Nollywood actress Juliana Olayode has expressed concern over how some social media users are participating in the trending “Holy Spirit carry me” challenge.
The trend, which has gained popularity on platforms such as TikTok, involves users symbolically calling on the Holy Spirit, often represented as a bird, to “carry” them. While many participants treat the trend humorously, Olayode believes some posts have crossed the line.
Taking to Instagram, the actress said it is perfectly acceptable to pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance or help. However, she criticised captions that link the prayer to jokes about body size or physical appearance.
According to her, statements such as “Holy Spirit no carry me because of my big nyash” or comments referring to weight make her uncomfortable.
“It’s absolutely okay for us to ask the Holy Spirit to carry us; that’s a powerful prayer and a beautiful song,” she wrote.
“But seeing captions like ‘Holy Spirit no carry me because of my big nyash’ or because I get weight makes me cringe.”
Olayode questioned whether those participating in the trend fully understand the spiritual significance of the Holy Spirit.
She urged Christians to avoid trivialising sacred beliefs for online entertainment and called for greater reverence in how religious expressions are used on social media.
“Please, let’s be careful. Let’s not reduce something sacred to a joke,” she wrote, adding that the Holy Spirit should not become a punchline for attention or viral trends.
The actress also noted that while humour and lighthearted content are common online, believers should remain mindful of the boundaries when it comes to faith.
According to her, religious devotion can coexist with joy and creativity without being disrespectful.
The trend has attracted participation from several public figures, including Nollywood actresses Funke Akindele and Mercy Johnson, further boosting its popularity online.
Olayode, however, maintained that Christians should ensure that their online behaviour reflects respect for the spiritual beliefs they hold.
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