In Olanrewaju Village, Adeola and Folake’s love story was once the heartbeat of the village’s tales. Adeola, a robust farmer, was as steadfast as the land he tilled. Folake, celebrated for her beauty and intellect, brought radiant energy to their marriage. However, five years on, the spark that once lit up their union had dimmed, casting long, silent shadows over their lively home.
One evening, Adeola returned home from the fields with big yams and fresh vegetables. He approached Folake with a broad smile, expecting to see her face light up with joy. “Folake, look at what I’ve brought for you,” Adeola said proudly.
Folake glanced at the bounty but her face fell. She sighed, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. “Adeola, it’s not about the yams or the vegetables,” she began. “I don’t feel loved.”
Adeola stood there, bewildered. In his culture, love was shown through actions, not words. “Folake, what do you mean?” Adeola asked. “I work hard every day to provide for you. I built this house for us. How can you say I don’t love you?”
Folake sighed deeply. “Adeola, it’s not just about the things you do. It’s the little things. You never say anything nice to me. You never compliment me. I need to hear that you love me.”
Adeola frowned. “Folake, if I didn’t love you, would I have married you? Think about it. Every day, I work the fields so we have food to eat. Isn’t that love?”
Folake shook her head, a tear sliding down her cheek. “I appreciate everything you do, but love is more than just providing. When was the last time you told me I looked beautiful? Or that you were proud of me? I need to hear those words, Adeola.”
Adeola’s brow furrowed in confusion. “Actions speak louder than words. When I built that house, I was showing you my love. Words are just… words. They don’t mean anything if they aren’t backed up by actions.”
Folake’s voice trembled. “But to me, words mean everything. They give life to your actions. Without them, your actions feel hollow. I feel invisible, Adeola. It’s like I’m just another part of your routine, not the woman you fell in love with.”
Adeola sought advice from his friend, Chinedu, who had recently returned from the city with new perspectives on marriage and relationships.
Chinedu listened attentively. “Adeola, some people need to hear words of affirmation to feel loved. It’s not enough to show love through actions alone; you must also express it through words.”
“But how do I start?” Adeola asked.
“Start small,” Chinedu advised. “Begin with genuine compliments and expressions of gratitude. Tell her what she means to you. It might feel awkward at first, but with time, it will become natural.”
One afternoon, during one of his visits, Adeola saw Chinedu writing a love letter to his wife, Sade. “What are you writing, Chinedu?” Adeola asked.
“I’m writing a love letter to Sade,” Chinedu replied. “Words have power, Adeola. Sometimes, writing them down makes them even more special.”
Intrigued, Adeola asked, “But what do you write about?”
“I write about how much I appreciate her, the little things she does that make my day brighter. I remind her of our fond memories and our dreams. It’s not always grand declarations; sometimes, it’s the small, everyday things that matter most.”
Adeola was silent, digesting this new perspective. “Do you think Folake would appreciate something like this?”
“Absolutely. Every woman wants to feel cherished and valued. Words can touch the heart in ways that actions sometimes can’t.”
Determined to save his marriage, Adeola decided to change. The next morning, he woke up early and prepared breakfast for Folake. When she awoke, Adeola looked into her eyes and said, “You are the most beautiful woman in Olanrewaju Village, Folake. Your smile brightens my day more than the sun.”
From that day on, Adeola made a conscious effort to compliment Folake daily. Their relationship began to flourish once more.
During the annual village festival, Adeola took Folake’s hand and said, “Folake, you are my heart’s desire, the melody to my song, and the light to my path. I love you more than words can say.”
The crowd erupted in applause, and Folake, overwhelmed with emotion, embraced Adeola tightly. Their love had been rekindled, not by grand gestures, but by the simple, yet profound power of complimentary words.
The Tale of A Couple: A Story of Mistakes and Redemption in Umudike
In the heart of Eastern Nigeria, among the hills and lush forests of Igbo land, lived a wise ruler named Uncle Nnamdi. His fair decisions benefited all the people of Umudike. One sunny morning, he gathered the villagers at the village square to share his wisdom.
The Wisdom of Uncle Nnamdi
Uncle Nnamdi begins by emphasizing the significance of decisions made in the early stages of life. He speaks of life having three seasons: morning, afternoon, and night. Choices made in the morning impact the night, and wise decisions can alter one’s destiny. He then narrates the story of Obi as an example of poor early choices and the potential for redemption.
The Morning of Obi’s Life
Obi, a young and promising hunter, is distracted by the attention of young women. Despite warnings from elders, he continues to indulge in fleeting relationships, neglecting his responsibilities. His charm and good looks make him popular, but his decisions have lasting repercussions.
The Afternoon of Obi’s Life
Obi marries Ada, a virtuous woman from a neighboring village, and they have two children. However, his past habits resurface, and he struggles with fidelity. His indiscretions cause tension in his marriage, and his reputation in the village suffers. Ada, despite being heartbroken, remains strong and continues to support him.
Ada’s Background and Strength
Ada, raised with values of hard work, honesty, and faith, marries Obi despite knowing his reputation. Her unwavering support and strength become crucial in Obi’s redemption journey. She prays for guidance and believes in a purpose to her suffering, teaching her children the values she holds dear.
The Turning Point
Obi is severely injured while hunting, leading to a period of reflection. The village elders’ wisdom finally resonates with him, and he realizes the damage he has done to his family. Ada’s unwavering care during his recovery deeply moves Obi, becoming the catalyst for his transformation.
The Night of Obi’s Life
Obi commits to making amends, seeking forgiveness from Ada through consistent actions. He attends gatherings of the village elders, absorbs their wisdom, and fosters a deeper relationship with God. He dedicates himself to being present for his family and works hard to regain his skills as a hunter.
Redemption and Impact
Obi’s visible transformation earns him respect in the village. His journey inspires other young men, highlighting the importance of wise decisions and the possibility of redemption. The story of Obi and Ada becomes a part of village lore, teaching valuable lessons about life, choices, and redemption.
Lessons Learned
The story of Obi and Ada holds many lessons for the villagers and for all who hear it:
1. The Importance of Early Choices
The morning of one’s life is crucial. Decisions made during this time can have long-lasting consequences. It is vital to build good habits and make wise choices early on.
2. The Power of Redemption
No matter how many mistakes one has made, it is never too late to change. Obi’s story shows that with determination, humility, and the right support, one can turn their life around.
3. The Role of Family and Community
Ada’s unwavering support and the wisdom of the elders played a crucial role in Obi’s redemption. It highlights the importance of having a strong support system and the impact of community on an individual’s life.
4. Fidelity and Responsibility
Obi’s infidelity caused immense pain and disruption in his family. His journey underscores the importance of fidelity and the responsibility one has towards one’s spouse and children.
5. Spiritual Guidance
Obi’s path to redemption was significantly aided by his renewed relationship with God and the guidance of his pastor. This aspect emphasizes the importance of spiritual grounding and seeking help from above and mentors.
Legacy
Under Uncle Nnamdi’s wise rule, the village learns from Obi and Ada’s story. Obi’s transformation from a reckless youth to a responsible man is a testament to the power of change. Their marriage grows stronger, symbolizing resilience and forgiveness, and they teach their children the importance of wise decisions and strong moral foundations. The villagers continue to share stories and wisdom, keeping the lessons of Obi and Ada alive for future generations.
The Day I Met My Dream Man. The earthquakes going on in their hearts were unprecedented. All it took was the locking of their eyes for a brief moment, less than ten seconds, and sparks flew everywhere. There were no warning tremors. Its magnitude is massive enough to destroy a whole city block. It wasn’t a one-sided spark, it was mutual.
It was a like a movie straight out of Hollywood kind of meeting, everything seemed in place, the lips, tips, and hips matched the six packs, the muscles, and the beards.
Finally, it was looking like God has answered her prayers! What a good God we serve! The night vigils are finally paying off. The fasting can now be put at bay and wow, What a God of suddenly! Can I recover from the suddenness of God? She thought!
As they approached each other for the all-important introduction, her knees shook, and his lips trembled.
It looked like a heavenly written love script, except for one thing!
Their hands locked in a romantic handshake, and the handshake shook them, causing their knees to tremble in response to the “heart-quake!”
The Day I Met My Dream Man.
“Hullo, I am Bode!”
What? The voice! God can be so detailed. She wanted this Bass Voice!
“Pleasure meeting you, I am Sandy!”
Bode smiled and there was the gap tooth she wanted! She knew her testimony would be powerful on Sunday!
“I am married!” Bode said!
The shockwave sent into her interrupted the ‘heart-quakes”
“Ohh…” she said in a voice-laden disappointment, and her facial expression changed from one of ecstasy to that of irritation.
“Excuse me, I will like to use the convenience.”
The Day I Met My Dream Man.
That was her escape! She looked at herself in the mirror, a lone tear emerged and she quickly sent it back through the tear duct before it messed with her makeup!
She wondered how she nearly fell into a trap.
She knew married men is nowhere to go.
“No way, I am not about to mess it all up because of some nonsense feelings. Feelings won’t wreck my journey with God. God has a plan for me.” She affirmed to herself.
As she went home quietly, she thanked God on one side that she wasn’t deceived by that man for she would have fallen into that trap at that moment when all her thinking faculties have been hacked.
She remembered the scripture:
Proverbs 31:30 (KJV) Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
It was all looking like favour, but it was a trap wrapped up in favour! The dream nan can be the wrong man!
