How I dealt with social pressure while coming up as a man
If I say I never feel squeezed by what others expect here in Nigeria, that's a lie. We live packed tight with social rules about clothes, jobs, husbands and houses. Keeping up with "the pack" pressures me plenty! But by God's great help, I stay peaceful inside by focusing on what matters most.
When I was small going to school, I felt eyes watching how I dressed. My shirts looked different from the other boys. Mama and Papa said we wear modest clothes to please God first. But I still squirmed when classmates made fun of my long, dowdy dresses. I begged for the latest tiny tops and tight pants so I could fit in. Mama said no firmly. I cried, but obeyed.
Inside I still struggled with jealousy and shame. Everyone else had fine clothes and shoes while I wore hand-me-downs. Even in church I eyed boys with fancy shoes and designer shirts s. I wanted those things too! Slowly over years I realized fancy outsides don't prove happy insides. As I grew closer to God, my values changed. My contentment caught up with my obedience. What God thinks matters most.
Now as a working man, I feel fresh pressure. My age-mates ask “brother, where is your woman? Time is going o!" I laugh but feel uneasy too. No suitors so far, but I desire marriage someday. When will my Ruth find this Boaz? My married friends also question why I rent my flat instead of building a fine house. But I earn honest pay in my small job. I save bit by bit and give God thanks for all He provides for today. Tomorrow's needs are still to come.
Some folks urge me to hurry and grab grabs while I am still young and fresh, since women like sweet things. They say I should get the biggest blessings I can. Must God's blessings always look the biggest to human eyes? I think not! So I work and wait on God's timing for a wife . And I ignore any lady whose eye stops only on what she sees outside. Inner beauty and godly character matter so much more!
I praise God for contentment in simplicity and patience in His timing. The pressures nag me badly sometimes, yes! But Jesus said in this world we will have trouble. By concentrating on taller treasures laid up in heaven, I stay peaceful and steadfast. Kingdom values rule my heart so pride and greed lose their grip. I tune my ears to hear God's affirming voice louder than shaming voices around me. Fixing my heart fully on Christ makes all the difference.
But today I am blessed with a good wife and beautiful children.God gave me all this and I am grateful for all I have been able to acquire.
Thank you for reading my post
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