The first time I fought

Charles Fagoyinbo. I remember his name very clearly. People often ask me how I'm able to remember things distinctly from years ago. I just never forget things that make impressions on me.

Charles was my classmate and the only person I've ever had a physical fight with, well atleast until many years later. It happened while we were in Jss2. It was a free period and everyone was discussing their parent's occupation. Somehow, I got involved in the conversation and I mentioned my dad was a pastor. I was on the middle row, Charles was on the left row to me sitted on the very last seat. Next comment I heard from him was (I paraphrase), 'Is that one work. All these pastors that is tithe and offering that they are spending'. It felt like a volcano was erupting in my chest. I was going to explode. Was I just going to let somebody diss my dad and get away with it? Especially knowing my parents had to sell everything of value to send me to that school? No way.

I sat still to plan my next action. He would see me coming since he sat behind me and ge would overpower me because he was stronger. So I waited for break when he would not expect it. He stood by the courtyard in our block. I started running from behind and pushed him with that force causing to fall into the deeo courtyard filled with sand. Then before he could get himself together, I pounced on him and began hitting him. Before he could attack, other students had separated us. He was looking at me confused, he didn't even know he had done anything. I looked him straight in the eyes and said 'Never speak about my father like that again' I straightened my uniform and went back to class like nothing happened.

By the following Visiting day, I was telling my parents what happened. They both exclaimed, 'You fought?' Then they started giving me the lecture about how I wasn't raised like that. And I'm like, I'm not sure these people are hearing me. He insulted MY father. My dad went on to explain that I should have reported to a teacher or spoken my mind to him.

This is my earthly father! How much more when somebody talks bad about my Jesus or the things of the Kingdom. Granted there are some bad eggs tarnishing the name of Christ but then we know the truth. It is not alright to be silent. Say something. Don't be afraid to take a stand for Christ. How can you love someone and let someone trash them and you do nothing about it? No do not fight physically or exchange words. Speak your truth and leave. Let them know where you stand and what you stand for. Be vocal about your faith. Go public with your faith. That private christian talk is nonsense. Let the world know how He saved you, how He shed his precious blood on calvary. Let them know He is coming soon. You don't need the approval of men or to be politically correct.

Jesus died that I might live. This is my truth.

I hope you embrace your truth in Christ and not be bullied into silence. 😊

Peace, love and sunshine,

Love.

I say to you, whoever declares openly and confesses Me before men [speaking freely of Me as his Lord], the Son of Man also will declare openly and confess him[as one of His own] before the angels of God.
Luke 12:8 AMP

Run

'Miss Love, just run'. That was Aisha, one of my students urging me to compete in the relay race I introduced to the students.

Every Friday, we have Sports but I hardly ever attend as I use that time to catch up on work. Today however, I was feeling quite energetic. I went to school with 3 jumpropes, sacks for sackrace and filled with energy.

Different teachers handled different groups but immediately I got downstairs, many students found their way to mine. I think it was out of curiousity.

We started with warm ups and then cardio. It was so much fun. We were gasping for breath. I was happy. I really wanted them to have a good time. I introduced the race which required 2 contestants to carry stones to the other end of the court. Whoever carried the most in the shortest time possible won. They loved it. That's when Aisha said, 'Let teachers run. Miss Love just run'. I was like yes, let's do this. So I and the other teacher with me decided to run. I didn't know my village people were at work 😂 I ran the first lap successfull, as I made to turn to go and pick the next stone, I felt one of my legs give way. Bum first landed, followed by elbow then entire body (I found out my knee was also affected this evening).

As I lay on the ground, I kept hearing them chanting 'Miss Love! Miss Love!' Before I knew what was happening, I was swamped by students pulling me up. I feared their tiny hands could not carry my weight but they did. I knew I had to make them proud. So even though I didn't know how I would pull through, I kept running till I picked up all my stones.

They made me believe I could and I did. They pulled me up when I couldn't pull myself up. And when one hand was not enough, another joined in and then anothen and another until I could stand on my own. The world would be a better place if we were all there to raise one another rathen than leave a fallen soldier. We all grow when we lift each other up.

I went on to a battle skipping competition with male staff. I skipped 100 in 44 seconds and then I screamed 'Say my name!' and they shouted 'Miss Love'. It was a proud moment. I am grateful I was not left lying there by myself. I am grateful for the ones who believed me.  Cheers to encouragers. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.

'So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it.
1 Thessalonians 5:9‭-‬11 MSG

Peace, love and sunshine,

Love.