MENDED WINGS... episode 2

It was a bright Sunday afternoon. The sun shone effortlessly, sending her rays through every opening and crevice possible.

Evelyn Olawoye walked into the living room, a glass of water in her hand. “So, how was church service on your side?” she said and sat in the nearest sofa.

“Hmm. ’Twas fine. I got in just before word ministration. But it was edifying,” Ella said and lifted the last spoon of rice in her plate to her mouth.

“That’s good. What was the sermon all about?”

“Well, it was,” she swallowed “it was about Christian growth.”

“Nice. So, is there any point to share?”

“The message was heavy. It was a new pastor that preached. You needed to see how the Spirit moved.”

“You now have a new pastor? What about the other ones?”

“They are still with the church. I was just seeing the guy for the first time. The funny thing is that I don’t think he has been ordained a pastor yet, ’cause he was introduced as a brother. But He was so amazing. You should have worshipped in my church today. The sermon was number one of its kind. And not just the word, he’s so cute. He looked like a fashion model. He’s very handsome. He was well dressed. His smiles alone...”

“Ella! What is happening here? I smell a rat. How did you get all the fine details about him? Was he the one you studied in church or...”

“Auntie, what are you saying now? It’s not what you think. I am only telling you the person who preached today is really all in one. When he made the altar call, you can’t believe it, even ministers and workers went out to rededicate their lives to God. That was how much effect his words had on people. I saw it all. I didn’t close my eyes. You know I’m an usher and ushers don’t close eyes often, especially during altar calls. You needed to see how people were trooping out to surrender their lives to Jesus. All those you’d never have thought had any secret sin.”

“Really?”

“Yes. When he started praying in tongues, the auditorium caught fire. Seriously, I can’t get him out of my mind. He’s the type of man I pray day and night to marry. A man who carries anointing. A man who can stand the devil.”

“I hope you’re not daydreaming about this man already.”

“Is it bad to daydream? Even the Bible in 1Corinthians 12:31 says ‘But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.’ That’s what I’m doing.”

“Ella, when did you join the group of people who quote the scriptures out of context? That’s not what the Bible is saying. You’d better quickly watch it and take correction before you...”

“Before I what, auntie? I’m just appreciating a man of God and celebrating God in him. That should not be a bad thing to do.”

“Ella. I’ve never seen you like this. Are you okay?”

“I’m okay. You’re just not trying to understand my perspective. Wait, I have a question. Is it a sin for a Christian sister to have a crush on a Christian brother?”

“Hear yourself, assistant head usher. Crush. What a word from the pit of hell. Don’t you know crush means infatuation? It means sexual attraction towards an opposite sex.”

“That’s not what I’m talking about. It’s a common word that is used when someone likes another person so much.”

“So much that you daydream, so much that you can’t get him out of your head, so much that he becomes the lord of your heart and mind. Ella, crush or crushing is not godly. I’m not saying it is a sin for a sister to admire a brother. But when you start allowing the admiration to degenerate into idolatry or lust, it becomes a sin. Before you know it, you’ll start imagining yourself in his arms, by his side, or even in his bed. Remember the word of our Lord Jesus in Matthew 5:28 which says ‘But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.’ He is telling us that adultery starts from the heart. It’s not until you sleep with a person have you committed the sin. One could commit it by having immoral thoughts. Don’t let any flash of light blind your eyes.”

“God forbid. I’m a child of light. Don’t say negative things to me, please. I was only asking a question. Why will I crush on him? I’ll never. My heart is sanctified.”

“Amen.”

Ella rose to her feet and carried the tray in which she had eaten.

“Uh, wait. Sit down.”

“Auntie, I’m tired, I want to get a good rest. You know I’m resuming work tomorrow.”

“I won’t take much of your time, just a few minutes.”

Ella sat reluctantly, her brows furrowed. “I’m all ears.”

“How’s Kunle? I’ve not seen him around of recent.”

“Well, he knew I wasn’t around so why would he come around.”

“It’s been three weeks if not more that I’ve seen him. When did you travel?”

“Auntie, I talk to him frequently as necessary. That is what is important. He’s busy with other things.”

“Are you sure he’s busy or displeased with you for a cause?”

“We are not quarrelling. He’s my fiancé, I should know better.”

“Alright then, but I won’t stop telling you the right thing. This your cold attitude towards your relationship is not so good. You treat him as though he’s a regular co-passenger on a public bus.”

“How should I treat him? Should I be hugging him about? I’m not married to him yet. So, how could you say this is cold attitude? That’s what is expected. I’m a model to hundreds of sisters. How could I not take caution in all I do?”

“I’m not saying you should not be spiritual or a model to millions. Weren’t you the same person who saw crush was a good thing a while ago? That’s by the way, though. I’m just saying you should be more kind to him. Of course you should keep your courtship holy, but that doesn’t mean you can’t see him in open places and discuss often to keep you both focused on your goals.”

“Often, like every day?”

“Not necessarily daily. But once in one or two weeks is not bad. After all, you are in the same city.”

“Alright. I’ve heard all you’ve said. Thanks so much for your love and care.”

“Hmm. You’re welcome.”

Ella carried the tray and walked toward the kitchen.