Episode 1
Everyone is expected to have the "I'm in the spirit" look especially on a Sunday. Well, not for my family. Sundays are just like every other day, except for the fact that it's a day we get to showcase of best attires. We may not be the "spirit filled" type, but we are well known for this.

I looked at where the Pastor was seated, with his eyes closed, he was slowly shaking his head to the choir's rendition, well...that's expected of him.
Everyone was so into the song.
"Esther" he called me.
I looked at him, David, my brother.
"What?" I whispered.
He gestured to his phone. He already opened his Snapchat and he wanted us to take a selfie.
I smiled at the camera, we took about three.
"Send them to me" I whispered before I looked away.
Few seconds later, I felt my phone vibrate.
I opened my phone and saw David already sent the pictures.
I uploaded them on my status and added the caption of "Happy Sunday" to the one I loved the most out of the pictures before I put my phone to sleep.
The choir was still singing and some people were already on their feet with their eyes closed. I looked towards where my Mom was seated, and as expected she has a bored look and my Dad is stroking his beards.
My attention went back to the choir as they finished rendering their ministration. I joined others in clapping for the choir and the Pastor mounted the pulpit.
Everywhere was silent except for the occasional "Amen" when necessary.
"If you are happy to be in God's presence. Shout Hallelujah"
"Hallelujah" We all shouted.
"Our topic today is "Christians".
He talked about how the name "Christian" was given to the disciples of Jesus and why.
"A Christian is someone who is like Christ" That sentence got my attention.
"Christ is patient, kind, compassionate. He went about doing good…" He went on and on.
"With all these attributes of Christ can you truly say you are a Christian?" The question also got me thinking.
I looked at my family, we attend services, Sunday services, we pay tithes and offerings regularly but the Pastor never mentioned all these as one of the attributes of Christ.
"Can you truly say you are born again?" I felt like the Pastor was talking to me. I felt alone, I felt like I was the only one in the church.
"Are you truly a Christian?"
"Yes.I am!" I said firmly but deep down I had really big doubts.

"THE SERVICE WAS a bit long" My Mom said as we entered our house.
"I agree" My Dad said with a yawn.
"Mom" I called her.
"Yes?"
"Are we Christians?"
My Mom gave me a confused look. "Of course we are. Why did you ask such a ridiculous question?"
"The message of the Pastor today just brought questions to my mind. I just keep wondering if we are truly children of God"
"Then are we children of the devil?" My Dad said. "Yes we are Christians." He said again.
"I think Esther is hungry" David said.
I gave a him a look and he stuck out his tongue. He's such a baby.
"But..." I tried to say.
My Dad interrupted me "You are going back to school tomorrow, you should be packing your things."
"I'll go and make lunch" My Mom said standing up and went to the kitchen.
I went up to my room to get ready for school.
Well, I guess we are Christians.
Penshalom

Episode 2
I FORGOT ALL about the whole "Christian" thing when I got to school but I go to church more often now than before.
So on this fateful day after a Bible study, on my way home, someone caught up with me.
"Hi, you are Sister Esther right?"
I recognize the voice. It's Tayo, our General Secretary. "Hi" I replied shyly.
"I'm Tayo" He said with his hand out for a shake.
I shook his hands "Yes I know. You are the Gen Sec"
He grinned and my heart skipped a bit.
"You've been coming to fellowship a lot lately" He said as we walked on.
"Yes" I replied him.
"Has he been noticing me all this while?" I thought to myself.
"Well, I hope you've been getting blessed in all the services"
"Yes I have. Thank you."
"You are welcome." He said with a smile.
"Can I have your number? Just for follow up" He said after a while.
"Sure" He took out his phone and I punched in my number.
"Thank you." He put his phone back in his back pocket.
"No problem"
He walked me to my hostel and he didn't leave until I entered my room.
My heart was beating fast all through.
I've always had a crush on him but he's the General Secretary so I always admired him from afar but I guess fate had other plans for me.
I was so excited, I could hardly contain it.
That night, he texted me "Good night". I smiled into my dream land.

I BECAME REGULAR in the fellowship, if I missed any then it means I was really fixed.
Tayo was at every service and he mounted the altar at every one of them. He was always shining like a star.
He walked me home at the end of every fellowship and he called me every night before I go to bed.
"How were lectures today?" Tayo asked me on our way back home. It's one of those fellowship nights.
"Boring." I told him squeezing my face.
"Ehya. You came a bit late."
"Yeah, we had a test."
"But honestly I could not wait to finish so I could come for fellowship". I said again.
"Really?"
"Yes"
"Hmm. Why?" Tayo stopped walking and looked at me directly.
"Why what?"
"Why were you eager to come for fellowship?"
I looked down, shyly.
"You could not wait to see me right?" Tayo moved closer.
"You enjoy our walks at night and our talks just like I do" Tayo said huskily.
He moved closer and his face was dangerously close to mine. My heart was beating really fast.
He looked into my eyes before staring at my lips and then his face moved closer and closer and close to mine but the kiss never came because someone flashed a light to us.
I quickly jumped back.
"Ah sorry o"
I looked at the person, it's a sister from the fellowship.
"Sis. Dorcas, how are you?"
"Ah, Bro T. I'm fine. Good evening sister"
"Good evening" I mumbled, I was so embarrassed.
"She had something on her face" Tayo said after an awkward silence.
"Oh I see. Have you removed it?"
"What?" Tayo said.
"The thing on her face" Sister Dorcas told him gesturing to my face.
"Oh. Yeah, it's gone" Tayo smiled.
"Hmm"
"So good night ladies. God bless you" Tayo said and walked away, really fast.
"My hostel is close to yours. Let's go" Sister Dorcas smiled at me and I forced a smile.
On the way, I kept thinking of Tayo's lies.
Are Christians supposed to do that?
Penshalom

Episode 3
"I'M SORRY FOR last night" Tayo said as soon as I sat down. He asked us to meet at a restaurant outside of school.
"I don't know what came over me. I'm so sorry" Tayo said again looking regretful.
"It's OK. I understand." I said smiling.
"Really?"
"Yes"
He flashed me his award winning smile. "I'm so relieved."
"Why did you have to lie tho?"
"She caught us at a compromising position and you know my position in church so I had to do it. Also, that lady is a blabber mouth."
"Really?"
"Yeah, she does not really like me. I didn't want her to start spreading rumors about me."
"She seemed nice"
"She's not, she's just trying to be friendly so she can get information from you. You need to be careful with her."
"Hmm. Okay."
Tayo held my hand briefly. "Thank you for believing me"
I smiled at him. I decided to clear the doubts I had. He did what he had to do.
" Order for anything you want dear. Bills on me" He winked at me.
"Alright. Thank you."
I ordered for my food and he did too. I had a really good day.

I MET SIS. Dorcas on my way home. Our hostels are close to each other.
"Good afternoon dear"
"Good afternoon." I replied her pleasantly.
"You are looking beautiful. I love your gown"
"Thank you"
"I'm happy I met you, can I speak to you?"
I cocked my head "For what?"
"Nothing big. Just wanted to have a few words with you"
"OK. Let's talk inside".
We entered my room. I offered her something to drink but she declined.
"So, what is it you want to talk about? I asked sitting on my bed and I placed a pillow on my laps.
"The other night after the fellowship, you know when I saw you and Bro. Tayo?"
"Yes?" I said calmly but deep inside me, I was not calm.
"Well I intentionally flashed the light at you both". Sis. Dorcas revealed.
Penshalom

sis dorcas must have seen everything... hmmm. Continue my dear @penshalom

Episode 4
We both went quiet. It was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop. My heart was beating fast in my chest and I felt noises in my ear. My mouth still hung open.
"WOW!" was all I could say when I eventually got a hold of myself.
"Yeah" She said coolly.
"Why?" I finally asked.
"I'm sorry for being nosy. But I've been noticing you and him for a while now."
"Oh. I see" I wiped my hand on my leg nervously. I already broke out in a sweat although the weather is cold.
"He was removing something from my face" I quickly said.
"We both know that's a lie Sister Esther" Sister Dorcas said firmly.
I slammed my mouth shut and gulped.
"I just want you to be careful with him. He's not who you think he is. Don't be so lost in your feelings that you lose your sanity as well." She held my hand. "Please Esther, be careful."
I took in deep breaths and then I nodded. "I will. Thank you" I told her.
"Alright. Well, I have to go now."
She got up and I did too.
We said our goodbyes after she gave me a hug.
When I came back in, my phone was ringing and Tayo's name flashed on the screen.
I picked up. "Hello Bro. Tayo" I said into the phone.
"Come on I told you to stop calling me that. We are close now, aren't we?"
"Yeah I guess."
"So call me by my name" He said.
"Tayo" I said after a few seconds.
"Wow. My name sounds really nice from your voice".
I blushed.
"So how have you been?" He asked and I could hear the smile in his voice.
"I'm OK but something happened."
"What's that?"
"Sister Dorcas just left here" I said.
"What? Why?"
"She told me she knew what we were about to do that night and she intentionally flashed the light on us. And she told me to be careful with you."
Tayo was quiet for a while.
"Hello" I checked the phone to see if the call had been disconnected but it's not.
"I'm still here."
"OK" I said.
"I don't know what I've done to that lady. I don't know why she is stalking me. She's out to get me."
"Please don't give her your time of the day the next time she wants to talk to you. She's trying to make you stay away from me." He continued.
"But why will she want that?" I asked
"Jealousy maybe? I think she's obsessed with me" Tayo said with a sigh.
"She's a crazy lady. Please stay away from her." Tayo pleaded.
"Okay. I will"
"Alright. I hope you enjoyed our date today?"
"It was a date?"
"Of course, I dressed fine, you dressed fine, we ate and we had a nice time. So yes it was a date."
"Okay Tayo"
"Alright darling. Sleep well and dream of me." He said before he hung up and sure enough I dreamt of Tayo, I saw the two of us together in a garden of roses.
Penshalom

Creeza:
sis dorcas must have seen everything... hmmm. Continue my dear @penshalom

Thanks dear

Episode 5

I AVOIDED DORCAS at all cost. She tried talking to me both at fellowship and at home, but I made up many different excuses to avoid talking to her, but still she never got the hint. She was so clingy. I didn't want her to get in the way of Tayo and I.

The thought of Tayo brought a smile on my face and in my heart.
Although, we are not in a relationship but it seems like it. He has not clearly stated what he wanted though, but he's more like my boyfriend now. Maybe we don't really need the labels. Maybe things already worked out the way we wanted it to be.

I'm on my way to Tayo's house. He told me to come. I checked myself in the mirror a lot more than I can count.

I KNOCKED THE door and waited. Tayo opened and welcomed me with a grin.
"Come in" Tayo said and locked the door after me.
I looked around the room, everything was neatly arranged.
"Won't you give me a hug?" Tayo said.
I moved closer and hugged him and he hugged me deep.
"You smell nice" He whispered...I felt his lips on my ear.
I pulled away from him and sat on a chair.
He went to the kitchen and brought out food. He made fried rice and chicken with orange juice.
It was really delicious.
"I didn't know you can cook".
"There are so many things about me that you don't know." He continued "But I want you to get to know me better".
"Same here" I told him.
We ate together and chatted.
He brought out his album and he told me to come sit with him on the bed.
I went over and sat down.
He gave me the album and I stared checking the pictures laughing occasionally. Tayo was seated close to me playing with my hair. His cologne feeling my senses.
I don't know how it happened but minutes later I was lying on the bed and Tayo was hovering over me.
"Are we supposed to be doing this?" I kept thinking but I did not have enough will to get up.
Tayo moved closer, his lips not far from mine. I anticipated it too but just like before we got interrupted, but this time by a knock.
"Tayo" A female voice called out and knocked again.
Tayo's eyes went round and fear was written over him. He got up as fast as lightning and I did too. I adjusted my clothes and sat on the chair.
Tayo opened the door and a lady walked in.
"Good evening Sister" She said.
"Good evening" I stuttered.
She sat on his bed.
"Funke meet Sister Esther " She smiled at me.
"Sister Esther meet Funke, my fiancee"
My heart stopped.
I got up and picked my bag.
"It was nice meeting you" I quickly said and rushed out.
"She is a new comer in church, Pastor told me to talk with her. She's not really serious with spiritual things". I heard Tayo say as I stood by the door.
Tears fell from my eyes.
Tayo played me, big time.

Penshalom

Woahh! Tayo the sharpshooter... wanted to chop Funke and just clean mouth... issorite. Breeze have blow, the nah saw fowl nyash. Lol

Episode 6
I DID NOT go to my hostel. I found myself in front of Dorcas' room. I knocked the door, she found me crying when she opened it.
She pulled me inside. Dorcas held me and patted me occasionally; I couldn't help crying buckets.
"He played me." I said amidst tears.
I blew my nose into the handkerchief in my hand.
"He played me" I said again.
"Sorry dear" Dorcas said.
"I've been so naive and stupid." I said.
"No, you were not. Don't beat yourself up over this."
"He's engaged."
"Who is engaged?"
"Tayo, he has a fiancée"
"Are you kidding?" Dorcas looked shocked.
"I thought he was in love with me. He knew I liked him, he took advantage of that. He only wanted to use me."
"I always knew he is a sly. He did the same thing to a lady. She eventually left the fellowship, but I did not know that he's in a relationship."
"But Dorcas, he is the General Secretary"
"I don't understand" Dorcas said.
"I mean, he holds a position in church. I trusted him because of that. He's a Christian."
"Oh, now I get you. Position does not define Christianity, dear".
"It doesn't?"
"No, it does not. Not everyone who claims they are Christians, are truly born again. You don't judge by the positions people hold in church, but by the fruits they produce. The Bible says "By their fruits you shall know them..." Not by the words of their mouths or what they do".

My mind flashed back to last time I went home. I remembered the Pastor's message. I remembered the attributes he mentioned, how he said Christians are like Christ.
"Tayo being a general secretary in the fellowship is not an assurance of his salvation. Being born in a Christian home is not an assurance of one's salvation."
"Well, that means I'm actually not a Christian."
"I don't get you"
"Actually, I'm born in a Christian home, but I've never really come to acknowledge
Jesus."
"Well, will you want to do that now?"
I nodded my head.
Dorcas prayed with me and that day I felt peace and joy in my heart.
"You know God loves you, Esther"
"Why did you say that?"
"He saved you from Tayo, twice. If not for God, imagine the kind of pain you will be feeling right now".
"Wow! that's true. I never saw it that way."
"So, you have reasons to thank God."
I smiled.
"So, what are you going to do? Are you also leaving the fellowship?"
I sighed. "Honestly, Dorcas, I don't know."


Penshalom

PS: This is not the end. Part 2 is coming up soon.

Thanks for reading up to this point. God bless you.

Kindly share with others.

Till next time.

Episode 7
I BREATHED IN and out, I think I've done this more than thrice ever since I got up. I'm not nervous so to say, but I just don't know how I would act if I see him in church today. Yes, I decided not to leave the fellowship.
Someone knocked on my door. "Come in" I said a little loudly.
Dorcas came in with smiles. "My oh my!" you are looking muah" She said, giving me a look over.
"Thanks" I said shakily.
"But I don't love that look on your face. You need to show you are happy. Let him know he's got nothing on you."
"Hmm"
"He should be the one scared and not you dear."
"OK OK"
"Now to your shoes" Dorcas looked at my shoe collection thoughtfully.
"I think you should wear this red pumps. You need something that will make you walk confidently." She gave me the red heels, I wore it. Dorcas gave me a once over before giving me double thumbs up.
"Now we can go" Dorcas said.
I checked the time. "Wow! we are late." I said.
"And if we don't go now, we will miss the perfect timing"
"When is the perfect timing?" I asked
"The Praise and worship section, when heads will turn"
"Dorcas, are we going to church to worship God or for another thing?"
"Of course to worship God. I just want you to show up confidently. He needs to know you are OK without him". Dorcas continued. "OK, we are going to worship God. Sorry I've been a little vengeful"
"It's OK. Thank you for being there for me." I told her sincerely.
"You are welcome"
Dorcas and I left for church. On the way to church, I felt a little nervous.

WE ACTUALLY GOT to church when the praise section started. Dorcas went inside ahead of me and I followed her feeling a bit self conscious. When I found a seat, I looked up and the eyes of Tayo and I met. He was taken aback and disbelief flashed in his eyes.
"Did he actually think I was going to leave the church for him?" I thought to myself.
I grew more confident and looked away from him. I fully concentrated on the praises. I danced my heart out and I felt joy within me. I completely forgot about Tayo but I saw him gape occasionally.
It was during the message that I realized I was seated with Funke, Tayo's fiance. My heart skipped a beat as what happened or almost happened that day flooded my memory.
"Hello" She flashed me a smile.
"Hi" I smiled back.
I turned away from her and forced my mind back to the service.
"I refuse to get sucked back into this guilt." I whispered to myself.
I listened to the message and coincidentally the President talked on "God's love". I fell in love with God more and I gave my heart to Him completely that day.
"Thank for your love Jesus" I kept saying in my heart.

AFTER THE SERVICE, I was waiting at the back for Dorcas who has a meeting with her group members. I was on my phone when I saw the shadow. A familiar shadow. I looked up and yes, it's Tayo.
"Hi, Sister Esther." Tayo flashed his smile, the one that used to melt my heart, but now it's making my heart boil.
"Hi" I said and went back to my chat.
"Can I speak with you? Over there?" He pointed to the far back of the fellowship.
People were around me, obviously they heard him and it would be weird to say no.
"Yeah sure"
I stood up and led the way and Tayo walked closely behind me.
I wonder what he has to say.

Penshalom

Episode 8

WHEN WE GOT there, he suggested we move to more private place but I insisted on staying where we were, at least people can see us.
"You look beautiful today"
"Thank you" I replied sharply.
"Come on, why are you frowning? Smile for me dear" He tried to touch my jaw but I gave him a "If you dare" look and he got the message.
He cleared his throat. "I've been noticing you and Dorcas lately, are you both friends now?"
"Tayo, go straight to the point. Why did you ask us to talk?"
"Uhm.. I wanted to apologize for the other time. She caught me unaware"
I was shocked at what he said. "You are apologizing because she caught you unawares?"
"Yes."
"Wow" I breathed out.
"Look, I know you like me and I enjoy your company too. We can start this since we feel so much for each other, who knows something great can come out of this."
"I'm not getting you. You want us to start "something" while you are in another "something"?"
"Uhm, something like that"
"Who made you the General Secretary of the fellowship?"
"Excuse me?" He frowned.
"That's none of my business anyway." I looked at him straight in the eye. "Tayo, I'm not interested in starting "something" with you or anything whatsoever. The fact that you can suggest this kind of thing to me…you must really think I'm a fool."
"What? No. I didn't say that…"
I raised my hands up to stop him. "Enough! I don't want to hear anything. I'm not interested in you, at least not anymore. And I really pity the lady you are with cos she seems like a nice girl."
"What do you mean?" He looked angry now.
I was about to reply when I saw Dorcas.
"I'm done with the meeting" She said.
"OK I will join you soon." I told her.
"OK." She looked at Tayo. "Bro. T" She said in greeting.
"Sister Dorcas" Tayo said too.
The atmosphere between them was tense, Dorcas smiled at him nevertheless before turning back to me. "I will be waiting in the church" She looked at Tayo again before she left.
"Oh I see. She talked you to this. She made you turn your back at me" Tayo accused me.
"No. She opened my eyes to see what was before me and now I think I can see the real you."
"I hope you go back to who you were in Christ Tayo and stop this life you are living"
I left him standing there and called to Dorcas. She came along with my bag and we walked home.

Penshalom

@Op, you are doing well

Bring it ON....more update pls

being the "churchy" type, I could really relate with this story because this goes on within choristers alot


I could really relate because we hide amidst our so called Christianity and perpetuate so much injustices and turn souls away from Christ

We fail to see that our position makes us even more prone to temptation unlike bro T who sought Esther out


Thanks Penshalom. Though it is not a religious page I could relate 99.9%

Episode 9

I DECIDED TO live my life for God; I got lost in His work by joining the choir both at church and in my fellowship back in school.
My parents were surprised at my sudden closeness to God.
"You go to church often lately, hope no problem?" My Mom asked me.
I laughed. "No problem Mom. It is better to get closer to God than to be one leg in and out. In appreciating the love He showed me, I need to serve Him."
"Hmm... I see"
They didn't stop me in any way or try to discourage me but my parents did not say anything either until one day, something changed.
I just got back home from church and it's a Sunday.
I had been home for a while and I did not see Mom, I knew she was home.
"Dad… is Mom OK?"
"I don't know dear. She's been acting weird since we got back from church. I tried talking to her, she told me she needed some time alone." My Dad looked towards the stairs worried.
"Don't worry Dad. Let me go talk to her."
I went upstairs, I knocked the door and tried opening it, fortunately, it was not locked. She was seated in front of the mirror.
"Mom, are you OK?"
She turned to look at me "Esther" She sighed.
I rushed towards her, knelt before her and held her hand.
"What's wrong?"
"My baby" She touched my head, her eyes were filled with tears.
"What happened?"
"You sang beautifully today" She started. "You know this is the first time I actually concentrated on a ministration from the choir. I listened to the lyrics and they sank in. When you were singing, I saw people crying; they were in the spirit."
"I cried too you know. I can't believe this is what my non challant attitude towards the God stopped you from doing." I held her hands tighter.
"I've just been sitting here regretting those times."
"So, what are you going to do?" I asked her.
"I'm going to get serious with God. I want to change."
I smiled. "Wow"
"Do you want to give your life to Christ Mom?"
"Yes please. I want to"
I was so happy, because that day a wind of change blew in my home.


EVERYTHING WAS PERFECT, I was already in my final year. Dorcas was a year ahead of me, so she has graduated; I cried that day because she was my true friend.
I was busy with my project and getting ready for my final exams but I did not allow it to affect my service in the fellowship.
Everything was going on well until the day the president of my fellowship asked me to wait behind because he had something to tell me.
"Hi sir" I greeted him with respect.
"Hi, Sis Esther. Hope you are good?" He asked me.
"Yes I am. Thank you."
"OK" He rubbed his hands together looking around.
"You said you have a message for me?" I asked him breaking the silence.
"Oh, yeah."
He scratched his head and chuckled nervously. "Um, the thing is Sister Esther... he became a stutter. Actually… the thing is God is leading me to you"
"Leading you, how?"
"I mean, God is telling me you are the woman for me" He said quickly.
I was shocked. I could not say anything. The memories of Tayo flashed before my eyes and I felt some emotions rise up within me.
I picked my bag and looked him straight in the eye. "I'm not interested" I told him and walked away.

Penshalom

P. S: I'm so sorry I posted this late. Thank you for being patient with me.

oluwatosin070:
@Op, you are doing well

Thank you

enirock:
being the "churchy" type, I could really relate with this story because this goes on within choristers alot


I could really relate because we hide amidst our so called Christianity and perpetuate so much injustices and turn souls away from Christ

We fail to see that our position makes us even more prone to temptation unlike bro T who sought Esther out


Thanks Penshalom. Though it is not a religious page I could relate 99.9%

Thank you too.
May God change our hearts and turn it back to Him.

Penshalom:

Thank you too. May God change our hearts and turn it back to Him.

Amen

Episode 10

BRO. ALFRED KEPT on tormenting me and I kept saying no but it seems he did not get my message.
"I'm convinced you are the one for me and we have a lot to accomplish for God together" He kept saying but I turned deaf ears, I did not even bother praying about him but he was persistent.
"Can we talk later sir? I'm meeting up with someone" I said politely to Bro. Alfred.
"OK then. I will talk to you later. Take care of yourself". He hung up and breathed a sigh of relief.
"Hmm" Dorcas cleared her throat.
"Hmm" I replied her.
She smiled and sipped her juice. "It's good to see you Esther."
"Same here" Dorcas came home for a little while from her place of service and since she's living in the same town the school is located in we decided to meet up but outside campus.
"How is service now?" I asked her.
"I can't wait to finish jare but the place is peaceful and I met great people so I'm happy"
"That's great"
"Yeah" Dorcas drank from her juice again. "So, who was on the phone earlier?" Dorcas asked.
"Ah, I've been waiting for you to ask."
"Whatever, tell me, who was on the phone?"
"Bro. Alfred"
Dorcas tried to figure out who it was for some seconds before her eyes lit up "The Bro. Alfred?"
"Yeah" I said casually.
"Oh my God. Tell me, what's happening?"
"Well, he told me God is leading him to me and so on and so forth"
Dorcas squealed. "Wow"
"Stop shouting" I said softly looking around.
"Oh sorry sorry" Dorcas lowered her voice but she was still excited, her eyes were dancing in her eyes. "So have you prayed about it?"
I snorted. "I already told him I'm not interested" I said dismissively.
"What?! God said he's not the one?"
"I didn't even bother to pray about it.".
"But why?" Dorcas asked sadly.
"You know why"
"I don't Esther."
I looked away. "All of them are the same" I said finally.
"All of who?" Dorcas asked.
I sighed, annoyed at her questions. "All the so called brothers"
Dorcas was quiet, looking at her plate of rice.
"Is this about Bro. Tayo?"
I shrugged.
"Esther, what happened between you and Tayo happened almost two years ago."
"So?"
"So, you should have gotten over it"
"I have"
"No, you have not" Dorcas said firmly. "You have not"
"Well, Tayo was the General Secretary, if he could do what he did, what makes this one different?" I tried to defend myself.
"So because someone broke your heart, everyone is now a heartbreaker? Because a so called believer betrayed you, every Christian brother is betrayal?"
"You don't understand. He toyed with my feelings. I really liked him Dorcas"
"Yes, two years ago. Tayo has graduated, he has moved on with his life and you are letting him hold your life back. You are letting your past affect your present. You are never going to give anyone a chance again because someone hurt you?"
I raised my head up to stop tears from falling.
Dorcas held my hand. "You need to let go Esther."
Tears fell from eyes. "I've been trying to but the memories are still fresh in my head. I can't forget the fact that he used me and I fell for it. I was such a fool."
Dorcas squeezed my hand. "Forgive yourself. Heal from your wound. You are no longer a "fool" Esther, you have been redeemed, you are now a child for God, your past is over, you have a new life in Christ."
I sobbed quietly. "I don't know, I don't know how"
"He said "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest". Cast all your care upon Him Esther because He truly cares for you" Dorcas said softly.
"Submit it all at the feet of Christ"
Thank God we sat at the far back of the eatery, I would have made the trending news on social media. I told God my fears, I told Him my pain, I told Him my hurt, I submitted it all at His feet, and I felt the burden lifted.


"YOU ARE GOING to tell him today right?"
"Yes. I've told you that a number of times Dorcas" I spoke into the phone "but I'm a so nervous."
"It's part of the thrill. You will do great."
I hung up and entered the fellowship, the fellowship was holding a send forth programme for us but in form of a dinner service.
Bro. Alfred and my eyes met a couple of times and every time it did, I felt more nervous but I patiently waited till after the service.
"Can I speak with you for a moment?" I told him and walked on without waiting for his reply but I knew he was coming behind me.
I stopped at a private place but we could still see what was going on in the fellowship.
"Hope you are good?" Bro. Alfred asked
"I am and you?"
"Yes I'm good"
We stood awkwardly. "I have to tell you something" I said.
"Oh OK." Bro. Alfred said gulping.
"Firstly, I'm sorry for making you wait this long. I had some issues to settle"
"No problem. Take your time." Bro. Alfred bit his lips.
"Well, I prayed about you and God is telling me we can do this together."
Bro. Alfred looked up, shock evident in his eyes. "You are willing to?"
"I'm ready to"
He smiled so wide I thought his mouth would tear.
"Thank you so much" He said again and again."
"Thank you for being patient for me" I told him sincerely.
"I have to go now. Good night Bro Alfred and sleep well"
"Let me walk you".
"Don't worry. I'm sure your presence is needed in the church. I will call you"
I waved at him before I left. This is the beginning of a new thing in my life which I'm sure would be a wonderful journey.


The End
Thank you for reading, kindly share with others.
Penshalom

Hmm. It's amazing though how brothers and sisters in the Lord always believe God is leading them to each other. I'm no atheist tho! Lol but U did a good job at this one penshalom. Thanks for sharing.

penshalom presented this last chapter as though you worship in deeper life... Nice one all the same


Thank you for keeping us occupied and entertained