It has been one of God’s greatest gifts to have you as both my cousin-sister and my mentor. Some mentors teach in formal settings, but you have mentored me through countless conversations over the years. Your words have become anchors that I return to repeatedly, and they continue to shape my life, ministry, and leadership.
There are so many lessons you’ve deposited into my life, but a few have become part of the way I now live.
You taught me the principle of equal sacrifice, not equal giving (amounts) that in relationships, especially marriage, fairness is measured by shared commitment rather than identical contributions. That simple truth has changed how I view partnership and generosity.
One phrase of yours that I will probably carry for the rest of my life is, “Someone else’s emergency cannot become your own emergency.” I remember a particularly difficult time when I was in severe pain and under pressure to do something I simply wasn’t physically able to do. Your reminder gave me permission to establish healthy boundaries without guilt. It has helped me countless times since.
When people disappoint or hurt me, you gently remind me, “We’re all a work in progress.” Those words have helped me extend grace to others while also finding peace for myself.
Whenever self-doubt creeps in, your reassuring words, “You are enough,” have strengthened my confidence and reminded me that my worth is not determined by how others treat me.
Perhaps the lesson that has most shaped this current season of my life is your encouragement to pursue impact, influence, and income, in that order. When I questioned whether I was writing too many books too quickly, you reminded me that every season has an assignment. You challenged me to bring forth everything God has deposited within me, reminding me that many people never give birth to what God has entrusted to them. Those words gave me the courage to keep writing.
You also constantly remind me that God is our Source. Salaries, book sales, opportunities, and platforms are simply channels; our provision comes from Him alone. That truth has given me tremendous peace as I continue to walk by faith.
Your support has extended beyond words. Having you write the foreword to one of my books was both an honour and an affirmation of my journey as an author. You have consistently believed in me, encouraged me, and celebrated what God is doing in my life.
Thank you for investing so generously in me. Your wisdom, faith, and unwavering encouragement have left an imprint on my life that I will always treasure. I thank God for you, and I pray that the seeds you have sown into my life will continue to bear fruit for generations to come.
TOYIN DARE-AWORINDE