Encouragement
PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BY COMMENTING
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE As A Member OR Visitor
Message Writer
Hire Writer
Report Article
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE As A Member OR Visitor
Message Writer
Hire Writer
Report Article
A woman carries a child in her womb for 40 weeks. While the baby is in there, his or her parents believe another life has started. Why? Because while the whole world goes on with countless daily activities, the mother especially bonds with the little one inside of her. Baby kicks, twists and turns and performs acrobats obvious to mum alone. Dad shares in part those moments in amazement when he touches the rotund belly and little one kicks in acknowledgment. However the bulk of the interesting world within her is known to mainly baby and mum. There is high hopes and heartfelt prayers for that first cry when baby is ushered out by professionals. At that point, the news that a new life has begun is broadcasted to all and sundry. People admire the little one and try to identify characters that define him or her. So after all this 9 months drama leading to that big shrill cry of announcement, what is this that is said that Life actually begins at 40?
One of millions of babies was born on a cold winter’s night in 1975 in a university town in England. She was rosy and round, almost weighing 10pounds. She grew up in a Christian Baptist family, well loved and cared for. She was born to African parents and she inherited many names as was the custom. 10 maybe more. It was the custom to name a child after many factors that tell the stories surrounding the birth of the child. The names could mirror love, surprise, success, hope, joy, wealth, royalty, bravery among other things. Hers was a compilation of many of these. I will choose Eebo, short for depicting an african child born away from home and among the ‘whites’.
She was raised in both England and her homeland Nigeria. One of three other siblings, she was raised by two selfless parents who worked hard and went to great lengths to show love to her. Theirs consisted of tough love that dished out real trashing on the bum when needed; it also consisted of the touchy feely love. On each birthday, she felt the love through the singing, prayers, hugs, cakes, photos, outings, occasional parties thrown and many cushy stuff that made her feel the love.
Eebo enjoyed life, yet she had a fair share of challenges too dating back to nursery days. She was told the story of when she newly arrived Nigeria from England. Barely three years of age, she was slow to pick up the language spoken around her. It was rather alien as she was barely picking the English language from her birth land. Here she was thrown into a new environment, new nursery and all. Her big sister who was six at that time had hit the ground running. She seemed not only level headed but brilliant, adapting well with little fuss. Eebo returned miserable from nursery everyday with tears, licking the drips from her nose, she could barely explain what transpired each day. Eventually her mum got some sense out of her. In brief, she was being bullied. She was bigger in size that the others, spoke unclearly with a different accent nose dripping and only seemed able to sing nursery rhymes and eat well. She was pushed around by others and she hated school. Mum completed a perfect puzzle of her jagged story and promptly taught her to stand up for herself. Without any warning, Mum pushed Eebo, she fell heavily on the floor and cried. Mum told her to stand up quickly and repeated the action back to her, this went on until Eebo figured out a sort of reaction. She got angry finally and pushed back, so hard mum staggered backwards. Mum smiled and said there you are, do the same to those who won’t leave you alone. I love you to bits but cannot be there every single time to fight for you. Eebo had such tender heart, unassuming, trusting and believes life is easy until things started happening. Well, the next day when mum went to pick Eebo from school, her teacher was standing next to her ready to find out from Mum what had come upon the little angel. Mum smiled all through the teacher’s worried story. Mum replied ‘don’t worry she’s perfectly fine, she just learnt not to take assaults from others and to stand for herself’ from then onward, Eebo earned some good respect from her mates. She returned to her sweet self but with an aura of preparedness to defend herself and others who may need help. Mum thought silently, ‘now you know what life is’!
Life continued for Eebo, she moved from school to school with her mum who was a headteacher. Mum kept a close look on her. Dad noticed her flair for language and creativity and the obvious ineptitude for anything that had to do with numbers. They organised a special tuition and paid to help push a good result. At the end of primary, Eebo was surprised and broke into tears when it was announced she came second in the whole region. She had managed a smashing result after months of gruelling practice championed by mum and dad. At the valedictory service, an eloquent teacher reiterated that they were all going into the world of secondary school to start ‘life’. The seven years in primary was a cushioned life and they were just about to ‘see’ life.
Eebo went on into the secondary. She was the youngest in her class. Barely ten but sharp tongued. She oozed confidence and made good friends. Here, Eebo argued with the science teacher that the notion of girls having periods by bleeding every month for five days couldn’t be true. She was so confident and convinced that she stood up to challenge an ‘erroneous’ teaching. The teacher roared with laughter, unable to contain herself, she staggered to her office to share with others what the ‘naïve’ or maybe ‘silly’ Eebo did. In the end, she was told to learn and stop arguing. It was to be a reality for her in a matter months. When it did start, on the fateful day, her mother and sister welcomed her to the club of real women. ‘now, you are a real woman’ they said. Mum said once again, ‘this is real life!’
Eebo went through secondary learning many lessons. So many life skills were imparted on her. Some were pleasant while some were not. One that stood out was that, hard work is always rewarded handsomely. There were other lessons of responsibility. She remembers the occasional trashing that was the consequence for big and small lies. Some actions attracted instant punishment while others brought on silent chastisement that she dared not go home to recount. She thought on many occasions, what a life! This surely is life.
Eebo recounts with nostalgic feelings, the early days when as a pre - teen she got a little note saying ‘I love you’. Something like a butterfly fluttered in her belly. She gave the boy a stern look, walked past him with hips swinging. She looked back to see the poor boy who was almost shaking and told him she does not do the silly love thing, she’s been sent to school to study and that was what she intended to do. Aside, she was a ‘born again’ Christian and is not allowed worldly stuff like having boyfriends. She got away on the bus to savour the note with her friends. It sure felt nice to be handed a love note. The next day she met the boy who looked away quickly, Eebo felt sorry for him and decided to chat with him. They became good friends and he was happy to have a friend at least.
Secondary school went by quickly. She made friends with whom she shared many amazing moments. Moments of girly giggles, fights, annoyance, support for the bereaved, betrayal of guarded secrets, creation of clubs, risky escapades and many other magical moments stored in the teenage years of adventures. She left secondary school feeling so filled with life’s experiences. Academically, She left with some subjects passed with distinction and some barely passed. The next two and a half years were spent studying privately and attempting several examinations to help combine the right subjects to be able to apply for university. She saw many friends and family members her age march into the university with so much maturity, surely life wasn’t fair! Why couldn’t she just pass the right exams and move to the next level like others? This was surely the start of real life!
Eebo also recounted the tragic death of three cousins. Two died the same day in a ghastly accident. it was unpalatable. They were two young men, both committed Christians. One was to be married in the next two weeks but he was smashed by a large truck. Eebo was light headed for weeks following this event. She struggled even more after a couple of years when another cousin died. He was more like a friend to Eebo. They studied together. They laughed and cried together over exam results. He was tall and handsome and warded unruly young men off Eebo. They were more like good friends. He contacted meningitis and died within a couple of weeks. Eebo's faith was shaken. She could not mourn neither could she go on living a normal live. Then one day she broke down in loud sobs querying God. Eebo's mum rocked her teenage daughter and quoted scriptures. She didnt know the answers either but assured her that by and by it shall be understood. Eebo once more affirmed that this is life. Alive today, dead tomorrow, many questions and no answers. In this, she still trusted her God.
She eventually got the university admission to study language arts. She made great friends. Loved every minute of Uni days. She found love but it came along with betrayal too. Many young men thought she was the one, the ideal wife material and proposed to her. She was confused and overwhelmed by many sweet talks. She was spoilt for choice but made decisions in the end. Her decision sure turned pear-shaped. She soon discovered she wasn’t as wonderful as painted. Other ladies could give her man something she couldn’t give. It pierced her heart. She felt stupid and it hurt to be cheated on. She thought how could something so wonderful as love bring such disappointment and betrayal with it? Is this really life? People do not seem to be what they seem to be. Some brought the best out of her while others just pulled out the monster hidden inside. She would never forget the unbelievable hurt she suffered in the name of love. She pledged to live never believing any sweet talk. It made her feel unworthy of any good thing. She was foolishly trusting and was traumatised until Jesus stepped in to show her love through many others to prove life was still worth living and she was of value to her creator and many others around her.
Eebo bagged a good degree and made her family proud. Her father had always believed in her. Her father had always spurred her on like his little princess. Sometimes she failed to see what he saw, how could he so trust her to succeed inspite of all going on around her. She wasn’t the most confident at this level but trusted God all the way. She remembered the faith of her mother. Her mother’s faith proved so real because when she called upon her God, she got answers. That faith still lived in her and many times she would sing hymns such as ‘take the name of Jesus with you’ and ‘Trust and Obey’
At 25, Eebo went on to relocate to England. It was the land of her birth and she wanted to see and live it. She came back with high hopes. Against popular reports of manual jobs awaiting migrants pouring into the country, she got an office job and worked with such dedication. She loved her job but soon got asked questions that sank her spirit. One colleague asked one day ‘is it true you have a university degree?’ she answered yes, then the next question, university in Africa? Did you all sit in mud buildings with monkeys jumping over your heads?, is it the same degree you earn with us in England? It cannot be? You guys must have been taught how to read and write and count numbers in the university. The tease went on and on until she broke down one day crying, another colleague saw her and went over to her. He started another round of tongue lashing and bashing until she got angry and stood up to him giving him a piece of her battered mind. Well, he said ‘that’s it Eebo, I wanted to get you angry enough to react, you just did the right thing now and managed to stand up for yourself. Go and do likewise to those bullying you and racially abusing you. Eebo remembered the same lesson mum had taught her in kindergarten. She thanked her colleague and marched back to the office. She sat down waiting for the next bomb. When it landed, she prayed silently and opened her mouth to react. She made it clear she was not going to go down low and misplace her principles but she was going to ensure they were brought to good justice. She stayed back that day and composed a well written complaint. This laid out all ills and she accused even the management of sitting back while such atrocities gained ground. This was escalated to the right quarters and a formal investigation ensued. All guilty were suspended and asked to formally apologise to Eebo. Life changed for the better afterwards. Eebo recounted the ordeal and sighed knowing this was life in its true form.
Eebo married her love and together they bore children. It was another life having little lives dependent on her. She worked hard to provide a good life for her children. She wanted the best for them in terms of everything. She wanted them to know Jesus too. She knew life began from their very first breath and would get both better and harder. She knew she wouldn’t be able to shield her beloved children forever from what life could bring to them. It had been a roller coaster for her. It was exciting yet dangerous. It was successful yet continually competitive.
For her, faith in Jesus had enabled her to live life from the very start; not at the so called 40. Someone said life begins to ebb at 40, that’s actually when you begin to die. Well, Eebo wanted her life or death to be in Jesus. She wanted to gain eternal life. What will it profit a man to gain the whole world and loose his own soul? Eebo has now lived 40 years and has witnessed love and hate, joy and sorrow, prosperity and lack, success and failure, hurt and comfort, betrayal and loyalty, freshness and staleness, embarrassment and pride, sickness and health, and so many other experiences common to man. She has had the privilege of being understood and the awkwardness of being misunderstood, she has had to fight bravely and has had to recline like a coward too. She has hurt others and others have hurt her. She has struggled with life’s issues such as forgiveness, true love and contentment. In all, the only unchanging thing is the person of Jesus Christ, She’s known him from childhood and he has not changed. She leans on Christ for guidance for the present and the future.
For Eebo, life’s not just starting at 40. Life started 40 years ago and was made better by the enablement given by her saviour Jesus. Some think she is fanatical by talking about Jesus but that was her lifeline. She was not going to shy away from admitting the fact. That was her life. Take it or leave it it was her secret to remain on track. She presses on the upward way, reaching for the stars and hoping for the best. She knew she had something unique about her and she was born to be a star. She vowed to continue life gracefully. Some have attempted suicide having gone through the same roller coaster journey but she says borrowing the words that William Thompson so accurately composed in 1904
Jesus is all the world to me,
My life, my joy, my all;
He is my strength from day to day,
Without Him I would fall.
When I am sad, to Him I go,
No other one can cheer me so;
When I am sad, He makes me glad,
He’s my Friend.
Jesus is all the world to me,
My Friend in trials sore;
I go to Him for blessings, and
He gives them o’er and o’er.
He sends the sunshine and the rain,
He sends the harvest’s golden grain;
Sunshine and rain, harvest of grain,
He’s my Friend.
Jesus is all the world to me,
And true to Him I’ll be;
Oh, how could I this Friend deny,
When He’s so true to me?
Following Him I know I’m right,
He watches o’er me day and night;
Following Him by day and night,
He’s my Friend.
Jesus is all the world to me,
I want no better Friend;
I trust Him now, I’ll trust Him when
Life’s fleeting days shall end.
Beautiful life with such a Friend,
Beautiful life that has no end;
Eternal life, eternal joy,
He’s my Friend.
PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE AS A MEMBER OR VISITOR
The opinions expressed by authors do not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com. This is especially true with articles that
deal with personal healthcare and prophecy. We encourage the reader to make their own decision in consultation with God, His Word, and others as needed.
This article has been read 890 times < Previous | Next >
Read more articles by Ayobola Chike-Michael or search for other articles by topic below.
This article has been read 890 times < Previous | Next >
Search for articles on: (e.g. creation; holiness etc.)
Read more by clicking on a link:Free Reprints
Main Site Articles
Most Read Articles
Highly Acclaimed Challenge Articles.
New Release Christian Books for Free for a Simple Review.
NEW - Surprise Me With an Article - Click here for a random URL
God is Not Against You - He Came on an All Out Rescue Mission to Save You
...in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them... 2 Cor 5:19
Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Acts 13:38
LEARN & TRUST JESUS HERE
FaithWriters offers Christian reading material for Christian readers. We offer Christian articles, Christian fiction, Christian non-fiction, Christian Bible studies, Christian poems, Christian articles for sale, free use Christian articles, Christian living articles, New Covenant Christian Bible Studies, Christian magazine articles and new Christian articles. We write for Jesus about God, the Bible, salvation, prayer and the word of God.
That was fantastic!