I WILL SING By Edith Garba.

Edith Garba

Life, they say, is not a bed of roses. And most times, life is not fair. But I do believe that all things work for the good of those that love God, those called according to His divine purpose—I'm one of those called!

     I have had so much physical and emotional pain lately, so much that people are amazed that I'm still alive. Friends, relations and neighbours come around and, even before a word is said, I only have to gaze into their eyes to see how bad my condition is. I look at them and I see so much pity and, in some, I see compassion.

      I got a glimpse at compassion the other day when my cousin came to visit with his friend, Fidelis. Fidelis couldn't tear his eyes away from me. He must have seen a portrait of me and couldn't reconcile the emaciated body strewn on the bed with the pretty lively face he saw smiling in the picture that hung on the wall. I perceived he couldn't believe I was one and same person. The compassion in his eyes was self-evident. It seems to yarn to either take away my pain or, at least, share in it. When they were about to leave, Fidelis surprised me with a gift of a thousand naira. Although it wasn't much, the love that came with it surely magnified it. Such is the great difference between pity and compassion: Pity feels sorry, but compassion not only feels sorry, it stretches out an arm and help.

     Life has taught me so much. It has taught me, most especially, about people. I have learned that the only thing constant in life is change. We are surrounded by a lot of fair weather friends. Some would say, “Oh, she's my best friend,” when the sun is shining so brightly in your life but will abscond at the slightest sign of stormy weather. Some come around, size you up and conclude this is the end of road for you. Some say they love you but, in truth, they do not.

     A lack of depth and vision has made some people myopic in their judgment. I've heard people make silly remarks like: ''when we think you would die, then we wake up every morning and find you are still alive". What cheek! As if they are the air I breathe! When in fact I look at them and I see I have more life in me than they have. Though my body is afflicted, my spirit-man is renewed daily. Assuredly, in my physical weakness there is a vibrant and rejuvenated spirit inside of me.

     In the mist of all the pain I’m going through, I will sing! In my tempestuous encounter with life and people, I will sing! I will sing because I know who I am, I know whose daughter I am. My father is Ebenezer (The Lord My Help), The Owner of The Universe, The Bread of Life, the Almighty God.

Edith and friends

    He has promised me so much. He said though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death that I should fear nothing, that even when I walk through fire it shall not burn me, not even the water of life can drown me. I heard Him clearly and I can not remember Him saying all would be rosy, but He has declared me more than a conqueror, a winner, long before the battle begun. He says I'm a victor!

     Weeping may endure for a night (sometimes a very long night) but joy certainly comes in the morning if you keep hope and faith alive. God has turned my mourning into dancing, my darkness into light, and my disappointment into a blessing.

     When I think of the His goodness and all He has done for me, I will sing! When I think of where I am and where He has brought me from, and through, I will sing. When I think of His promises and where He is taking me to, I will sing. I will sing because I know I am not alone.  Even though I may be lonely I have a friend in Jesus; I will sing. In spite of the present circumstance, the pain and the hurt, I will sing. When I pinch myself and I feel pain, I will sing.

     Even though my voice is cracked and hoarse, I will sing. I will make melody in my heart, shout His praise in the congregation of His saints because He is the essence of my being, my hope, my expectation, my today and tomorrow, the air I breath, my life, my beginning and my end, my all in all.

     When I remember that through the good and the bad God remains the same, I just want to sing and you know what? I will sing. When I think of the good life that awaits me I just want to shout a song and make a joyful noise.

     Hallelujah somebody!