The Christian Author Interview with Segun James- Episode 11

The Essence Challenge was put on hold due to the current situation in our Nation, Nigeria. We had to take some time off for our mental health and yours also. A quick word of hope to everyone reading this: In this New month, be ready for calmness and peace. It shall flow like a river in all areas of your life. Amen.

In the previous episode, we had Michelle Obama here with us, sorry Michelle Ogunniyi; and it was such a wonderful time with her. Joining us on the platform today, is a man. Let me keep calm with his idenity for now, he will do justice to that during introduction.

Readers, let’s rock and roll; shall we?

Do you remember the drill? Loveth Opeyemi is the Interviewer, we are just an intermediary that loves talking (winks)

Interview Team Lead: Ladies, and Gentlemen, welcome; Loveth and James (digital claps)

Loveth: The first time I saw you; you were addressing some students in the university. So please tell us about yourself?

James: I am Segun James. I am a believer and a lover of God and His people. I find fulfillment in making others realize their purpose and their true self. I am a writer (of course, an author) and a life coach.

Interview Team Lead: A Coach? Wow, you are the second coach we have on this Interview. First, it was Stephanie Miller, an amazing lady. I am sure you are amazing, too, right? Yes, you are. You are welcome

Loveth: Recap is a book which talks about 31 principles for successful living. Why the title ‘Recap’?

James: I discovered that many of us have a lot of information we have failed to make use of at our disposal. The basic challenge of this generation is not that we don’t “know”; the challenge is that we don’t “do.” So it’s basically a book that provides at least most of the readers with the information they are not familiar with; it only brings back to mind what they already know and encouraging that they become doers of what they know. Hence, the title RECAP.

Loveth: ‘Learning is not an end, but a means to an end’ can you elaborate on that phrase written on your book cover?

James: Just like I mentioned above, it’s not enough to acquire information; it’s expedient to proceed further to make use of that particular information. The end to which everyone should learn is to be transformed. And transformation doesn’t just happen until what is learned has been put to use.

Interview Team Lead: My take-home quote is this; ‘transformation doesn’t just happen until what is learned has been put to use.’

Loveth: I must confess I was enlightened by all 31 principles you mentioned in your book. I believe other readers took something home too. However, I’d like you to throw more light on the principle of investment in God’s work.

James: I quoted William Branham in the book as saying, “I am showing you a real investment to make. Put your life, your time, your money, your talents, put everything you got in Christ. God guaranteed it to us by raising him up”. This means that there is nothing you invest in God’s work that you’re not going to get back. God is not in the business of owing men, and He is not about to start with you.

Interview Team Lead: Thank you for your response; every investment with God surely has a laudable return.

Loveth: The 31st principle is the principle of rest. I believe there must be a reason why you made rest the last principle for successful living. Tell us why?

James: Particularly, rest was made the last principle because I believe you’re only permitted to rest after you’ve worked. It’s gross laziness to get rest without working. And I love Proverbs 6:6-11 it says that “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest. How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? When wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man”.

Interview Team Lead: There is a time for everything; that’s what the Scriptures say—a time to rest when all work is done. But, do not overwork yourself. It is important; you take a break when necessary.

Loveth: Rest can be good when done at the right time and can be dangerous at the wrong time. Can you share with us when to rest and how to balance rest with activities?

James: Okay, I think I just answered this partly in question 5 above, but to get further details, you can check the last principle of my book “RECAP.”

Loveth: Tell us how your relationship with God has influenced your life journey and become an author?

James: Well, I rarely do anything without instruction from God. Becoming an author was an instruction I got when I set aside to seek God’s face for the next phase of assignment He would have me do. And of course, I believe that when we have a personal relationship with God, He will lead us step after step as He brings us into the fulfillment of the reason He created us.

Loveth: What message do you hope your readers take away from the 3 volumes of your books?

James: Basically, I want them to know that reading the book or other books is not enough, they should be intentional about doing whatever they learned from the books they read, cos it is by observing to do according to what is written that we can make our ways prosperous and obtain success.

Loveth: Seeing that you’re a personal development coach who trains teens, especially to live a purposeful life, I’ll like you to share words of advice to teens and youths.

James: This year’s Essence Challenge encourages us to read, which I believe is essential, but beyond reading, as I said above, youths and teenagers should also seek to make use of the information they acquire from their many readings. Also, it’s God’s desire as it is mine that we do not only walk the earth but leave marks upon it, and we can not do this effectively until we discover the reason for being here. Therefore, I encourage us to discover our purpose and seek to fulfill the reason why God sent us to Earth.

Loveth: How can we connect with you and read your books?

James: You can download my books from my website www.segunjames.com.ng and you can connect with me via my social media handles below:

Facebook: @Segun James

Instagram: @iamthesegunjames

Twitter: iamsegunjames

LinkedIn: Segun James

Interview Team Lead: Okay, there you have it. Did you enjoy this episode? You did right, I can see you smiling. I did also, and I want to appreciate everyone who stopped by today. It means a lot to us, we are grateful. Kindly listen to our podcast on Anchor or via your favourite listening platforms like Google podcasts or Spotify. On Anchor, you can get all our other links. Thank you so much for joining in. Till we meet next time on Interviews, be well and happy.