Breathe Series

FOR FATHERS AND MOTHERS!

Hi there, the last two months were very important in the world. Many marked Mother’s Day and Father’s Day with pomp and pageantry. These are the moments I wished I’m back to my church in Lagos, Ikoyi Baptist Church. They are most encouraging moments well celebrated. Yet, I do hope it is not too late to add these two pieces for your reading pleasures… And, yes, keep me comments flowing, pls. I promised that you’ll have more goodies to read online soon.



I Bear His Name!
The hoe hooked over the shoulder
Epitomized effort of vested works and authority
As bent as years of building lives
Rocking in a chair of satisfaction.

I shall not forget this picture
Ever vivid reminder of responsibility and discipline
As we sat ‘round granpa’s fire
Warming ourselves with tales within and without

“…and Enoch walked with God;
And he was not; for God took him…”
And who wouldn’t desire
A godly and heavenly-minded father.

“…for I know Abraham
For he will order his house after Me…”
Yes, a father approved of God
Is our privilege to be taken lightly not.

Fathers – the model of the sons
The strength of the families
The symbol of correct leadership
And the pillars of shrewd investments

The same fathers – mini representatives of Almighty God
Now stripped of their God-given roles by sin’s effect
Presently many a-broody droops
Expressing frustrations, dimming hopes.

But we are not hopeless
Life had once sprung, and still springs
From ruts shall come out life
“…for the bruised reed He shall not break…”

The quality of a praised hero
Is not enough without a family, a home
I’d rather a responsible, though famous, father be
Than the best president, yet worst father.

It is a father that minds Father’s business
The same lays his life for his home
The same tills the field faithfully
And the same shed his blood on his cross.

The presence of a father assures security
His sweats assures provisions
His anger assures correction
And his smile assures approval.

Fathers are mothers’ best partners
…children’s best heroes
…family extension’s reliable support
…society’s most illustrious sons.

I saw a man turned a woman
He shed no tears and feels no pain
Because he is not involved
In responsibly building a responsible name.

A father proudly hugs me
An excellent son at graduation
Glossing brightly in spite of his lack
Yet not jealous and rivalry but supportive.

I am a man because I decidedly stayed with a man
I am a husband because I lived with one
I am a father because I’m equipped gracefully as head
And the child-like perspective I did not lose

“…since it pleased the Father
That in Him all fullness dwell…”
Then fathers should be seen in their offspring
“For the child is the father of the man”.




Motherhood
Dearest mother,
The beauty of nourishment,
The embodiment of good traits;
The saddled pain and joy,
Honour and glory
Adorn your person
Reflected in Admirable sons, Adorable daughters,
With fulfilled husbands!
Oh, adorned woman;
Bejeweled hard work
Birthing beloved offspring
Nursing wounded weaklings
Courage behind warriors
The desire of
Every decent family
The lack of your presence in lives
Is visible in flawed characters
Oh, how much we desired
And hoped
And prayed
And looked out for
His gracious gifts
In an invested you
And very well we know
And aware
A chronically searching
Heart
Will find you.

Hmmm…, Mama
The pride of every papa
Riches and honour
Encumbers you
Always!
From submissive Sarah
…Quiet Mrs. Noah
…Careful Jochebed
…Wise Rahab
…Ardent Deborah
…Sold out Ruth
…Prayerful Hannah
…Discerning Abigail
…Prettily chosen Esther
…Diligent mama Lemuel

To motherly Mary
…Excited Elizabeth
…Zestful Mary Magdalene
…Almsgiving Tabitha Dorcas
…Industrious Lydia
…Supportive Priscilla
…Devoted Lois and Eunice
…Home building Susana Wesley
…Undeterred Sabina Wurmbrand
…Quietly Word-broadcasting Mrs. Kumuyi
…Strength behind-the-scene Ruth Bell Graham
…Vivacious Bimbo Odukoya

Counted amongst all gracious women
Till date
You outshined the jezebels
Leaving traits of
Goodly Godly heritage ever
Oh, lovely mother
Sweet, sweet motherhood,
I’m proud to know one…