Like so many other Sistas who have been a huge blessing to my life and work, I first knew of Iyedele Bolaji-Oyedepo via an email she sent to subscribe for Effectual Magazine and subsequent telephone conversations. She worked in the same office with another of my Superb Sista Liz Taylor.
So began my journey of Sistahood with Iyedele. Ever so soft spoken and ever so deliberate, I started to speak with her a whole lot frequently because of her commitment to push Effectual in Abuja where she lived and worked. One day she sent me an email asking if I will give her the opportunity to write for Effectual, and even though I had never met her, I knew I could trust the spirit she carried and that started another parallel journey.
Somehow, even though I had not met her, I had come to trust Iyedele and the word she gives. I knew that she stood for something, and I was eager to find out more about her. So the day came; we were preparing for ROTH 2012 and she, and Liz had asked if we could come to Abuja and also have a conference. That was a great opportunity of God sending us somewhere we didn’t think we were ready for and as they say; the rest is history.
So why am I writing today to celebrate my ‘Sista pillar’ Iyedele to borrow another Sista’s expression? It is because as I think on the time I have known her, I see a consistency that is rare. Iyedele is kind, she is intentional but above all, she knows how to make one feel like a million bucks!
Her passion to be more than she is right now; even though to the world she is a lot; is refreshing, but more than that is her commitment to be more only according to the will of God. Iyedele is not frivolous or flaky; I have never heard her use a careless word, and I know it is not that she is very good at pretending; it is her nature.
Under her very quiet exterior though is a depth that I admire; an ability to be stable no matter what, and the reason I find is because Iyedele knows who her anchor is. Her stability makes me vote her as a Mentor to my soon to be teenage daughter because each time I see her; all I can think of is her mother must be very proud of her.
Above all these; is Iyedele’s love for God and all things God. Every time I speak with her or spend time with her, the expression iron sharpens iron is what I leave with.
I use this opportunity today to say to you my Sista Iyedele that you are loved and appreciated; I celebrate you for your authenticity, and I rejoice in advance over you for the great things I know God has in store for you. As in quietness you follow your Lord and Master, I cannot but say I know you will make it.
You are so loved Iyedele; thank you for checking on me; thank you for praying for me, thank you for pushing my dreams even when it is not convenient. Thank you just for being you.
May the God of heaven bless and keep you in all things. Hugs
—Bidemi