Moments with Leah Chestnut

Moments with Leah Chestnut Sharing family fun/love, rap flows & worship vibes — life’s best mix.
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06/08/2026

They called him a fool for agreeing to join us in holy matrimony.
Some even claimed that my church pastor had "played smart" and deceived him into officiating our wedding so that he wouldn't be implicated, disciplined, or suspended because of all the controversy surrounding our relationship.
Yet despite the short notice, Rev Hei Ryemshak graciously agreed to solemnize our marriage.
More than that, he invited us to his home so he could get to know us personally before the wedding. On the eve of our wedding, we sat with him for hours, until about 10 pm or there about, going through what would normally be weeks of premarital counseling.

What stood out to me was that he didn't simply rely on the traditional vows we all know by heart: "for better, for worse; for richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health."
Instead, he asked us real-life questions that made us think deeply about the covenant we were about to enter:

• Do you agree to keep her and care for her even if she becomes blind?
• Do you agree to feed and clothe her?
• Do you agree that you will not beat her or treat her harshly?
• Do you agree that you would keep her, even if she does not give birth?
• If difficult seasons come, will you still remain committed to one another?
These weren't just ceremonial questions. They were questions about commitment, sacrifice, character, and unconditional love.

Many people are familiar with the words "for better or worse," but few stop to consider what those words truly mean. It's easy to say those vows on a wedding day when everyone is smiling and celebrating. The real test comes when life happens.
When sickness comes, when finances become tight, when disappointment knocks at the door, when dreams don't unfold as planned, or when your spouse faces challenges they never expected, will you still honor the vows you made before God and His people?
Marriage is not sustained by feelings alone. It is sustained by commitment, grace, forgiveness, sacrifice, and the daily decision to keep choosing one another, even when circumstances change.

More than seven years later, I remain grateful for Ryemshak's wisdom, courage, and willingness to stand with us when others chose criticism. Thank you sir for investing your time, prayers, and counsel into our marriage. Your words challenged us to think beyond the wedding day and prepare for a lifetime commitment.

What marriage vow do you think people understand the least until life puts it to the test?

"My pastor told us, 'Leah and Chris, whether you like it or not, you must make this marriage work.' Those words carried ...
06/08/2026

"My pastor told us, 'Leah and Chris, whether you like it or not, you must make this marriage work.' Those words carried so much weight because of all the negativity and opposition that surrounded our relationship from the very beginning.
I didn't initially include my pastor, Rev. US Amadik, or inform him during the early stages of my relationship because I was afraid he might not approve. With all the stories, opinions, and negativity surrounding in*******al marriages, I wasn't sure what his reaction would be.

However, my brother, Luka of blessed memory, encouraged me to speak with him. He reminded me that if I truly believed this relationship was from God, I shouldn't be afraid to seek counsel and prayers from my spiritual father.
Eventually, I listened to my brother's advice and informed my pastor.
Sadly, the same month I finally spoke to him, July, to be precise,was the month my brother passed. When I sat down with my pastor, I honestly expected criticism, disapproval, or at least some discouraging words. Instead, he listened carefully and allowed me to tell my story from beginning to end. When I was done, the first thing he asked was, "Is he born again?"
I answered, 'Yes.'
He continued: 'Where does he worship? Is he baptized? Who is his pastor?'
After I answered those questions, he asked, 'How well do you know him?'
Those questions alone told me everything I needed to know about what mattered most to him.

As I explained our journey and everything I knew about Chris, he smiled and said, 'You know him so well; it's almost as if you've lived together.' That's a story for another day.
My pastor then requested to speak directly with Chris and his pastor. He did exactly that. After their conversations, he told me he was encouraged by what he heard and believed they were genuine believers who were serious about their walk with God.

Although he couldn't attend our wedding because of an emergency transfer to Lagos, he made sure we were not left alone. He contacted his friend, Rev. Remshak, who stood with us, did our marriage counseling and blessed our union. I'll share more about Rev. Remshak in another episode.
When my pastor eventually returned from Lagos, he sat Chris and me down, prayed for us, blessed us, gave us godly counsel, and told us firmly, 'You must make this marriage work.'
Many people predicted the end of our marriage before it even began. Yet here we are, over eight years later, still standing by God's grace.

Fast forward to 2019, when I received an invitation for my medicals/visa interview in Lagos, I stayed at my pastor's home for more than a month while completing my medicals and interview process. I eventually left for the United States from his house. His wife cared for us like family and made that season much easier.
My brother, my best friend, and my best man, Samsing Samsing, traveled all the way from Jos to Lagos with my mom to see me off at the airport. This guy immediately turned Lagosian and refused to go back to Jos, 😆

Looking back on your own journey, who has been that one person God used to guide, support, or encourage you when it mattered most?

06/07/2026

One minute she's speaking English, the next she's chatting away in Pidgin and making Grandma laugh. Moments like these remind me that culture, language, and family bonds can cross oceans and generations.

On November 22, 2018, during the payment of my brideprice, one of my aunts called me into my mom's room and asked, "How ...
06/07/2026

On November 22, 2018, during the payment of my brideprice, one of my aunts called me into my mom's room and asked, "How well do you know this man? We're worried because of the stories we've heard about in*******al marriages." Then i responded with I know him very well. Then she asked again in Hausa, "Kin san shi?" (Do you know him?) I replied, "Yes, I do. I've been speaking with his with his mom, his pastor, his mom's pastor, and we've been praying and fasting together. "After listening, she simply said, "If that's the case, I wish you the best and will pray for you."

Looking back, I appreciate her approach. It's okay to be concerned. It's okay to ask questions. But there's a difference between seeking understanding and rushing to judgment. Thank you, Aunty Joyce Angba, for expressing your concerns with love, and asking asking questions rather than making assumptions. I appreciate you supporting my decision even when you had fears of your own.

Have you ever had a family member disagree with or worry about one of your major life decisions but still support you anyway?

Aside from all the challenges, doubts, and negativity we faced along the way, God surrounded us with people who were tru...
06/06/2026

Aside from all the challenges, doubts, and negativity we faced along the way, God surrounded us with people who were truly heaven-sent. These men of God were, and still are, a tremendous blessing in my life.
When I shared my relationship with them and explained that I wanted to keep things low-key, they naturally asked questions about him. After hearing my answers and seeing how well I knew him, they were at peace. I simply asked them to pray with us and for us, that God's will would be done.
There was no judgment. No condemnation. No fearmongering. Just wisdom, support, encouragement, and prayers. They even fasted on our behalf.

One thing I have learned is the importance of having spiritual fathers and mentors who genuinely care about your well-being and your walk with God. Men like Pastor Isah of Mohammed and Pastor Roy Matthew of 3:16, stood by us during that season. Pastor Isah Mohammed helped us scheduled a date for our court wedding and represented my husband's family during our traditional marriage ceremony.
Not everyone who asks questions is against you. Some people ask because they care, and after seeking God's guidance, they choose to support you with love and prayer.

Who are the people God has placed in your life that have stood with you through major decisions and difficult seasons?

06/06/2026

While millions of Nigerians struggle with poverty and many families do not know where their next meal will come from, children as young as 2 to 11 years old are still being held and tortured in kidnappers' camps. Communities across North Central continue to suffer deadly attacks from Fulaniherdsmen, the North East battles terrorism, and the North West remains under siege from banditry.
In times like these, many Nigerians expect leaders and public figures to use their voices to speak for the vulnerable, especially women and children who are bearing the brunt of the crisis.

I remember how former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan passionately spoke out during the Chibok girls' abduction. Despite the criticism and ridicule she often faced, she did not remain silent when children were taken from their families.

Today, many Nigerians are asking why there seems to be more focus on politics and campaigns than on addressing the suffering of innocent citizens. But here's our first lady, a so called pastor and a mother, pledging to donate cars to APC women leaders in states where the party does not control governorship. As a mother and a prominent national figure, many had hoped to hear stronger advocacy for victims of violence, kidnapping, and insecurity. But No, she never condemned it or spoke about it. Rather she's busy campaigning for her husband and boasting about being the first woman to go to the Senate 3 times.

Tell me, will she be doing politics if her children or grandchildren were another the kidnapped victims?
The lives of Nigerian children should never be secondary to politics. Their safety, freedom, and future should be everyone's priority.
What should be the top priority of Nigeria's leaders today: politics or protecting lives?

10 PM and my girls are happily eating semo with okra soup.These two love swallow(fufu) so much that they'll ask for it e...
06/05/2026

10 PM and my girls are happily eating semo with okra soup.
These two love swallow(fufu) so much that they'll ask for it even late at night. Most days it's, "Mommy, I want tuwo!" or "Grandma, I want Atuwo!" We’ve learned to always keep some in the house.
The funny part? Their dad can't stand okra soup because of the slimy texture, yet it's one of their absolute favorites! They even prefer okra, karkashi, and kuka soups over vegetable or egusi soup.
What amazes me most is that they've fully embraced Nigerian food and culture before ever setting foot there. As a Nigerian mom raising in*******al kids with an American dad, it brings me so much joy to see them growing up with the best of both worlds🇳🇬🇺🇸

What's the one food your kids would happily eat at any hour of the day, even right before bedtime?

06/05/2026

You thought you were going for a walk, but your girls had already scheduled a gymnastics exhibition at the park.
These gymnasts weren't about to let me leave without seeing every flip, jump, balance, and trick they've been working on. Safe to say, I got the VIP front-row seat to their performance!

06/04/2026

Sometimes the greatest support you can give someone isn't an opinion, it's a prayer and the freedom to let God write their story.

POV: My school mom's response when she was told it was shameful to support my decision to marry a stranger and that the ...
06/04/2026

POV: My school mom's response when she was told it was shameful to support my decision to marry a stranger and that the marriage was destined to fail.

Her response was simple:
"Let's commit her to God in prayer. If this is His will, it will prosper. If it isn't, it will fall apart."
No arguments. No defending my choices. No back-and-forth. Just faith and prayer.

I'm especially grateful for aunt Yawe Martha Datiri Martha Yawe Datiri, and every other person who chose prayer over criticism, faith over fear, and grace over judgment.

Sometimes the greatest support you can give someone isn't an opinion, it's a prayer and the freedom to let God write their story.

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