JULIET THE REVEREND SISTER

Mr. Bassey and his wife had been looking for the fruit of the womb for eighteen (18) years. Although they had tried their best with different medications, all efforts proved abortive. Despite everything, they never gave up. They kept praying and trusting God for a child. One day, when Mr. Bassey returned home from work, he met his wife crying in her room. “What is it? Why are you crying, my love?” he asked. But her tears would not allow her to speak. Seeing that his questions were too much for her at that moment, she tried to calm herself before finally telling him what had happened. “I went to the market this afternoon,” she began, “and I discovered that we didn’t have enough salt at home. So, I called Chioma to help me run the errand, but…” She paused and broke down in tears again. “Please stop crying and tell me what really happened,” her husband said, worried. “My mother came out of her room and started insulting me. She called me all sorts of names… that I am a barren woman, that I have destroyed all the children in my womb, and that I have used charms to hold you so you cannot go out and marry another wife.” She paused again as tears prevented her from continuing. “How many times have I told you never to listen to anybody?” Mr. Bassey said firmly. “Not just in this compound, but anyone who reminds you of your situation. How many times?” He moved closer to her. “Is that why you are crying? Tell me, who told them you are barren? Is it because they have not seen our children yet? Are they God? Are they your Creator? Of course not!” He gently wiped her tears. “So stop crying. Crying is not, and will never be, the solution to this. I don’t want you to ever think that I will leave you for another woman because of children. Never.” He sighed softly before continuing. “If God has not given us children yet, then let it be so for now. Our God is not a man—His ways and thoughts are different from ours. Who are we to question Him?” He lifted her chin slightly. “Let people say whatever they want. All I know is that God’s time is the best. Please, stop crying. One day, God will bless us with children.” Later that evening, he asked her to bring him food, and she obeyed. As they sat down to eat, Mr. Bassey looked at her and said, “Do you know why I can never leave you for another woman?” She looked at him curiously. “No, I don’t know,” she replied. He smiled warmly. “Because you are loving, caring, obedient, humble, respectful… and above all, very beautiful.” “Oh my goodness, can you stop flattering me?” she said, smiling shyly. “I’m not flattering you, my dear. You are truly a good woman, and I will forever be grateful to God for bringing you into my life.” He took a bite of his food and continued, “And permit me to say this—you are the best cook in the whole world.” She laughed softly. “And I am very happy to have someone like you. Despite everything, despite the fact that we don’t have children yet, you have remained loving…”