Bishop Funke Adejumo has reflected on the pressures that can come with greater influence, saying growth often brings both visibility and criticism.
“When you get to the top, you become the topic,” she said.
According to Adejumo, criticism and increased battles should not always surprise people after a major season of growth or accomplishment.
“If you are getting criticism, it is the side effects,” she said. “If battles begin to rage, it is the side effects.”
She also spoke about the transition from simply occupying a role to becoming a person of greater influence and responsibility, describing the difference between being a wife, mother and eventually a matriarch.
Adejumo noted that greater influence can also bring financial responsibilities, expectations from partners and pressures that outsiders may not immediately see.
“Sometimes you are too strong. People don’t know what you are dealing with,” she said.
She added:
“Sometimes you have to hide your tears because you raised the standard.”
Her message was that greater influence may open new doors, but it can also bring greater pressure, responsibility and scrutiny.