News
Power of Positive Attitude: The Dr. Robert Schuller Story!
By Tolulope A. Adegoke
“I really don’t know what my talent is, but I thought this would be a good chance for me to give what I think I owe you all, and that is an explanation. If I have one talent, it is this: I can tell you that during that time my faith became very real to me.” – Carol Shuller
Having examined the possibilities of grace and wisdom, let’s consider the triumph of a positive mindset, using the incredible story of the Schuller’s family.
For four years, Dr Robert Schuller and his family watched how their daughter, Carol, amazingly moved from a hospital bed to the ski slopes. When they arrived from Korea to Carol’s bedside in Sioux City, Iowa, after her motorcycle accident, Schuller had been shocked by what he saw. His daughter lay in her bed in intensive care. Her body was bruised, broken and disfigured. But her spirit was whole and hearty. Incidentally, while on the way to see her, Schuller had relentlessly pondered his opening line. What would be my first words to her? But on getting to her, she solved the problem by speaking first: “I know why it happened, Dad. God wants to use me to help others who have been hurt.”
It was this positive attitude that saw Carol through seven months of hospitalisation, intravenous feedings, and consequent collapsed veins. This positive attitude gave her the courage to fight a raging infection that threatened her limb and her life. She hung on until a new drug was released by the United States’ FDA (Federal Drug Agency). It was the right drug at the right time – a real miracle.
Moreover, it was the same positive mentality that helped Carol to make the transition from a hospital patient to a “handicapped” member of a family and school. It helped her feel normal and whole again. She refused to allow the inconvenience of an artificial limb to keep her from pursuing the active life she loved, including soft ball.
The summer after her accident, Carol shocked her father by saying: “Dad, I am going to sign up for softball again this year. “That’s great!” Her dad responded, not wanting to discourage her. At that time, Carol’s artificial leg had been attached just below the knee. She was plagued by a stiff knee that could barely bend a thirty-degree angle. She walked very stiffly. Running was out of the question.
However, Dr Schuller took Carol to the local school where all the parents were lining up with their girls to sign up for the girls’ softball team. Carol signed up and went back to check her uniform. As she swung her stiff plastic leg into the car and rested her jersey, socks and cap in her lap, her father turned to her and said, “Carol, how do you expect to play ball if you can’t run?” Instantly, she replied, “I have got that all figured out, Dad! When you hit home runs, you do not have to run.”
Carol eventually hit enough home runs that season to justify her presence on the team! She learnt the lesson: Tough times never last, but tough people do. She has had six more surgeries since that first amputation. She soon became a regular skier and ultimately met her goal, which was to win a gold medal in the qualifying races that, in turn, admitted her to the elite corps of skiers participating in the National Ski Championships! Some years back, she pulled her goggles on and took her place among champions in the country- at the young age of eighteen years! Yes, she still walked with a limp. She drew curious looks from strangers. But her positive attitude helped her even with that.
Now, this is the most incredible part. Few years ago, the Schullers were privileged to be guests of the American-Hawaiian Steamship Company on a one-week cruise; it is a custom on the last night to have a talent show in which any of the passengers can participate. Carol, then seventeen years old, surprised her family one day by saying, “I am going to be in the talent show tonight.”
Carol was not into singing or dancing. So, naturally, her father was curious as to what she would do that night. Carol is not in the least ashamed to be seen in shorts or swimming attire, although her present artificial left leg covers her stump to just below the hip. But she is very conscious of the fact that people look at her out of the corners of their eyes and wonder what happened to her.
On the night of the talent show, Schuller and his wife sat in the lounge along with six hundred other people. The talent show was scheduled to take place on the stage in the big, glorified cocktail lounge. As you can imagine, it is a very secular scene. The acts that performed that night were typical of amateur talent shows. Then it was Carol’s turn. She came on stage, wearing neither shorts nor Hawaiian garb, but a full-length dress. She looked beautiful. She walked up to the microphone and said:
“I really don’t know what my talent is, but I thought this would be a good chance for me to give what I think I owe you all, and that is an explanation. I know you have been looking at me all week, wondering about my fake leg. I thought I should tell you what happened. I was in a motorcycle accident. I almost died, but they kept giving me blood, and my pulse came back. They amputated my leg below the knee and later they amputated through the knee. I spent seven months in the hospital – seven months with intravenous antibiotics to fight infection.” She paused a moment, and then continued, “If I have one talent, it is this: I can tell you that during that time my faith became very real to me.”
Suddenly, a hush swept over the lounge. The waitresses stopped serving drinks. The glasses stopped tinkling. Every eye was focused on this tall seventeen- year-old blonde. She said, “I look at you girls who walk without a limp, and I wish I could walk that way. I cannot, but this is what I have learnt, and I want to leave it with you: It is not how you walk that counts, but what walks with you and who you walk with.” And she sang a powerful song,
And He walks with me,
And He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own,
And the joy we share
In our time of prayer
(originally, “as we tarry there”)
None other can ever know
“Thank you,” she ended.
According to Schuller, “There was not a dry eye, not a life that was not touched that night as Carol gave those powerful words. Tough times never last, but tough people always do! Because tough people know that with men it is impossible, but with God all things are possible! What makes a person survive and thrive? Why are some people tough enough to win over their tough times? These are questions that have before been important as they are today, because we are going through the toughest time that our country has ever faced. We cannot merely talk about strategies for success. We have to get down to hard core principles that will work. And the only principle that we can believe in are the principles that are tested, tried and proven (trusted).”
Possibility-mindset works! It has helped countless people survive very tough times. It can help you too. It helped Robert Schuller; it helped Carol Schuller; it helped David in the Bible; it helped Daniel; it helped Joshua, it helped Joseph; it helped Apostle Paul…and I repeat, it can help you too!
Possibility thinkers are go-getters. Everybody has challenges. But you can learn to solve and manage your challenges, turning them to stepping stones to your rightful destiny. No matter how bad your situation may seem, know that it could always be worse. So, be glad it is not worse. In fact, it is actually surmountable! Put your challenges in the proper perspective. Stop making mountains out of a molehill. You are a natural champion – live it out!
Thank you all for reading.
Dr. Tolulope A. Adegoke is an accredited ISO 20700 Effective Leadership Management Trainer.
E-mail: adegoketolulope1022@gmail.com;
News
Court Hands EFCC Three Days Ultimatum to Conclude 10-Year-Old Corruption Charges Against Dasuki
Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has granted three consecutive days to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conclude the ten-year-old corruption charges it instituted against a former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki (rtd).
Dasuki’s counsel initiated legal arguments when he challenged the status of the subpoena because it was issued to the DSS as an entity not recognised by the law of the country.
The EFCC lawyer, however, countered the objection, insisting that DSS was a creation of statute and that there had been no confusion in the identity of the organisation.
“The document was duly served on Department of State Security (DSS). The Department has no confusion as to its identity.
“The witness did not exhibit any confusion as to his invitation by the Court. The objection as to form does not defeat the end of Justice. We humbly pray the Court not to sustain the objection in the interest of substantial justice.”
In the end, Justice Lifu admitted the subpoena as an exhibit and reserved his ruling to be delivered along with the main charge.
“I have carefully and painstakingly listened to learned counsel on the admissibility of the document sought to be tendered by the prosecution.
“I have also perused the document in relation to the name on the said subpoena. Admissibility of documentary evidence is governed by the law of evidence, and it is determined by relevancy.
“Being a criminal case which is about 10 years old in the docket of this court, coupled with the fact that ACJA 2015 envisages speedy dispensation of criminal justice, this document shall be admitted and a ruling shall be incorporated into the final judgement of this court,” said Justice Lifu.
The judge drew the attention of the parties to the fact that the case had dragged and suffered delay for ten years, having been filed in 2015.
At the proceedings, the first prosecution witness and exhibit keeper with the DSS, Monsur Mohammed, was permitted to give evidence on the strength of the subpoena.
He subsequently presented several items found in Dasuki’s properties at 13 John Khadije Street, Asokoro, Abuja; 46 Nelson Mandela Street, Asokoro Abuja; Sabon Birnin Road, Sokoto; and Sultan Abubakar Road, also in Sokoto.
Four different search warrants executed in July 2015 at the four properties led to the recovery of the undisclosed items.
In the end, the DSS exhibit keeper admitted that nothing incriminating was found on the properties.
After the evidence, Justice Lifu held that in the circumstances of the case and by consent of all counsel, “this suit is hereby adjourned to 7, 8 and 9 July 2025 at the instance of the Court for further hearing.
He added: “The learned prosecutor is expected to close his case on these adjourned dates.”
By Henry Ukazu
Dear Destiny Friends,
There is no doubt everyone experiences different levels of pain and disappointment when things or life don’t go as planned. Many thoughts naturally run through minds. Depending on the issue on the ground, one might wonder what he did wrong, or what he could have done differently. More questions such as ‘was my request too much, did I act too fast or slow, was my approach bad, was my work untidy, did I under prepare will continually flash tbrough the mind? No doubt, the mind will be busy wondering what caused the failure.
Ordinarily, they are supposed to make us feel frustrated, especially when it is an opportunity we have been praying to have. Imagine having an idol, celebrity or an influential leader who can change your life giving you an opportunity, but for reasons beyond your comprehension or articulation, you couldn’t seize the moment to create a lasting impression; an lost opportunity.
Trust me, I can relate to the feeling having experienced similar fate on several occasions. There are relationships that I have lost either because I was naïve or couldn’t nurture it well. However, one may try to look at it, life may not always go as planned; one may be planning out his life and God or the universe will be planning something else. Sometimes, what we thought might be good for ourselves, might not really be good for us.
Let me share a practical story; during my formative years in the United States of America, I worked as a security officer for a decent amount of time, while still applying to many other companies. Though I couldn’t secure a decent paying job, I didn’t lose hope either, I kept my hope alive. It is important to state that I was frustrated and felt depressed. I wondered when my life will change for the better. It got to a stage I felt only a miracle can change the course of my life because people who have less capacity, competency and capability than me were getting opportunities and I began to wonder if I was cursed. Many thoughts were running through my mind. But what gave strength were the words of my Registrar while at New York Law School. According to him, if you lose all options, don’t lose hope.
One thing I did was to maximise my present status as a security officer and used the opportunity to network during the day. I attended events of interest in the morning, afternoon and nights. Sometimes. I will go to work from the event.
In all honesty, I didn’t know the people I met during my formative years while working as a security officer will be instrumental to who I am today, and what I will be doing in the near future. Why do I say this? I know for a fact, assuming I had a decent paying job after my law school program, I doubt if I would have had time to write my first book and as well, attend events and network with the high and mighty in the society.
When I look back, I will say this is a disguised blessing because all these people came in handy to support my work when I published my book.
Furthermore, there was a time I missed a Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award event, an award that could have changed the course of my life. While I was troubled by the incident, a mentor of mine said to me, “don’t grieve for what didn’t happen because what didn’t happen could prevent disaster from happening”. This is so true because sometimes we might not know the people we meet, who can do harm to us in the nearest future which we might not know, so the creator of the universe can cause a scene or situation that will prevent the relationship from going forward.
It can also be a case where one is looking for a job, and the job might be that which will consume the fellow in the nearest future. So, when one gets denied the opportunity of working, instead of crying over spilled milk, consider seeing it as disguised blessing, which can be a bigger company that might offer you more benefits. It can also be a case of maybe, your destiny helper might be in the company that offers you less pay as opposed to a bigger company that one is aspiring to get, but was denied.
In the journey of life, sometimes one must refuse to capitalize on one’s gain, this is because anyone can do that, but what’s more important is to profit from the loss, because that requires a certain degree of intelligence.
Disguised blessings can come in different forms, for instance while some people are begging because one of their legs is amputated, another person has won Gold at Paralympics because both legs are amputated and thereby receiving global recognition.
Life is about perspective; how you see it is how it will reflect on you. Life itself is a mirror; it depends on the lens you are using to view it. If you believe that life happens to you, you will be the beggar in that situation. But if you know that you happen to life, you will be bigger instead of being a beggar. So, wake up every day and don’t gauge how you feel that day. Instead, tell yourself how you want to feel on any given day. Be the driver of your life, not a passenger.
In conclusion, when you have done what you are supposed to, and life still doesn’t turn out as expected, instead of feeling frustrated, try looking at it from the angle of disguised blessings by learning the inherent lessons the said situation is bringing to your table of life.
Henry Ukazu writes from New York. He works with the New York City Department of Correction as the Legal Coordinator. He’s the founder of Gloemi. He’s a Transformative Human Capacity and Mindset coach. He is also a public speaker, youth advocate, creative writer and author of Design Your Destiny Design Your and Unleash Your Destiny . He can be reached via info@gloemi.com
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to within 24hrs release socialite and business woman, Aisha Achimugu.
Justice Inyang Ekwo in a short ruling also added that parties in the suit especially the EFCC are to report to the court to give report on compliance to the order of court on May 2, 2025.
Recall that Justice Ekwo had on Monday, ordered Achimugu to submit herself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in connection with an on going investigation bordering on Money laundering and other offences.
Justice Ekwo, also held that following her appearance at the EFCC office, the antigraft agency is to return with her and make an appearance before the court on Wednesday April 30, for report.
Meanwhile, the EFCC arrested Achimugu at about 5am on Tuesday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
The EFCC is investigating Achimugu on a case involving conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, money laundering, corruption, and possession of properties reasonably suspected to have been unlawfully obtained.
While she was previously arrested and questioned by the EFCC, she was released on administrative bail by the commission.
However, EFCC alleged that she jumped bail and declared Achimugu wanted.
The EFCC in a press statement urged the public to provide information about Achimugu’s whereabouts, “The public is hereby notified that AISHA SULAIMAN ACHIMUGU is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in an alleged case of criminal conspiracy and money laundering,” the statement read.
The EFCC in its affidavit to show cause, averred that on February 12, 2024, when Achimugu was previously arrested, in their office with her lawyer, Darlington Ozurumba, she wrote a statement.
The commission said in the statement, that she explained some of the huge funds which passed through her corporate bank accounts.
It said that Achimugu admitted the sum of N8, 710, 000, 000.00. (eight billion, seven hundred and ten million naira) was paid by her partners as an investment fund into the purchase and payment of a signature bonus for the acquisition of oil bloc on Nov. 8, 2022.
It said further investigation however revealed that Achimugu, through her company, Ocean Gate Engineering Oli and Gas Limited, acquired two oil blocs, namely Shallow Water -PPL 3007 and Deep Offshore-PPL 302-DO for the total sum of $25, 300, 000 (twenty-five million, three hundred thousand dollars) through majorly cash payments made to the Bureau De Change (BDC) operators who in turn made payments to Federal Government via corporate accounts.
The commission alleged that the ultimate sources of the said sum of $25,300,000 used in the acquisition of the oil blocs were not linked to her lawful earnings or income or any business partner.
