‘star!’ GOD truly works all things together for our GOOD, and especially when we would rest, and trust HIM with our troubles. Believe me when I tell you that Romans 8:28, like the entirety of the Bible, is TRUE. It says, “And we know that ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD to those who love GOD, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” I know it’s true, because I have experienced it.
Do you know why I write? I used to be a very shy boy in primary and secondary school that could hardly talk to a girl. I didn’t have much confidence in my abilities either. You could easily get me to vacate a chair, or leave a place, by asking a girl to come and sit/stand beside. Then, in my Year One at the University of Ibadan, JESUS saved my soul, planted my feet in a Fellowship called Ibadan Varsity Christian Union (IVCU), and led me to a wonderful group called Royal Theatre, where four beautiful, intelligent sisters picked me up like a project, and loved shyness out of my life forever! You may not know it, but every time you see/read my write-ups, you’re seeing the GRACE OF GOD at work, and I’ll keep celebrating it! Anybody can sit on the sideline and criticize me for writing always, for being too expressive, telling it all, blah blah blah! You don’t know GRACE, but I do! You don’t know my story, but I do! You have no idea what GOD has delivered me from, but I do. And, as long as I live, with HIS Breath of Inspiration still in me, and Isaiah 50:4-5 imprinted on my heart, I’ll keep telling my story with fervor and never-dwindling enthusiasm, in JESUS Mighty Name. FAITHFUL is HE Who called me, and entrusted me with this Assignment, and HE has never disappointed me. Amen!
NB: If you’ll listen to GOD, and TRUST in HIS WORD, shunning the naysayers, you’ll surely testify of Romans 8:28 being TRUE. I guarantee that! Your naysayers (including Lucifer himself) are going nowhere significant o! Put your TRUST in JESUS CHRIST. Hallelujah!
DA