MENDED WINGS... episode 10

     The mid-week service had been anchored by Joel Mason. Little wonder it ended one hour after it started. He was a seasoned preacher of few words. He never needed a prolonged time to teach to inspire all. He always made use of whatever time he had so well despite the fact that if people were allowed to decide, they would have loved him to use more time. No wonder people sang his praise and rejoiced whenever he mounted the pulpit.
     Rachael, a youth minister, walked toward Ella who was in her seat praying. She sat quietly beside her, awaiting her to finish saying her prayers.
     Ella opened her eyes after some minutes of praying and her eyes met Rachael’s. “Sister Rachael, you are here. How’re you?”
     “I’m very fine, Sister Ella.”
     “Hope you enjoyed the service?”
     “Enjoy? I was refilled. Pastor Joel’s ministration couldn’t have done any less. It was a wonderful time in God’s presence.”
     “Hallelujah.” She smiled. She was always excited anytime anyone passed a nice comment on Joel’s teachings.
     “I have come to see you, Sister Ella.”
     “Really?”
     “Yes, I have something I must tell you.”
     “Alright, go ahead.”
     “I had a dream. In the dream, I saw you tied to a stake and tortured. You were so wounded that I couldn’t help crying. I asked the person standing beside me if there was anyone who could rescue you since everyone was only saying sorry and passing by. The person told me that you couldn’t be rescued because you walked to the stake and tied yourself there. I asked how that was possible and I was told that you defied all warnings and went there. I couldn’t help you despite how much I wanted to. The more I ran toward you the farther you seemed to be. Then I saw Brother Joel. I was so happy solution had come. I looked intently and saw him gesture to the torturers. He then walked away, smiling. And that was when the torture increased. When I woke up and prayed about it, I was given Proverbs 14:12, which says ‘There is a way that seems right unto a man, but its end is the way of death.’ That’s why I have come to tell you. I don’t know what decision you are about to make or have made but God loves you and wants you to have a change of heart.”
     “Really.”
    “Yes, Sister Ella. I keep hearing it in my ears that you’re moving towards a dead end.”
     Ella smiled. “Thank you very much, Sister Rachael. I appreciate you. Many people’s dreams are parables. A dream might mean the opposite of what it seems to. Whichever way, God will lead us. Thanks so much.”
     “You’re welcome. I’m leaving. Brother Joel is having a meeting with the aged today. He might need some assistance.”
     “That’s true. You can go.”
     Rachael stood up and walked towards the church left wing.
     Ella smiled, eyeing Rachael with contempt as she walked away. Rachael must have desired to take her place, seductress. After all, she had been stalking Joel trying to win his heart. Did she think her stupid dream would change anything? If at all God wanted to send someone to her, would it be Rachael of all people? Rachael was nothing but a person who needed deliverance trying to deliver others. Her plot had failed, she thought. She hissed, rose up, and went to the pastor’s office.