The Candle in the Wind

"The Candle in the Wind" is a Story originally writteen by Oyekunle Lizzy Oyebola.

Episode 1....

Why is this Sunday service taking so long oh Lord?

My tummy was rumbling so loudly that I had to sneak a peep at Bro. Paul sitting close to me to ensure that he wasn’t listening to the rhythmical sounds from my inside!

I woke up this morning just like other days when I felt the sticky thing in-between my legs.

Oh not again Lord!

I knew from that moment that I was going to have to battle with dysmenorrhea menstrual pain for the rest of the day and I really hated the thought.

I racked my wardrobe for drugs and gosh! My fervin was exhausted. I angrily threw the empty sachet away and had a warm bath, getting set for the Sunday service.

I had just concluded a three-day fast and I was looking rather lean- but it was worth it. It bordered on issues concerning my life and I had to take it seriously.

I didn’t know how to hear God!

Well, most times after praying fervently, I would just tell God to talk to someone or reveal something to someone else if he didn’t want to talk to me personally and that was what he had always done.

Probably I was just too filthy!

I had told him that in the service of today, if he wanted to talk to me, he should do so through all the ministrations in the church- the choir ministration, the drama ministration, the message itself and all.

I was however shocked when the title of the song the choir sang was ‘Holiness unto the Lord’!

I knew about holiness so well and that was not my prayer point at all. I am on the way to perfection and I am carefully watching my steps lest I stray.

I didn’t want this choir ministration. So as they ministered, it was just as if they were pumping LaCasera drink into my body system that made the body fluid escaping my body to gush out as if being pursued vehemently.

‘Let us jam our hands as our dear father in the Lord, Pastor Idile takes up the mic’ He announced in his usually affecting tone. He was the reason for my prayer- Tony!
I sighed deeply.

‘God, are you just going to talk to me? Are you going to speak to me through this man of God? I really need your touch oh Lord’ I uttered silently as my faith got revived again.

‘Touch me one more time oh Lord, yes dear Lord, touch me one more time oh Lord, I need the touch of the Father, I need the touch of the Lord, touch me one more time oh Lord!’ the pastor sang in his baritone voice and the awesomeness of the whole thing pushed me down to my knees.

I just mentioned His touch right now and the pastor is singing about His touch too.

‘The service is definitely for me’ I said so loudly that I noticed Bro. Paul looking towards me but I wasn’t moved. Who says this God isn’t real and I would love to tell him to experiment.

He is good abeg!

The message snowballed and I listened with rapt attention, slapping my laps together so the pain in my tummy would ‘gerrarahere’.

The topic was ‘Confused?’ -So apt, touching and just like that.

Oh yes I was confused. Madly confused!

I said yes to Jean’s proposal last month and the relationship had started to bloom greatly until this Tony came around that same week. He was a serving corps member and he was deployed to my area, so he worshipped with us at the central church.

Since I set my eyes on him, my mind had been in a real state of chaos. I was just so confused that I decide to step away from the choir group where he was very vibrant so I could get things straight.

I was going to the church that very day and as I always did, I was dressed gorgeously for the service in my opened toes high-heeled shoes. As I locked my car, I started walking as if being pursued.

Just then, Sis. Jane called my name and as I tried to turn back in order to answer her call, I never knew a canal was before me. My shoe nose-dived into the canal but just like the slow motion in any Korean movie, a strong hand-held me and pulled me up with a force.

“Sorry ma” he said and I looked into his small, milky face. I blinked severally, trying to get my voice.

Who is this boy?

He bowed slightly before me and off he went- but my eyes went with him!

I slapped my head to order that very day to no avail especially when my research told me he was just an ordinary corps member.
‘He is just a small boy’ I thought to myself but the turmoil in my heart continued.

Whenever I went to the church, I would take a spot in the choir room where I would have the opportunity to get a good look at him without being noticed by anybody.

Whatever he did appealed to me. There was a day that I saw him blowing his nose. The way he held the tissue paper was skilled! Funny me!

Immediately I realized that I wasn’t getting things straight again, I had to sit down, fast and pray well so that God would speak to me. So, he would clear my head and put the right thing in there.

‘Most time, we think we have arrived and that it is time to settle down because we have the job, beautiful accommodation, money and all but God is saying no! And you’ve got to wait on him’ My pastor killed it. As I jotted the point down, my body shook violently.

Pastor was stupendously right!

>>>>>
“What else are you waiting for my daughter? You are well employed as a lecturer. You have a degree in Mass Communication and two Masters Degrees in Public Relations and Advertising respectively. What are you waiting for? You are our only daughter o and see how big you are. No one would even believe that you are not 25 yet.” My mother complained bitterly the last time we met.

My aged mother and father had been my specimen for a good marriage for many years now. Though it took about four decades after their marriage before they had me, the barren years really strengthened their love.

Though I am very beautiful, I have the dominant gene of my father. I am built like a man- with well-built muscles, a deep, bass voice and very hairy skin. In my secondary school days, I was called ‘Miss Gorilla’

Although I battled with inferiority complex for a long period of time, I overcame because of my supportive parents, my choice of career (My radio voice was always being begged for) and my unit in the church (Bass part which made the songs beautiful).

When I wasn’t talking of any boyfriend, date or fiancé yet, it was very natural when my mum called for a dialogue with me.

>>>>>
Jean was a single father whose wife had left him for over five years after he caught her in an adultery act for more than three times. I taught his daughter in her final year and that was how I got to know him well as he requested for a private lesson for her at home, during the holiday.

Whenever I visited the beautiful house of his, the way he ran around to prepare food in the kitchen, set the house in order, pet his daughter to listen whenever I taught was overwhelming. He was just too nice!

When he sat me down to say all he had passed through in his marriage, pity rose from my belly for him and I opened my heart to him. I would buy him gifts, go on picnic with him and Sarah, his daughter and I would help in the kitchen- his skills of combining different ingredients to make something extra-ordinarily was highly touching!

In fact, when I realized I was in love with him, I quickly told him about Jesus and he was truly converted as he wept for his sin.

When he proposed to me, I was shocked. I really loved him but never had I thought about getting married to a man in his late forties. I told him to give me some time and I really calculated the cost.

His daughter loved me
He didn’t divorce his wife- she left him
He is now a Christian
He is good looking, accomplished and wonderful to be with

What else would I need in a man?

I said a big, fat yes!

It all went well with us as we had reported at the marriage committee in the church and our meeting had been adjourned to next week.

All seemed clear to me until I met Tony!

“I am going to teach you a song today. I told earlier that it’s a special service today so we are doing everything in another style. Who knows maybe it’s for someone her that this service had been designed?” the pastor said again and mouth agape, I nodded like an agama lizard

My pastor is truly anointed!

He started singing thunderously

I will wait, wait, wait on the Lord
I will wait, wait, wait on the Lord
Learn my lessons well
In his timing he would tell me,
What to do,
Where to go
And what to say
The pastor’s voice rung in the whole building as he sang till the whole hall felt that move and there was the outpouring of the spirit. I watched as people fell to the ground, raised their hands to heaven in total awe and surrender to God.

I was too touched to pray!

Suddenly, something struck my heart and as I held my chest to calm the pain, a force pushed me down to my knees; perspiration covered me from head to toes- I was dripping; I shook as if I had been suffering from fever for a very long time, the goose bumps that covered me and its tingling effects refused to leave me as I gnashed my teeth. No words proceeded from my mouth.

I moaned and moaned again.

There was a stir in my spirit – for the first time! I was praying in the spirit. Prayers that was too superb and extra-ordinary for my mouth to utter.

‘Many of us say that the Lord can’t speak to us and that we can’t hear him because we are not worthy to be spoken to by the immortal. We prefer the pastor to hear for us even when God is talking…He is speaking to you…” The pastor emphasized on and on and I suddenly realized the pain in God’s heart when I limited His ability to talk to me.

“The wall of partition is broken. Enter in before him and like Jacob, wrestle with Him in prayers. He needs who would dare seek His face. Wait no more, seek him! He wants to talk to you. Stop doubting His ability. He is the Lord God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Him? Is there anything too hard for God?” the pastor asked with a stamp of his feet on the floor.
I cried!

My mouth opened and with my mouth filled with gratitude, I gave Him thanks for talking through me through the pastor
Then I regrettably said I was sorry for limiting him. For seeing Him as being selective of whom he talked to.

“Who says there is no God?” I uttered affirmatively as if I had a sword to behead such individual. I stood up from my kneeling position and joined in the thanksgiving session that followed the message session, wiping my sweat off my face.

The joy in the face of every member was unspeakable! It was glorious that my heart kept stirring- the new spiritual experience that I have got from God during this service!

Blessed is the woman that married this Pastor Idile!

Just like a video camera, my eyes travelled through the church to look for where Mummy Idile was seated but I couldn’t sight her. My searching job begun in earnest.

I saw her briefly that morning clad in a blue suit gown and a gold hat. Where could she be?

My eyes travelled to the gallery above me.

There she was!

There was a smile on her face but the smile looked somehow.

Sad? Uncertain? Bitter?

I couldn’t figure what was wrong with that smile but I knew it wasn’t a happy, grateful smile. I looked on at her and as she nodded severally, the light above her shone on her and her face glistened. I saw it clearly- tears!

Jesus!

What could be wrong with her? Was God showing her a vision that is very saddening? What was bothering her Oh God?

I felt she was supposed to be the happiest woman on earth for having such a vibrant man as a husband especially with this wonderful outpouring of the Spirit.

My spirit stirred again!

Was God trying to tell me something?

I placed my head on the pew in front of me. I didn’t even realize that the service had been brought to an end. I was overwhelmed within me.

Something is just not right! What is it oh Lord? Talk to me please!

I didn’t hear anything, I didn’t see anything. It was just darkness I saw and I heard the hooting of car horns outside.

Isn’t God going to speak?

>>>>>>It Continues<<<<<<<<

Source: http://gospelbreed.com/2016/05/candle-wind-episode-1/

Jeezzz....this is nice,this is awesome. Pls keep it up.

missviva:
Jeezzz....this is nice,this is awesome. Pls keep it up.

Thanks dear... Just the encouragement i needed

Episode 2....

I heard on knock on the pew which I was seated on. My eyes still firmly shut, I smiled.

“Is that Jesus?” I asked, very happily.

Jesus had come to speak to me in a very different way. Wonderful!

“Speak on Lord. You daughter listeneth” I said when I didn’t hear any sound.

“Very funny. Ok, it’s not Jesus o. It’s His son” I heard a wonderful male voice.

Eyes still shut, I racked my brain.

Jesus’ son?…Jesus has a son ?

Still in my fantasy, i asked on.

“Angel, you mean?” I asked and I heard a very loud laughter.

I opened my eyes widely but it was blurry because I had closed my eyes firmly for a very long time.

When my sight cleared, right in front me was Tony!

He had drawn a plastic chair and was seated, staring into my face with a funny smile on his face. He obviously was not done making jest of me and I felt so foolish.

“Sis. Precious, you are supposed to be in the drama unit. You can really act” he said and I smiled

What could I say now so this brother wouldn’t think me weird?

“Well, you wouldn’t understand” I managed to say and he smiled again. The way his cheeks raised whenever he smiled was beautiful and my heart stirred again.

“I can relate to that. We just get to a point where we are so confused that we just want God to speak to us. We become so desperate that God just calms down and says, if I don’t talk to her, let’s see if she would still stay.” He said and I smiled

“Hmmmm, that’s profound!” I nodded as the words sunk into my skulls.

“Yes my sister. When we so desire that he speaks probably so we could brag about it to our neighbors that God said this or that to us, he withholds his voice. Then, when we do not expect, he would speak, he drops it gently and he waits to see who cares to even notice what He had done” he said on and I watched on with great awe.
He paused and smiled

“Sister Precious” he called out and I woke up from my fantasies again.

“Continue my brother. I am being blessed” I said and he laughed, clasping his hands together

“I am not a pastor o. this look you are giving me be like say you think say I be one kind apostle” he said again and we laughed together

“But really, that was deep. So so thoughtful! God bless you” I prayed heartily

“You are very funny Sis Precious. Whenever I see you, you remind me of my mum. Your stature, your clichés, your voice, your long hair, and your funny talks, everything, just like her!” he said and I blushed

“That’s wonderful.” Was the only sentence I could utter

“Yes…why haven’t you been coming for the choir practice? I had wanted to ask for a long time now but whenever I looked at your side when the service ends, you would have gone. God held you down for me this morning” he said again and I shook my head.

Only if you know what these praises of yours is doing to my heart right now. Please, just stop abeg!

I stopped because I couldn’t face you! Because of you

These thoughts filled my head but I shook then off and smiled

“I will resume soon. I just had to step aside for a while. Thanks for your concern” I said and he smiled

“Ok ma. Thanks too” he said and he stood up.

I felt bad of a sudden. I hope I hadn’t said something that had made him feel bad o.

“Which side are you going to if I could give you a lift?” I asked in compensation and he smiled

“Iwo-Road area” he responded, looking down at me. He is quite tall…nice one!

“Ok. Let’s go” I said and as I tried to start, I felt something wet down my skirt.

Jesus!

Stains…Blood Stains? Oh no! Not at this point.

I was wearing a white skirt since I used heavy flow pad in the morning with the mind that there couldn’t be any stain… What shit!

“Is anything the problem?” he asked, concern written on his face.

“No. Let’s go” I didn’t want to appear foolish. It might be the sweat that was making me feel wet. I stood up suddenly, checked the white pew and nah! It was soaked with blood. I sat down right back in the chair. My perspiration started. My heart started beating fast.

Oh why today o God!

“What happened that you suddenly sat down?” He asked and I smiled faintly, obviously embarrassed but grateful that he didn’t see it.

“I just realized that I wasn’t done with the prayers I was doing, I was praying for somebody when you interrupted” I said. Was that a lie? Well, maybe partly. Forgive me Lord. I just had to do it.

“Ok then. Thanks for the offer then. Pray for me too o” he smiled again as he walked away.

I heaved a sigh of relief.

“Let’s just assume that he is the person sef, would this be the right way for him to see me? Stained with my own blood? No, that would only show him how careless I am. I wouldn’t want that” I said aloud, laughing with satisfaction that I was not caught.

But I do I get out of the church like this?

I turned back and saw some men counting the offering and all…why wouldn’t they do that in the office ehn?

I turned forward and saw some others too, discussing in groups. What do I do oh my redeemer? I am done for right?

There was a tap at my shoulder and I looked up- Tony

“Yes?” I asked, almost sharply. He smiled

“You were supposed to be praying” He said, almost in a challenging tone

“Yes and you are intruding” I said defiantly. What a bother! He smiled once more

“I have this for you. I thought of sending someone but I found nobody around. Please, don’t be offended” he said, dropped a black polythene bag on the white chair before me and off he went before I could say a word.

I was perturbed.

What could be in the bag?

I opened and the contents of the bag dazed me, leaving me in total shock!

A new pack of sanitary pad, a small white towel, four sachets of water, a roll of tissue paper and a small white wrapper.

Tears streamed down my face.

Was I supposed to be angry at this guy now or be appreciative? Which?

What an embarrassing day to remember for me oh God!

A paper fell from the bag and I picked it up.

I unfolded it even as tears clouded my eyes.
“I am sorry. I just seemed to find out. A medical doctor would just know!”

Geez!

Is this guy for real right now?

I folded myself in the corner where I was seated as if something should take a hold of me and make me disappear!

>>>>>it continues<<<<<

Source: http://gospelbreed.com/2016/05/story-candle-wind-episode-2/ ‎

Episode 3

It was raining so profusely…

As the wipers of my car wiped the heavenly tears of rain off my car, I switched on the heater of my car and hummed ‘Amazing Grace’ so happily as my already cold-infested body came back to life gradually.

Though the road through the wilderness that I was driving through was rough, I kept on driving confidently.

I didn’t even know where I was going to…

Just then, I saw some images afar off and I slowed down to get a closer view.

When I couldn’t get a proper view, I drove closer and peeped through the window.

Who am I seeing?

Jesus Christ!

Mrs. Idile, my pastor’s wife was seated on a gossip chair on the road fully drenched in rain. She was shaking so vehemently as her teeth gnashed against themselves.

I drove closer to her side but as I opened the door , the breeze from the windy rain was too much that I had to close it back hurriedly.

How do I approach her?

Why was she in the rain being beaten that way?

Where is her car?

What about her caring husband?

Taking another look at her, I knew that I had to do something if I didn’t want to lose her.

A puddle of water was already forming round her and if care wasn’t taken, she would be swept away completely.

I looked behind me, pulled my rain coat from the back seat and put it on. I turned the ignition key and opened the door. Cold breeze rushed inside but I had to do this.

As I jammed the car door, Mrs. Idile looked up at me. She was shivering severely. I noticed that her tummy was protruding and I was shocked.

Mummy Idile is pregnant?…i never knew!

Then, she smiled…

Oh that affectionate smile capable of calming a raging storm no matter how big in one’s heart!

But that smile…just like the one I saw on Sunday…her lips were blue!

I ran towards her.

“Mummy!” I screamed, very scared. I held her hand and they were like ice.

“Sister Precious” she called out in a husky voice, still smiling.

“Mummy, what is happening to you?Exactly what?” I asked, really concerned

“It is well my sister” she said, stretching her very wrinkled hands to pat my back.

I withdrew from her touch

When did her hands become this wrinkled?

Jesus is Lord!

“Mummy, where is daddy? Why are you alone?” I asked again, a weird sensation running down my spine.

She smiled as tears rushed down her eyes.

Though it was raining, I still could distinguish her teary face as her face had gone red. She pointed at her left side and I looked beside her.

Just beside her!…my pastor!

He was in a very small glassy shed that looking comfortable, mere looking at it.

He was helping some men and women to get into the same shed. He was smiling, hugging and praying for them and they were all happy together.

“What! Mummy, go inside” I shouted out of frustration. She smiled and shook her head in the negative. She pointed to the shed and I went closer to it. The inscription on the shed almost made me mad!

FULL!

What is full when I could still see empty seats inside.

“Daddy!” I called out, very sharply. I was enraged. The pastor looked at me, very happily and opened the glassy door for me.

“Come in my sister” he said but I shook my head.

“I brought my car sir. But mummy is outside. Can’t she come inside?” I asked and he peeped outside

“Which mummy?” he asked and I shook my head, greatly disappointed

“Your wife sir” he said and he smiled.

“Mummy would be fine. We have to tend to the sheep first. If you notice, no family member is in here. That was why I sent all the children abroad so that mummy can have time for herself. I must work the work of him that sent me while it is day, the night cometh when no man can work” he said and closed the door with a great thud.

I was shaken!

I looked behind me to look at her side and I was shocked- she had fallen to her back!

Lord have mercy!

I ran closer to where she was and lifeless as she looked, I saw blood streaming down her legs- she was bleeding!

“Jesus, have mercy!” I screamed loudly.

I was so confused as to what to do. I didn’t have any knowledge of medicine, and I couldn’t even think straight.

“What to do Lord? What to do?” I cried as the rain fell harder.

I heard the sound of an approaching car and looked back.

It was my car!

Who was driving it?

Why are these weird things happening today?

I was holding my car keys few minutes ago. Where is the bunch of keys now?

The car door opened and a guy jumped out- Tony!

I was astounded!

He smiled as he looked at me and immediately wore a frown as he saw Mrs. Idile.

I was shocked as I watched on.

I checked the cloth he was putting on- exactly the same Ankara print as mine. He was looking really good and the rainfall was good on him- he looked cute!

“MMR, leave way” He said as he pushed me aside gently. He smiled and gave me a big umbrella. I unfolded it and it was big enough to cover the three of us.

MMR? What was that?

As he held Mrs. Idile and felt her temperature, I came back to life and concentrated on the dying minister of God.

He felt her pulse with his stethoscope and he looked at me, shaking his head. Tears rolled down his face.

“What?” I screamed, throwing the umbrella away. I pulled at his shirt and he just shook his head on and on, looking downwards.

“We lost her” he dropped the bomb and I almost ran mad.

“Lost who?” I asked and he nodded again. I screamed as I held on to her, crying profusely.

“Mummy, I never knew you were dying. I never knew you were in the rain alone. I would have rushed here to pick you up. I really would have” I cried and as Tony pulled me with his right hand, the rain stopped abruptly and the people in the shed started trooping out. They rushed to the corpse and wailed, trying to console the pastor.

“Why console him? He killed her! The pastor killed her!” I screamed with all my strength as if my life depended on how loud my voice was.

But nobody seemed to hear me…

I looked at Tony who only pulled me up and assisted me into the car. He laid me at the back seat while he entered the driver’s seat. As he turned the ignition key, the heater resumed work, blowing with a very calming alacrity.

I sat up to check the scene I just left and I saw them laying her down into the grave

“Mummy Pastor! She can’t be dead! Mummy Pastor! She can’t be dead oh God!”

I screamed on…

>>>>>>>>It Continues<<<<<<<

Source: http://gospelbreed.com/2016/05/candle-wind-episode-3/

Hmm...could it be dt the pastor is abandoning his family responsibilities in the name of tending the sheep...well somtyms re like dt. That precious' part feels as if its being directed 2 me(I mean tony and precious' conversation) keep it coming dear

Beautiful piece, kudos.

missviva:
Hmm...could it be dt the pastor is abandoning his family responsibilities in the name of tending the sheep...well somtyms re like dt. That precious' part feels as if its being directed 2 me(I mean tony and precious' conversation) keep it coming dear

Thanks missviva. And about the PRECIOUS part of the story being directed to you, who knows this story might actually be aimed towards you ..*Kidding though*

Missmossy:
Beautiful piece, kudos.

Thanks Missmossy

Episode 4

“Mummy pastor, she can’t be dead. Mummy pastor!” I screamed on and someone tapped my shoulder

“Sister Precious” I heard my name clearly and my eyes opened widely. It was Sister Jane.

So, it’s been a dream all these while?…Like seriously?

I sat up and saw tears on Jane’s face.

Jesus!

“Is it true?” I screamed. Smiling faintly, Jane nodded over and over again.

Jesus!

“Mummy Pastor! Mummy Pastor oooo” I started screaming as I sat up from the pew in which I had slept off and started running to the back of the church as if being pursued. Jane called me back to no avail

“Mummy Pastor ooo….somebody help” I screamed on and on until I looked to my left as I approached the exit door and I heard my name.

“Sister Precious”

Mummy Pastor’s voice!

I turned to look around and there they were all gathered the women leaders with Mrs. Idile smiling wholeheartedly at me.

“Is anything the matter my daughter?” she asked, smiling again- her very real, affectionate smile

“Is this for real? Is this a dream too? Is that mummy pastor? Somebody talk to me.” I cried again as I walked to her side on the podium.

Some women tried to stop me but she signaled at them to leave me alone.

I went beside her, knelt down, felt her legs, touched her calves and hugged her.

She hugged me too!

“Mummy is alive!” I shouted childishly and the women murmured

“Daughter, go and check yourself in the bathroom. Your cloth is stained at the back” she whispered into my ears and a cold wind of embarrassment ran through my spine.

It’s the same day!

That Sunday!

I managed to smile at her.

She smiled back!

She signaled that I bend down and she dipped her hand into her bag to give me a white shawl. I wrapped it round myself and passed through the back door outside with the women’s eyes following me- I most assuredly guess!

Sister Jane was outside and I frowned at her.

“Why were you crying earlier on? And I still asked if it was a true and you nodded. You made me to make a fool out of myself today and it’s not fair!” I retorted

“I didn’t understand your question Sister Precious. I was only shedding tears of joy because I am happy for you. You obviously just had a vision. That’s something we had both been praying for you for a very long time now. You asked if it was true and I thought you were referring to the vision thing. I smiled happily and told you yes!” she explained and I hugged her

God heard my prayers!

He spoke to me in a vision.

But what does that mean?

Mummy Pastor was smiling just so happily now that I saw her.

I am still as single as ever, so why was Tony in the same attire with me?

What was I doing in a wilderness?

Despite the rough road, my car was able to still drive on as if on a tarmac! What does that mean?

What is the problem between the pastor and his wife?

Tony called me MMR…what’s the meaning?

>>>>
As I brought out my skirt from the spinner of the washing machine, I heard some rapid footsteps at the staircase and I listened.

The pastor was making a call.

“It’s a great privilege to do so for my wife my dear pastor. I am just going to dedicate this week to her. It’s her birthday and she has to be treated extra-wonderfully. Thanks for booking the hotel for us…we should arrive Dubai in the evening tomorrow. Let me tell her the surprise now…. My wife so loves surprises….hahahahahahaha… God bless you sir!…” he said on and on and I smiled happily.

I trust my pastor!

Ever romantic!

That dream was just a useless one jhur!

I had much to think about before I slept off.

My pastor and his wife are just too anointed to have any problematic issue between them.

I waved the dream off as I quickly wore my skirt, checking out myself in the mirror.

“Sister Precious, do you wanna sleep in the laundry?” Sister Jane called out and I smiled happily as I tip-toed to the door.

“I am coming right away mon amie” I said in a very musical voice- what happens whenever I am satisfied with something or extremely happy.

But…my spirit stirred again!

>>>>It continues still<<<<<

Source: http://gospelbreed.com/2016/05/candle-wind-episode-4/

Thumbs up...NYC piece, following

joanee20:
Thumbs up...NYC piece, following

Thanks Dear! I appreciate

Episode 5

“We cannot join you together!”

That was the response of the head of the marriage committee immediately Jean and I entered the church’s board room on Sunday.

I turned sideways subtly to see Jean’s face and it was expressionless. He was looking indifferent. I sighed repeatedly but silently.

As much as God wasn’t in support of this relationship and I was ready to obey His will, I still loved Jean and his expressionless face actually broke my heart.

He wasn’t going to miss me!

Perhaps he never really loved me!

Just then, while my head was bowed still where I stood, I saw some fluid falling to the ground and I was shocked.

Tears!

I looked up at Jean and he was totally broken! He had unknotted his tie, his eyes were closed and his hands were dipped right inside his well combed afro hair. The other hand held his tummy as he let out a squeak that shook the whole room.

The four-man committee members stood abruptly, covering their ears with their hands. They looked really shocked.

I could only watch on as I felt his pains.

He squatted and started a real babyish cry and my heart shattered into pieces the more.

Who does that for God’s sake?!
Who leaves a man like this when real men are scarce outside?
Only a foolish person would do so!

Jean was a very good man. Even before I led him to Christ, he had really been a moral man. Never had he for once tried to touch me or played dirty with me during those times.

Even the day he proposed to me, he was very shy to do so. It took the efforts of his daughter to help. He never took advantage of his subordinates.

I loved mature men!

I hate ‘baby men’!

And, but for his marriage to Beatrice, I would have loved to get married to him. I had really opened my heart to him.

“You people don’t understand. You don’t!” he cried out again as he blew his nose into the handkerchief he was holding. The committee members sat down, still looking perturbed.

“Understand what?” Mr. Hosanna, one of the marriage committee asked and the others nodded in support.

“I had really endured a very bad marriage where my wife would bring in different men into our matrimonial bed and sleep with them right before my open eyes. If I dared to retort, she would send different touts to beat me up or even deal with me herself….” He swallowed hard and the committee members looked somber as he unfolded the story.

I shook my head as I imagined the whole scenario.

“I had a mixed feeling when she eventually travelled outside the country five years ago with another sugar daddy. I was happy to be free indeed but I hated sleeping around. What do I do?…” he paused as he sat on the floor. He looked really hopeless and a cold shiver ran down my spine.

“I had really been weaned from all emotions and love until I met Precious. If I got married at 20, I should be able to father her but really, I love her so much. I was scared of another failed marriage but I trusted her and wanted to give it a trial once again…”

“Marriage is not trial and error my brother!” Mrs. Hallow, one of the committee members retorted and Jean shook his head.

“Probably my use of English sold me out madam. It wasn’t for a trial at all. I wanted both of us to have a real great future together and all was going well until this committee asked us to come back.” He paused again and sighed in anguish.

“It was really worth the waiting as God met me and told me some vital reasons why this marriage cannot be. There was no way I could tell Precious and I felt we should get here first. Right now, it seemed that God had gotten here even before me” he said and the committee members whispered some things to themselves.

“God had been here since my brother. He is the Word personified and we have the Bible. Everything is in there. If we go ahead and join you together, it would mean adultery. That’s what the Bible says” Mr. Lawal, another member explained

“Then, what should I do? I should wait for a woman that had gone to join herself with different filthy men? I should?” he cried dejectedly. I understood his plight.

I felt really guilty

I shouldn’t have met him in the first place.

I had opened up the closed wound in his heart again and poured fresh pepper on it.

“My brother, marriage contract is till death do us part. As long as you are alive and she is alive too, there is no going back. You have to endure it.” Mrs. Hallow said again

“Endurance! That’s the word!” Mrs. Idile said as she shook her head, her lips pursed

Mummy pastor!

What does she know about endurance?

Some people just find it easy.

The only thing she probably endured in her marriage was complaints about salt, not being enough or too much in a meal.

Mummy pastor sha! Very funny!

“We still have lots of people coming in to see us today and the time isn’t on our side. We have closed your file and we want both of you to really go and pray with all fervency.” Mr. Lawal said with a large, comforting smile

“My dear Bro Jean, I can feel your pain as I have been in your shoes. My husband left me for another woman and there were pressures here and there that I should remarry but I thank God for my pastor and his wife. Oh what a great specimen of marriage for our generation…” Mrs. Hallow paused and smiled, shaking her head in obvious appreciation while Mrs. Idile smiled too.

A pure, sweet smile!

“My husband is back to me. I have forgiven him and he is now a child of God. You would never know that something like that had ever happened between us if you see us together” Mrs. Hallow completed her own side of consolation.

“And who knows if your wound had actually been opened now because your wife is on the way and so that when she comes, she would find something to nurse, thereby, strengthening your marriage?” Mr. Hosanna explained too.

I looked at Jean on the floor and I smiled bitterly.

He was shaking his head vigorously as tears streamed down his face.

Does any of their advice makes any sense to him at all?

“It would be hard but that’s why we have Jesus. He can help. Wait for your wife and pray fervently for her soul. Who knows, you may save a soul from hell!” Mrs. Hallow said further.

“And you Sister Precious…”

That was my name right?

It was my turn to be lambasted for almost leading a new convert of mine astray even when I knew the truth. Right?

It was Mrs. Idile

“My sister, God is never too late. For some people, he comes at twenty years of age, some thirty, some forty, some fifty, even, sixty! He’s never late! How old are you? I am sure you are in your mid-twenties or thereabout. Why would you rush? Do you know what marriage means at all? Marriage is a padlock with its key thrown away! Do you want to miss it? This one that we can still enjoy beautiful renditions of songs through you, if you are sad and unstable in your home, would that still be possible? Sister Precious, are you praying at all?” Mrs. Idile went on and on and I was daunted.

There was an absolute silence

That was from her heart- deep!

I was speechless.

I realized that I hadn’t said a word since it all started and I looked for something to say.

“I love him…” I was saying when she cut me short again.

She was never violent or lousy.

Mrs. Idile!

What was the matter?

“Love, you say? Any sign whatsoever you have, be it vision, dream, deep love, revelation and all, should still be weighed on the word of God! Is God saying something to me in His word about this lady or guy? See, just like our speech could be influenced by the devil, out emotions can also be manipulated and used against God’s will for our lives” she explained and I looked at the Spilt Air Conditioner.

It was working perfectly well. In fact, 16 degrees Celsius!

Why then was she sweating- profusely?

Was it more than what was being discussed?

I am being blessed by all she was saying but I was worried about her. Was all well with her?

“Some marriages in the church are camouflages. They wear same outfits all the time, they seem to hug and peck and fan, wiping each other’s faces in the church and all and you feel, God give me a happy home like lagbaja’s! Do you know what is underneath? Do you?” she banged the table as the pimples of sweat on her face dropped on the table before her.

The vicinity was very solemn.

I looked around me and realized that everyone was taking what she was saying as just being a concerned Pastor’s wife’s palava. But I saw beyond that…something I would never want to believe myself.

Hurt!

I saw deep hurt in her face!

Jesus!

What exactly is the matter?

Just then, the dream flashed back to my head and I shook it off once more. It can’t be real! It can never be real!

“God will have mercy” Mrs. Hallow said, obviously touched by Mrs. Idile’s ‘Speech’

“Please, you both should go and pray more” Mr. Hosanna said too

“You can go and may God make your ways golden” Mr. Lawal said and Jean stood up, supporting himself with a chair.

“Thanks everyone” he said silently, moving towards the door

“Thanks” was all I could say as I approached the door too

“Sister Precious…” Mrs. Idile’s voice called out to me. I turned back and met her face.
So tender once more- smiling.

“See me in my house tomorrow by 4.pm” she said and I nodded

“Ok ma”
“I love you so much” she said further and my heart stirred.

She smiled again- that very sad smile !

My heart missed a beat!

Something was just not right!
>>>>>

“Welcome ma” my gardener greeted me as I parked the car, the lawn-mower he was using, making noise as if it was a tractor!

I didn’t want to have a headache but my lawn actually needed trimming. The other staff members had left their lawns unattended too but I couldn’t. I just loved orderliness, beauty and neatness. Since the state government had refused to renovate our quarters for us, I got some money and had the painting done, the plumbing works attended to and now, the lawn!

“Well done Mr. Bright. How work?” I greeted as I pulled the boot lever under my car seat.

“Work fine o madam. It’s just this sun” he complained. I smiled. I looked at the back seat and took a bottle of ‘five alive’ juice. It was very cold.

“Catch this” I said and he looked behind him. His face shone as he saw the drink. With open arms, he received it as I threw it and then he shouted for joy.

“It’s chilling” he said and I smiled.
Mr. Bright and his ‘wonderful’ English language!

I opened the boot and brought out the hamper inside it- an Easter gift for senior staff members in my department. I was privileged to be among.

I took my veggies basket too and walked towards the door.
—–
Gosh! It’s already two o’clock and I had to be in Pastor’s house by four.

I really have to be fast o.

I had a really weird appetite while at work.

I just stumbled on a movie where they were eating coconut rice and an idea came into my head. On my way home, I had bought cucumbers, cabbage, leeks, tomatoes, fresh paper, mackerel fish (My best), and some coconuts.

I bought enough coconuts because my hair seemed to be losing its vitality. I wanted to make enough coconut oil myself since the homemade is better than the adulterated ones being sold. The shaft from the coconut oil and the coconut water was what I would use to cook.

Yippee!

I was already salivating!

After I finished preparing those, I would have a very cold shower and then set out for the pastor’s house.

Few minutes later, the aroma of my specially prepared coconut rice filled the house. I looked at the bowl where I had poured the coconut oil

That should be cold by now!

I quickly sent a ‘BRB’ to everyone I was chatting with on Facebook, WhatsApp and BBM- I really loved chatting.

I poured the coconut oil into different bottles and set them aside. Then I turned off my gas cooker and opened the pot- Hmmmm, indomitable meal!

Oops, 3.30pm!

I ran into the bathroom and richly soaped my body. As the shower rained down the thin streams of water upon my hefty body, I felt a tickling sensation and I chuckled repeatedly. I was somewhat happy- but about what?

I had really had a lot to do that very day and though I was fatigued, I had to go and see my pastor’s wife for whatever it was she wanted to see me for.

What could she want to see me for?

My happiness waned away as I jumped off the bathroom into my bedroom where I performed the normal beauty rituals and wore a very cool colored evening gown.

>>>>>

“Mummy will join you shortly Sister Precious” Abigail, the housemaid told me and I smiled at her.

The best treble part singer in our church!

“Do you mind a bottle of Charis wine?” she asked and I nodded

“No, I don’t mind please” I said and it was soon delivered in a tray. The phone on one of the tables rang and Abigail picked the receiver

“Hello ma…it’s alright ma.” She said and looked at me.

“Mummy said you should come into her room upstairs” she said and I looked surprised.

What!

Me?!

Who am I in that church?

What is my post or position?

What have I done to deserve entering the room of my pastor’s wife?

Oh, that would be a very delightful honor for me!

If the other parts of the house could be this beautiful and gigantic, I wonder what the bedroom would look like.
—–
The staircases leading upstairs were sparkly neat!

I was told to take off my shoes and I slipped into some furry slippers before stepping on those staircases.

God, I’ve got to be rich o

Lord, I ask for the riches of Job but not his sufferings o abeg.

I laughed at myself for making that kind of selfish prayer request but if you had the opportunity of coming into this place, you would conclude that heaven must be too goldenly beautiful because this house looked like paradise.

I knocked the door

“Please come in” I heard the voice and I opened the door.

Oh, that sight!

The room was indescribable!

What!

I wanted to run outside and confirm that I was still in the same house I was just coming from but I maintained my cool.

The room was disorganized. The settees were not well arranged and there were clothes hanging on the chair, around the necks of the gigantic wardrobes, beautiful shoes were scattered all over the floor and gasped.

“Sister Precious” I heard that voice and I was geared back to reality. I was lost in my own world of irritation and had forgotten why I was here.

I looked at the bed where the sound was coming from and I almost ran back!

“Mummy!” I called out, really surprised and she smiled sadly

“Good evening” she greeted and I couldn’t hide my shock and despair.

Her head was neatly scraped- totally!…like a widow in her mourning mood!

Jesus!

The gown she was putting on was black and she didn’t look like the normal mummy I knew. Tears gathered in my face as I looked at her.

“Mummy!” I called out in a heart-renting way again as I ran to her and fell on the bed, holding her hands as I wept.

“Mummy, what’s wrong?” I asked in a very sorrowful way. She smiled but I saw the tears welling up in her eyes.

“I wanted someone to clear up my room for me. And I chose you” she said calmly and I broke out into a serious fit of crying.
What!

Mummy needed help to clear up her room?
Oh my God!

I scanned the room and I cried again.
Whatever it was that was happening to mummy pastor was very serious!

>>>>>>It Continues<<<<<<

Source: http://gospelbreed.com/2016/05/candle-wind-episode-5

Wow!this is lovely and i'm enjoying every bit of it.Ola you are doing a very good work here keep it coming.

virtuedagirl:
Wow!this is lovely and i'm enjoying every bit of it.Ola you are doing a very good work here keep it coming.

Thanks Ma'am

Cc:
Lalasticlala
Ishilove
Semid4lyfe
Obinoscopy
Maiconyoung
Jacy67
Snowangel
Joepretty
Oyay

Such an enchanting piece more please.


Dandypearl, heemah,iykekelvins, joanee20 come read too.

Missmossy you like good story eeh.. anyhow sha I full ground here, kwontinu abeg

Missmossy:
Such an enchanting piece more please.



Dandypearl, heemah,iykekelvins, joanee20 come read too.

Thanks for inviting others Missmossy ..

.....Episode 6

Oh my goodness!

Oh my God!

I looked at her.

She wasn’t crying

She had tears in her eyes but they were not falling. She looked really worn!

I stood up, removed my long evening gown and thank God my undies were moderate enough, I set to work even as I cried ‘Oh my God!” repeatedly.

After rearranging the furniture and returning the books to where they were supposed to be, I hung the neat clothes and dumped the dirty ones in the large laundry baskets. I saw a vacuum cleaner.

There is even a vacuum cleaner? Oh my God!

I ignited the machine and it swallowed all the dirt on the floor for me.

I went to the bed and faced mummy pastor.

“Mummy, let me lay the bed” I said and she sighed, held the pole on which the bed lamp hung with great difficulty and then stood up. I saw that protruding tummy.

The dream flashed back to my memory!

She’s pregnant for real! Oh my God!

I pulled a plastic chair for her and she sat inside it with care.

As I pulled the large, heavy white-turned brown duvet off the bed, I saw already used tissue papers. Some were very dry, some were still wet.

I dumped the duvet into one of the laundry baskets and the tissue papers fell to the ground- they could make a rug!

She must have cried loads and from the look of things, it didn’t just start yesterday.

By the time I was done with the laying of the bed and all, the five large laundry baskets were filled and the dustbin was filled as well.

“Carry everything and drop them outside the room. Abigail would come and get them outside. This is the first time anybody would enter this room apart from my husband. Even my children are not allowed to. I just needed an urgent help and my spirit pointed at you. Thanks so much.” She said and I could only nod as I did as instructed.

I then pulled the curtains, dusted the window panes, sprayed the air-freshener and switched on the split air conditioner while I wore my gown again.

She smiled

I shook my head and my jaws dropped.

“Mummy, it’s time to get back into bed” I said again and she tried to stand up but couldn’t. I went closer to her and pulled her up.

Oh how light she felt in my hands!

As she hid under the new laid duvet, she signaled for me to sit down on the chair adjoining the bed which I did.

I was not happy!

What exactly was happening?

What’s the smiling pretense?

Does she think I am a baby?

“Sister Precious, could I perhaps call you Precious?” she asked, humbly and my heart softened and I forced a smile

“Definitely ma” I replied and she smiled again

“Thanks my daughter.” She said and looked into my face. I looked into her eyes as well

Pains

Despair

Loneliness

Misery

Despondency

That was all I saw- No hope whatsoever!

She took my hand and though her hand seemed beautiful and fresh on the outside, it was scaly as she touched me.

“It seems that you know something about me, Precious” she said and I was shocked

“Ma, I don’t know anything o, nothing!” I retorted quickly.

What was she saying?

“That Sunday, you were shouting my name, looking for me all over the church. You even screamed ‘She’s alive’ when you saw me. That?” she looked at me with a ‘So, what are you saying’ kind of look and I shook my head.

“Ma…” I was saying when she cut me short.

“During the marriage committee session, while I was talking, why did you look into my eyes so penetratingly? Tell me if you know something please. I need to know” she squeezed my hand as she pleaded, tears streaming down her face.

Oh mine!

What do I have to say now? I really don’t know anything at all.

“Precious, when you look into my eyes as you do, what do you see? Please tell me. I am sure you know something. Tell me exactly what you see that others don’t. What you see that my fellow women leaders don’t, what exactly you see that even my children don’t. What you see that my…my…even my…my hus…husb…husband doesn’t see” She pleaded further, stuttering greatly and I shook my head regrettably.

That’s it!

Exactly what I wanted to know!

Something was very wrong and no one knew- not even my pastor!

But what’s it?

This suspense is killing me Lord Jesus!

She smiled again and I could not help but speak my mind.

“Mummy, for real, all I see is fear, loneliness, frustration, pain, hurt, despondency, dejection, depression. All I see on a closer look is negativity mum! That’s all I see and I don’t understand why it should be so” I blurted out. I was tired of seeing her that way. She looked so weird.

Even her haircut was scary…bare!

Her big tummy

Her untidy room

Her hurtful face

Her smile!

Oh how much beautiful and expensive attires cover the problems of so many people!

We only look at their attires and envy them

We look at the hats and say, oh beautiful!
Not knowing that a sorrowful bare head hides underneath.

Lord Jesus!

“Thank you for saying your mind my daughter. Thanks, thanks, thanks o, thank you, thanks” the more she said the words slowing, the more they tugged at my emotions. The more I wanted to know where the problem laid and put an end to it.

“Mummy, what is the problem with you? Talk to me. I can handle it. I might not be able to proffer solutions to the problems but I can help share in the burden. Talk to me ma” I pestered and she smiled.

“I will talk to you and that was why I chose you. But…” she was saying where the phone rang and she picked the receiver.

“Yes Abigail…good…lead him upstairs…thanks love” she said and dropped the receiver. She looked at me and smiled again.

“You have to go now Precious. I will see you some other time. I need to attend to someone now. Its urgent.” She said as she unwound baby wipes and gave to me. She took some too and wiped her face. I did the same too.
—-
What could the problem be?

What?
What?
What?

As the ‘what’ questions filled my head, I could not think straight anymore.

Was she dying?

That would be scary because she is still very young!

Where was her husband?

As I fumbled with the baby wipes in my hands and descended the stairs, my shoulders hit someone who was going upstairs and I just bowed in apology as I walked away.

Something struck me hard and turned back to look at who just walked past me.

He was at the door…that stature…oh how familiar!

I racked my brain so tirelessly but it didn’t come to my mind who it was.

As I turned the ignition key of my car, I relived the stature again and oh yes!

Tony!

What was Tony doing in there?

Tony was just a serving corps member nah…exactly why would she send me away because she wanted to meet Tony.

“I am sorry. I just seemed to find out. A medical doctor would just know.”

Those words rung in my head like I had never heard them before.

Tony was a medical doctor!

Oh geez!

The dream relived and I remembered how Tony bent to examine the dying Mrs. Idile in the dream.

Could that be what it meant?

The dream was all about this?

Wait!

Or had Mrs. Idile been shown that Tony was my husband and she wanted to put in good words for me so he would pray about it?

I shook that idea off!

How childish that thought of mine was…she obviously wouldn’t do that!

Oh my God!

I dug my hands into my hair again, sighed so deeply, turned the ignition key and as I drove off, I remembered my coconut rice

“To hell with you dear rice.” I said loudly, my tongue turning sour.

I had lost my appetite.

…it continues still
Stay tuned!

Source: http://gospelbreed.com/2016/05/candle-wind-episode-6/

iykekelvins:
Very interesting

Missmossy thanks for the mention

Don't mention.

joanee20:
Missmossy you like good story eeh.. anyhow sha I full ground here, kwontinu abeg

Lol abi naa welcome dear.

Olajhidey22:

Thanks for inviting others Missmossy ..

Don't mention.

Episode 7

Just praise me in advance…

Those were the words that woke me in the very hours of the day and I just had to forgo my sleep and started to thank Him.

I had woken up with a start and there was a kind of peppery sensation in my chest.

I was so shocked and surprised that I felt that way because I had not taken beans or its products during the day neither did I eat heavily at night. Even if I did, I wasn’t suffering from heartburn or asthma so what was the problem with me?

Throwing my beautiful, furry cover cloth aside, I stood up from the bed and scurried to the water dispenser. I pressed the ‘hot’ button because only hot substance could clear the rubbish that had gathered in my heart- I thought

What is this oh God?

Are you trying to say something to me?

As the cup got filled up with the hot water, I looked over at the wall clock.

Just 2.30a.m and I was awake…it was weird!

As I gulped the water down my throat and it burnt me right where it mattered, I looked up at the ceiling.

Let me even give a thought to my life right now.

Does my life even have direction at all?

Does it even seem as if I am making headway at all?

Something whispered to me so convincingly but quietly-
‘Count your blessings and it will surprise you what the Lord had done for you!’

As I gulped the water down, it felt that I was gulping freshly ground pepper down my throat. The sensation did not subside. In fact, it became worse!

Something was tightening round my neck- for real!

Jesus! My Lord Jesus!

Is this death? Is this what it means to die?

I am but a child. Why do I feel this way oh God?

Why?

I dropped the cup on the water dispenser and dragged myself back to the bed. My eyes dilated really badly.

The hold on my neck tightened and my eyes became teary. As I gasped for breath, almost surrendering to whatever force it was, I fell to my knees, holding my neck in anguish and desperation.

“God have mercy” I cried out on my knees, my voice already going croaky.

You are in the right position to pray!

The voice was distinct and I wasn’t sure if that was God or my conscience.

Pray?

To pray and this is what I’ve got?

That’s the mistake you make daughter. When you pray, you are not doing God any good but yourself!

Who holds your life in His hands?

“It’s God. Only God does” I said weakly

Who can kill both the body and the soul?

“It’s God alone” I moaned

All the leadership positions you have held since your primary school days were made possible because of whom?

“It’s because of God o. Who am i? Who am i?”

I started crying.

The realization suddenly dawned on me that God had woken me up in the night to pray and because of the pains; I had reflected over my life and concluded that I had really achieved nothing in life which God found wrong.

If I had woken you up without you having any discomfort, would you have prayed?
Would you find yourself crying and praying fervently as you do now?

“No sir. Oh my Lord! I am sorry. I never realized that I had created no time out to hear you. I am sorry Lord” I cried still.

God was speaking to me!

It felt so real!

It had never ever happened to me before and I was thrilled.

I listened and listened again but I heard no voice again. The discomfort had gone and I was wide awake.

I started to cry.

I really hadn’t taken God seriously in my life before this time- just the ceremonial devotion thing and ceremonial activities of going to the church and all that.

I had always had almost everything on a platter of gold- everything I had achieved had been in an easy way.

I graduated with the best WAEC and NECO results in the whole federation and I had been on different forms of scholarships till I graduated from the University of Kent, Canterbury.

Afterwards, I graduated as the second best student in the University of Kent and I proceeded to Harvard University on recommendation and by merit.

I decided to have another Master’s degree because I felt time was still on my mind and I wanted more certificates and all- I had that at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana- on scholarship again!

My parents had really never spent money on education for me. I had always been their pride- though I never exhibited pride or anything of such.

I just felt I was just being favored but I had never ascribed all the glory to God!

It escaped my mind that every little success that a child of God gets are as a result of the backing of the Almighty God and that we were supposed to send the glory back to Him for all He’d done.

I started all over again, thanking him for my past successes, my parents, my siblings, my students, and oh mine oh mine, I had enough things to thank God for!

It was really shocking that I had that much to thank Him for when I thought I had never experienced His touch in a long time.

…and oh the peace that followed!
__________

The joy from the over two hours’ thanksgiving prayer session I had lingered for hours as everyone could notice it. I wore a very beautiful smile throughout the day- it was like a permanent plastic surgery!

“I would go to the school’s studio to have a photo-shoot after the school activities because the smile sure fitted me” I had thought to myself.

I had just ended a lecture with the 300Level Students and as I left the class, I hung my school bag around my neck and bounced out of the social science block.

“Aunty Tomboy looks really glad today o”

That was what my very sharp ears heard as I walked down the park to get my car.

“Abi, she’s falling in love ni?” another voice asked and I heard a chorus, scornful laughter.

“Love ke. Abeg jhur…the only thing I like about the woman is that she sabi teach. Ah, if it’s that one, I give it to her. But romance, love, marriage, mba!” another person said

My heart started to race as I struggled within my heart about what to do.

Should I look back at the students and shout at them to stop it?

No!

That wouldn’t be good because if I should sight them, I would so hate them uncontrollably!

Should I hear more from them?

That won’t be nice!

It’s better to just intensify my footsteps and disappear from them.

But I didn’t obey that instinct. I wanted to have more of their stories.

“Who does she remind you of?” one asked again

“Hmmm, let’s say Serena Williams” another answered

“Yes! That’s very correct! I had never even thought about it that much” the third person said

“She definitely works out. All these hard jobs, you know? Weight lifting and all…” one was saying again and I balled my fist in anger.

Jesus!

See how these children are finishing me- right in my presence!

I could hear them very clearly.

Did they think I was a dummy or a deaf person?

They were not even making attempts to reduce their voices.

Geez!

Work out?
Weight lifting?

What did they know about me?

Was that how bad I now look?

These students could so kill somebody o. they could show me love like anything in the class and outside the classroom, my stature was being crucified.

Nawa o!

“So, except she becomes a baby mama or she marries James Bond o, forget marriage jhur. Who wants to marry big hefty mama and call her wife” they said again and I was mad.

I just walked really fast towards my car, opened and entered.

My head was in a kind of disorder.

There were stuffs like cobwebs hanging as curtains in the room of my head and I couldn’t think straight.

I placed my head on the steering and it took loud, repeated knocks from some passers-by at my car door to raise my head up again.

What was the problem?

My head that was on the steering had caused the horn to be blaring loudly and the parking lot was in disarray as all eyes were on me.

I just bowed and waved in apology!

The joy that I had started the day with had melt away like a candle beside the fire!

I needed to just leave this place- but where to?

I was confused and afraid and discouraged and all but I didn’t know the right thing to do.

I zipped my school bag and brought out my hand mirror, opened and checked myself out.

I wasn’t that bad- in fact, I was so so beautiful!

Or maybe it was a full mirror I needed.

I turned the ignition key and drove off to the bank beside the Accounting Department.

Let me quickly have a look at myself in a large mirror because it seemed my bathroom mirror had lost its potency and accuracy.

The bank building was glassy so, I could just use the opportunity to use the ATM and have a good look at myself.

There was no queue.

Thank God.

I moved to an ATM slot and stayed in front of it.

Geez!

I had grown really fat!

See my chest, oh my goodness!

I am really a gorilla with this hairy face of mine.

Geez!

What do I do?

No wonder my straight skirt could not fit in properly this morning. I condemned about four skirts before I was able to select the one I eventually wore.

I withdrew some cash and returned to the car.

While in the car, I quickly switched on my Wi-Fi and switched on my phone’s data connection.

I was going to search for her!

What was that name again?

I racked my brain so much…

Oops, my brain…was I getting old that this brain no longer wanted to obey me?

Yes! Serena Williams.

Google search loading…

I clicked on the images and looked at her.

She was exactly my look-alike!

I started saving some of the images of the gowns she wore to special occasions.

Even if they were not too decent, I would make mine decent

Done and dusted, I smiled to myself as I adjusted the rare mirror.

I was not going to the studio anymore because my plastic surgery smile had even disappeared, so of what use would the photo-shoot be?

It was time to change the course…

I decided to go to the —
Boutique to pick up some beautiful gowns

and then…

The Gym Centre!

I zoomed away with such great alacrity and determination because contrary to those students’ prediction, I wanted marriage- a very beautiful, romantic, godly, heaven-bound marriage at that!

May God help me.

[b]>>Continues still<<<<<

Source:[/b] http://gospelbreed.com/2016/05/candle-wind-episode-7/ ‎

Episode 8

I rode the treadmill for like ten minutes non-stop before I slowed down a bit to catch my breath. I wiped my sweaty face with the towel hanging round my neck and looking up, I saw him standing, gazing at me with his mouth twisted to the side- Tony!

My heart skipped a beat!

What was he doing here?

I obviously would not like him seeing me all sweaty and manlier in the new sportswear that I just got as I got registered in the gym center.

What was he doing here?

Just then, still mouth agape, he started clapping

What for?

“Bravo!” he exclaimed as he clapped on, walking closer to me.

I smiled sheepishly.

“Good evening” I said, wishing the ground could open and swallow me up.

The students’ comments were obviously getting at me. I felt inferior and unworthy.

“Good evening ma” he said, smiling too

“What’s with the ma?” I was almost getting furious. He saw it and smiled.

“I was only joking but really, you are my boss o. See how you handled a treadmill so perfectly like a man!” he said, still smiling

Even you Tony!

What’s with this man man thing that
everybody is talking about today?

Obviously not Tony should be saying this right now.

He should just keep quiet and not allow someone feel bad continually like this.

It’s just not fair!

He smiled and came over.

“Would you love to train me on how to use the treadmill?” he asked, looking deep into my eyes so much that it hurt.

“And who says I am a gym director or something?” I spat out

I hope that was not too rude

“I just love this stature of yours and now I know the secret. You work out!” he said, smiling widely.

“I don’t work out. Since I left the NYSC Orientation Camp about 6 years ago, I had never done any rigorous exercise.” I retorted

Get that into your skulls before insulting me!

“Wow! That’s so beautiful o. We have very few girls that have this kind of stature and for real, its wonderful” he said and I looked into his face.

Was he joking right now?

Just trying to console me right?

I had never had inferiority complex and it wouldn’t start now but I just wanted good words from Tony and I shockingly seemed to be getting it.

“Really?” I asked to be sure and he smiled

“I am serious. You just need a little trimming down and you would be oh my goodness, gorgeous! The treadmill choice is just fine” he said further and I smiled
It was looking real.

He seemed to like me, right?

“Thanks” I managed to say and he smiled.

“It’s okay. I have a question please” he said and I looked up at him

“What?” I asked anxiously

“How old are you?” it was so sharp and concise.

Very blunt guy!

“Are you for real? Asking for my age out of the blue? Did you ask with the intent of receiving answers from me?” I asked and he pouted childishly

“Please one, please two, please three” he said, childishly and I couldn’t help but laugh out loudly.

What a very playful guy he was!

“Tell me yours and I will make my addition or subtraction” I said and his eyes widened

“Addition? Oh, because I look this small shae? I definitely would be older than you” he said and I looked into his face

I chuckled

I was beginning to like him more

He saw me as younger than him and not his mama…Nice one!

“I guess everyone can see that underneath your muscular genetic build-up lies your very young age” he added and I mesmerized

This guy is good jhur!

“Ok, guess my age” I said, sweetly and he looked at me, squinting and biting his lower lips.

“Hmmmm, you would be 25 in few months’ time?” he asked and my mouth came open widely

“What! You have been stalking me?” I almost screamed

“Stalk? Wasn’t it just an innocent gentlemanly guess I made as instructed by you? God does not lie, does he? ”

“Of course not!” I replied

“If I wanted to know your age, I could just ask God and He would tell me, right?” he asked again but I was speechless

Talk to God?

Could this mean something?

Why would He be so concerned about my age that He would ask God?

“I didn’t say I asked God o. Don’t get me wrong. I just guessed. Now, let’s treadmill a bit before I would leave. I am on call this evening.” He said

“Your age?” I asked and he smiled as he settled on the belt

“Just call me egbon” he said and I chuckled

“For real!” I said, trying to conceal my excitement

He’s older than me!

Sweet sweet, oh sweet!

Joyfully, I took a hold of the machine horns, pressed the button and on and on, I ran on spot.

I’ve got to shed off this fat so that I would look gorgeous for…any man…

Or Tony….

…the only man that had seen the best in me and had voiced it out!
_________________

Oh my God, if it is Tony, just speaking to him about me.

I still don’t know how to hear you well.

Most times when I really sit, kneel or lie down to hear God speak to me, the only thing I feel rushing into my ears would be air!

Nothing more!

But I really did want Him to talk to me…or Tony if my heart wasn’t in the right condition to receive the best from God.

“Would you be coming to the choir practice tomorrow?” he asked as he slowed down in his exercise

“I don’t think so” I said and he pouted

“Are you avoiding somebody?” I asked and I threw my head up in the air

This guy’s spiritual antenna is dope!

“Yes I am” I replied and he chuckled

“Me?” he asked and I almost fell off the treadmill as I held my breath

How could someone be so blunt, huh?

He laughed.

“Hmmmm, I am really not scary person o. I always enjoyed choir practice whenever you are around” he said and my heart started pumping more than required plasma

I always did avoid people that are very unapologetically blunt

This was someone that I had never spoken a word to in that choir room.

He was always busy listening to and counseling different ladies that had ran to him for counseling.

Ladies liked to cling to his side too much!

So what was he saying now?

“I am talking gibberish?” he asked and I nodded in affirmation.

He laughed

“You remember the day we had the choir concert shae?” he asked and I nodded
I remembered pretty well. He performed a very beautiful duet with Abigail, Mummy Pastor’s housemaid and it was the bomb!

“What shirt did I even wear that day?” he asked, walking in the treadmill while I still jogged

“You wore a green shirt on a black trouser at the beginning but you thereafter changed to a white shirt and a blue trouser. At the end, it was one nice Ankara shirt you wore” I explained on and on, gasping for breath as I breathed heavily.

He stopped on the belt.

“Do you notice if I used cuff links that day?” he asked again, maintaining a serious face as if to remember something important.
I didn’t need to rack my brain before spitting the response out

“Yes. It was different cuff links sha. You used silver ones at first and then ruby colored ones afterwards with matching ties” I said again.

When I did not hear any sound, I stopped on the belt too and looked at him.

He looked really dazed, mouth suspended

“What?” I asked, quite shocked, breathing heavily from the long period of exercise

He looked on at me, still dazed

“Now, who is stalking who?” he asked, still looking dazed

Blood ran through my veins from head to toes and I was covered in embarrassment.

I scrambled for words and found none.

He tested me and caught me read-handed even to his own amazement.

Oh my God!

Should I get angry?

Or mad?

Or cry?

What was the best thing to do right now dear Savior?

I watched him as he walked gently away.

I stepped down from the treadmill and sat on a raised part of the gym center, my head bowed low.

I felt a touch on my shoulder

“Take” Tony said.

I looked up to find two bottles of water in his hands.

That was exactly what I needed.

Should I collect it?

No! my pride answer.

I looked into his face and his urging smile made me to constipate immediately

I collected it hurriedly and gulped down almost half.

There was a grave silence between us.

What was on his mind right now?

His phone rang and he received it

“Yes Abigail…what? Jesus!… do you know what you would do now, just use a pillow to raise her head. Will join you in a jiffy…oh my God!” he exclaimed, cleaned his face with the towel round his neck and looked at me

“I am sorry. I’ve got to go”

“Isn’t that Mummy Pastor?” I asked and he nodded

“Yes she is.” He said as he walked to the door hurriedly.

I followed after too.

What could be wrong with Mummy Pastor today dear Savior?

What?

My phone rang

It was mummy pastor!

“Hello mummy”

“This is Abigail ma.”

“Yes dear, is anything the matter?” I asked

“Its mummy o and daddy is not around” her shaky voice rang in my ears.

Was she crying?

I dropped the call.

“Was that Abigail?” Tony asked and I nodded

“Let’s use your car. Mine isn’t here now” he said and I nodded

I didn’t even know that he had a car.

As Tony drove with a great speed, I could only pray for God’s mercies and a safe journey.

“Should I call the pastor?” I asked Tony and he shot me a one in town look.

“No please.” He replied and I looked shocked

What does he know that I didn’t?

Nice one!…now, I remember.

He was the one I saw climbing the stairs to attend Mummy Pastor that last time. He must know what was wrong with her.

“Tony, what exactly is wrong with mummy?” I asked and he shook his head

“Whatever it is requires our urgent prayers for God’s intervention” he said and concentrated on the driving.

Oh what a curt answer!

There really must be a problem and that exactly was what I didn’t understand.
God, please intervene and keep mummy pastor for us.

“Visit her marriage and her family oh God because I really do not understand anything that is going on round me now” I lamented silently

But I knew that it was just a matter of time and all would be clear to me!

>>>It continues still<<<<

Source: http://gospelbreed.com/2016/05/candle-wind-episode-8/

Pls let nothing happen to mummy pastor,Ola tanks alot for the updates keep it coming.

wow this is great keep it up

Thanks for updating o.. Mummy pastor be well o..

I don show. Make I book space for front row. Thanks for the mention

virtuedagirl:
Pls let nothing happen to mummy pastor,Ola tanks alot for the updates keep it coming.

Thanks dear.. And sorry for the delay in updating so far

joanee20:
Thanks for updating o..
Mummy pastor be well o..

Amen oh . Thanks Pastor joanee20