The Uplifting Podcast

Five episodes.That’s how far we’ve come on Being a Christian on Substack this year. It’s been a rich, humbling journey—hearing from believers who write, think, and live their faith with depth.This final episode features my brother, Adekunle Adekunbi , author of Reflections and Revelations. His words reminded me why we serve, why we write, and why grace must always have the final say.He said something that stayed with me:“Identity is a trust, not a trophy. Royalty in scripture looks like service, not status.”That’s it. That’s the posture.He spoke about marriage, writing, and faith—not as grand displays, but as rhythms of grace. The daily choosing, the honest repentance, the gentle editing of both heart and page.On writing, he said, “Before I hit publish, I ask—does this sound like love? Is it truthful, tender, and useful?”That question alone can reshape how we create, lead, and live.He reminded us that the gospel is a covenant, not a crush—it’s patient, forgiving, and steady.And that our real battle today isn’t technology, it’s attention. To write, serve, or love well, we must steward what holds our gaze.So as this season closes, this is my prayer and charge:Stay near the Word. Stay near the humble.Make truth beautiful and usefulness normal.Choose people daily and keep inviting Jesus into the ordinary.If you feel small, he says, remember—seeds are small too, until they aren’t.Keep sowing faith. Keep speaking life.And let grace have the final say.Thanks for reading/listening to the Uplifting Publication! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.In other news,I’d chip this in here, I wrote a book and it’s titled Why Write, You will love itUse the Selar link: Click to get a copyThis book is my case for writing and I strongly believe that it is a must read for everyone.Use the Selar link: Click to get a copy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shittuisaac.substack.com

On this month’s episode of Being a Christian on Substack, I virtually sat with Olufemi Babalola—a writer, teacher, and steward of words whose journey reminds us that Christian writing is not pastime but calling.From the birth of his magazine Fresh Bread to the discipline of writing as a parent, Olufemi shares why clarity of calling is non-negotiable, how to keep your writing alive in every season, and why even “Jezebel moments” are God’s reminders of our need for Him.He challenges us to see writing not just as expression, but as assignment. To steward our gifts faithfully. To trust God for structure—even in monetisation—without compromise.If you’ve ever wrestled with consistency, wondered whether every piece must explicitly “mention God,” or struggled to balance ministry and livelihood, this conversation will equip and encourage you.Listen to the full episode.About Olufemi BabalolaOlufemi Babalola is a writer, Bible teacher, and the mind behind Word Bakery Publications. He mentors Christian writers, publishes The Working Word bulletin, and serves as editor-in-chief of Fresh Bread, an inspirational magazine designed to nourish believers with God’s Word.Through books like Alárinà – The Go-Between, his online community The Vibrant Nation, and his service in churches and campuses, Olufemi’s vision is simple but weighty: raising believers who thrive in every area of life. He lives in Ibadan, Nigeria with his wife Temilola and their twin boys.Subscribe to his newsletter publications:* The Word Baker* Fresh BreadGrab a copy of his book30 Days Faith-Based Writing Prompts for Christian Writers is a wonderful resource that can help you overcome writer’s block, find your writing rhythm, and become consistent with your writing. ✍🏾✨Get your copy here.Special thanks to Chukwukelu Favour for the intro and outro voice on this podcast.Background audio This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shittuisaac.substack.com

Interview Summary with Biblical References (where applicable)1. First off, tell us about Quality Time—what inspired the name?Adebola shared that Quality Time was inspired during her early years of walking with God. The name was birthed out of her personal devotion and quiet time with the Lord. Though people often assume it comes from the "love language," the true root of the name is spiritual. It first began as a blog on WordPress before transitioning to Substack.2. Testimonies and stories of encounters with God are the lifeblood of encouragement and evangelism. Starting with your conversion story, could you share three moments that marked you? One for your conversion, one where you experienced God’s love in a tangible way, and one that highlights the value of fellowship.* Conversion: Her journey began in 2019 during a pre-JAMB prayer event. Despite having grown up going to church (not in a Christian home), she responded to an altar call for the first time and felt a deep sense of conviction—not of condemnation, but of God's love.* Experience of God’s Love: In 2020, Romans 5:8 became a foundational verse—"While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." It wrecked her deeply and shaped her new understanding of grace.* Fellowship: In the pandemic year of 2020, she was divinely connected with a vibrant Christian community. This gave her the encouragement and accountability she needed to grow, showing her that she wasn’t alone in her zeal as a young believer.3. I noticed in your first post; you wrote about differences and similarities among people and how we can embrace them. Then in posts from December 2024 onward, you focused on love, lovebirds, and attraction. What was going on during that time? Was there a love train that hit you, or did Cupid come visiting?She laughed at the question, clarifying that she loves love—but no, Cupid didn’t visit. Her fascination with love and romance stems from her upbringing, where she witnessed good marriages (her parents, relatives) and also from a natural joy in storytelling. Her most-read Substack pieces are often those about love, relationships, and even sexual purity, reflecting how people resonate with these themes.4. Substack, Substack, Substack! What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned since joining this platform? How has it shaped you as a writer and a person? And what are three things you look for when deciding to subscribe to or follow someone else on here?Biggest lesson: Writing publicly forces clarity and consistency. It also encourages vulnerability and stewardship.How it shaped her: She’s grown in confidence and clarity, learning to share her faith and stories more boldly.Three things she looks for when subscribing to others: (1) Intellectually stimulating, (2) Gospel-centeredness, and (3) Humor.5. Marriage is sweet with the bed undefiled. Can you share words of encouragement to those struggling with lust, cohabiting, or who feel broken sexually? How should a believer approach this?Adebola approached this question with humility, clarifying that she does not speak from perfection but under the authority of God’s Word. She referenced a devotional that said, “we are all sexually broken in one way or another”, and agreed—whether through direct experience, exposure to content, or early influences.She opened up about her own struggles with lust, erotic books, and self-stimulation, confessing that her journey began with romantic content that corrupted her understanding of love and sexuality.Key Scriptures: Titus 2:11–12 – The grace of God teaches us to say “no” to ungodliness. Jude 1:24 – God alone can keep us from falling. She emphasized that grace is not a license to sin, but empowerment to live above sin.Encouragement: If you’ve fallen, you can rise again. Keep walking. Submit to Christ’s leadership and renew your mind.She closed with a prayer for anyone struggling, asking God to reveal Himself as their satisfaction, not just their Savior.6. Lastly, do you have any future plans for your platform or writing ministry that we can look forward to? And are there any other spaces—besides Substack—where people can connect with you?Adebola revealed she’s prayerfully working on publishing her debut novel, having several drafts but still seeking God’s direction on which story to release first.You can connect with Adebola on:Instagram: debola_akdX (Twitter): debola_akindeleSubstack: Quality TimeShe ends the conversation with joy and gratitude — thanking every listener and promising (hopefully) to be back soon.Special shout out to David's Journal for making this episode possible. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shittuisaac.substack.com

Interview Summary with Biblical References* Turning Point to Faith. Though born into a Christian home, Creative Dee marks her true salvation to a moment when her sister prayed for her, leading to a spontaneous baptism of the Holy Ghost. That experience opened her heart to God’s Word, messages, and deeper devotion. It became less about routine and more about personal revelation. Her journey echoes John 6:44, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them.”* What was your entrance into writing?Creative Dee didn’t plan to be a writer. It began with a divine nudge—an impression to “start writing”. She asked God what to write and was told, “Write what I tell you.” This obedience birthed the ‘Creativity Dee’ Substack. Her awareness that she’s a “co-writer” with God mirrors 1 Corinthians 3:9—“For we are co-workers in God’s service.” Her style was rough at first, but she knew God had an assignment for her through writing.* How have you managed to be consistent with writing and everything else on your plate?Balancing school, writing, and leading a Substack community hasn’t been easy. She recounts drafting in class, writing on buses, and even on roadside curbs. Her discipline is laced with grace, not perfectionism. Colossians 3:23 captures this heart—“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” It’s been a journey of stewarding the gift and leaning on God.* What do you want your writing to do for people?Creative Dee doesn't fixate on likes or shares. Her joy comes when readers say, “This answered my heart’s question.” She sees her writing as an act of service, aiming to reach those God sends to her. Like Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:2, she avoids manipulation and focuses on sincerity before God. Her lens is not engagement metrics but spiritual fruit.* Does journaling help you?Yes, profoundly. Journaling has helped her trace God’s voice and faithfulness over time. Whether it's about people, Scripture, or prophetic words, journaling helps her stay grounded. Psalm 77:11 comes to life in her practice—“I will remember the deeds of the Lord.” It's not just emotional processing but spiritual memory-keeping.* Do you think encouragement is a gift?Absolutely. Creative Dee sees encouragement as a God-given mandate. She uses words to lift others, much like Isaiah 50:4—“The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary.” Her posts gently restore, not reprimand. This pastoral heart is intentional, reflecting Jesus’ gentle yet powerful communication style.* How do you choose who to subscribe to or read from?She curates her Substack intake based on values: growth, spirituality, excellence and purpose. She’s not swayed by the “follow-for-follow” culture. Philippians 4:8 guides her lens: “Whatever is true, whatever is noble...think on these things.” Her standard is growth, not clout.* What’s your relationship with feedback or criticism?It’s a work in progress. She admits that harsh tones in feedback used to affect her deeply, but she’s learning to separate tone from truth. Proverbs 27:6: “Wounds from a friend can be trusted” anchors her heart. Criticism, for her, is not rejection but refining. And one must ultimately work on the feedback they get from others.* Do you think your writing has spilled into other expressions?Yes. From Instagram quotes to a Spotify playlist and her free book, The Artist and His Work of Art, Creative Dee sees obedience in writing as the seed that bore multiple expressions. Like the faithful servant in Matthew 25:21, she’s stewarding her talents across platforms.* What are you seeing long-term?She’s not rushing but discerning. While new expressions might come, she’s keen on making sure God leads the way. Hebrews 11:8, It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home, reflects her journey—walking without knowing all the details but fully trusting the One who calls.To know more about how Creative Dee is leading a life of purpose, obedience, and creativity led by the Holy Spirit, check her out:On Substack: Creative Dee On Instagram: Creative_Dee18Spotify: Unveiling You by Creative_Dee18See you on the next one, Cheers! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shittuisaac.substack.com

Listen to Taiwo Adetola share her Substack experience where she writes weekly about warmth, Love and Jesus. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shittuisaac.substack.com

This is the first in a series of conversations I will be having with other Substackers as they share their Substack journey. Have a listen. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shittuisaac.substack.com