“Can u mix me a little something without alcohol in it? “
i asked the bartender sweetly
“that would be £1.80″ he said handing me a glass of cranberry juice with ice
I turned and almost bumped into my team members…all six of them staring at me.
“are u guys alright” i asked? ….
“we should be asking you” the most outspoken one said… before i could speak, she continued
“u always turn down our invitation to go to the pub and now that u finally agree u are asking for a cranberry juice?”
“i think its because she is a christain” one of them said.
“oh no, dont tell me we are bringing up that God dude into this conversation again”
another moaned and from there a heated debate started among them while i sipped my juice and watched them have a go at each other.
They must have realised i wasnt talking because they turned to me after a while and waited for me to speak…
“look guys, i try to live my life by what the bible tells me to do. its not easy and i make mistakes sometimes but thats what the christain walk is about… trying to do what is right and having a personal relationship with God even…”
the outspoken girl interupted me and said
“pls cut the crap, my boyfriend is into all that born again thing and that doesnt stop him from drinking or from us having sex…and he is african like you”
my brain was going in many directions, here i stood facing six people from different parts of the world, none of which shared my cultural, religious beliefs and values..God help me, i prayed…
” guys, this is what i believe in, and it has worked for me for many years. believe it or not, i talk to God and he answers me- through things around me and many times i actually hear his spirit speak to me. I like to do what is right and i am happy for every commandment i am able to obey. (then, facing the girl who spoke) I dont have anyright to comment on what u and your boyfriend do, thats between him and God …by the way, africans arent the only christains”
“Is that why you always refuse to come with us to the pub?” one asked
i smiled and answered
“but i am with you here now, am i not? i can come with you but it will be on my own terms. If i asked you to come to my church you wouldnt, and i wouldnt be able to do anything about it so u shouldnt be able to make me feel pressurised into doing anything i dont believe in..should you?”
They all kept quiet and i saw grudging respect in their eyes…
In this new age, we very often encounter people and circumstances that question the very root of what we believe in and once we discover we are in the minority, we shrink and slink away in silence. ..and tell ourselves i”kuku” know i believe in God… Its bad enough that we are in a world where people now crucify you for pointing out what is wrong
This people dont fear to declare how they live their lives…
why should you be afraid to or ashamed to make your own declarations?
As i walked home in the cold that night, i felt light and happy – it was a victory…
Friends, if you dont stand for something, you will fall for everything! (bad fall oh!)
when i got to class the next day, i gave them a list of something i blogged about a while ago.
I said “this list is about all other things i stand for…”
they read it quietly and gave it back to me..
we have remained good team mates since then – playing hard and working hard. infact they have been the best group i have had since my course started.but everybody knows their “level” now…
I had made my stand clear. i had made my niche.
We know we believe in God, God knows it,
the church knows it …
Its about time we let the world know it!!!
Filed under: Blogroll
If i may, this is the most beautiful post i’ve read in a while.
You rite you know, we really should stand (not quitely but, firm & boldly) for something.
Nice one, Fumosh.
Three ‘GBOSAs’ for the saint who was not ashamed to be identified with Christ.
Well done ma sista!
Lets keep the flag flying wherever we go at all time
funmi this was really nice, i must tell you.
you are right, it is time the world knows who we are.
keep it going…the Lord is your strength
Fabulous.can i have a lis of those things u stand for???? Peassss(Pliz)
Fumosh, you know i’m normally invisible online and don’t leave comments on blogs… but this one got me. Must say I respect the boldness you displayed in this scenario, i’m sure it woulda been easier to just drink a “slightly alcoholic cocktail” than go the long haul…
But go-the-long-haul we must, ’cause that’s our Fada’s xpectations. Be sure you’ve re-inspired many! Ciao…
@ rethots, 4mytyme, toyin, abiodun
Thanks. i keep reminding myself its a journey – not a struggle. still trying to cross that line though. E go beta!
@ Oga Dotun,
my first thot when i saw your name was “its a lie!” thanks for stepping out of the “shadows”…much appreciated.
@ Yasmin,
just click on the word list, (its highlighted because its a link) it will take you to the webpage where i once blogged about the “list”. Thanks
I’m applauding! Thanks for reminding us truth that is diluted for acceptance sake is no longer truth. The ‘dude’ God requires our taking a stand.
Btw, can i also add you to my blog list?
Hi Funmi, I’ve been in similar situations since coming to the UK. People just can’t seem to come to terms with the I-don’t-drink-and-don’t-smoke principle I maintain. When asked why and I go ‘religious convictions’, then they start to tell me about other Christians who go the whole yard. My consistent reply… they don’t know their status. But I share your commitment to the faith and it’s encouraging to see a fellow soldier fight on… the Lord is your strength.
u know what, thats is the most beautiful post i have read in a wyl. it took courage sayin what u said at the pub and much more courage doin wat u did the next day. we really have to thank God for the foundation we have and how he sheltered us, we are not better than these guys, they are just sayin wat they know to be real in their lives no matter how wrong that may be. nice one babe. u have just done the first lap u know that, there’s more to come and God will keep u thru it.
Dear girl, i am impressed!
Interestingly, it was the topic of discuss between the “Dude” and I this morning!!!
It really is time to stop being “quiet” christians, its time to “go shout it at the rooftop”.
Also, something i liked was the allusion made to Africans being christians. Even if it isn’t only africans, it means we are making an impact and the world is beginning to notice!!!
God will help us all.
Hey, you got tagged. http://www.rethots.wordpress.com
…i’ve indulged you.
Hi.
Thought provoking stuff.
Reminded me of a prayer i just read in a book.
It is kinda old school and probably more intense [spiri?] than contemporary stuff, but your blog kinda had the same feel so i thought I’d share
Godspeed on your journey.
“O God, be Thou exalted over my possessions. Nothing of earths treasures shall seem dear unto me if only Thou art glorified in my life.
Be Thou exalted over my friendships. I am determined that Thou shalt be above all, though I must stand deserted and alone in the midst of the earth.
Be Thou exalted above my comforts. Though it mean the loss of bodily comforts and the carrying of heavy crosses, I shall keep my vow made this day before Thee.
Be Thou exalted over my reputation. Make me ambitious to please Thee even if as a result I must sink into obscurity and my name be forgotten as a dream.
Rise, O Lord, into thy proper place of honour , above my ambitions , above my likes and dislikes , above my family, my health and even my life itself. Let me decrease that Thou mayest increase; let me sink that Thou mayest rise above. Ride forth upon me as Thou didst ride into Jerusalem mounted upon the humble little beast, a colt, the foal of an ass, and let me hear the children cry to thee, ‘Hosanna in the Highest.’” – A.W.TOZER
I believe I was destined to visit your blog. We cannot hide the light in us. Therefore I will proclaim I love for JESUS everywhere I go and I will never be ashamed.
@ kemi, thanks for stopping by.
@ WF, Seun, Zemiata, two dees, allied:
You guys are so correct. May we find the enablement to walk with HIM in the way that He desires.
hemmmmmmmmm,
Thot provoking . Its time to let the world know what we belive in & our stand . No compromising Jesus for anything.
Proud of you girl. Keep keeping on.U ‘re living a real life
I love how u replied th girl with the “african” boy friend .good for u for not compromising..stay blessed
@ sumbo and @ PNWNM … true. Thanks
Please gal,gv me a list of those things.i just got..wel wond divulge,bt my men friends cant believe i wont cheat on my boyfriend coz apparently he’s is 5,000miles away.ie am in Nrb for the next 2months and he’s in Lagos,runing our companies(we are inter-national ) originaly frm difrent nationalities…smal minds oh.nw hw do i get it in2 their heads? We al nid2 prepare4 temptation ..temptation isnt just breakn rules,its also wen u agree2 submit to the false/deceiving thoughts of the devil. And ths comes in people testing u to alter your path. I lyk ur article.timely! I nid support.advice and that list..please.it’l b revolutionary.thanx
Hi Yasmin,
Thanks for stopping by.
The list i refer to is something i blogged about. I titled it “Not ashamed”. However i have sent you an email with the list.
I do hope you will find it useful. You do not have to accept or believe everything i have written there because truth is each persons list should vary based on their expectations and limitations…important thing is to believe in something and live by it.
cheers girl!