Faith

“Should I or shouldn’t I?” I cannot relay the number of times those words echoed in my mind. Whether I was out and about taking a walk or reflecting on my life by the waterside. There was sometimes a moment of uncertainty and question in my mind.

Now we all know the story of Hannah in the bible, the virtuous woman who relentlessly called out to God until she was gifted with Samuel. Many relate with her because her situation was a cry for a child. Year after year, Peninah had the gift of the womb while Hannah stared. She had the love of her husband undoubtedly, but she craved more like we all do. I speak of her today because of the weight of her faith, determination in her heart, and her love for God. Hannah knew no other than God, and her faith paid off.

I can say my faith has been tested. This one time I bought a sleek new bag, and flaunted it in 2010, the world cup season. Just at the close of the day, as I confidently walked to catch the first opening session I have ever watched, aboda boda rider noticed his “dinner source” and just grabbed it out of the grip of my hands. I was devastated. My life was in that bag, but most importantly my father’s book.

” That was a copy I got in 1976 while studying. It will enlighten you in the field of cross examination. Handle it with your life. This is the best edition and it is nowhere on the market. Trust me I have looked around.” Those were his words as he handed me his partially ripped but legible precious gem.

I pondered my next move as I strolled down with borrowed funds to get me home. I didn’t say a word and luckily my folks didn’t notice either. I just crumbled up in my bed, lost in thought.

I awoke and did what I knew…I walked into church and asked St. Jude to intervene and if anything, let the thief return that book, then I walked away, believing it would happen.

Courageously after breakfast I told family and immediately I had to go to police, after that with the report in my hands, I walked to the telecom house and then to the shopping mall to wishfully gaze around.

” Susan!!!! I have been calling your number all morning, why is it off? ” There stood Pamela to whom I recounted the story. Her wedding was a few weeks away and the invitation card was in my bag too. She told me not to worry that a security guard had called her dad and that he had my property. He got the number off the card that he found lying in a bush. She was standing right by her dad as the call came in. She acknowledged knowing me. I still vividly recall the look on this gentleman’s face as he warned me to be careful next time. I collected all my business cards. As expected, the wallet, phone and book were gone but I was still smiling.

I whispered an inward prayer of thanks. A week went by and I stared to get a notch that the book might be gone for good, I needed another plan but I was broke, so I prayed for money to buy the book.

As the second week began, I got a call from the Central Police Station asking for confirmation of my credentials which I hesitantly did but also asked to know who was on the other side of the line.” I am sergeant Aisha from the lost and found department. You are a very careless girl…come here immediately.”

I was on the road right before the call got cut, and generously smiled at everyone I passed by. I mean, I was on my way to an answered prayer…..tululululu…..mmmmmmm…thank you Lord I hummed away, shaking my head in a few momentary interludes.

The receptionist was too kind, and in no second I was in room 24 and introduced myself. The officer cautioned me and in an interlude told me to stop smiling. ” you need to be serious and careful with your property young girl. These boda riders are sharp.” She exclaimed.

What struck me was her story; ” The council workers were mowing the lawn down at the playing grounds and then while collecting the piles, your driving permit fell from the grass, it was given to a nearby police officer who brought it here. I called the issuing office and that’s how I got your number.”

I didn’t get the book, but I had the money in a week and so I ordered for it, and gifted it to my old man.

Now that’s one of the few times that my faith has sailed me through. The test of faith is daunting because unlike google, faith relies on inward strength and belief. It has no answers, no map or direction. It has no selling price or exchange rate. You have to build on it and mold it like a lego game. It needs continuous fulfillment.

As you navigate this journey of faith, may the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob guide you. May you gain the faith of Abraham, strength of David, patience of Hannah and the faith of Job. May these stories inspire you like they do to me. May the love of God overwhelm you.

In life, faith is all we have.

# RawandReal#