THE "WRIGGLE": :Window to your Freedom (PART 2)

The Biblical basis

In Proverbs chapter sixteen verse seven, the word of the Lord states, “When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies be at peace with him.” (Amplified Bible). Conversely, if a man’s way does not please the Lord, I dare to say that what will happen to him will be the opposite, that is to say, his enemies will not be at peace with him. I think this could be the reason behind curses and the battle in a Christian’s life most of the times, though not always. Sometimes Satan fights the Christian for no just cause just as it is in Job’s case. Read Job 2: 1-8.

In all honesty how many Christians are living sinless lives? How many are blameless, and how many are holy? The bible says, “Without holiness, no man can see the Lord.” Sometimes one may even be ignorant of the fact that he or she has sinned. He that does not offend in words the bible describes him as a perfect man. (James 3:2). But the Holy Spirit whispers into our hearts saying my son, or my daughter, do you know that you have just missed the mark? Some people gave that a coinage and described it as “the sins of the saints!” As Christians many of us know that there are some sins that are obvious such as are mentioned in the Bible. For example, the book of Revelations chapter one, verse eight reads:

But as for the cowards and the ignoble and the contemptible and the cravenly lacking in courage and the cowardly submissive, and as for the unbelieving and faithless, and as for the depraved and defiled with abominations, and as for murderers and the lewd and adulterous and the practicers of magic arts and the idolaters (those who give supreme devotion to anyone or anything other than God) and all liars those who knowingly convey untruth by word or deed) – [all of these shall have] their part in the lake that blazes with fire and brimstone. This is the second death. (Amplified Bible).

But what will one say about a Christian who is being ruled by anger almost all the time? Even though he or she may not blow up the top of the lid but in that quietness, gently boiling with anger, sin is already recorded against such a fellow except he or she repents and asks God for forgiveness. This brings to my mind the case of a Christian sister who was bitter but she did not know until one remarkable day. She attended a Sunday service at a church and having been convicted by the Spirit of the Lord to amend her ways, she responded to an altar call for re-dedication of her life to Jesus Christ. As she was sitting down in the waiting room expecting to meet with one of the church counsellors, the Holy Spirit confronted her with this reality. It was as if someone spoke to her inwardly, “You are bitter against God.” The sister could not believe what she heard. She was so disturbed and after meditating on that sentence for a while she accepted that it was true and she broke down weeping. One of the counsellors on standby saw her sobbing but he did not interrupt her. That was a good quality of a counsellor. He allowed the sister to settle her case with her creator unhindered. The lady in question quietly confessed her sin of bitterness against God and asked God to forgive her.

Beloved, I was that lady! I brightened up after the prayer and I beckoned to the counsellor who had actually been watching the ‘drama,’ and I said to him, “Sir, I am alright. I want to go home.” The counsellor asked, “Are you sure you are o.k. or will you like to still meet with a counsellor? I put up a beautiful smile and assured him that “all is well.” The counsellor prayed with me and I left the Counselling hall liberated from the spirit of bitterness and I went home rejoicing. Reading through this story, many questions may likely be racing through the mind of the reader. How can someone be bitter against God? Is that really possible? I understand your confusion. I was also taken by surprise. How can I be bitter against my creator? But remember that the Holy Spirit searches through the heart of man and He sees what is there even when it is latent, I mean when it appears nothing is at stake.

Considering our story let us imagine if Satan had struck the sister with infirmity, chains of calamities et cetera, many would have judged wrongly.  Some people who knew her closely might even vouch for her that the sister is living right with God, how could such a thing happen to her? But the truth was that she was actually ‘swimming’ in an ocean of bitterness for years against her creator due to the challenges of life she was confronted with. The accuser, Satan, actually had a foothold to hold on to, confidently reporting to God saying something like this, “Have you seen your so-called daughter living in the sin of bitterness? I have every right to attack her. What do you have to say, Master?” This is just my imagination! Thank God for the blood, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Some people may not be that fortunate to escape being struck by the devil even though they are born-again Christians. Deep-seated issues must be cleared with God’s mercy in order to scale through the accusation of the adversary.

THE "WRIGGLE" - Window to your Freedom (PART 1)

I have a message to put across. A message that may likely generate some questions, arguments, and counter-arguments among genuine Christians especially my friends in the theological field.

When I felt that the Spirit of the Lord was leading me to write on this “sensitive” topic in the year, 2012, I must confess that I trembled. The reason is simple. I am aware that many Christians still argue about a number of issues that are being exposed here, and I do not want to lead any child of God astray consciously or unconsciously. I dare say I am treading this terrain softly because many Christians have their biases about this discussion. Whatever I have written down are things that I believe God has given me the grace to share with the followers of Jesus Christ, globally.

 One day I was meditating on the word of God, and suddenly I found myself meditating on the word, “Warfare.” I began to ask myself the question, What is warfare? In my reflections, I see warfare as a war to be fought. That means there is a battle going on somewhere. With whom am I to fight this war? The powers of darkness! What does war connote? Violence of course! So since war has to do with violence that means it is not a matter of joke! Not at all! The meditation grew deeper. Can one fight any war silently?  I doubt it. There would always be noise I concluded. Now the next issue is since war calls for violence, can anyone pray spiritual warfare prayer as ‘silent prayer’? Is that how to fight a war?

            I do not know what others think, but the reflection jolted me to reality, and made the fact crystal clear to me that it is needful that one puts in all of one’s energy, by the power of the Holy Spirit to fight this type of war that has attracted the principalities and powers of hell to ‘crush’ someone spiritually, and physically if they can have their ways. Many supposed glorious destinies had been frustrated, ‘caged’ or completely ruined. Others started their journey in life with lofty promises of greatness in sight! Some mind-blowing prophecies had been declared on the lives of some others, but then no results at sight. Then the question pops up in one’s mind, “Where is the outcome of those promises and the fulfilment of those wonderful prophecies? Hun-uh, confusion sets in. Who is to blame? Satan, the individual, the society, the government of the land or who is responsible for this kind of supposed unfulfilled glorious future?

 At a period in my life, I began to ruminate over the unfulfilled promises and prophecies in my own life. As a regenerated soul, already washed by the blood of Jesus Christ, and walking in His ways, I was deeply disturbed and worried about my state. Spiritually, I was struggling to enjoy sweet fellowship with the Holy Spirit, as a result of loads of burdens, and doubts on my mind which I was not bold enough to share with close associates, how much more my spiritual overseers. What would they think about me? I will be presenting myself to them as a backsliding Christian if they get to know about my pains. But I was ‘dying.’ Stagnancy at all fronts! No progress at the place of work! By the time it appears as if progress was being made in the area of Christian Ministry, the devil would put up a wall again, and all hope would be lost.

I know that some of us Christians see “Dreams” as a lesser form of revelation. I was in your shoes before the Lord helped me to understand better by studying the scriptures. This write up is not about dreams, so I do not intend to teach on that, but suffice it to say that the dream that I had about a spiritual attack launched at my studies compelled me to begin some spiritual exercise such as fasting and praying. At the tail end of my studies, I almost experienced a set-back but the Lord intervened, then I appreciated God for the victory Jesus had won for me on the cross of Calvary.

 A Christian sister at my place of work gave me a copy of their church magazine, and after reading through some articles and testimonies that were printed there, I prayed and I saw the need to attend some of the prayer and deliverance programmes of the church. After some months, the Holy Spirit began to unfold some deep secrets to me about my life and the ministry that God has committed into my hands. On one occasion I received a message by the Spirit of the Lord, saying to me, “You will write a book for me,” and the title that was given to me that day is The "Wriggle."

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WE ARE YOUR ONE-STOP EDITORS/PROOFREADERS You can count on our expertise to help you edit: ·      Manuscripts/Articles/Reports ·      Theses/Dissertations ·      Documents/Et cetera OUR CHARGES ARE CUSTOMER-FRIENDLY

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PROFILE OF THE CHIEF EDITOR MRS. JOYCE ADEOLA OLUFEMI (B.A. Linguistics, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; M.Ed. Curriculum Planning and Development, Sterling University, Scotland, U.K; M.A. Linguistics, University of Ibadan; P.G.D.E. University of Ibadan, Nigeria. ·         Mrs. Joyce Adeola Olufemi is a seasoned teacher. ·         A godly and reputable Principal under Oyo state Teaching Service Commission, (TESCOM), Oyo State branch before her retirement. ·         She served as an editorial assistant/assistant information officer with a government publishing outfit in Enugu state during her Youth service. ·         She is a product of the Premier University, the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, where she studied Linguistics for the Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. ·         She also obtained another Master’s degree in Curriculum planning and Development from Sterling University, Scotland, in the United Kingdom. ·         She has a post-graduate diploma in Education with an emphasis on the teaching of English as a second language. ·         She has helped in proof-reading and editing many literary works. ·         She is also a translator of no mean repute to the glory of God. ·         She taught English Language and English Literature for many years as a Secondary school teacher as well as a School principal. ·         She is presently working on a life-changing manuscript on Secondary School administration with the ultimate goal of providing valuable resource material for School Administrators. AREAS OF COMPETENCE Proofreading Editing Translation                  PROFILE OF THE COORDINATING EDITOR                  DR. (MRS.) ESTHER ADENIKE LUOGON (N.C.E.(English/Yoruba), Federal College of Education, Abeokuta; B.Ed. Education/Guidance & Counselling with English Language as a teaching subject -University of Ibadan, Nigeria; M.A. Missions, Africa Int’l Univ. Nairobi-Kenya; Doctor of Ministry in Transformational Leadership for the Global City @ Bakke Graduate University, Seattle, U.S.A.; Certified Professional Counselor with The Canadian Institute of Christian Counselors, (Nig. Study centre) and Advanced Leadership Cert from the International Leadership Institute, Singapore. She is the President of Joyful Callers Counselling Ministry, a Christian, not for profit organization, geared towards meeting the spiritual, educational and psychological needs of humans. Her training as an English Language teacher helped her in proofreading and editing the students’ theses/dissertations and papers as a Lecturer at West Africa Theological Seminary, Lagos; Grace Springs Bible College, Lagos; visiting lecturer at Crowther Graduate Theological Seminary, Abeokuta, Nigeria and also as an adjunct Lecturer at former AEA School of Missions Eastern Region (SOMER), Nairobi-Kenya, East-Africa before her retirement. She was also a former College Guidance Counsellor at Messiah College, Plateau state-Nigeria; and presently she serves as a Volunteer Counsellor to Secondary Schools and Tertiary Institutions. AREAS OF COMPETENCE Proofreading Editing Educational Counselling PUBLISHED BOOKS             ·         Poems for Lovers of God © 2004 ·         Loneliness: a virtue © 2005 ·         Bridges to Relationships: facts or assumptions © 2008 ·         Tips on Academic Excellence: Study Habits & Hints on ‘stress-free’ Examinations ©2013        E-BOOKS ·         Training by the Heart: Cross-Cultural Missions Training in focus, The Nigerian perspective © 2017 ·         Determination: Key to Greatness © 2017 ·         Insights Beyond the Poems (formerly titled “Poems for Lovers of God” 2nd ed. expanded) © 2017 ·         Loneliness: a Virtue (2nd ed.) © 2017 ·         Bridges to Relationships: Facts or Assumptions. (vol.2) © 2017 ·         Secrets to a Happy Family © 2017 ·         Tips on Academic Excellence: Study Habits & Hints on ‘stress-free’ Examinations  © 2017                                                                                               (Available @ www.amazon.com/Esther-Adenike-Luogon/e/B01HK0KMVY. https://okadabooks.com/book/about/tips_for_academic_excellence/14753             https://okadabooks.com/book/about/determination_key_to_greatness/14754 PUBLISHED ARTICLES/PAPERS ·         Articles on http://www.joyfulcallers.org and Esy’s Blogs at reading4joy.blogspot.com. ·         “Welcome to the circle of Mission Senders” in Church & Mission magazine, 2010. ·         “Rebranding your ministry: Beware of Burn-Out Syndrome” in Church & Mission magazine, 2010 ·         “Homosexuality in the light of the Bible” (Online publication) ·         “Mission Training Structures (MTS): Seminary Model” (Consultation on indigenous Missions in Africa (Nigeria Finish the task Network). Ibadan, 24th -29th March 2003.  CONTACT US: Telephone: +234 (813-814-3021) EMAIL: nikeluogon@gmail.com BLOG SITE:  Esy’s blogs [reading4joy.blogspot.com] Signed Joy-Est Editors  & Proofreaders

CHILD OF GOD, YOUR MARRIAGE MUST WORK!

On Sunday, the 5^th day of March 2019 I woke up in the early hours of the day with this thought on my mind, “There’s a demand placed upon you Child of God, your marriage must work! It looks like this is a personal message but then the Spirit of the Lord led me to pick up my writing materials and I began to write. I pray you will be blessed as you read this piece in Jesus’ name

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What is Christian Marriage?

This is my definition. A Christian marriage is one wherein a man who has embraced the salvation which only Jesus Christ can give is joined in holy matrimony to a woman who has equally embraced the same salvation through confession of her sins to Jesus Christ and have invited Him into her life as her Saviour. John 3: 16 states, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Jesus told Nicodemus in verse 7 of the same chapter, “Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.”

In Genesis 2: 24, “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall unto his wife, and they shall be one flesh.” Can anyone separate one indivisible whole without causing harm? The moment you try that destruction sets in. Though the two of them are Christians, human nature can not be ignored. There are moments of revelations! Seeing the other aspect of your partner which you never expected! Sometimes you wake up in the quietness of the night and you begin to look at this partner of yours with several ‘unhealthy’ questions racing through your mind, especially when you have been hurt. Let us not mention them here! Please do not dwell on such, rather borrow the “eyes of Jesus” and see your spouse through Jesus’ eyes. Think of only what Jesus would be seeing in that handiwork of His. Someone is saying, “You don’t know this partner of mine that is why you are giving glowing tributes!” But Jesus sees all and He knows all!

Why must this Marriage Work?

This marriage relationship must work because it is built on Jesus Christ, the Rock of Ages! God the Father says in Malachi 2:15-16, “Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth. For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away…) “I hate divorce.” I am sure you will not like to embrace what your Father in heaven hates. You desire to please your Master, Jesus Christ. Isn’t it? But wait a minute! Are you telling me to stay on in that abusive marriage? Then I ask you, friend, Was this how it all began? You started at a place of love and that was why you came together as husband and wife in the first place, then what happened along the journey friend?

            This marriage must work because you are brought together by God to showcase His glory to your generation and generations yet unborn who will read or hear about your exemplary Christian home. You are called to be a role model!

Let us examine some likely causes of marital conflicts at this point of our deliberation. These are just my thoughts, there are many more definitely.

1.     1.  Lack of money to meet up with family needs.

2.      2. Careless spending of money by either of the marriage partners.

3.      3. Interruption by the in-laws (mother-in-law; father-in-law; sister or brother-in-law etc)

4.      4. Siblings becoming overbearing on either the husband or the wife through their monetary or material demands

5.      5. Communication gap between married couples.

6.      6. Shabby appearance/dressing on the part of either of the couple.

7.      7. Excessive weight problem especially on the wife’s part.

8.      8. Lack of family philosophy of training of the children. Follow the Bible principle in Prov. 22:6

9.      9. Lack of mutual respect. Ephesians 5:21Romans 12:10

110.  Rebellious behaviour from either husband or wife.

111.  Lack of respect for parents.

112.  Lustful behaviour in the area of property accumulation.

113.  Sexual dissatisfaction /sexual abuse.

114.  Infidelity or unfaithfulness in marriage.

115.  Constant nagging by the wife or anger from either of the couple.

116.  Childlessness for a period or infertility.

117.  Lack of attention by either husband or wife.

118.  Overconcentration of love on the children at the expense of one’s spouse.

119.  Getting hooked on one’s career/ ministry to the total neglect of the other partner.

220.  Lack of romance in the marriage/ bad habit of pornography.

221.  Lack of trust and loyalty.

222.  Bitterness and Unforgiveness.

223.  Not meeting up with each other’s expectations.

224.  Pride and arrogance.

225.  Constant dependence on parents-in-law for family needs and conflict resolution.

226.  Lack of understanding and hypocrisy.

227.  Not listening attentively to your spouse during discussions.

228.  Not cross-checking with your spouse information received from outsiders about him or her.

229.  Battering i. e Wife beating.

330.  Favoritism in the family.

This marriage is not working again! Let us call it quits! Be patient my brother! Be calm my dear sister! Some ‘stranger’ is at that dark corner beating a drum of sorrow, shame, and destruction for you and your spouse. Can’t you discern it?  When father Adam and Eve were in harmony with their creator in the garden of Eden, read again what happened to them in the book of Genesis. In the cool of the day, God in heaven will come down and had fellowship with the first human couple on earth, but by the time the enemy of our soul crept in as a serpent in Genesis chapter 3. ‘Man’ was misled and that led to a breakdown in their fellowship with God. Let us read it together again in Genesis 3: 23-24, “Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. So he drove out the man…”

            Do you realize that God missed that fellowship? He had to make a way to restore that communion and that informed the sending of His only begotten Son to earth. Jesus Christ came and died on the cross for you and for me. He shed His blood so as to reconcile us back to the Father.

            That marriage must work! It has to work, dear child of God because you are a terror to the kingdom of Satan. If you now permit the devil to destroy your home, what happens? You don’t know my partner. The more I pray the more the relationship worsens! I know it happens sometimes. Please play your own part and leave the rest to God to iron it out.  May His Spirit not depart from us. Amen.

What must you do for this marriage to work?

INTIMACY WITH GOD

In marriage three personalities are involved:

I.                   God

II.                Husband

III.             Wife                             

                                   

Every Christian that wants to live a meaningful and victorious life must be very close to God. It is important to spend quality time with God in the place of prayer, Bible study, and meditate on God’s word. As couples, you must be determined to build a Christ-Centred home. Once the husband’s communication with God is unhindered as well as that of the wife towards God, they will naturally flow towards each other. But if one party has a communication breakdown between him/her and God, it will affect his/her communication with the spouse.

Once the communication lines are open between God and the couple, things will work out better. Therefore, direct the attention of the entire family to the supremacy of Christ in your lives and personal endeavours.

The word of God says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)

Friend, deepen your relationship with the Holy Spirit. He will teach you how to listen to divine instructions and will grant you a heart of obedience so that you can please your creator. What of if I find myself in an abusive marriage? What of if the man or the woman wants to kill me? You are not a robot, you are a human being! Turn it over to God, and do whatever he instructs you to do at any particular time for your safety. In closing, let God be the leader in your home.

(For counselling, please contact Joyful Callers Counselling Ministry @ 0813-814-3021 or send an email to “joyfulcallers@gmail.com”)

BRIDGES TO RELATIONSHIPS: Facts or Assumptions.

Written by Dr, Esther Adenike Luogon

Do not be misled Betty, that was a devilish counsel. And may I reiterate this. Though the world’s standards are changing, God’s standards remain the same. “Marriage is honourable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.”(Heb.13:4). Many innocent girls had been deceived just like you, and unfortunately some had made a shipwreck of their lives. The truth, Betty, is that once a lady makes herself cheap to commit fornication, she has sinned against God, and more often than not the man gets rid of her.

Try and imagine what happened to a juicy orange. Once the buyer sucks the juice, what remains? The chaff, Betty replied. Yes, and she throws away the chaff. Once you fall a victim to pre-marital sex, you are no longer precious to the man. The excitement to enter into a marriage relationship dies off. What else is he looking out for anyway? And even if one patches it up and gets married eventually, trust is betrayed already. Remember once the house is built on the foundation of distrust and doubt, one cannot enjoy that marriage.

They will live together in suspicion of each other’s activities. Whenever the husband sees the wife chatting with another man, it may be an old schoolmate, the husband becomes fidgety. At home the next question would be: Who is that man that was talking to you? I saw the two of you laughing heartily. So what is the relationship between you and the man? He is already putting up an angry look. Woman, you gave him room to be suspicious. Watch your life! Betty thanked her friend, Lucy, for her mature counsel and promised she would live to do the right thing. “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But he who heeds counsel is wise.” (Prov.12:15). Betty left Lucy’s place fully resolved to accept Dale’s proposal...

The families were informed about the relationship and everybody was in support. Thus preparations towards the wedding began. Dale and Betty were in the final semester at the University, and they both agreed that the wedding should hold a month after their graduation.

On the wedding day, Dale and Betty were full of smiles, chatting all the way. It was obvious to everybody that the couple were friends indeed. Lucy was not the chief bride’s maid as everybody had expected. Betty and Lucy took that decision because they realized that Lucy would be saddled with a host of responsibilities so as to make the wedding ceremony a huge success. If she had to occupy that ‘special’ position for that day, she would be distracted a great deal. One of the tasks she was to carry out on that glorious day was the giving of the toast of the bride and the bridegroom, as it is generally described around here. She was to tell the audience how the couple met, all that transpired during the relationship until the wedding proper.

At the wedding reception that blessed day, she gave the toast, and after sharing the details with the jubilating audience, she turned to her friend, “Betty, my love, it is now time to meet ‘the man’ in your man.” What a riddle! There was a look of surprise on everybody’s face, but Betty got the joke. Dale could not comprehend this joke, but his wife promised to explain it to him after the occasion. Four months after the wedding, there was no doubt that Dale was a man as it evidenced in the wife’s protruded stomach. Betty was expecting a baby.   

(N.B. Hope you are enjoying the story. For the rest of the story, please visit

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.      www.amazon.com/Esther-Adenike-Luogon/e/B01HK0KMVY

   

BRIDGES TO RELATIONSHIPS: Facts or Assumptions Written by Dr. Esther Adenike Luogon

She is in deep love with you but she has told herself the truth that many ladies seem to be ignorant of, and that is, ‘it is not every guy that hangs around you that really needs your love. Some guys just do it for the fun of it.’ Dale looked at Lucy, ‘Tell me more, is this how you ladies think? Thank you Lucy. I can see that you are a true friend indeed. Please do not tell Betty that we had this sort of discussion. Do you promise? ‘I promise.’ She answered. I will get back to you Lucy. Bye. Dale zoomed off. Dale left Lucy’s presence with much confidence in his feelings towards Betty. I never knew that she was reading between lines. You see one needs to be careful these days with ladies. At times they can be very funny too. Even when someone is deeply in love with you in her heart, you just let out the cat, and you will be shocked at her reply, ‘I am not interested in any relationship right now.’ One wanders if it is a cliché that every girl must go for. I hope Betty will be different. He soliloquizes.  After a few days, Dale went to visit Betty and they began to discuss about all other subjects in the world except love matters. Betty was not feeling too happy at the protracted stay of Dale and yet, nothing substantial was coming out of the discussion. She looked at her wristwatch and her countenance changed.

Sorry Betty, it seems as if you have an appointment somewhere. Why do you say so? I have no appointment. Betty replied. But I saw you looking at your wristwatch. Oh! I am very sorry for my bad manners. Betty apologized. That’s alright. Now let us go on to the real business of the day. I am here on purpose Betty. She was surprised at Dale’s utterances, but she held her peace. Looking intently at Betty, Dale declares, ‘I love you so much, Betty. I cannot do anything without you. Will you marry me?’ As if she had not been longing to hear those words, Betty looked at Dale and asked quietly. Can you excuse me please? Before she could get off her seat, Dale asked again. Betty, are you ignoring me? Do you want to walk out on me and leave me in your room? I am very sorry if I have hurt you Betty. I promise that was not my intention. Sorry, I need to go now. Betty felt sad that she did not have the courage to say ‘yes’ to a question she has long been waiting to hear from Dale. Thanks Dale, I hope you are not too disappointed in me, let us keep up our friendship. Who knows what the future holds? Dale smiled. Sounds familiar! Betty was inquisitive, but he refused to offer any explanation. And they both walked out of her room.

Betty headed for Victoria’s room knowing very well that Lucy went there to study. She went with the hope of getting a shoulder to cry on. She burst into the room, rushed towards the beautifully laid bed and she began to cry. Lucy was taken aback at Betty’s dramatic action and she moved slowly towards the bedside, sat by her friend and encouraged her to speak out. After a while Betty lifted her head and looked at her friend. Her blood-shot eyes frightened Lucy who shouted, what is this Betty? Do you want to kill yourself? Talk to me. What is the problem? In response to her many questions Betty narrated the event that took place between herself and Dale. I guess as much. Lucy affirmed. Betty was baffled, looked straight into Lucy’s eyes and asked. How do you know? Know what? Lucy pretended as if she did not say anything implicating. Well Betty, it will be alright. Dale went back disturbed but he was determined not to give up too soon. “May be she is playing one of those pranks that ladies play with guys.” After few days, he decided to visit Lucy to find out if Betty had discussed with her. As Dale approached Lucy’s room, he was full of agitation and began to ask questions: What of if Betty is with her in the room? Will she not misunderstand my intentions? Are these girls truthful to themselves in their relationship? Several questions flooded his heart, but he summoned up courage and proceeded to the hostel. But why couldn’t he call Lucy on his cell phone to ascertain her where about? May be he was afraid that her friend, Betty, might be right there in the room with her. Let me just take the risk and get there, if I am unfortunate to meet Betty on seat, I will try and be smart to play my cards well. He concluded.

There was a knock on the door. Who is there? Before she could receive any response, she asked the visitor to come right inside ‘if you are beautiful looking.’ Dale opened the door gently as if he were a lady. To Lucy’s surprise, the beautiful face she was expecting in her room turned out to be a handsome looking friend of hers, Dale, the lover boy of Betty. She welcome him, offered him a glass of fruity juice and they began to discuss matters that were dear to Dale’s heart. In the course of their discussion Dale was inquisitive to find out from Lucy if Betty has confided in her about her feelings towards him.

Leave that area Dale, just do your part as a man. But what do you mean by that Lucy? Dale did not want to walk on assumptions. I mean, maintain your position and let her know that you are sincere with your marriage proposal. Does she think I am a playboy Lucy? Dale, please, please, be careful. What did I say just now that suggested that? Lucy gave Dale a look of assurance and encouraged him to press forward. Dale walked back to his hostel disturbed. “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.” (Prov.12:25)

Betty came into the room an hour later and she confided in Lucy during their discussion, “Lucy do you know that Dale has never asked me to go to bed with him? Not even once! I am afraid he may not be a serious lover, and again I hope he is a man.” Lucy raised her eyebrow and rebuked Betty sharply. Are you not a Christian lady Betty? Do you expect a pre-marital sexual relationship from a Christian brother? Please for God’s sake, you need to ask for forgiveness. But Lucy, don’t blame me. Bosun demanded for that before we broke up the relationship, and when I shared this with some of my friends they laughed me to scorn, and called me all sorts of names, ‘holy Mary’; ‘virgin girl’; Holy mother, just name it. And I was told that it was normal for any guy to ask for a sexual enjoyment these days, or else ...

TO BE CONTINUED...