There are messages that do not just touch your phone, they touch your soul. This beautiful Saturday morning, as I stepped out of the gym reflecting on life, growth, betrayal, survival, and purpose, I woke up to one of the most unexpected and heart melting confessional messages I have received in years from a respected political leader from Imo State, Nigeria.
He said:
“My dear sister Agunwayin, I have been troubled in my heart for over 11 years now and I have decided to apologize to you for all that I joined other ignorant people who were ONLY AFRAID of your courage, personality, and brilliance to do to you. A lot of meetings were held in Imo State just to pull you down, smear your reputation, discredit you, make people hate you, excommunicate you, cut you off, and so many people were sponsored to attack you, but none ever stopped your shine and your success. I have come to realize that you are not what they think or told everyone that you are. There is a powerful force with you and it’s invisible! Please forgive me and all the Imolites who fought you blindly. You are such a kindhearted person and you are a blessing to us. Nne, na fear do us!”
Honestly, I paused. For years, many people misunderstood confidence for arrogance, courage for rebellion, intelligence for threat, and boldness for pride. What many people call “hate” is often fear in disguise. Fear of what they cannot control, manipulate, or explain. Fear of someone who refuses to shrink to make others comfortable.
ALL hate is driven by fear. Once you understand that truth, you stop carrying bitterness in your heart. Sometimes, the people fighting you are not always fighting you because you are evil. Some are fighting the light they cannot explain. Some are fighting the strength they wish they had. Some are simply terrified of your refusal to break.
For over a decade, I survived attacks, betrayals, lies, gang ups, character assassination, political intimidation, and organized attempts to silence me. Yet, God kept proving that what He has blessed, no man can curse. This message humbled me deeply because it takes courage for a grown man to admit wrong after 11 years. Accountability is rare. Genuine apologies are rare. Reflection is rare.
I honestly did not know what to reply to him. I simply sent him a huge 
emoji because sometimes silence carries more wisdom than words.
emoji because sometimes silence carries more wisdom than words.As I ponder over that message this morning, one thing keeps ringing in my spirit: Never allow hatred to make you hate people back. Some people are simply fighting battles within themselves.
And to anyone going through rejection, betrayal, or organized attacks, hear me clearly, If they are holding meetings because of you, your presence is already powerful. If they are threatened by your voice, your voice carries impact. If they cannot stop talking about you, your existence already disrupted something.
Keep shining anyway. The invisible force called GRACE will always defend those walking in purpose.
“God prepares a table before you in the presence of your enemies.” Psalm 23:5
Prof. Sandra Duru, PhD
