Making Bold Demands

“I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.” - Rosa Parks

Hello dears,

How’s June unveiling at your end?

Today, I want to share a story of my boldness. 😂😂

On my recent trip back from Nigeria, I had a little mishap with my carry-on. You know the kind of bag that’s been through it with you? After immigration, I had to pick it up and hand it off to be checked in for my connecting flight home. When I picked it up at the belt, it was perfect. Not a scratch.

But when I arrived at my final destination and was loading it into the car with my housemate, something wasn’t right. That bag was bruised. It had been through something. I asked her if she thought the airline would refund me or do something about it. She said she wasn’t sure but encouraged me, “It doesn’t hurt to try.”

That stuck.

After some rest, I uploaded the images to the airline’s claims portal. As a Nigerian who is used to the usual shege by service providers, I didn’t expect much. But to my surprise, the very next day, they apologized and sent me a link to choose a replacement box. Just like that.

I made my selection and waited. When the new one arrived, I was excited until I saw it. My excitement made me select the wrong size. So big that I could have folded myself in there. 😂

So I reached back out to the reclaim site, sent an email, and made a call. They were kind and sent me a return label. I scheduled a FedEx pickup and waited again. This time, I pulled out my measuring tape, double-checked every inch, and submitted a request for the right size.

And it came. My perfect size.

You see, these days I’m not afraid to make demands for things I rightfully deserve. I used to be hesitant, quiet about my needs. But this experience reminded me that there’s nothing wrong with speaking up. There’s nothing wrong with expecting good when wrong has been done.

It reminded me of a parable in Luke 18, the story about the persistent widow. She kept coming back to the judge, day after day, pleading her case. And though he wasn’t a godly man, he eventually gave in, not because he cared, but because of her persistence. Jesus shared that story not to say we nag our way through life, but to teach us about boldness. About faith that doesn’t quit. About believing that justice matters. And that if an unjust judge could respond to persistence, how much more will our Heavenly Father respond to His children?

Sometimes, faith resembles uploading a picture and believing that restoration is on the other side. Sometimes, faith is measured in inches with a measuring tape. Sometimes, faith involves choosing not to settle for the wrong size, even if it’s new or almost right. Because almost right is still not right.

God desires to give us what truly fits and what truly belongs to us. However, we must be willing to speak up, ask, knock, and seek.

So I’ll ask again: how bold are you willing to make demands?

Song Suggestion: Fighting for Me by Riley Clemmons

Your friend,

Faith, for the Royal Rubies