Nigerian actress, Juliana Olayode has voiced her dissatisfaction over the way some social media users are using the “Holy Spirit, carry me” trend.
Olayode, on Instagram, emphasised that while asking the Holy Spirit for assistance is acceptable, captions referencing personal attributes such as weight or physical appearance are wrong, citing examples like “Holy Spirit no carry me because of my big nyash”.
She questioned whether those using the trend understand who they are addressing and urged respect and reverence towards the Holy Spirit.
She wrote, “It’s absolutely okay for us to ask the Holy Spirit to carry us; that’s a powerful prayer and a beautiful song.
“What I don’t quite understand are some of the captions that are turning it into a cruise. Seeing captions like Holyspirit no carry me because of my big nyash, because I get weight, because he no like small things, makes me cringe.
Do we know who we’re talking about here? The Holyspirit?!
“Please, let’s be careful. Let’s not reduce something sacred to a joke. Please, let’s honour and revere the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is not for trends or a punchline for attention. Let’s honour Him.
“I know we like to joke and catch cruise online, and sometimes it’s really just vibes. But I’ve been feeling a bit uncomfortable; we Christians take too many things with levity. People of other religions wouldn’t dare mention the name of their prophet or god without honour. We throw the name of JESUS around with no regard for the Holy Spirit? No, please, it’s a No! No!
“Everything can’t always be fun and games, not when it concerns someone so precious, not when it concerns THE HOLYSPIRIT. For me personally, we can make jokes, do fun things, and be joyful without being careless. Just sharing my heart”.
The trend, which has gained popularity on TikTok, involves reaching out to the Holy Spirit, often depicted as a bird.
Several notable actresses, including Funke Akindele and Mercy Johnson, have participated in the trend.