The Glory in Failure: Why Every Defeat Is a Lesson Disguised as Pain.

By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com

“Celebrating setbacks, learning through pain and turning losses into the raw material of greatness.”

The Power of Falling Forward.
Failure; the WORD that frightens millions, breaks dreams and often silences ambition. Yet, to those who truly understand life, failure is not the OPPOSITE of success; it is the FOUNDATION of it. Every stumble, every rejection, every disappointment carries within it the seed of wisdom. “I have not failed,” said Thomas Edison after a thousand unsuccessful attempts to invent the light bulb, “I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

In celebrating my failures as I do my successes, I choose not to drown in self-pity or frustration but to rise with understanding. For in every fall lies a reason and in every reason, a lesson waiting to be learned. Life’s defining difference is not between success and failure, but between those who give up and those who use failure as fuel for the next leap.

Understanding the Nature of Failure.
Failure is not a curse; it is an inevitable companion on the journey of excellence. Psychologists at Stanford University describe failure as a “NEUROLOGICAL FEEDBACK SYSTEM,” an event that triggers learning and adaptation within the human brain. The discomfort we feel after failing is not punishment; it is a call to SELF-CORRECTION. Carol Dweck, author of Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, argues that people with a “GROWTH MINDSET” view failure as information, not defeat. “EFFORT,” she wrote, “is what ignites ability and turns it into accomplishment.”

In my journey, I have learned to observe failure with gratitude. Not every path chosen in confidence leads to the right destination. Sometimes, what you thought was the best choice reveals its folly only when the results come. Although that is the beauty of the process, we are not designed to be flawless; we are designed to evolve.

The Courage to Celebrate Downfalls.
It takes courage to celebrate failure. Society glorifies success stories though hides the broken pieces that shaped them. We see the triumphs of great men and women but rarely the TEARS, DOUBTS and DETOURS behind their RISE. Nelson Mandela in his words, “Do not judge me by my success; judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”

When we celebrate failure, we do not glorify LOSS; we glorify LEARNING. We acknowledge the human condition; the fragile, uncertain, yet resilient nature of existence. Every time you choose to celebrate your fall, you rob fear of its power over your destiny. You begin to see the symmetry of life: the ups and downs are not enemies; they are alternating rhythms in the song of purpose.

Lessons Hidden in Defeat. Some of the world’s most remarkable achievements were born out of failure.

Walt Disney was fired for “LACKING IMAGINATION.”

Albert Einstein did not speak fluently until age nine and was “EXPELLED FROM SCHOOL.”

Oprah Winfrey was once told she was “UNFIT FOR TELEVISION.”

Steve Jobs was fired from the very company he founded before returning “TO BUILD APPLE INTO A GLOBAL EMPIRE.”

What unites these individuals is not luck, but resilience; the ability to reinterpret failure as redirection. “Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm,” said Winston Churchill. That enthusiasm (that refusal to surrender to defeat) defines those who ultimately change the world.

Failure as a Mirror.
Failure reveals character. It strips away illusions and forces self-honesty. It makes you ask: Who am I when nothing works? Who am I when applause turns to silence?
In those quiet moments of doubt, the real growth happens.

Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche wrote, “That which does not kill us makes us stronger.” This is not a call to endure pain passively but to extract power from it. When we confront our failures, we refine our judgment, clarify our goals and strengthen our spirit. We stop living to impress others and start living to fulfill purpose.

It is in failure that humility is born and humility is the seed of wisdom. Every wise man is a product of mistakes properly examined.

The Science of Gratitude in Failure.
Gratitude, psychologists say, changes the brain’s chemistry. A study published in Frontiers in Psychology revealed that gratitude activates the medial prefrontal cortex and the region associated with DECISION-MAKING and EMOTIONAL BALANCE. In essence, when we choose to be grateful even in failure, we are not denying pain; we are rewiring the brain to see beyond it.

In my own philosophy, GRATITUDE IS NOT OPTIONAL; IT IS ESSENTIAL. When I look back at my failures, I do not see wasted years. I see preparation; chapters that shaped endurance, insight and discernment. Gratitude turns regret into reflection and reflection turns experience into wisdom.

The Thin Line Between Success and Failure.
Life has a strange balance, the difference between success and failure often lies in time and perspective. The “DOWN” moments are not permanent; they are pauses that prepare you for your “UP” moments. The wheel of life turns for everyone and the wise learn to stay calm in both ascent and descent.

Lao Tzu, the Chinese philosopher wrote: “Failure is the foundation of success and the means by which it is achieved.” Success and failure are twins not opposites. The same HUMILITY that sustains you in failure must guide you in success. When you understand this, you stop fearing life’s unpredictability and start embracing its rhythm.

Humanity Thrives on Those Who Learn.
The progress of humanity is built on the courage of those who dared to fail. The Wright Brothers failed multiple times before achieving FLIGHT. Marie Curie faced skepticism and poverty before pioneering RADIOACTIVITY. Nelson Mandela endured 27 years in prison before becoming a symbol of RECONCILIATION.

These are not stories of perfection; they are testimonies of perseverance. Humanity thrives when we see failure not as a verdict but as a voice whispering, “TRY AGAIN, BUT WISER.”

In my failure, I find HUMANITY the collective struggle of all who dared to dream and fell short then rose again. In my success, I find RESPONSIBILITY the duty to remind others that failure is not fatal and victory is never final.

Final Reflections: Gratitude as the Greatest Victory.
In the end, life is not a straight line but a dance between LOSS and GAIN. To celebrate failure is to declare independence from FEAR. It is to say, “I am not my mistakes; I am the lessons they taught me.”

When gratitude becomes your default language, every setback becomes sacred. You begin to see that the journey itself (not the trophy) is the true reward. Gratitude transforms pain into perspective, failure into formation and disappointment into divine preparation.

As the great author C.S. Lewis once wrote, “Failures, repeated failures are finger posts on the road to achievement. One fails forward toward success.” Those who grasp this truth rise above the temporary shame of defeat and embrace the eternal wisdom of growth.

So, I celebrate my failures as I do my successes. In every fall, I bow in gratitude. In every rise, I give thanks. For in failure, I have found clarity and in success, I have found responsibility.

To live with this understanding is to conquer life itself; for gratitude is not merely the posture of the heart; it is the CROWN of WISDOM.

Written by George Omagbemi Sylvester
Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com

Apostle Ayoola Oladele: A visionary prophet based in Lagos, transforming lives through his selfless humanitarian efforts
…inspiring a brighter future for Lagos community
~By Oluwaseun Fabiyi

Apostle Ayoola Oladele, founder of Letusworshiphealingministries, has made a commendable move, reflective of his ongoing commitment to community service, as evidenced by his ministry’s headquarters in Lagos and its impact within the Lagos metropolitan area

What qualities define a genuine man of God who personifies Jesus Christ? This outstanding Apostle of God, Ayoola Oladele consistently demonstrates these attributes, seeking no recompense from the community

Throughout the history of our Lord Jesus Christ, the scriptures reveal that Jesus traversed various communities, providing sustenance to the masses and performing healing miracles. Notably, the biblical account of Jesus Christ using two fishes and a loaf of bread to feed thousands serves as a paradigm for Apostle Ayoola Oladele’s philanthropic endeavors within his jurisdiction.

*A Call to Serve Humanity:*

Through his midia aide, Oluwaseun Fabiyi says Apostle Ayoola Oladele reiterated that community service and societal giving-back remain integral components of his ministry’s calling.

While Apostle Ayoola Oladele was still serving in the Nigerian Military, he heard God’s voice calling him to undertake His gospel assignment, which ultimately led to his formal resignation as a military officer stationed at the Ikeja Cantonment

Having established Letusworshiphealingministries several years ago, Apostle Ayoola Oladele’s ministry has experienced exponential growth across all facets of its activities. Indeed, it is a healing ministry imbued with unadulterated power, as exemplified by the miraculous healing of a street-walking madman in Lagos in 2024, which propelled Apostle Ayoola Oladele’s ministry and name to global recognition.

*Philosophy of the Save the Needy Foundation:*

As the ministry experienced rapid growth, Apostle Ayoola Oladele received divine inspiration and guidance to undertake community-focused social responsibility initiatives, thereby addressing the people’s needs in a distinct manner. He promptly set up ‘Save The Needy With Your Substance’, a registered ministry and Godly non-profit government organization (NGO) with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), without hesitation to God’s voice, funded by himself and some church members under spiritual guidance.

*Is Save the Needy’s Ministry having a lasting impact?*

Absolutely yes, with a lucid mind and compassionate visionary leader, Apostle Ayoola Oladele’s vision-driven approach can never be overlooked and is unmatched within the society.To state the facts without embellishment, Save The Needy has clearly made a substantial difference in the lives of many disadvantaged Lagosians, encompassing out-of-school students, orphanage homes, elderly women and men, widows, widowers, and correctional centers; all of whom have benefited from Save The Needy’s initiatives within Lagos and its environs

As part of their humanitarian services, Apostle Ayoola Oladele recently led a massive team from Save The Needy on a visit to Agege central market, railway, Abule Egba, Iyana Ipaja down to Ile-epo area of Lagos and subsequently returned to Ikeja, down to Oshodi to donate food stuff, clothing materials, and cash to orphanages, the General Hospital in Igbogbi at Yaba to settle their hospital bills, a Police Station, and some areas of Ajao Estate, to name a few.

On a monthly basis, they would usually gather en masse to undertake this activity between 12:00 pm and 6:30 pm, joined by Apostle Ayoola Oladele’s wife and the church faithful, who were wholly supportive.

*Are there any financial returns or gains?*

All these activities were executed monthly to honor God, without any governmental or influential sponsorship, either domestically or internationally. The ministry incurred substantial monthly expenditures of millions of Naira, but God has consistently been its primary source of support and sustainability. We undertook these initiatives without anticipating reciprocal gestures from individuals, instead relying on God’s word.

We wholeheartedly invite anyone who feels inclined to partner or provide support to join us, as we formally appeal for support from philanthropic individuals, good Nigerians at home and abroad, brothers and sisters in Africa, and people of all nations worldwide – White, Arab, French, Asian, and everyone across the globe.

We respectfully solicit your support for Save The Needy’s With Your Substance Humanitarian Foundation, a charitable organization established in 2020 that provides assistance to the underprivileged without regard to religion, tribe, or creed.

*Services We Rendered:*

– Care for *fatherless* and *motherless* children

– Support for *widows* and *widowers*

– Assistance to *old age* men and women

– Aid to *prisoners*, *hospitalized patients*, and those in psychiatric care

– Relief for people affected by *crisis*, *flood*, *fire*, or other disasters

– Help for *individuals in need*

Bible Verses on Caring for the Needy:

1. *James 1:27*: “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”

2. *Deuteronomy 10:18*: “He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing.”

3. *Isaiah 1:17*: “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”

*Ways to Support:*

– Donate to: *Account Name*: SAVE THE NEEDYS WITH YOUR SUBSTANCE HUMANITARIAN FOUNDATION, *Account number*: 2047164004, *Bank name*: First Bank PLC.

– Contact: +2348036343973, WhatsApp/Line: +2348181959243.

– Venue: CDC Hall, Oshodi Local Government Secretariat Complex, Lagos, Nigeria.

*Call to Action:*

Please help spread the word about *Save The Needy’s With Your Substance Humanitarian Foundation*. Tell someone, tell somebody, tell people around you about this foundation serving humanity with dignity. Your one cent counts.

May God bless you abundantly for your kindness and support

#goviral #HelpersOfDestiny #humanitarian #helperofdestiny #GovernorAdeleke #salvationministriesworldwide #letsworshipGod #lekkirealestate #MiracleWorkingGod

*United Kingdom of Atlantis Extends Heartfelt Congratulations to The Right Reverend and Right Honourable Sarah Mullally as 106th Archbishop of Canterbury*

​ The United Kingdom of Atlantis (UKA), the oldest Empire in the world and the entire Universal Nations Alliance (UNA) today extended their profound congratulations and warmest wishes to The Right Reverend and Right Honourable Sarah Mullally on her historic appointment as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury. This significant announcement has been met with widespread acclaim, particularly from Dr. Solomon Uchenna Wining, the Supreme Leader of the UKA and Head of UNA’s Supreme Authority, who emphasized the progressive nature of this appointment.

​”On behalf of the United Kingdom of Atlantis and the Universal Nations Alliance, I wish to convey our deepest and most sincere congratulations to The Right Reverend and Right Honourable Sarah Mullally,” stated Dr. Wining. “Her appointment as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury is not merely a moment of ecclesiastical significance but a powerful testament to the Church’s evolving understanding of modern realities and its commitment to inclusivity and representation.”

​Dr. Wining lauded the Church of England for its forward-thinking decision, highlighting how such appointments reflect a church that is vibrant, dynamic, and responsive to the needs and aspirations of contemporary society.

​”This is a truly momentous occasion that underscores the Church’s readiness to embrace change and leadership that mirrors the diverse tapestry of our world,”

Dr. Wining continued. “The elevation of a woman to such a pivotal role sends a clear and resounding message across the globe: that leadership is defined by wisdom, compassion, and spiritual fortitude, irrespective of gender.”

​He further added, “In a world that is constantly advancing and seeking greater equity, the Church of England has demonstrated unequivocally that it is up to speed with modern realities. This decision showcases a profound understanding that the spiritual guidance and administrative acumen required for such a high office are not exclusive to any one demographic. It signals a new era of openness and a willingness to challenge historical norms for the greater good of its congregation and society at large.”

​Dr. Wining also expressed his confidence in Archbishop Mullally’s ability to lead with grace, wisdom, and strength. “We are confident that Archbishop Mullally will bring unparalleled dedication and insight to her new role. Her extensive experience and profound spiritual commitment will undoubtedly guide the Church through both its enduring traditions and its necessary adaptations to the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.”

​The United Kingdom of Atlantis and the Universal Nations Alliance look forward to observing the positive impact of Archbishop Mullally’s leadership and envision a future where all institutions continue to evolve in ways that promote equality, understanding, and progress.