We Are Made in God’s Image, and Kelechi Is Proof of That.

I have always known that we are made in God’s image. It is something I learnt growing up, something I have read in the Bible and something I have heard preached countless times. But I wonder if we ever truly understand what that means. Sometimes, I think God allows us to meet certain people who make the statement feel less like scripture and more like an experience.

I was not the fondest person in primary school 🤣, and I don’t think I really had friends, but I had always known Kelechi. We went to the same secondary school too, before I eventually left, and then we barely spoke.

Honestly, I don’t remember our foundational moments. What I do remember is that after leaving school, we started interacting with each other’s posts on social media. This eventually led to exchanging phone numbers. I moved to Anthony, while she stayed there, and we started hanging out. Somehow, somehow, I would say that was the beginning of our friendship.

We even got together to record a YouTube video 🤣, one that never made it past our camera roll.

I remember us talking about speaking in tongues and sharing different YouTube videos to learn how to. I remember the first night I prayed differently from all the other times. Looking back, I realise that some friendships introduce you to parts of yourself you haven’t quite discovered yet. Kelechi was one of those people for me.

Fast forward to Kelechi leaving the country, and you would think we would eventually fall out? Oh no, we did not!

We have continued to hold each other close to our hearts, and watching Kelechi has been such an inspiration.

Her burning fire for the Lord and His ways motivates me. Her consistency, her intentionality and her love for God are things I admire deeply. I can’t accurately explain it with words, but Kelechi feels like home.

Someone I can call anytime. Someone who listens. Someone who prays for me. Someone who spoils me silly. Someone who is always present. Someone who loves me. Someone who carries both the fear and love of God in her heart.

I think one of the most beautiful things about friendship is having someone whose walk with God inspires you to pay closer attention to your own. Someone whose faith reminds you of the beauty of knowing God, loving Him and continually choosing Him.

I recently watched a YouTube video of her life update (something I would describe as a new beginning), and I couldn’t help but cry and marvel at the works of God in her life.

It is one thing to hear about God’s goodness, but it is another thing to witness it unfold in the life of someone you love. To know a little of their journey, to have seen them wait, to have watched them remain hopeful, and then to witness a new chapter that reminds you that God has been at work all along.

There is so much to learn from Kelechi’s waiting season. But one thing that stays with me is the reminder that God prunes us before entrusting us with more. There is preparation in the waiting, growth in the process and responsibility in the blessing. We must become good stewards of the things He places in our hands.

And perhaps that is another reason why I am so grateful to witness this season of her life. Beyond celebrating the beautiful things happening now, I celebrate the person she has become through every season that brought her here.

On this new journey, I pray that God continues to walk with you. May He remain at the centre of everything you do. May your love for Him never grow cold, and may you always find joy in knowing Him. I pray that you are equipped for everything He has entrusted to you and that you never lose sight of the One who brought you this far.

I hope you never forget how loved you are, not just by the people around you, but by the Father whose goodness is so evident in your life.

I love you so much, Kelechi, and I thank God for your life.

Indeed, we are made in God’s image, and sometimes, we get to meet people who remind us of that.

Link to her youtube: https://youtube.com/@kelechiememanka?si=M2FhHUuPOLVIf2kq