Staying Soft Book Launch: A Soft Place to Land (EVENT)

—25/01/25. The Official Book Launch of Staying Soft. Lagos, Nigeria.

Some moments in life leave an imprint on your heart. My book launch for Staying Soft: Poems to Restore Your Heart to Softness in Christ was one of those moments. Thinking about it now warms my heart all over again.

For months, I envisioned an event that wasn’t just about selling a book but about creating an experience of reflection, community, and grace. I didn’t want anyone to feel left out, so I made sure that even those who couldn’t buy the book would leave with something meaningful. Each guest received a small card with their name, a quote from the book, and a reflective question. Many told me how their card spoke directly to something they were going through. That was humbling.

More than anything, I wanted this event to feel like home. I wanted people to find connections. I also secretly hoped I could enjoy the event without worrying too much as the organizer. A concerned friend told me it wouldn’t be possible. But, somehow, I did both.

This was only possible because of the beautiful people who stood beside me. To @thebaton_ng; as well as every volunteer—thank you for giving your hearts to this event, for your time, your support, and your generosity. I couldn’t have done this without you.

My father took the opening prayer, and I held my heart in my chest, hoping that it would not turn into a deliverance service. You never know how the Holy Spirit will lead your African parent, and before you know it, your guests are falling under the anointing and rolling on the ground. Ok, ok I am kidding. But I am imagining that scenario for a second, and my ribs are cracking. 😹

I now realise that I should not have taken so long to write this. For I can no longer remember in perfect detail everything that happened. However, here is a pullquote from a letter I’d sent to my mailing list the week after:

We did it, Joe! First book launch ever and it could not have happened without you. Thank you for showing up, it was lovely to meet and talk with you while sharing this first-time launching experience. Thank you!

I want to say that I was worried that things would not go well and whatnot but I promise you I wasn’t. 😹 It is quite hilarious when I think about it now but it was God and the best support/teammates I could have asked for. On the morning of the launch, my Awksijin (Smallie) arrived in Lagos to find me still wearing my house clothes and not in any way ready for the makeup that she was supposed to help me with. That’s how relaxed I was. By the way, the makeup? 8.

From the curated, customised cards to the softest hand tags and merch from WiiCreate (event sponsor), the event producers (Chibunna and Ejirhoghene @thebaton), the guests, the Q & A session (moderated by Amanda, my Damini, my most wonderful host), the speakers, every volunteer, the games that almost disgraced me 😭, the snacks, the drinks and of course the cake…I could not have asked for a better day. My heart is full. Thank you. ❤️

When I think about this day, I glorify God. My hope is that as many people that came had their hearts softened, found community and most of all, just remembered again that God is really on our side. He is on your side and if you keep in His blessed Will, you will find no need for hardness no matter how hard this world gets.

We achieved so much on that day!

1. We are kickstarting our literacy program called One Book One Child geared towards setting up libraries in Nigerian public schools. This is possible because a percentage of every Naira from the event (from your buying either the books/arts or supporting in any way) was donated towards this cause. I cannot wait to share more updates with you! Thank you so much for giving to this.
   ​
2. A couple of you brought your old books. See, the quality of the books we received amazed me and I’m not gonna lie, I coveted some of them for myself. 😭 But don’t worry, each book will go to a child who needs it. Thank you!
   ​
3. A couple of you also got our beautiful art pieces and it was a delight to see them hanging on the wall to inspire softness in your home or space. Thank you, thank you so much! You can still get yours on bit.ly/softiesart. Send me a picture if you have got one already. 😉

Mailing letter from 05/02/24.

To everyone who attended the Staying Soft Book Launch, thank you. I hope it was worth your time. And to those who couldn’t make it, Staying Soft is still available for you to experience too. You can get your copy HERE.

Softness is still possible. And this book is my offering to help you find it.

A major highlight of this event was getting to launch the Staying Soft Framed Posters Art Collection. The reception was fabulous and we sold every piece that we made with people even customising their frames with different excerpts from the book. You can still get yours HERE.

These pictures have more words than I possess in my vocabulary. Enjoy!

If you enjoyed reading this, then please leave a comment below. It encourages me to keep writing. You can also support my writing ministry by giving a one-time or recurring donation. GOD bless you ✨

#StayingSoft #Poetry #Faith #BookLaunch #Gratitude