Peace and blessings be with you at the start of this new week. You aren’t reading wrong, I have decided to move the Flashlight Moments in the Dark series to Mondays. That way you can get the full experience of the Anchor Talk Podcast on Tuesdays.
Today, I have the pleasure of introducing you to Abimbola Dare. She isn’t a stranger to the blog so I won’t go into any long intro so we can get to the juiciness of her interview. Reading and preparing it for you was one big “wow fest” for me. The reason is that our stories to purpose is kinda similar. Pain and hopelessness pushed me into mine via my hubby.Chaos pushed her into hers.
There is something about our storms that have a way of turning things around. But as I say on this blog all the time, we can’t give up in the midst of it. We gotta hold on by having #confidentexpectations in the All Knowing God. Without further talk, let’s enjoy Abimbola(who I fondly call”Bims) Dare’s interview.
Unoma: Who is Abimbola Dare?
Abimbola: First, I am a believer of the Lord Jesus Christ, a writer and author of two books ( plus a few short stories and other unpublished works). I am married to a kind, wonderful man, a mother of beautiful children and an IT professional in the publishing industry (a job I love). I am also an anointed speaker of God’s word, and a playwright. I wear many hats by God’s grace- and grateful for them all.
Unoma: In 10 words or less can you create a quote that describes you and your purpose journey?
Abimbola: Sharing God’s love, one story at a time…
Unoma: What is the driving force in your life?
Abimbola: The Holy Spirit; the desire to fulfill destiny, and knowing that other destinies are tied to mine.
Unoma: How do you balance family, faith and your passion/business?
Abimbola: I try to juggle everything and take each day as it comes. I outsource some of my house hold chores where I can, and ask my husband to help when it gets overwhelming. My children are getting older and are starting to understand when mummy needs to write, and so leave me alone for like 15 minutes before they come badgering back! I try to write every spare moment which often includes train rides to work, or during my lunch break. I write when I can and try not to stress when I can’t.
Unoma: What was the single most devastating experience/challenge in your life and how did you overcome it?
Abimbola: I went through an experience in 2009 that is still tough to talk about. It was a time changed my life and shook my faith to my core. It was a time of loss, of disappointing news, of hopes crushed. It was a time when I was convinced that God did not love me anymore, a time when I questioned God’s faithfulness, his ability to save, but the precious Holy Spirit kept on assuring me and whispering words of love to my soul. But for the Holy Spirit, I would have turned my back on my faith… but God did not let me go! I overcame it by choosing to trust God, regardless and by leaning on the Holy Spirit. It’s amazing how God works because that experience led me to find my purpose … through the pain. It was in the chaos of that period, God called me to write for Him.
Unoma: How do you build confident expectations in your dark moments?
Abimbola: I try to press on, holding unto Jesus even when it feels like He isn’t there. I talk to myself in the mirror, remind myself that I am special. That God loves me. That I have a calling, a purpose, a destiny. Sometimes I have to repeat this to myself many, many times before my confidence is restored.
Unoma: How does your understanding of the future give you hope for the present?
Abimbola: I know that I was created for a purpose. I know that I am light, and that I will shine. I believe that God has a plan for me, one of good and so that helps me hold my head up and press on even when things don’t seem to work out the way I want them to.
Unoma: What does it look like practically for you to “turn to the cross” in your business/ministry.
Abimbola: In my writing, when I am unsure of what to do with a story or when I face writer’s block or when I am uninspired to write) I have sometimes fasted, prayed, and deliberately waited on God for direction. Sometimes I lie on the floor in my bedroom and just stay there, saying nothing. The prayer is a cry from the depth of my soul for God to give my story a direction.
Unoma: What advice would you give your younger self?
Abimbola: Be fearless. Don’t worry. God will not fail. Be consistent. Try again.
Unoma: What can we look forward to from you this year?
Abimbola: I am working on releasing two novels by God’s grace- one which will be traditionally published (and is currently being edited by the publishing firm). The second novel is now being featured on my website as a blog series titled The Accidental Wife. The aim is to run that for as long as I can before I get it out into a novel.
You can read the first two episodes of The Accidental Wife here
Bio:
Abimbola Dare started writing in 2006 as Bimbylads, the blogger. When she took a break from blogging to start a family in 2009, God called her to write Christian fiction. Her first novel, The Small Print, was released in 2011-which became a top 40 Kindle Bestseller. In 2013, her second novel, When Broken Chords Sing also reached the number 1 spot in its category. In 2012, she wrote a short story titled The No-Nonsense Wife which became an internet sensation and was made into a short film. She is a gifted speaker of the Word, a wife and a mother. She is currently working on her 3rd & 4th novels, a play script ( stage) and a screen play. The novels are due to be published later this year.
Contact: abimboladare1@gmail.com
Facebook.com/bimbylads
Instagram: @abimboladareauthor
I hope you enjoyed this interview and found something in it that resonated with you.
A couple of things before you go.There is still time to get your FREE Light Pearls in the Dark Prayer Journal. All you have to do is pre order In the Dark
Also, I’m giving away a $50 Amazon gift card. How? Have you listened to Anchor Talk? Well here are the rules 1. Subscribe to the show. Download the first 3 episodes ONLY. Listen and leave a review for each of those 3 episodes. Just that easy. Offer ends 4/7/17. You can listen here
Lastly, for TODAY ONLY My best selling novel He Changed My Name is on Sale for $0.99. Today only!! Amazon it, also available on B&N, Apple,& Kobo
Blessings,
Unoma
Unoma Nwankwor 