"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." (Proverbs 15:1.
"Paul, I have decided not to do this again," I say, looking at him intently.
We are sitting together in a restaurant. It's lunch time at my work place and Paul has come to pick me up; as it is our usual practice to go out for lunch every opportunity we get.
"Do what? Ire, you are confusing me," Paul says confusion written all over his face.
"I have decided to stop this sexual act between us till we marry," I say looking confident.
Paul bursts out laughing and my confidence begins to slip away. "You don't mean that now, do you?" Paul asks wiping imaginary tears from his face.
My face burns with anger. How dare he talk to me in this manner? Who does he actually think he is? Is it because I have made a bad mistake that he wants to rub that in my face?" I think as I bite my lips.
"I believe you have to respect me and my opinions about stuffs," I say letting the anger slip away as I try to take calming breaths.
"You lost your respect when you lost your virginity".
And that does it. What do I do?
I snap.
A defeating silence falls on the restaurant as people turn. I look down feeling really ashamed. I did not know when I raised my hands to slap Paul. He looks at me his eyes turning red. I shutter as I manage to take my bag and walk out. I will face the consequences when it's time. I manage to get into my office and settle down on my seat. I begin to weep. Tears of anguish and of shame.
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"Good evening, Pastor," I say as I have my seat. Paul's words have not left me; it keeps ringing in my ears. "You lost your respect when you lost your virginity".
"Good evening, sister. How are you today?" Pastor asks, smiling at me. I smile back.
"I am fine, sir. How are you too?" I ask.
"Well, I am good. How was work, and how is Paul?" He asks settling comfortably on the chair.
"Work was fine and Paul is the reason why I am here".
"Spill it," Pastor says and I laugh. He has a way of making someone comfortable.
"I slapped him," I exclaim waiting for his reaction but it never comes. He just looks at me eyes encouraging me to speak up. "He told me I lost my respect when I lost my virginity," I explain and he looks shocked before shaking his head.
"He shouldn't have said that. But sister, I want you to stand firm and hold unto what you believe in. Even the Bible admonishes us to "present your bodies therefore as a living sacrifice, pleasing and acceptable to God". I don't want you to compromise what you have decided because of mockery or disbelief in your self. I also want you to know that this purity stand can only be done when you allow God to take perfect control of your life".
I nod as I wipe away stray tears. My pastor is really loaded and I thank God for the grace and anointing in his life and the privilege I have to be under him. "Thank you, Pastor," I say meaning every word.
"So, how was work today?" He asks, changing the subject easily. "Work was a little bit stressful but I thank God for the grace to settle some minor cases though I have a major case which has to be attended to in court next week," I explain smiling a little. "The grace of God is sufficient for you," My pastor says and I reply "Amen" nodding my head.
"This is my judgement. I rise! Court!......."
I laugh as I watch my pastor's failed attempt to mimick a lawyer. At the end of the day I leave the office light hearted and happy.
To be continued.....
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