Happily Ever After

An absolutely beautiful piece by George Halitzka

http://www.boundless.org/2005/articles/a0001659.cfm#share

Once upon a time there were two kids who learned the hard way how much birds like breadcrumbs. While wandering in the forest, they almost got eaten by a candy-loving witch! But thankfully there was an oven handy, and before the witch could make Hanselburgers, Gretel toasted her golden-brown.

Then there was the princess who fled from her mirror-gazing stepmother — seems the old bat wanted Snowy-Girl’s heart on a plate. There were complications involving seven midget miners, and she almost got poisoned by a magic apple, but everything turned out OK thanks to True Love’s Kiss.

Once there was a person who answered to your name and looked strangely like you. You weren’t asking for much — just a nice Prince or Princess to marry, a small castle in the suburbs, and a steady source of gold coins. Unfortunately, you soon realized that True Love is an elusive commodity, and Happy Endings are hard to find.

Sometimes, life has a way of discouraging belief in fairy tales. Just ask Heather.1

Heather

Heather was an average girl in high school. Neither pretty nor ugly; popular nor outcast; genius nor moron; she coasted along in the middle of her class. English was her favorite subject and she despised Chemistry. She managed to kiss a couple boys and went to some school dances without falling hard for anybody.

Heather had ambitions of helping people towards a better life. So after graduation, she headed to Ohio State for her Social Work degree. Meanwhile, she started dating a Computer Science major named Harris. He was a little scared of the “C”-word, but with some prodding, Heather got him talking about marriage and kids by graduation. She was expecting a rock for Christmas.

Heather started pitching resumes for her first job … and that’s when life suddenly shifted into reverse.

Student loans and credit cards forced her to move back in with her folks. OK, so she wasn’t the first. After a couple months of driving three hours to see him, Harris told her he wasn’t ready to settle down and broke it off. The market for social workers with a mere bachelor’s degree was saturated. Heather finally got work as a substitute teacher, which made no use of her degree — and no dent in her debts.

So at age 26, Heather found herself dodging spitballs in a dead-end job with no dating prospects in sight, making minimum payments on three Visas with 20 percent interest, living in the same bedroom where she dreamed of changing the world 10 years ago, and wondering how all her wishes — wishes for good things, God-pleasing things — dried up so fast.

When the Grimm Brothers were writing happy endings, they obviously forgot about Heather. Maybe God did, too.

The Book

Let’s suppose God is telling a tale of grace in the world. By some estimates the Bible is more than 50 percent stories, so that sounds about right. Everything that’s ever going to happen is written in The Future History of the World on God’s shelf.

Now, imagine you get a volume in the story. (After all, Psalm 139 says God planned your life before you were a gleam in your Daddy’s eye.) Your life is a book, and it’s open on God’s desk right now.

Picture him chuckling over page 482 as he skims your next chapter. “Wait till he sees what I have in store for him!” God says, and wipes his eyes with laughter.

You can’t contain yourself any more. “So what’s it say?” you ask the Almighty. “Where am I headed, and how am I going to pay off my loans working at Best Buy? Didn’t you make me to do more than sell plasma TVs?”

But God just gives you an enigmatic smile and puts your volume back on his shelf.

How fair is that? You want to solve the hunger problem in Africa, pastor a mid-sized church, and be a stellar specimen of fatherhood — preferably all in the same day! But your current chapter’s going on forever and it’s a long way from a page-turner and you’d like to end it any time now with a cool cliffhanger. Maybe one that involves meeting a prince instead of frogs. You figure God may have a reason for not turning the page … it’s just that an explanation would be nice! Can’t God give you that much?

Well, he hasn’t left you up the creek without a kayak. If you check out the pattern found in every story, you might get some hints about why your page won’t turn. Try looking again at a fairy tale you’ve heard before; one about a guy named Joseph. It’s written in Genesis (and happens to be true).

This narrative has all the character development, plot twists, and happy endings anyone could ever want! It also might have a couple insights into your story. So let’s begin our tale of Joe the Dreamer:

Once upon a time, in the faraway land of Canaan, there lived a boy with a Technicolor® Dream Coat….

The Main Character

When Cinderella meets her Prince, she’s already perfect. Beautiful and kind. She hasn’t a fault in the world. In some versions of the story, she actually does her sisters’ hair for the Ball, then helps them pick out dresses while they treat her like dirt.

Cinderella’s obviously a great catch for the next prince who comes along — and she cooks and cleans, too! But how’d she get that way? Look at her strength of character; the servanthood and self-sacrifice!

(I think I’m gonna be ill.)

Unfortunately, you and I aren’t in danger of being Cinderella — we have that “sinful” thing down too well. Everybody knows the Good Guys win, and we ain’t them.

That’s where we come to Joseph. Remember, he was God’s gift to mankind; he was going to save thousands from starvation. The problem was that he knew it. Dahddy loved him best, and he had these crazy dreams that he proclaimed to the whole family.

Joe finally crossed the line one day when he told his 11 brothers they would bow down to him. Dahddy told him to eat humble pie, but anyone who thought that was the end of it hadn’t met Joe’s ego.

A few weeks later, his brothers were hard at work in the fields while the Favorite lounged in his room, hoping for more power trips in his sleep. Dahddy sent Joe to check up on his brothers. Unfortunately, they saw him coming and realized revenge was at hand! They swiped his coat, sold him into slavery, and told everybody he’d become lion food.

Now remember, Joe is the hero! He’s going to save the known world with his leadership abilities. But unlike Cinderella, he’s not ready for prime time. Imagine what would happen if, instead of spending years in slavery and prison, he went straight to Pharaoh’s palace!

“Joseph, I hear you can interpret dreams,” says Pharaoh.

“That’s right, Your Majesty!” brags Joseph. “In fact, I had one about the moon and stars all bowing down to me — “

“OK, but I was hoping you could interpret mine. See, it’s about some skinny wheat and fat cows — “

“Hold it! Before I do anything, I want a hundred grand in small bills and a statue in my honor.”

“Uh, maybe later … hey, didn’t I hear you did this stuff in God’s power?”

“Never mind him … listen; is there someplace I can sign autographs when I’m done?”

Take a lesson from Joe: While you’re waiting for a happy ending, focus on what God wants to change in the life of the main character. (That would be you.) Maybe like Joe, you have some humble pie to choke down. Maybe you need to manage money better or mature in relationships. I have no idea — but odds are, your story involves some character development. Might as well get it out of the way now.

The Other Characters

Remember Puss, the cat with the boots? He sets out to acquire (by various devious means) a fortune and a hot princess for his master. Sure enough, Puss succeeds! But I wonder if he regrets his actions by the end. Sure, Puss gets his name is in the title — but the story’s about his owner striking it rich.

Our friend Joe had a misconception about his story, kind of like Puss. He thought life was his personal power trip. Instead, it had more to do with saving the known world from starvation. (And did I mention glorifying God?)

So watch what happens after Joe eats multiple helpings of Crow. He’s been in prison for years, but finally Pharaoh calls him into the throne room. And strangely, Joe doesn’t offer to sign autographs!

The Big Cheese says, “I hear you can interpret dreams.”

Joe says, “Well, I can’t do anything by myself — but dreams are one of God’s specialties.” (Watch Humble Joe give God all the credit, because even though he’s the main character in his corner of Holy Writ, it’s really about Someone else.)

Pharaoh explains his dream, and Joe warns him about the looming famine. Now, instead of requesting a royal pardon and a government job, Joe simply makes a suggestion:

“You should find a smart guy and put him in charge of storing food for the next seven years. That way, nobody’ll go hungry.” (Watch Humble Joe look out for the people around him, even if it doesn’t involve anybody bowing down to him.)

Pharaoh says, “What a great idea! You do it,” and he makes Joe Vice-Pharaoh.

So what’s the point? Once you’re second in command of a large middle eastern country, you need to look out for other people. No! You need to start thinking about the characters who populate your story now.

If you backtrack a few chapters to Genesis 39, you’ll find Joe was shaping up long before he hit the big time. He did so much to serve Potiphar that Potiphar put Joe — his slave — in charge of everything. Later, Joe didn’t crawl in bed with Potiphar’s seductive wife (even though she practically begged him to do it). After Potiphar’s wife had Joe thrown in jail for turning her down, he interpreted dreams from two prisoners, the Baker and Cupbearer … although they didn’t do a thing for him.2 What a guy!

For a while, Joe was living proof that no good deed goes unpunished. But he didn’t stop focusing on God and the people around him. Being the main character didn’t make the story all about him.

The Plot

Think about Jack for a minute — you know, the guy with the overgrown beanstalk? He goes to sell a cow and comes home with magic beans. Mommy is so mad she throws them out the window. Then a beanstalk grows overnight, and here’s the most important part of the story:

Jack climbs it.

The key moment is not when he reclaims the Giant’s treasures (which once belonged to Jack’s father). Not even when he chops down the beanstalk. It’s the moment he starts climbing.

Why? Well, think about this — what if Jack had been a wuss and said, “A Giant? No thanks; I’ll just hide under my bed!”

Sometimes, the key to finding your happy ending, the plot God had written for you all along, is taking a chance. It’s called “faith.”

The enemy of God’s best isn’t always evil — sometimes it’s “good enough.” Does having a “backup plan” when you choose a college major sound familiar? How about dating “Mr. Right Now” instead of hanging on for Mr. Right? It’s good to know God might be — well, He probably is — almost certainly — calling you to do something. It’s another ballgame to do it, because that might involve taking a chance on the “F” word!

(What was your dirty mind thinking? I mean “Faith”!)

Picture Joe hanging out in the dungeon, sleeping with rats and dining on — uh, maybe rats. Suddenly, word comes down from the palace — Joe has an audience with the Bossman! Pharaoh says “Help me out with this dream, willya?”

“Finally!” Joe says. “My time has come! But what if….” And that’s when he starts worrying.

Joe knows Pharaoh is not a nice guy. (The Baker from chapter 40 lost his head!) He probably hasn’t interpreted a dream in two years. What if he can’t figure out what this one means? What if he’s wrong? “Who am I to interpret anything for the most powerful man in the world?” he thinks. “And I had this delusion that God might speak through me … ARGH!”

It’s not in the Bible, but I’m guessing that’s how Joe felt. (Wouldn’t you?) So maybe this is what ran through his head next: “Waitasec … what about God’s track record?”

His Great-Granddaddy Abraham had a baby when he was long past his prime, because God promised to make him a great nation. Grandpa Isaac got a wonderful wife named Rebekah through the power of God. Dahddy Jacob liked to tell that story about seeing an angelic ladder to heaven.

In Joe’s own life, God (1) kept him from being killed by his brothers all those years ago, (2) made him the head honcho in Potiphar’s house, and (3) put him in charge of the other prisoners in jail, too! Who knew? Maybe God was gonna come through again!

So as he stands in the presence of Pharaoh, Joe grits his teeth, swallows the lump clogging his entire throat, and says, “Your Majesty, God will interpret your dream.”

Next time it’s put up or shut up time in your life, remember God’s track record. What’s He done in history? What’s He done in your history? If you have faith like Joseph, if you risk that much for God, you might — I don’t know — move mountains or something!

(Wait … isn’t that in the Bible?)

The Happy Ending

So here’s the bottom line: If you develop your character, minister to the people around you, and develop your story by taking faith-risks, you’re guaranteed a happy ending! Right?

Uhhh … maybe.

God promises that He rewards those who earnestly seek him; you can take it to the bank. But His rewards don’t always look like quite what we had in mind.

My friend Dan’s mom developed cancer two years ago. Shortly before her diagnosis, God had been seriously deepening her relationship with him! She was leading a group in her church, studying the Bible more, experiencing God in fresh ways. It seemed like God was getting ready to move in her life!

Then she died a few months later. What happened?

Well, until the day she passed away, Dan’s Mom told everyone God was getting ready to move in her life. But it was going to hurt … because He was moving her Home.

If you wonder why God hasn’t turned your page, I’m not suggesting you’re about to die. But I do suggest you read the story of Joseph. See what it can teach you about preparing for your plot to continue; for the next chapter you’re longing for! God revels in answering the prayers of dust mites like you and me. Often, your happy ending is around the corner — you just need to prepare for it first.

But you need to be ready for His will to look different from your dreams. There might be less romance or more pain; you may never find your dream job or dream girl. You might get married and be all ready for kids to arrive — only to find out you can never be a Mommy.

“That’s not fair!” you say. “Joe got to be second in command of Egypt and rescued thousands from starvation. He married and made babies; lived long and prospered!” True enough — and maybe you’ll be so blessed, too!

But in Genesis 50, remember that something horrible still happened to Joe. He died.

That’s the problem with happy endings: We forget about the sudden stop at the end. It never figures into fairy tales.

I’m not sure Joe was thinking about his disappointments when he walked into God’s presence, though. I’m not sure you will be, either. When you finally stroll into the Lord’s study to see Him finishing your manuscript, I think a big smile’s going to break across his face. He’ll be so glad to see you, maybe He’ll show you the last words He’s written.

For the first time, God’s plan for your life will be clearly revealed. You’ll walk over to your book with bated breath, gaze in wonder at the golden letters that spell out your name on the cover. Then perhaps you’ll open to the last page, knowing that a very special ending is waiting. This is what you’ll read:

“And he (or she) lived happily ever after.”

Amazingly, God will have meant those words with all His heart as He wrote them. And strangely enough … I think you will, too.

The End

* * *

NOTES

“Heather” is based on the experiences of a couple of friends. (Details have been changed to protect the guilty.)
“Ah, but wait!” say the Bible scholars among us. “The Cupbearer was the one who brought Joseph before Pharaoh to interpret his dream. So he did assist Joe, in a major way!” True enough — but it took him two stinkin’ years from the time Joe interpreted his dream! Joe had no guarantee the Cupbearer would ever lift a finger for him. As for the Baker … he was next seen on Pharaoh’s gallows, where couldn’t do anybody a favor. See Genesis 40.

February 29th

So it’s Day 2 of this rather boring Induction Programme at work and apart from one presentation on Civil Service Conduct and Ethics, all I’ve managed to achieve is two days off sitting at a desk typing Internal Memos, not signing receipts of correspondence and not being accused of chilling at my desk and keeping to my unit (apparently, there’s a culture about civil service and office visitations/rounds). At this induction, sleep is very much welcome and condoned; especially, for peeps like me, sitting behind. It’s times like this, I bless the makers of smartphones and the God that made one available to me. Having a mobile tablet in addition would have been bliss, pure bliss.

So here I am @ 11:10am wondering if I would have been better off cuddled under a duvet, watching a movie and sipping some kinda chocolate drink.

Talking movies, I saw a rather sick one two days ago where a boy dropped dead jerking off on a tree outside his school mate’s house as he watched the mother sleep. The woman feel unconscious after hitting her head against the bathroom tiles as she shagged her neighbour. Robbers discover and play the tape mistakenly recorded while the woman and her neighbour did their business to the family(now held hostage). Also, it was later-on discovered that the woman was also screwing the neighbour’s teenage son! Sick, that one, isn’t it? And NO, it wasn’t porn!

Got a nagging headache at the moment. I really just want to lie somewhere and sleep. Plus, I’m seriously craving ice-cream, shawarma (doner kebab), chocolates and vanilla sponge cake with butter icing. Don’t ask if I’m pregnant

Gotta get back to listening, or rather, feigning attentive, before I get called on to answer some ridiculous question.

Good day peeps!
Lotta Love…

Boyish Me!

I’ve never been one to flaunt feminine prowess – never even attempted feeling like some Greek goddess or being a maestro of feminine mannerisms/etiquette.

It’s surprising enough that I now wear heels and own about a dozen pairs that I actually wear…up me! I must confess I miss the days of rocking Mappin Street in my timberland boots and boyfriend jeans – bouncing in and out of lecture rooms.  A friend once teased me that he could tell I was the one coming from afar because of my signature ‘strut’.Lol. How are you supposed to walk in footwear like that any way? You definitely aren’t expected to catwalk in trainers, are you? Mehn! Those days were simply precious… if I were 23 again and not currently living in the tropics, I’d gladly re-live ‘em days.

It’s not like I’ve lost my boyish flare. That’s probably one of the things you notice about me when we meet (outside business meetings). I’m real, straight forward and frank. I really haven’t got all that time/threshold for girly pranks/pretence and all those unreal sturvs.

I was having drinks with a male friend the other night and I wore a pair of boot cut jeans,

close enough; she's just missing her brother's belt

tailored casual jacket (rolled – up) a complimentary pair of killer heels and my brother’s

belt! (Needed a belt and his were the only ones I could find, so I grabbed it without hesitation).

Back at the ICT firm I used to work, my happy moments were on-site – climbing roof tops, erecting radios and antennas , nailing trunking pipes and crimping network cables while the guys rapped about football, politics or whatever topic they found interesting that day. At break we’d stroll into the nearest or most popular mama-put for a meal of pounded yam and efo-riro…depending on the town…no one dared use a piece of cutlery to eat. After the meal we’d head back to site; usually on okadas (on the days  they decide to be mean to me or if we’re in a town like Sokoto or Kano where alternative means of transportation is scare. At best, we’d ride in the keke Napep…I wouldn’t even dare to suggest a taxi). Life as the only female on the team was fun!

You should have seen the look on a colleague’s face the day he saw me in a long floral skirt. He went on about it all week!

About a year ago, I decided to serve in my local church and had to choose a unit. The choir wasn’t an option…didn’t want to be burdened with buying clothes every week all in the name of uniforms etc Ushering/protocol seemed too pretty and formal, so I whole heartedly became a techie! And again, I’m the only female in my unit. Bliss!

I have to admit I love male company…good, God-fearing ones o. I get to have wholesome conversations with ‘em; intellectual, politics (I listen most times), career, spiritual, ‘worldly’, technology, street wisdom  and more importantly, I get to play. I could be quite playful and my male friends indulge me. Also, they tend to be more humorous than their female counterparts (no offense girls). Gisting with a dude is just it! Seriously. Information is usually saddled with facts and not hearsay and devoid of biff, jealousy and all other feminine spices. Most men don’t go on hating, speak factually, defend their own and are more rewarding friends in the long run than their female counterparts.

To end this post, let me share something I recently did with you. I went into an office sometime last week only for the man to start ‘toasting’. Asking and suggesting to ‘take care’ of me in Abuja since I had earlier mentioned I had a boyfriend out-of-town (yes, I lied). He hadn’t even finished talking his rubbish when I got on my knees with hands in the air beseeching mercy. The fellow was perplexed. I might have even called him ‘daddy’ at some point. He had to beg me to stand up. I bounced out of his office grateful to God that would never happen again.

Take care people.

Hope you are having a fab week.

Just for laughs

Lotsa Love….

MENstruation!

Lose that disgusted look on your face, abegi!
I’m not about to bore you with the female hormones, nomenclature and all that ovary and egg biz associated with the female specie on a monthly basis… the biology teacher did well on that and if you missed that class, click here. On the contrary this post is a heart cry; an uncensored out pour, a vehement expression of a single Nigerian 20 something young lady earnestly anticipating a relationship with another single bloke.

That’s no big deal?? Well, I didn’t think so either till I got a sneak peek of a world I never knew existed. Come with me:
I’m a Christian girl and try to live a Godly lifestyle (meaning sometimes, I err, but grateful His love restores me without condemnation of any sort)

In my late 20s; will be 30 in 2 ticks and the youngest of 3 children (thankfully). So, I don’t get the “When are you getting married?” question outrightly except from nosey ‘aunties’ (the ones that try to make your case seem really pathetic declaring it’s high time one moved into her husband’s or they use it as an intro to suggest/recommend their son, nephew, cousin etc…like one has no other options and they were doing you a favour). However, most relatives think it’s the right prayer to offer for me at every given opportunity; family devotions, family functions, holidays etc and even over dinner (now I exaggerate…lol).

I am single in all ramifications; unmarried and boyfriendless. Now that I can deal with on its own (not for too long sha o) but when that begins to affect other areas of my life, it becomes annoying. For instance, I can’t own certain specs of cars now because “it may drive potentials away!” Oluwa o! I was livid when my mother said that to me the other day. I’m single not disabled or handicapped! Why should that inhibit anyone’s lifestyle!! Deep sigh

So you ask “Do you have toasters?” Well, I need you to define that clearly before I can give a suitable answer. Seriously! I’m not messing because right now, I don’t understand this ‘toasting’ business anymore. When a married man consistently appeals for a relationship with him – is that toasting? Or would you call it toasting when a male calls you frequently, buys gifts, remembers special days and treats you special even though he has other ‘special’ friends? Is toasting when a man bluntly asks a lady to be a ‘friend with benefits’ while promising exquisite gifts and exotic travels? Or would he be classed to be a toaster because he is currently separated from his wife and he’s decided to explore the post university crush he had for me? Someone please help define toasting in these contemporary times.

The other day, a friend called me weird because he said all these sweet things and I didn’t budge. Now, how could I? He is very much married with children and despite his estranged relationship with his wife, fact remains that they are still legally bound by law (he still wears his wedding band). Don’t get it twisted, I’d love to hear all that sweet stuff but from a single eligible young man! I can’t be feeling ‘toasted’ with another woman’s property…that’s just wrong mehn! All that secret love and coded meetings??? Long thing mahn, seriously long! There’s better use of my bond skills abeg!

Why is life unfair attimes? What you want you don’t get and what you’d rather not keeps trailing you! Interpretation: why can’t the men you like just like you back? Why are they not the ones constantly calling, pinging, twitting and requesting to spend time with you? Why aren’t they the ones declaring and confessing undying love for you and seeking to spend their days with you??? Why??

Again, I sigh.

My consolation is that there is a God in Heaven…able to do ALL….making ALL things beautiful in His time. Therefore, my heart isn’t worried. Neither is it sick…I know my Redeemer liveth…I got a hope and an expected end…ALL things work together for my good

P.S. Someone please send me the memo for the next ‘single male convention’ or whatever gathering of eligible single men that exists.

Let’s Play ‘Catch-Up’…

So it’s been 60 days since my last post! Call me lazy, I’d argue it not (KJV) That sure is a looooongg time for any blogger talk less someone was almost made a bet on blogging twice a week (God does love me, imagine all that money gone??) It’s not like I’ve intentionally neglected you, dear diary and neither have I been faffing. I’ve got genuine excuses reasons. I have scribbled no less than three posts in my notepad, but been caught up with work and traveling that I spend every spare moment sleeping, daydreaming, eating, sleeping, eating and chatting. believe me, my social life…whatever I was trying to carve of it, suffers as well. Hmmm! Projects can be demanding and a meticulous boss, even more draining, most times. It’s work, work, work till the clients are satisfied you’ve licked their asses clean enuf (now that’s no foul language, is it?). On the other hand, what does it really cost to publish a blog? How many minutes can it possibly take to type a few lines and hit the ‘post’ button? Especially when the app sits comfortably on a phone that’s always near reach (at least most times). And thanks to the cheap social plans, bis service is constantly on, so Internet connectivity is no excuse either. Anyhoos, here’s a long due post for your read.

Going by the title, especially if you read the last post, you may be wondering what happened after all that sighing. Did she do it? No she didn’t. She got no nerves like that. She ain’t nobody’s mistress. Not now. Not ever in Jesus name. Amen. Buh she met some yummy fella tho *wink*. That gist…under a different heading….some other time….hehehe.

Like Joseph, I’m technically fleeing…woulda been better earlier, buh, still life-saving even now that I have decided to use the door. The bible doesn’t joke when it says flee ALL appearances of evil. It’s no time to play super hero babes, flee like you life depends on it because it does. FLEE. Or else you’ll soon find yourself making excuses for your errors and trying to justify your slips…God understands (the most popular one) and I’m only human (another frequently used line). God have mercy! His mercy, our get of jail card as Christians; His wisdom – our stay out of jail license. If we’re truthful, we wouldn’t deny His instructions are extremely beneficial to our daily living and ain’t half as style-cramping as the world plays it to be.

Recently, I took a trip to Port Harcourt despite my ‘busy’ schedule and I must say I had such a good time that I have decided to hook-up with Damall and friends on the beaches of Lagos, go-karting et al. It’s funny how you think you can’t do something or haven’t got time to chill because of whatever reasons, when all you have to do is try to be determined to make it work and work it does!

It’s the holidays people! Take that break. Relax, enjoy and revel in the fact that your saviour was born and still reigns as king over your life (can only hope He is your King)

Love you loads

xoxo

Sigh!

Help! I’m fast becoming a mistress!!

Told him the umpteenth time I am not interested, but he persists

I have asked him to stop calling me on the phone

No more house calls, I have screamed in the most offensive tone I could garner

Flinged his gifts at him on many occasions

I’ve even pulled the wife card – I’d call and tell, I have threatened many a-times

Yet that changes nothing

It’s like yelling at a mountain, an inanimate object, one that can’t hear your overly modulated pitch or feel the rage you so perfectly express or the irritation you so hastily dish out in response to his sweet nothings

Rather than walking away and ending this fiasco, he’s calm, patient, taking all the shit thrown at him and still singing the same song!

He’s in love with me. Crazy about me. How does that work with a wife and 4-year-old twin boys?? I’m not just about the sex he says. What I feel for you is deeper than that. I have nursed this feeling for months and tried to deal with it, but the feelings wouldn’t budge. Instead I crave more and more for you each time I see you. We can get married.

Married?? How can he mention marriage??Me, a second wife?? No! I definitely don’t want that.

Besides, I’m Christian. That’s definitely against my Christian values. Christian; Christ-like. Christ sure didn’t go about kissing and cuddling illicitly. He had no ‘secret’ life/affairs. All he did, he could air in the public without shame. How do I publicly declare my ‘boyfriend’ is married??That’s not light-shining –there’s absolutely no good works there

I must confess the attention is endearing, his words soothing, his touch soft and his smiles….priceless. Aargh! If only he were not married. Not a father. If only…

At this point, I don’t trust myself – that’s why I write.

I write knowing that after I have published this, I am accountable not only to my conscience but also to many others, including You!

Excuse me, Mrs. Potiphar…

The story of Joseph is a quite popular one, but just in case you aren’t familiar with it, here’s a précis of Genesis 36 -39 (as seen in my mind’s eye). It tells the story of Joseph( the dreamer)sold into slavery by his brothers; a result of pure unadulterated ‘beef’, but through hard work and favour rose to the top the ranks and became head slave.

Now with a well chiseled body like Boris Kodjoe’s (thanks to all that brick making and yoke bearing in Potiphar’s courts)

Hmmn....

and all  that comes with being foreign,  young, hard-working and loyal to his master caught the attention of the lady of the house; Mrs.Potiphar who desired him so badly she attempted rape (talk about desperate measures). Joseph was smart enough to flee from her presence and her tight grip on his clothing; preferring honour to a moment of pleasure (not a common choice these days, is it?). Well, this got him no hallmark of fame, star recognition or pay-rise. On the contrary, he found himself in prison – for doing the right thing!

The re-enactment:

Rosemary, a 35-year-old woman and the first child of Mr. & Mrs. Macaulay, works as the  assistant to the CEO of a leading oil and gas company in Lagos, Nigeria. It’s been 4 years since her relocation to Nigeria, but still can’t successfully mention 5 lounges, bars or nite clubs in the city. The last movie she watched was  ‘Because I said so’ with her younger sister in Odeon the nite before her departure, and she’s completely clueless about Kimora and Djimon Hounsou’s union talk less of Beyonce’s imminent motherhood….. “I love my job” she’s so quick to say “I’m so busy, I hardly have time for any other thing”. “I’ll catch up with these things later. They aren’t that  important, anyway” She’d be quick to retort whenever anyone dared query her social life. All the restaurants and bars she’d been were places she visited with Mr. Otis; her ‘fab’ boss on business meetings and the few nite times they’d had with other business partners once a deal was sealed. Since, she had no life outside work, she gladly accepted weekend schedules; both within and outside town and it was no matter of inconvenience when her boss scheduled impromptu business meetings outside town…she always consented …it was work she enjoyed, anyway.

It was only a matter of time before dear Mr. Otis began making passes at her. From comments like “You look a million box today” to addressing her as “dear”, “sweetheart”, “darling” etc While it was easy for her to ignore and make excuses for such behaviors, she found her mouth dry and void of saliva when he openly declared on one of such business trips to Dubai that he had the ‘hots’ for her (is that the line used these days??). “Be mine” he was quick to add, looking her in the eyes. She really wanted to believe it was a joke, she looked around expecting to see Ashton Kutcher come out from the corner and yell ”punked!” but it just didn’t happen. Playing oblivion didn’t help matters one bit, with every passing day, he unhesitantly reminded her of what he felt for her; his marriage and family notwithstanding. He even dared to refer to her as babe on one occasion and will send  {big hug} and {kisses} avatars now and again as he ended their blackberry chats.

The Outcome:  If you had a pen now and had to conclude this story, what ending will you give to it and why? Boss/assistant relationships are not new in these modern times…Searching employment at 35 is definitely no joke with all that 26/28-year-old barrier on present job boards….fleeing only to end in prison?? Morals or flowing with the crowd? What would you do….Sincerely!

Credits: Google Images