(sequel to THE GRACE TRIP)
On getting to the State House with Dr. Jarex Timothy, I was angry. However, I managed to mask that with a smile. The Executives were surprised to see me arrive with the guest minister. “Uncle, how and where did you meet Doctor?” Before I could speak, Dr. JT answered. “My brothers and sisters, I would like to start today’s message by encouraging us with the story of our General Secretary. He told me he felt a burden for our people at Odeda and he obeyed the leading of the Lord by visiting them. This is a practical example of our theme. WALKING IN THE SPIRIT.”
As he went on and on, the anger and resentment in me grew. On one hand, I was happy that God sought me out over and over again. On the other hand, I was angry that I wasn’t able to express myself. I felt that it would have been nice if I had messed up and then come back as a Prodigal son. At least that way I would have satisfied myself.
Dr’s voice jolted me to reality. “So then, beloved ones, the flesh has no claims on us at all, and we have no further obligation to live in obedience to it! For when you live controlled by the flesh, you are about to die. The mature children of God are those who are moved by the impulses of the Holy Spirit.” He was reading from Romans 8. Verses 12-14. Most likely The Passion Translation. I knew what the passage said but I couldn’t care less at that point.
The service ended with prayers and intense worship around 8pm. But that was the least of my concerns. You see…I was planning my next line of action. If daylight prevented me from having fun, then I would go for the night time.
………
Night passed. Day came. It was Friday.
U: “Papa! Good afternoon. How are you doing sir?”
P: “Uncle, I’m fine o. How was your PPA nau?”
U: “Bless God o. It went well. Ehen, Papa. I want to let you know that I won’t be home this night. The Youth Fellowship of Christ the King Ministries invited me to minister at their monthly vigil. I’m sorry I didn’t inform you earlier.”
P: “Oh. That’s wonderful. If you don’t mind, I’ll like to join you.”
My heart skipped a beat. I wanted to go for a wild night out and this Papa wants to spoil things for me. He wants to pour sand in my garri. No way.
U: “Ah. Papa. Don’t worry. The notice is really short and I’m sure you have already planned some things for this night. By next month, we will go together. Even if neither of us is invited to minister.
P: “Hmm. My spirit is saying that we should go together but no problem. I’ll do as you wish. I’ll be praying for a move of the Spirit at the program”
U: “Thank you Papa. God bless you.”
……….
Friday night. 7pm.
I left home for Gargas. It was a night club that doubled as a hangout for prostitutes. This time, I decided I was going all out. No holding back. Also, I knew that the nature of the place meant that it was highly unlikely that I would see a familiar face. If it happened that I saw someone who knew me or who I knew, I had decided that I would ask the person what (s) he was also doing there. Ehen nau.
The place was bouncing. Everyone was in high spirits. Drinks were flowing freely. Ladies were not in short supply. Then, she passed. Boy was she beautiful or what!
U: “Hey babe. How you dey? You are so ravishing and stunning. I’m sure heaven is missing an angel.”
P: “Hehe. See Oyinbo. Na so. I don hear English wey pass that one. Na so all of una men be. When you don see woman, your brain go dey do overload.”
I was embarrassed. It seemed she noticed.
P: “Ahan. Bros, you don vex ni? I just dey follow you play ni o. Oya, Oga shey you wan do ni?”
An alarm went off in my heart. Something told me to run. Immediately. I had never felt like that before. I knew it was the Holy Spirit. But I just couldn’t leave the beautiful babe hanging. So I decided to stay.
U: “How much be your money?”
P: “I no go charge you plenty. Just…
Suddenly, the sound of sirens filled the air. I knew I was finished.
The whole place became a picture of bedlam. People were running for their dear lives, but I was shocked like a deer caught in the headlights. “Stoopppp thereeeeee!!”
….
#Fiction
…
Those who despise grace…end up in disgrace.
She named the boy Ichabod saying, “The Glory has departed…” 1 Samuel 4:21
Now the rulers of the Philistines assembled to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon their god and to celebrate, saying, “Our god has delivered Samson, our enemy, into our hands.” When the people saw him, they praised their god, saying, “Our god has delivered our enemy into our hands, the one who laid waste our land and multiplied our slain.” Judges 16:23-24
