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Dave has requested a loan from Zoe, asking her to take it from her TIER 3 pension plan. Zoe is torn with the decision and still fighting her feelings for Yaw.

The annual ladies’ Bibles and Brunch event organised by RLM is here, with Imelda being the planner and coordinator. Her initial agenda to fill the prayer topics with marriage was changed by Mama Zoe. Will she be satisfied with the outcome of the event?

Yaw managed to spend two weeks in Lagos and returned on time. He decided to surprise Zoe by not announcing his presence. When she stepped out for lunch, he walked into her office and sat behind her desk with a gift bag from one of the RTW brands from Lagos she loved. He noticed there was a sheet of paper turned upside down, he flipped it. It was an unfilled loan request form for her TIER 3. He clenched his jaw.

ZOE

I walked into my office after lunch and I was startled to see Yaw at my desk.

“You scared me, when did you get back?” I asked.

“Just a few minutes ago” he had a serious look on his face.

“Is this for me?” I shrieked, spotting the gift bag from a brand I loved. I reached for it and he snatched it.

“It was but I have changed my mind, tell me the meaning of this” he pointed to the form on my desk.

“It is a private matter” I answered.

“Aren’t you still repaying the salary loan you took for Davida’s car?” he asked.

“Yes, but this is different”

“The only time you resort to a loan like this is between life and death or a serious business transaction where you are 90% guaranteed payment. Now how much is this amount that you cannot ask me?” he asked

“20,000” I replied.

“Okay, I will send it to your bank account close of day” he said

“Dollars” I added.

“What! Is it for Davida’s school? I mean, if it is for that. I don’t mind helping” he replied. I was tempted to lie.

“No, it is a business opportunity” I said.

“Then use all your profits from Purple Linen, not this!” he exclaimed

“It will not be enough, I used part for Davida’s car and topped with the loan. Remember?” she added.

“Ah! I forgot. What business opportunity is this? who knows I might want to invest. The last business opportunity you brought me was Purple Linen and I haven’t regretted”

“Okay, car business. A friend of Dave…”

“DAVE!” he interrupted and burst into laughter, “continue” he added.

“A friend of Dave is into car business, he wants us to invest. This is just a test to see the returns before we fully commit” I said.

Yaw just stared at me, he had a look of disappointment and pity.

“You are a smart woman, you know the car import business is crumbling right? Due to introduction of EVs from the Chinese as well as people buying these cars themselves. The middleman component is crumbling. This is just a general notion. I will not say anything further, just think carefully” he said in a gentle voice, and pushed the gift bag back to me.

“What do you want me to do? He is my husb-”

“Husband and father of your children, yes, the same old excuse for him to treat you like shit. I am not a believer or some chrife guy but per the little bible knowledge from boarding school. I know Jesus doesn’t want his followers to be dumb, he doesn’t call them to be stupid. Yes, he is your husband but you need to have boundaries. And he coming for your pension money? without a concrete plan? that is the most diabolical thing I have ever seen. Dave will keep bleeding you dry till you can’t breathe no more. Have you ever said no to any of his financial requests?” he asked.

“….N..” I stuttered.

“Well, there is always a first time. What will he do to you if you don’t have the money? Beat you?” he asked.

“No way, he will never do that”

“Try and say no for once and let us see his worst” Yaw said and got out of my seat.

“Thank you” I said, in regards to the gift.

“If he is still insistent, let him come see me for the loan” Yaw added and when he got to the door, “I replaced the thong I ripped, it’s in there” he said and exited,

I sank into my chair, what is really the worst Dave can do.

Home

I got home to meet a huge brand-new touch screen double door fridge in the kitchen. The children were excited about it. I was confused, I entered Dave’s home office.

“Welcome my love” he stood up to greet me with a kiss.

“Ermmm…what is up with the new fridge? Was it a gift?” I asked

“I wish, I had to purchase it. I mean I bought it on credit, I will pay later” he said.

“Why? our current fridge still works fine after four years. Why?” I was confused, I tried to calm down.

“I bought it from Madam Jessica’s store. This is all Yaw’s fault” he exclaimed.

“Dave, I am confused. What does Yaw and Madam Jessica’s store got to do with a new fridge?” I asked, still confused.

“You know Madam Jessica has been setting up dates for Nuerkie. I thought it will be nice if Yaw and Nuerkie, you know, went on a date” he said and my eyes widened “I took Yaw’s number and set it up, I told him everything, sent the time and he stood Nuerkie up. Madam Jessica was upset and disappointed, by the time I realised, I was purchasing a new fridge from her store to ease her emotions” Dave explained.

“You tried to set Nuerkie up with Yaw Djimah? And you didn’t even ask for my opinion? I know those two and I would have saved you the time, effort and money. I don’t call her ‘No-Nonsense-Nuerkie’ for nothing, and he stood her up? I have to call him to apologise to her this minute. But do you have to buy a fridge on credit? Dave, how will we afford this? how much is it?

“There is no pressure to pay right away”

“That is what you will say now, but few weeks down the line. You will tell me, you don’t want to be embarrassed by your church member so we should be prompt in our payment. How much is it?”

“There was a discount so it’s like 18000ghs” he replied calmly

“18000? WHAT?”

“Keep your voice down, it’s a drop in the ocean considering the 20,000-dollar loan you are getting. Just add it to it, and we pay Madam Jessica” he added.

Anger surged through my chest, but I remembered the need to remain calm. OMG! Dave is a spoilt brat, MY spoilt brat! A child I have pampered over the years out of love. Even the children I bore don’t have such lofty expectations of me.

“About that… The loan was not approved” I lied.

“Why? What do you mean?” he asked.

“Well, since I am already repaying the loan for Davida’s car, they refused. It’s a whole company thing”

“I researched this ooo. What you do with your TIER 3 has nothing to do with your salary. Imelda explained it…You never mind. So, what are we going to do?” he went pensive.

“Don’t worry, I will keep trying. Who knows? God always makes a way. In your words, He will always replenish” I said with an encouraging smile and left the study.

Dave remained quiet the rest of the night, deep in thought. He did not even rub my back, something he’s been doing every night for the past month. Yaw was right, he was indeed buttering me up.

Next morning

For some time, after devotion, Dave ensures Fiona packs breakfast for me. This time, he claimed he had rush to the church to pray and left right after I was ready. I have been the fool in this marriage all along, I hate that Yaw was right. I drove to work filled with pride and pain. Proud of myself for not pushing past my limits to get him the money, and pain for all the money I have wasted on his side projects. Because of Dave, I struggle financially, though I earn good money.  I haven’t even gone on a personal vacation in ten years. Most of my travels are work-related, I need one where I relax. My birthday is coming, I have to give myself that treat but I need to be smart about it.

Later in the day, after lunch, two other colleagues were seated in my office chatting, Anita and Kuukua. Just then, Yaw walked in, bringing ice cream for me. He had a straight face when he saw the ladies.

“Good afternoon young ladies” he greeted

“Good afternoon Boss’’ they chimed.

“Here, ice cream for you. Sorry for yesterday, I will come later so we talk, okay?” he said.

“What about us? No ice cream?” Kuukua joked.

“Nope, unless you have worked here for over ten years. In addition, you are my colleagues, Zoe is my friend” he said and walked away.

“How is he your friend? He is so stoic and strict” Anita remarked.

“Well, I can’t explain. It just happened” I said.

I shared the ice cream with them before they left my office. I worked for a while before going to Yaw’s.

“Thank you for yesterday” I said after we had spoken about work.

“Welcome. So, will he be calling me for the loan?” Yaw asked.

“I doubt, speaking of calling you. You need to apologise to the date you stood up” I said.

“Okay, but I will pay someone to send her lunch or something. I don’t want her getting any ideas” yaw dismissed.

“Oh no, you need to properly apologise. Do you know who the lady is?” I asked.

“Queen of Sheba?”

“Have you heard of Nartey Holding?”

“Yeah, we were supposed to work with them concerning some supply of iron rods but the young man did not even appear for the meeting” he said.

“I am sure that is the son. The lady is the current MD and only daughter to Snr Nartey” I replied.

“Ouch, I messed up this time, I guess. Hm, Dave knows my taste after all. I will see her in person and apologise. Is that okay with you?” he asked.

“Yes, plus Nuerkie is precious, she didn’t deserve that” I said.

“Alright, I will drop by with some pastries or a bottle of wine. Anyway, back to our initial discussion. What happens to Dave’s 20000? Where will you guys the money from?” he asked

“Ermmm…we will wait on the Lord but I know it is definitely not coming from my TIER 3” I answered.

“That’s my girl” he said in a familiar tone, from our night in his couch.

“Yaw, behave. I just came to say thank you for helping me realise that loan idea was a bad decision” I said.

“Well, just don’t cave. He will definitely try something else. Look, I am not a marriage counsellor but you need to let him know how you feel about his relationship with money” he advised.

“Eheh! See who is giving marital advice ooo” I teased before leaving the office.

The Bibles and Brunch event was held in the mansion of Madam Jessica, she had a beautiful garden where Imelda coordinated a royalty themed brunch with delicious meals.

Quite unfortunately, it started raining so the event had to be moved into mansion. Madam Jessica was gracious to allow them inside her beautiful home and living area.

IMELDA

It is very important to obey and respect your elders. If I was always rude to Madam Jessica, would she have allowed us to host the event here? She tried to set me up with her son some years back, Cudjoe but that man is not godly. He drinks, smokes and parties, she pleaded with me to help him. I tried but I realised he is not my assignment. By popular request, I was asked not to cater for the event but hire the chef from the fire and ice event. I believe this event was for ladies, what is a man doing here? His plan was to set up and leave his sous-chef there, but the rain has caused him to be stuck here with us.

I noticed that some of the ladies kept drooling at him during the prayer session. I walked to Nuerkie.

“Please, I don’t want our sisters to be distracted, is there another room for the chef to hide till we are done?” I asked her and after much deliberation, she agreed to send him to her home office. She was away for a while.

Not long, one other guest of honour arrived. It was Pastor Ewoenam, I don’t know why Mama Zoe insisted on her being here. She is very controversial, she arrived on her motor, making so much noise. She was soaking wet in her riding attire, thank heavens Nuerkie had no problem assisting her and providing her clothes to change into which fit Pastor so well.

This was meant to be just prayer and bible study, but Mama Zoe added a new segment. She claimed it will be a space where people can just open up, and Pastor Ewoenam will help answer the difficult questions. If I want advice, will I take it from Pastor Ewoenam? After a successful prayer session and bible study, the safe space started.

“I know there are difficult questions we want to ask, and with fear of being judged, we keep it to ourselves. The church needs to start asking the hard questions. That is why I am here with my sister, Pastor Ewoenam, known for freeing her mind on topics some of us will not even touch with a 10-foot pole” Mama Zoe introduced and the others giggled. “So, I will go first, I have a family member, this person always gets money from me. I provide for all their needs, but they keep asking and asking and finding devious ways to take money from me. Another thing, I am all they have got, if I stop providing. I am scared of what will happen to them” Mama Zoe started.

“Thank you for the introduction and invitation. With the help of the Holy Spirit, I hope to help in answering these situations. Another thing, if I believe someone here is more equipped to answer, I will refer the situation to them. Now Zoe, back to you, you cannot pour from an empty cup, you need to be full. Remember to have boundaries and take care of yourself, if you die, this family member will move on to the next of kin. We should understand that we are not God, you cannot be everything to someone, only Jesus is. Even Jesus had boundaries, there were times he went into isolation and prayed alone, to get strength, replenished. If the financial request is not appropriate for the season, say no. Las las, everybody go dey alright” she answered.

That’s a good one, I wonder who will ask the next question. I then saw Nuerkie’s hand shoot up.

“I have been struggling with creating balance. I have so many things to do, run a business, work out, watch my health, have a hobby but these days my life has been work, church and home. It keeps me out of trouble, but there is more to life” Nuerkie lamented.

“Hahahahaha, the good old time management. I will refer this answer to someone I met recently who is doing amazing. Shika, kindly answer this for me” Pastor Ewoenam said.

Of course, she and Shika will be friends by now. Birds of the same feather flock together, people who think they know better than their pastors. At least, today Shika has dressed well.

“Okay, it took me a while but let me try and share what I know. In regards to staying fit, our bodies are the temple of God, as we take care of it spiritually, the physical aspect too is important. For me, I go to the gym in the morning at 5am, because I will be too tired to go at the end of the day. Find the time and exercise that works for you and commit it to His hands. If you do not make the time to take care of your body, it will choose the time and you might not like it. Now, when it comes to work, there is no award for suffering so I have learnt to delegate. This is difficult as a perfectionist but that is why you have hired the best. Please unlearn the art of carrying everything on your own, use your community as well to keep the balance. For hosting us today, I don’t mind making time during the week and helping you sort that out” Shika answered and Nuerkie was excited about the two of them working together.

We decided to take quick break before we continue.

“Be careful with Shika entering your space, she has this energy I don’t like” I whispered to Nuerkie when we were alone during the break.

“Did she do something?” Nuerkie asked.

“Nah, just be careful” I said before turning my attention to Mama Zoe who was approaching us.

The rain eventually stopped, but it will take a lot to set up everything outside so we decided to stay indoors. Next, one of the ladies asked a question I have been thinking about.

“Hmmmmmmm, this question or should I say observation is for our Mamas. Some of us have done everything right, we have followed the path of the Lord, we have obeyed, kept our virginity. We have never stolen or slept with someone’s husband in our life. We work in our offices like we are working for God. We pay our tithes, offerings and first fruits. How come God does not answer our prayers? We can pray for something for so long, but someone else who has done all the bad things, smoke, drugs, will just ask one time. They will not even fast, and God will answer them. I sometimes get angry and jealous, I am human. Why does it happen that way? I am even tempted to stray and see if God will answer me too” she said.

“First, I will like you to read the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax collector in Luke 18:9-14. Secondly, why are you focused on someone else’s walk with God and not yours? Thirdly, are you following Christ and God for the benefits? I have noticed over the years that we usually do not love God. We follow Him for the goodies He will bestow on us not that we necessarily love him. The bible says Love the Lord God with all your heart, soul and mind. Just love him and forget how he is working on other people” Pastor Ewoe answered.

“but won’t He punish them for their sins?” I blurted before realising.

“Why are you concerned with God’s punishment on someone who hasn’t done anything to you?” she asked.

“I am just asking, for example, if you sleep with someone’s husband, won’t God punish you?” I asked.

“I mean why are we concerned about what God will do to the mistress and not the man who vowed to God and his wife? What God actions and inactions towards that person doesn’t concern me. I am running the race before me. I’m not saying go around sinning, actions have consequences, no doubt. But we focus on the wrong things, the energy you will expend checking for divine punishment, pray for the person and focus on your life. In addition, are you sure you are in right standing with God? Cause the bible says that our righteousness are like filthy rags. You may think you are holy, but only God can judge that not mere mortals. Now, it is my prayer we all experience the love of God and see people in His love and light. When you do that, you will never envy anyone’s walk with God” she concluded.

We all nodded our heads in agreement. A few more questions were asked and we had to close. Mama Zoe asked Shika to minister and she started by singing an old song by Yadah “Beyond Me” , before she led us through a powerful worship session.

Only God knows why she started with that song. The event ended and a few people were hanging around, socialising or waiting for their ride home. I noticed Shika and the chef were chatting at the dining area like old friends. I stepped out for a brief moment and saw Jordan enter the compound.

“Hey, hope everything went well” Jordan asked after we exchanged pleasantries.

“Yes, by the grace of God. What brings you here?” I asked.

“To pick Shika, I have been calling her, I am sure her phone is on silent. Can you call her for me?”

“Feel free, let’s go inside and see for yourself” I led the way indoors, hoping Shika and chef were still chatting.

As soon as Jordan spotted them, he ran and hugged the chef. The three of them continued chatting, I later found out the chef and Jordan are old friends. My mind went back to the last event, they were all seated the last time. There was nothing going on between Shika and chef then. I watched them leave, as Jordan held Shika’s purse and opened doors for her.

God, when? I guess I have no choice than to focus on Pastor Ewoenam’s words and work on my walk with God.

Finally, everyone was gone and I started packing a few items. Just then, Cudjoe, Mama Jessica’s son appeared.

“Ei my wife!” he exclaimed.

“Who is your wife?” I sneered.

“You can leave everything, I will get my people to do it. Just go home” he said.

“No, I don’t trust you. Let me leave your mother’s house the way I found it” I said.

“Still stubborn, no change. So when will we go out again?” he asked.

“When you come to church” I answered.

“That cannot happen, unless midweek service ooo. I have to work on Saturday night through to Sunday morning” he replied.

“Organising parties for sinners, we need your skills for crusades ooo” I replied.

“Money no dey that one. But is midweek service okay for you?’’ he asked.

“I will think about it” I answered.

“Cool with me”

Cudjoe stayed and helped sort everything out. After, he walked me to my car and called to ensure I got home safe. Such a shame he isn’t born again, he seems kind.

Author’s note

I hope you enjoyed today’s episode. Will Dave eventually ask Yaw for the loan? Will he find a way to break Zoe?

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