My Mother – One In A Million

A mother does countless things for her child.

But my mother is quite different in so many ways.

She was always there at very early morning prayers, Family Altar, and at night before we sleep.

Though Dad often led the prayers and bible exhortations, Mum had her prime roles, and would take the lead when Dad traveled.

A princess of the Ajoba-ma-d’ade royal family of Imeko-Afon, Egbado clan, Mum taught us to be meek and humble like Christ. You never get her applause and approval if you are proud and arrogant.

Industrious and hard- working, Mum made up for her lack of tertiary education with her prolific mien in trading. She is well known in the community as a kind lender, an honest merchant, and a woman of substance.

“She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.”

“She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.”

A pillar of strength and support to Dad, “her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land”. She saw well to our schooling and progress in life, ever reminding us to “go to Calvary”, to watch and pray in faith, truth, and love, so that we all could be in the Rapture.

In-law meddling and parent’s concern for their married children has always been a great challenge when loved children grows up to leave and cleave to their own husbands and wives.

It was very difficult for Mum when I married a non-African wife and cleave to my nuclear family.

With wisdom, she adjusted and adapted till she become a good friend and confidant of my wife, and darling doyen ever-sought after lovingly respected Grandma to my children.

Many daughters have done virtuously, but Dear Mum Josephine O. Ojelabi, thou excellest them all.

Secret of Victory in a Sinful World

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Ours is a worldly, sinful, wicked, wild world, and you must be victorious, triumphant, and successful, in the way of God, despite the odds.

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Despite the declining numbers, Christianity remains the dominant religion, but how being victorious in the Christian race is the ultimate goal of genuine Christian adherents.

“To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” (Rev 3:21).

Christianity is all about mankind having a perfect understanding of the truth that “The Lord is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” Genuine Christians have indeed come into this repentance, and marching in faith through God’s marvelous grace as Pilgrims unto Heaven..

The love of God for man is so great, proven by offering His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, and that whosoever believe might be saved, and not perish in this life.

Unfortunately, lukewarm-ness and doubt has engulfed Christianity in the modern world to the point that Christian power as of old and the fire of the Gospel remains threatened from time to time.

It is not as if Satan, the devil, and the world can win or overcome the power, the purpose and the plan of God, NO, Never, but many Soldiers of the Cross are lukewarm, lethargic, indolent, and are neither hot nor cold to contend for the faith once delivered to the Saints.

The naked church in the Bible is Laodicea, a so-called Christian assembly or fellowship filled with unsaved church members whose souls are closely knit to the world, fixated on worldliness, and its sinful nakedness.

These church people say with their mouth that they are of Christ but are not born again in their soul, neither are they covered in their heart with Christ’s robe of righteousness.

The lukewarm churches in Laodicea are worldly churches, not part of the spiritual Church of Christ.

Therefore they dress like the world in its fads and fashion, live like the world in its materialistic pursuit and desire, speak like the world in its sinful terms and filthy language, supporting the sinful causes of the world rather than the Gospel Truth of Christ.

From such, turn away!

Standing upon His Truth and His promises alone, being on your guards against false teachers and heresies, you will surely win the battle over the devil and the world, and secure your victory in a sinful world.

Unfortunately, lukewarm attitude has eaten deep into the lives of so-called believers who are famously known as Christians but lack the transforming power of the Gospel of Christ.

It is the duty of Christian ministers, preachers, teachers, mentors and the general Christian laity to consistently point the world and sinners to Christ by their character, their lifestyle, and the virtues they project to the world at large.

A godly mentor models Christ’s character, and leads the world to Christ and the Gospel truth, teaching us to completely surrender our will and desires to God’s will for eternal gain and glory.

“And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” (Act 11:26).

Christ’s true Disciples are people who had made the firm decision with serious thought to embraces the religion of Christ, to uphold His faith, to believe His promises, and make His calling their chief ministry in life.

It is very sad and disappointing that big names in Christianity and high office holders in the visible church and large Christian assemblies are hobnobbing with worldly systems, opening and brazenly playing with the fire of the anti-Christ.

“But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:” (Mar 13:14).

The church in Laodicean era is lukewarm and suffering from a serious spiritual malady, and only Jesus Christ, the great sin Physician, with a complete and perfect healing remedy, can provide adequate panacea.

The church in Laodicea era is the church of the present modern age which is rich and prosperous in material things but bankrupt spiritually.

“And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.

But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.” (Mat 11:23,24).

The church in modern era has greater light as a result of expansion of knowledge and advancement of technology to reach further and wider than the time of the Apostles and early believers.

“Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:” (Rev 3:17).

There can be no greater sin than self-deception.

Christians in the Laodicean era boast of wealth, health, prosperity, power, popularity, wide acceptability, great membership and followership, and big churches and cathedral.

But, in actual fact these lukewarm Christians and assemblies are “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked”. Nothing else in life can be so offensive to man and God, dangerous to the human soul, as pride and self-sufficiency.

There is no stronger delusion than that which makes men believe that they are righteous and accepted of God, while at the same time they are sinning against Him, and are in a deplorable spiritual condition.

Rather than exhort Lesbians and Homosexuals to repent and turn to Christ, Pope Francis is urging the church to accept gays, lesbians, same-sex marriages and the LGBT community.

The Church of England is no longer the strong defender of the Faith of Christ and hard-core biblical doctrines anymore.

Why is the Anglican Communion sympathizing with sinners such as gays and homosexuals, rather than come out to condemn the sin and preach the sinners into repentance?

What kind of Christian leader does one make of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, outspoken critic of the apartheid regime in South Africa, who declares, ‘I’d pick hell over an anti-Gay Heaven’.

Is he an Archbishop in the church of Christ or the church of this world?

This world may approve and accept lesbianism and homosexuals a million times over, but the Bible and the Word of God condemn it as abomination, and that is it!

Many Christians nowadays are evolving into modernity while moving away from the life and teachings of Christ, the doctrines of the faith entrenched in the Bible and committed to the Apostles and early fathers.

Prince, the “Purple Rain” musician, is rated to be probably the most famous Jehovah Witness member.

Katherine Jackson, matriarch of the Jackson family, mother of the old Jackson Five band boys is reputed to have raised all her children in the Jehovah Witness faith, and that Michael Jackson with Janet Jackson were at some point in their lives very active members of the Kingdom Hall assembly.

Does Jehovah Witness faith accommodates all these modern ideas, such as seen in the lifestyle, music and public image of Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson, their sibling and their offspring?

How have their lifestyles, their larger-than-life fame, power in the music industry and other sectors, position and influence impacted genuine Christianity or serving worldliness, while they are still Christians?

Venus and Serena Williams are unarguably world leading lawn tennis players who have dominated the scene for quite some time now, and are actively practicing Jehovah’s Witness members, who often thank Jehovah after winning matches.

Christians doctrinally give glory to God for successes in life, breakthroughs, and achievements, while we pray to Him in times of trouble.

One wonders aloud if the life of Serena Williams and Venus Williams has supported the Great Commission or projected them and Christianity in a bad light to the world through their private and public lives.

1. S. President Donald Trump has ever been a popular man as a successful business mogul. The contest for the Presidency, and performance so far as the consummate U.S. President, has projected him as a crusader against Muslims, illegal immigrants, refugees, and a host of other institutions, even the Pope.

He openly support white supremacist, as against colored people, yet a Christian!

Between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton is ‘A Tale of Two Corinthians’ – he, wrongly referring to “two Corinthians” instead of “second Corinthians.”  The former Secretary of States getting it right in quoting “First Corinthians, 13, which happens to be one of my favorite passages”.

Which of the two Christians really gives more to the Gospel and the Great Commission evangelism than politics and business?  You be the judge!

From President Barrack Obama, the Christian U.S. President whose Christian faith evolved into signing same-sex marriage into law, to Prince Charles of England, leading light of the Church of England, whose biblical understanding of marriage permits divorce and questionable remarriage, is the failure for many so-called Christians to recognize their spiritual poverty.

The Laodicean message is a last-minute call by the Lord upon modern Christians and last-days believers to expose the folly of imagining that they are spiritually wealthy and in need of nothing, when they are actually wretched, miserable, poor, blind, lukewarm, and fit only to be spewed out of the mouth of Christ, as an object of loathing.

Lukewarm Christians are Laodiceans who, in their public lives, are neither hot nor cold for Christ and His true Church, and in their inner souls, too compromised to contend for the faith, and too lazy to seek urgent remedy for their spiritual malady.

Modern Christianity places her focus upon her material progress in prosperity, philanthropy, growing church membership, progressive church projects, constructions, crusade, and seminars.

However, all these material progresses are taking place at the expense of failing spiritual upliftment.

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.” (1Co 13:1,2,3). 

True love to God and man is a benevolent and charitable heart to obey and hearken to the commandments of God and treat fellow mankind the way you wil treat your very self.

How are those deluded who look for acceptance and reward for their good works, which are as scanty and defective as they are corrupt and selfish!

While modern Christians are getting on well on prosperity and the good life, their core state of moral power, core Christian virtues, biblical understanding and scriptural knowledge, sanctified life, and fulfillment of the Great Commission, are dwindling and falling apart. Whither then is the Christianity in the man?

The present age has been described as an age of scientific progress, human achievement, and tremendous advancements into new frontiers of technology.

Ours is a modern world, an age of moral and spiritual crisis, yes more and more people are trooping in en-mass into the churches, devoid of salvation.

This is the era of phenomenal increase in crime, war, and drug addiction, universal preoccupation with sex, nudity, homosexuality and gay life style.

There is general disregard for authority; there exist great social upheavals and racial strife all across the nations, and abysmal lack of moral understanding and concern.

We find ourselves living in an age analogous to the dark ages of the Judges when “every man did that which was right in his own eyes” (Jud 21:25).

The great apostasy of our day and the perilous times in which we live were foretold by the Apostle Paul as characterizing the last days:

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.” (II Tim 3:1-5).

It is a time when, even among professing Christians, being “accepted” by the group seems to be more important than being accepted by God and the distinction between the sacred and the secular is rapidly becoming more difficult to discern.

The need of the hour is for Christians to experience once more a personal encounter with the Holy Spirit, and to rediscover His blessed ministry in their lives.

The continuous indwelling of the Son with the Father was the secret of the Lord in gaining victory over the world.

”Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.”( oh 5:19,20).

When the soul surrenders itself to Christ, a new power takes possession of the new heart. A change is wrought, a supernatural work, bringing a supernatural element into human nature is done, which we can never accomplish by ourselves.

The soul that is yielded to Christ, becomes His own fortress, which He holds in a revolted world, and He intends that no authority shall be known in it but His own.

“Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:

And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.

Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God?” (Joe 2:12 -14).

Points to Ponder:

1. Ponder about your professional, career, and business life. Does it glorify God or tarnishes the label of Christianity you adorn in public. Does your shrewdness, craftiness, acumen, and sagacity glorify god or dishonor Him.
2. Ponder about your family or relationships. Is your wedding in line with Christian standards, your marriage fulfilling the purpose and plan of God, your spouse loved and beloved with care and faithfulness, and your children and home Godly, goodly, and Christianly?
3. Is your life a channel of blessing to the vineyard of God and His sheepfold? Is the love of God flowing through you unto the saved and unsaved mankind, telling the lost about the love of the Savior, daily fulfilling the Great Commission, getting ready daily for the Rapture?

“And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.

1Sa 7:4  Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the LORD only” .( 1Sa 7:3)   

The proposal of Christ to Laodicea involves a complete union of the human with the divine as the only hope of victory in a sinful world.

Rev 3:19  As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Rev 3:20  Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Rev 3:21  To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

Rev 3:22  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

The plea of Christ to you is for reconciliation, for union, for reunion, and for seamless communion with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost unto eternal life.

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They Met on Valentine’s Day – Cornerstones Of True Love, Marriage & A Happy Home

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God is Love!

“Beloved, let us love one another:

For love is of God;

And every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” (1Jn 4:7,8).

Love is not a mere warm feeling as many people in the world often term it to be.

Love is an attitude or disposition that reveals itself in our attitude, action and disposition towards other people, such as an intimate partner, parents or siblings, friends, colleagues, acquaintances or outright strangers.

God is the Source of life, and He is also the Basis of human love, therefore it is impossible to truly love or be in true and genuine loving relationship without first loving God and having true relationship with Him.

This is a very serious departure from the way the world and people of the world prefers to love. By human nature, we love someone because they fulfil a required condition or meet a need or standard in our life.

By the nature of man, our intense affection for another person is based on the fulfilment of some conditions by the other party.

This implies that humans in general love conditionally. Someone has to meet or fulfil an expected circumstance before we can love them.

I love you because you love me and understand me, because you support me and assist me, because you trust me and refuse to doubt me. I love you because you make me feel good whenever we are together.

I may also love you just for who you are, what you mean to me, and because of a lot of reasons that makes me accept and appreciate you.

The Bible speaks very much about God and His great love for mankind, despite our great shortcomings. As the Creator and Maker of man and his universe or environment, God is also the true embodiment of life and love.

As the standard of truth and the full measure of love, God’s love for man is without condition.

He loves man to give him every good thing essential for his joy and happiness in the Garden of Eden. It was out of love that he created man with a freedom of choice, rather than give him an existence like a zombie’s.

When man misused his freedom of choice, and fell into sin, God drove sinful and fallen Adam and Eve from Paradise.

Nevertheless, out of immeasurable love, God also created alternative plan to save the world and redeem humanity from iniquity, back into His marvellous love and light.

God loved man so much as to sacrifice His only begotten Son for us. Our God is LOVE in person, and not just TRUTH and WORD personified.

“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.” (Joh 3:16).

Jesus Christ is also our perfect example of what it means to love.

According to Christ, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (Joh 13:34,35).

Love ideally is a strong feeling of affection with emotion and concern, between husband and wife, between parents and their offspring, between friends and close acquaintances, and between faithful believers and God.

All the people who taste of the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ on the cross do not remain the same any more, but are regenerated and reformed to become sons and daughters of God.

Such people are called out of sinful life into holiness. They stopped living the life of sinfulness and iniquity and begin to live a new life of righteousness by the grace of God.

This spiritual transformation through the death and resurrection of Christ makes the erstwhile sinner, who now has a current experience of salvation, become a genuine Christian, member of the body of Christ popularly called the church.

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2Co 5:17).

A wonderful feature and characteristic of genuine Christians and all true believers in Christ is the ability to have the love-nature of God in them. As transformed children of God, genuine Christians are endowed to manifest practical love amongst the brethren and towards unbelievers.

Genuine Christians have the capacity to love the very way The Lord command us to love. Such kind love goes beyond all the boundaries of race, status, nationality, age, culture and tribe.  “As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.” “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” (Joh 15:9,12).

Such love will not only bring unbelievers to Christ, but it will also keep believers strong and united in this hostile world.

While this kind of love and loving remains a mystery to the sinful world and material men and women, it is, nevertheless, the expected standard of true love.

God’s love is unconditional.

God’s love is sacrificial.

God’s love is eternal

God’s love is enduring.

Jesus Christ stirred up the hearts of believers to practically get into the life of loving one another selflessly, unconditionally, and wholeheartedly. It is practiced and lived out of goodwill, confidence, and mutual trust and understanding.

On the other hand, worldly love is selfish, suspicious, envious, and demonstrated in malice and much untruth.

Valentine Day’s celebrations are lustful, sensual, and sentimental, with reveling and party spirits.

Valentine Day celebration of love reminds me of a Reader’s Digest story: – “When I was growing up, there was a saucepan in our house with a lid that did not fit rightly. When steam began to rise, the lid would shake, rattle, and make a terrible noise.

Of course, the lid was doing no good. In fact, it was allowing the steam to escape, but it made quite a racket and impressed you as being very busy and very important.”

Valentine Day’s celebration of love makes so much noise every February 14, but has little or no bearing to true love, genuine affection, or godly marital relationship.

Attempts to place sexual lust and sinful orgies on the pedestal of love can never meet the principles for which God created man and woman.

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Why You Can’t Be Gay & Christian!

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Christianity is all about coming to Christ and becoming a new creature by His transforming power.
This is a realistic and yet mysterious wonderful experience by which a hitherto sinful man or woman, youth or reasoning child, is brought into meaningful and real fellowship with God.

Jesus Christ declares,
“Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.”

Religious people attend masses and services in the churches of the world.
Only genuine Christians would be Raptured with Christ at the end.

Circumcision of the heart, body, soul, and spirit is the solemn pledge and covenant of the Christian to his God.

He consecrates his life to serve God at all cost throughout his life until he dies for Him at his duty post.

“Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.” (Lev 18:22).

Should your homosexual orientation be the Isaac you could not give up for God?

To run riot of your sexual orientation and sin against God might get the approval of the government and blessings of your community, but definitely, ‘voice populi voice Dei’ does not change the laws and standards of God for His faithful children.
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; But he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” (Mat 7:21)

Though Christianity has been misconstrued and misunderstood by the world and people who would like to satisfy their selfish goals, it is serious contradiction to the Word of God as well as the life and teachings of Jesus for any homosexual or anyone in the LGBT lifestyle to claim to be a Christian.

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Country Where No One is Gay

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They Met on Valentine’s Day

Why first love never dies, and genuine love never get out of style –

True love could be romantic, or not so adoring and tender, but realistic and sincere.

Valentine – Boy meets Girl. Boy and girl keep in touch, seriously, and not necessarily romantically, as they grow into likeness, and later into loving relationship and deep affection.

Life interludes and challenges comes in-between, and true lovers and genuinely affectionate couples marry this way.

Not every Val, of course.

But for those who do, and end up saying “I do”, it’s a lifetime experience of attachment and being there for each other through thick and thin. 

Valentine Day is more about love,

about affection and genuine care with intimate concern,

and about dedication with commitment to the marriage vow;

Valentine celebrations will be meaningless if it’s all about sheer lust and porn.

Meeting – Chance or Design?

Donald was fourteen years old when he met Dianna at the wedding of Uncle Fred, the younger brother of Mr. Reinhardt, Donald’s father. Dianna McCarty was a girl of thirteen when she came across Donald in one of those Valentine Day’s wedding.

Was it a coincidence, or a friendship that was already written in the stars?

Anyhow, it did not take Donald so much gazing at the crystal ball to discover that the little girl sitting beside him inside the church was not just another girl across the street. He made full use of every opportunity to look her well in the eyes, touch her dress, held her palms, and force exchanges whenever the opportunity came.

However, little Diana did not make much out of all these. What else does a girl of thirteen cares about than to play, meet people, and get busy with her stuff and her little world?

How Love Grows

Though their rapport and exchanges at the august meeting encouraged Donald to start writing mails to the Diana, most of which were favorably replied, he was not bold enough to clearly declare his affection and love for her.  He usually ends up around the topic, but never really got there.

At the peak of his deep feelings for her this year, Donald had become confused, and disinterested in his studies. How badly he wanted to see her, hold her and touch her.  Yet she was so far away. His high school mates and friends noticed his terrible mood, but Donald would not share the truth with anyone.

He picked up the courage to write a special letter to his “girl” this time.

The letter got to Dianna late, in the midst of the end-of-the year examination.

Upon her reading the contents, she was equally confused and unsure of the message.

She went to Jane, a senior girl and close confidant of nineteen.

Jane explained to her that there is no problem having a male friend. “You just need to be careful, and take full control of the relationship, and never mess up with boys.” With experience and maturity, Dianna was guided into better understanding on how to play with boys without getting into trouble.

Life Staircase

Donald graduated from high school, and was admitted to read polymer science at Cambridge University.

Two years later Dianna had become a medical student at Kettering University.

During the fall semester of his last year at Cambridge, Donald came home to visit his mum and brother, Steve. However, top on his mind was the thought of meeting Dianna, looking into her big blue eyes, and holding her tender hands.

Family is Key

As soon as she got wind of his plans, Dianna shared the news with her parents, and they did not hesitate to welcome Donald into their home.

The homecoming was great for Donald and his elder brother, Steve.

Steve read economics, and found a job as an investment banker at a Wall Street business firm after his graduation three years ago. The two young men were always a source of joy and inspiration to their mother, after the sudden death of Mr. Reinhardt two years ago.

“Would Donald be coming home to stay a while with me upon his graduation?” Mum asked Steve.

“I really don’t think so. He wants to start a project right away with one of his fellow undergraduate. It is a United Nations atomic energy project, and he would not want to miss the opportunity.”

After meal, that night, Donald informed her mother and brother about Dianna.

“She has been a good girl from a decent and well-respectable home.  We hope to meet this Valentine after many years of telephone calls and emails.”

“Are you getting married so soon”, Steve interjected more out of jealousy, but also as a result of genuine concern for his younger brother and his immediate plans after college.

“Marriage is out of it!  I met Dianna a long time ago during my last year in high school. We became friends, yet we never met since our first meeting.  Both of us agree it’s time to see each other again after this long time.”

Steve and his mother remained silent, hoping to hear more later from Donald about this mystery girl. They were not disappointed.

“She wants to be a surgeon, studying at Kettering. I hope to meet her and parents next tomorrow. It is arranged that I drive with them to the Allegheny Beach. The two of us will drive behind her parents on the way to the beach but she would ride home with her folks, while I drive home alone carrying mum’s Tuareg Jeep.”

It was Donald’s great joy to get the approval of his mother and brother.

When Shall I See You Again?

Donald patted his mother on her cheeks, and gave Steve a warm handshake before driving off to see Diana.

Diana came out to welcome him at the front door. They shook hands, and he kissed her hand.

Donald was warmly received by The McCartys as Dianna introduced him as a friend and student of polymer science at Cambridge University.

The parents chatted with Donald, discussed about his mother and brother. The young man hit them as an intelligent youth and humble person. They felt sad he lost his father as a little boy. Mr. McCarty was particularly glad he was no longer a novice about polymer science and related subjects.

Meal was served, and Donald graciously declared that Mrs. McCarty was a great cook. They all took off for the beach after meal. Donald drove with Dianna in front, but they were closely followed by Mr. and Mrs. McCarty.

The two spoke of their plans after graduation from college. They discussed about job prospects and career pursuit, life choices, and life on campus.

Donald mustered great amount of effort to declare his long-held opinion to Diana. “If I could have my way, with a great douse of luck and the blessing of Heaven, I would say that it’s the greatest wish of my life to spend more time with you, holding your hands, touching your palms, and just keeping you company all my life.”

This was too much for Dianna to handle.

She blushed, looked away from the driver into the open field beside her as they drove along, and quickly changed the topic.

“I just cannot wait to get started as a licensed medic. It will be wonderful to have my internship at Kettering with their fantastic equipment and organizational structure”, she declared.

“I should probably be your first patient. Need to get my head checked really fast. Since I set my eyes on a smart girl with blue eyes from the McCarty clan my blood pressure has ever been on the rise, my affection growing deep, while my gaze has never wavered to any other, yet she avoids all attempts to get close to her.”

“Bet you need to see a psychoanalyst fast, and not a surgeon.”

“May I plead with all my love that you take me out to see one within your domain?”

Dianna busted into laughter, unable to continue with the lovely exchanges from this not-so-well-known and not-too-distant friend.

Loving Somebody, and Somebody Loves You Back

The beach was a great part of the meeting. Donald was able to touch, feel and hug Dianna. She was still immature, unexposed, and green, sort of.

She resisted all attempts by Donald to kiss, but had intimate hug and embraces from him.

He gave her a special card for Valentine, with a unique red rose from England.

Diana loved and appreciated the beautiful card with the red rose flower.

She felt the natural plant send the scent of English love all over her world and entire surroundings.

It was there and then that she really hugged and held him, with a promise to love him!!!

It was the first experience of such a close encounter for the two of them, but they were both aware they truly like and love each other.

They went back to her parents, shared a meal at a special eatery, took some ice-cream, and departed. It was indeed a day Donald, and Dianna in her very secretive mind, would always wanted to look up to.

As they drove out of his sight, Donald reminded himself that his first meeting with Dianna was casual, at a Valentine wedding. This meeting was real.  He hoped for a very crucial meeting of the two of them at their own Valentine Day’s wedding.

Ides or Karma

On his way home from the beach, as he approached the bridge, Donald heard gun shots. He slowed down, turned off the road and waited to find out the position of things. Without thinking twice, he switched off the car engine, jumped out and locked up the car. He dashed into the nearby bush.

Five minutes later a car pulled up, and stopped right beside his jeep. A man pulled out of the grey saloon car, holding a pistol in his right hand. Donald could see him very well, as the man surveyed around the jeep, trying to open it. He couldn’t. He looked round, but could not see anyone. He waited to hear voices, but was disappointed he did not hear any voice.

This bearded man in thick mustache and a small sombrero yelled some command, “Lay him on this car, and leave him there to join the chorus in hell singing praises to the Devil!”

Within seconds, Donald saw two men brought out a blood-soaked man from one of their cars, and placed him on the bonnet of his jeep.

“Perfect. What a neat job! He would never try such a trick on me ever again. Jack, off we go. Keep the speed and maintain the track.”

As the leader shouted his command, the team entered their cars and zoomed off towards the road to Allegheny Beach.

Donald was too scared to speak, he was so confused to realize whether he was dreaming or seeing the scene in reality . The sight of the gun, the bloody dead body, and the criminal activities of the gang sickened him.

The young man waited where he was for a moment, then he pulled himself together, wanted to run, but remembered he left his telephone in the car. He took a quick survey of the environment, and decided to reach for his car.  As he attempted to open the car door, take his phone and call 911, the police arrived.

A Price for Love

Donald was arrested and accused of robbery and murder. His mother got him an attorney, while Steve, his elder brother gave much moral support. Six months later he was convicted and placed on death row, awaiting execution.

It was very perplexing and highly frustrating to tell Diana about the story. The poor investigation made the matter worse.

His mother and brother were totally depressed but kept faith in God, praying to God for quick respite.

His friends and colleagues were distraught.

Dianna’s life was shattered, but she was strong. She stood with Donald throughout the trials. She vehemently believed that Donald was innocent. Her parents cursed the day they met the “brute young man”, and wondered why on Earth “such an armed robber and murderer” should cross their path.

When Love is True

Dianna prayed more regularly for divine intervention.

She implored God in the day, she prayed fervently at night. She had a strong faith. Many suitors and lovers came, seeking her hand in love or marriage, but she turned them all down flat. She was used to this chorus:

They say that love’s a gentle thing
But it’s only brought me pain
For the only man I ever loved
Has gone on the morning train

I never will marry
I’ll be no man’s wife
I expect to live single
All the days of my life

Well there’s many a change in the winter wind
And a change in the cloud’s design
There’s many a change in a young man’s heart
But never a change in mine

I never will marry
I’ll be no man’s wife
I expect to live single
All the days of my life. 1.

Prayer Seals Love

Six months after Donald’s sentencing, the Legal Council for Truth and Justice, a Non-Government Organization, took over his case, and enlisted it for re-trial.

Panoramic sketches of the scene of the crime were taken from Donald. A new Prosecutor was found who took time to do a thorough investigation and findings.

With the aid of forensic experts and fingerprint extracts, the hoodlums who committed the crimes were apprehended, tried and convicted.

“The state and Jury are sorry for the wrongful carriage of judgment during your first trial. You are hereby pronounced not guilty and free to live your life as you please”, the Jury declared.

Donald was freed. Ovations and accolades were poured on him from far and near. A lot of praises and recognition were accorded Diana for her faithfulness and true love, especially in times of trial and tribulations.

Donald completed his education at Cambridge, while Dianna was practicing as a surgeon. They got married on the lover’s day of St. Valentine, and settled down in England, living in a country home with plentiful English red roses.

Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” (1Co 13:4-7)

1. Traditional- arranged by Linda Ronstadt
© 1977 Normal Music (BMI).

A Surprise Guest at Valentine

It was a busy time inside the living room with my friends, as we undergo the last rehearsal of our Valentine Day’s love drama slated for presentation that afternoon at the school auditorium.

Mummy’s distinct voice was heard as she walked through the gate and the entrance into the living room, heading for the backyard. As I concentrated on the play, I could not look her way. But, somehow and suddenly everyone started to jump and scamper for safety. I still did not get the reason because my back was turned to mummy. I turned to greet her, and then I noticed a bent figure right behind her with face and top covered by a scarf. Startled, it was difficult to greet or hold myself together. Mummy was embarrassed and clearly disappointed.

“Never mind them Auntie, just keep following me”. She whispered unto the bent woman as she led her to the living apartments at the back of our main building within the compound.

After their departure, we gathered ourselves together, bewildered and disturbed about what my mother could be doing with such a clown and bent figure of a woman.

Who was she?

Where did she come from?

What has she got to do with mother?

Why should she come to our home?

I was not impressed or proud of whatever must lead mother to this sort of woman, and neither were any of my friends.

Our drama presentation was well attended and generously applauded. My script and role were the main characters, and I received warm ovations from the audience. It was a great and fun-filled Valentine presentation with many young lovers and adults in attendance. Lost in the euphoria of the celebrations and the positive turn-out of our drama presentations, I headed back home in company of school-mates and neighbors, completely forgotten about the case of the bent woman.

As I arrived home, mummy was waiting to get the report of how the Valentine celebration went. She was glad it all went agog, and everybody was happy. She then opened up to me about the stranger in our compound.

Ms. Kuku was a pretty young woman married to a farmer in a distant village. They had three children – a son and two daughters. She was afflicted with a strange illness that defied medical treatment three and a half years ago. Gradually it became difficult for her to stand upright and walk up straight. Her condition kept getting worse and was abandoned by family and relatives.

Her husband ran away out of fear and lack of funds to treat his wife. The children were sent to foster homes of distant relatives and others went into child labor.  As her condition deteriorated, the villagers alerted her parents and siblings who arranged occultist treatment at the shrine of a popular herbalist not far from our street.

Rather than get better, Ms. Kuku’s condition got more complicated and precarious, but she could not do anything about it as she had neither visitations nor support from her people. Occasional support only came through visitors and strangers that usually visited the herbalist for treatment.

Three weeks ago the traditional healer died, and was buried last week. Other patients in the healing home were collected by their people, but there was nobody to receive Ms. Kuku. Her parents and siblings believed it was a serious taboo to allow her live with them, so they kept away from her.

Great-grandfather, Pa Jonathan, was a “foremost” Christian Yoruba gentleman in his days. Grandfather Emmanuel was a wealthy Anglican community leader and close adviser to the king. He had a close encounter with the preachers of the Cherubim & Seraphim Movement of Moses Orimolade later in his life that he left family and property, and embarked on a missionary journey of northern Yoruba lands of Nigeria. He later died on this missionary journey and was buried in the church yard of one of the missions he helped to set up.

Dad was privileged to be trained in locomotive transport management and administration by the Americans. While training abroad, he took up the Catholic faith of his mentors and became a devoted Roman Catholic, “more catholic than the Pope”.  He would have been knighted by the Pope had he lived a bit longer. Thus, we were Roman Catholics, schooled and trained under the close tutelage of Jesuit priests and sisters.

Antonia, my elder sister traveled to Northern Nigeria, and got born again into an evangelical church movement that sprang up in Nigeria in 1973. Her attempt to introduce the new-found faith into the locality upon her return was rebuffed by the priests and laity of the orthodox faith. She was grossly persecuted by family, friends and foes, nevertheless, she refused to buckle. She set up a house caring prayer cell in our compound where people of various faith meet regularly during the week to pray and listen to Bible teachings.

While my mother would not discourage my sister from the new-found faith, she remain dedicated to her church activities and religious duties in the Church, scheming to become a Parish Woman Leader. As a respected women leader in the community and known trader, the family of the deceased traditional herbalist approached her to find a sanctuary for Ms. Kuku, saying she could “probably find healing and be delivered of her illness by the evangelical prayer cell”. It was rather out of concern and support, and not out of faith, that mother stretched out her hand of fellowship of the “good Samaritan” to Ms. Kuku.

Upon her acceptance into the ‘boy’s quarters’ of our house, the prayer cell’s Prayer Warriors, Bible Teachers and Evangelists descended upon her and the compound at regular intervals. Over time, Ms. Kuku, who were a chronic pagan and stark illiterate began to confess her acceptance of the gospel message, openly confessed and repented of her sins and sinfulness, denounced and renounced all her pagan and idolatrous life-styles and practices, and miraculously began reading the bible in the vernacular, while confessing Jesus Christ in their congregations.

By and by, the radiance of her color began to blossom and show. She was getting healthier by the day while most of her ailments and sicknesses started to give way and abate. Visits by her children and a couple of family member became regular.

About three months after her fellowship with the prayer group, Ms. Kuku was able to stand erect and walk straight up! She was able to stand up, bend down, and get up! It was a great miracle. Our compound became a Mecca of sort, with people from far and near coming around to witness the bizarre wonder.

The prayer cell grew. Mother and her children soon became regular devotees.  A patch of land was ceded to the group within the family estates, upon which they erected a district church of the evangelical movement.

February 14^th of the following year saw the opening ceremony of that district church which drew prominent members from the orthodox churches, Muslims, and pagans unto Christ.  My mother and I, threw away our pride and self-righteousness, met Christ without hesitations, and became born-again Christians that day.

It has since been wonderful Christian experience with assurance of salvation and genuine hope of Heaven. Kindness to a pagan has led nominal Christians unto true and genuine salvation. What a surprise guest at Valentine!

They met on Valentine’s Day

Donald was fourteen years old when he met Dianna, a girl of thirteen; at the wedding of Uncle Fred, the younger brother of Mr. Reinhardt, Donald’s father. It was one of those Valentine’s Day wedding.

Their discussions and exchanges at the august meeting encouraged Donald to start writing mails to the girl, most of which were favorably replied by Dianna. Nevertheless, Donald was not bold enough to clearly declare his affection and love for her.  He usually ends up around the topic, but never really got there.

At the peak of his deep feelings for her this year, Donald had become confused, and disinterested in his studies. How badly he wanted to see her, hold her and touch her.  Yet she was so far away. His school mates and friends noticed his terrible mood, but Donald would not share the truth with anyone.

He picked up the courage to write a special letter to his “girl” this time.

The letter got to Dianna late, in the midst of the end-of-the year examinations.

Upon her reading the contents, she was equally confused and unsure of the message.

She went to Jane, a senior girl of nineteen, and close confidant.

Jane explained to her that there is no problem having a male friend.  “You just need to be careful, and take full control of the relationship.” With experience and maturity, Dianna was guided into better understanding on how to play with boys without getting into trouble.

Donald graduated from high school, and secured admission to read polymer science at Cambridge University.

Two years later Dianna had become a medical student at Kettering University.

During the fall semester of his last year at Cambridge, Donald came home to visit his mum and brother, and meet with Dianna. Dianna shared the news with her parents, and they did not hesitate to welcome him into their home.

The homecoming was great for Donald and his elder brother, Steve.

Steve found a job as an investment banker at a Wall Street business firm after his graduating from college three years ago. The two young men were always a source of joy and inspiration for their mother, after the sudden death of Mr. Reinhardt four years ago.

“Would Donald be coming home to stay a while with me upon his graduation?” Mum asked Steve.

“I really don’t think so. He wants to start a project right away with a colleague of his from college. It is a United Nations atomic energy project, and he would not want to miss the opportunity.”

After meal, that night, Donald informed her mother and brother about Dianna.

“She has been a good girl from a good and respectable home.  We hope to meet this Valentine after many years of telephone calls and emails.”

“Are you getting married so soon”, Steve interjected, more out of jealousy, but equally out of serious concern for his younger brother.

“Marriage is out of it!”  “I and Dianna met a long time ago, and became friends, and think we just need to see ourselves again after this long time.”  “She wants to be a surgeon, studying at Kettering. I hope to meet her and parents next tomorrow, and drive with them to the Allegheny Beach. She would ride home with her folks, while I drive home alone carrying mum’s Tuareg Jeep.”

He was happy to get the approval of his mother and brother.

Donald met Dianna at the front door. They shook hands, and he kissed her hand.

Diana was warmly received by the McCarty’s.

Donald was introduced by Dianna to her parents as a friend and a student of polymer science. at Cambridge. The parents chatted with Donald, exchanged views and pleasantries.

Meal was served, and everybody took off afterward for the beach, Donald driving with Dianna in front.

The two spoke of their plans after graduation, job prospects, life choices, and career.

Donald said, if given the privilege, he would love to spend the rest of his life with Dianna. Dianna quickly closed the topic, dwelling heavily on her studies and the internship after medical college.

The beach was  a great part of the meeting.

Donald was able to touch, feel and hug Dianna. She was still immature, unexposed, and green, sort of. She resisted all attempts by Donald to kiss, but had intimate hug and embraces from him. He gave her a special card for Valentine, with a special red rose from England. She promised to love him.

They went back to her parents, shared a meal at a special eatery, took some ice-cream, and departed. It was indeed a day Donald, and Dianna in her very secretive mind, would always wanted to look up to. As they drove out of his sight, Donald reminded himself that his first meeting with Dianna was casual, at a Valentine wedding. This meeting was real.  The next meeting should be their Valentine wedding day.

On his way from the camp, as he approached the bridge, he heard gun shots. Donald slowed down, turned off the road and waited to determine the incident.  Without thinking twice, he switched off the car engine, jumped out and locked up the car. He dashed into the nearby bush.

Five minutes later a car pulled up, and stopped right beside his jeep. A man pulled out holding a pistol. Donald could see him very well, as the man surveyed around the jeep, trying to open it. He couldn’t. He looked round, could not see anyone, and did not hear any voice. This bearded man in thick moustache and a small sombrero yelled at his partners. “Lay him on this car, and leave him to join the chorus in hell singing praises to the Devil.”

Donald saw the men as they brought out a blood-soaked man from one of their cars, and placed him on the bonnet of his car. He was too scared to speak. The gang drove off within seconds.

Donald waited where he was for a moment, then he pulled himself together, wanted to run. As he reached for his car with the intention of calling 911, after he had surveyed the scene perfectly well, the police arrived. Donald was arrested and accused of robbery and murder. Six months later he was convicted of robbery and murder, placed on death row, awaiting execution.

His mother and brother were totally depressed.

His friends and colleagues were distraught.

Dianna’s life was shattered, but she was strong. She stood with Donald throughout the trials. She vehemently believed his story.  Dianna prayed more regularly for divine intervention. She implored God in the day, she prayed fervently at night. She had a strong faith. Some other suitors came to her, but she never had their time. She was used to this chorus:

“They say that love’s a gentle thing
But it’s only brought me pain
For the only man I ever loved
Has gone on the morning train

I never will marry
I’ll be no man’s wife
I expect to live single
All the days of my life” 1.

Six months to Donald’s execution, the Legal Council for Truth and Justice, a Non-Government Organization, took over his case, and enlisted it for re-trial.

Panoramic sketches of the scene of the crime were taken from Donald. A new Prosecutor was found who took time to do a thorough investigation and findings.  The hoodlums who committed the crimes were found and convicted.

“The state and Jury are sorry for the wrongful carriage of judgment during your first trial. You are hereby pronounced not guilty and free to live your live as you please.”  The Jury declared.

Donald was freed. Ovations and accolades were poured on him from far and near.

He completed his education at Cambridge, while Dianna was practicing as a surgeon. They got married on the lover’s day of St. Valentine, and settled down in England, living in a country home with plentiful English red roses.

http://www.helium.com/items/2292224-a-valentine-story

1. Traditional- arranged by Linda Ronstadt
© 1977 Normal Music (BMI).