TWO DAYS LATER…
At James’ Apartment, Venue for the meeting.
Three chairs are rented by James and added to the three he has. They are to accommodate Alex,
Johnson, Sylvia, Anita, Esther and himself. Since James is hosting the event, he is to commence the
meeting. All are well-seated, casually dressed, except for Sylvia.)
James
I welcome you all, brethren, in the name of the Lord this special day.
This is the day that the Lord has made,
And we will be glad and rejoice in it.
James takes a look at his wristwatch
James
People of God, we are gathered today to bare our minds on issues that practically affect us---
be them negative or positive.
And use what’s in the bible to work on them through.
Without further ado, I call on Esther to begin the meeting through the opening prayer.
Sylvia (joking)
Girls first!
Esther is not disturbed but the scorned look on Sylvia is obvious.
Esther
Let’s pray.
All heads bow down.
Father in heaven, we thank you for this divine gathering of your people today.
We ask that the wisdom of God guides us throughout today’s meeting so that in the end, we give you
our heartfelt thanks.
We ask in Jesus’ name, Amen...
James takes over to hit the nail on the head-get straight into the business of the day.
James
For some days, I’ve been led by God to think about how our being committed to our places of work, what we go through at home as we try to meet up with demands and other interests are beginning to determine what we will leave behind.
But come to think of it, what are we leaving behind?
This is the very issue we need to look into today.
I want us to be realistic.
I begin with you, Esther.
Esther
To me, the proof of our existence, the impact we made in the lives of others and our personal legacies are what I think we’ll leave behind.
They say, ‘you don’t give what you don’t have.’
What you have might be a reflection of what you’ve earlier mentioned, James, or other things.
With what you have, you ascertain your proof of existence---not just by occupying the earth’s ecosystem, but impact people in our sphere of contact and effect our personal legacies.
James
Interesting! Esther has raised salient points.
‘You don’t give what you don’t have’ and your proof of existence, personal legacies—negative or positive---I want to believe and how we impact others are the things you’ll leave behind. Interesting!
Alex, your turn.
Alex (gesticulates)
Days ago, I remember asking us this same question, right?
James
Yes.
Johnson
Of course, yes.
Anita
I don’t think so.
Sylvia
I guess Alex knows what he’s talking about.
Esther
Let’s listen!
Alex
I’m sorry.
Sylvia is correct.
James and Johnson and I had this discussion previously.
I thought of this matter over and over again.
My opinion? I strongly believe in the word of God as the ONLY value we can really get to leave behind. Like what Esther identified earlier, that’s the legacy I choose to leave behind for my children.
I recall what Johnson said regarding the words of Albert
Einstein: ‘Education is what is left after what has been learnt had been forgotten.’
The word of God is the education I’ll impact in the lives of people around me----my children, neighbors and all around.
James
That’s quite interesting!
The word of God: The ONLY true education.
Anita, it’s your turn.
Anita
Ladies and gentlemen, have you ever wondered why I’m known to sit on the fence?
Esther
Quite simple.
It’s a good way of concealing how confused you are.
Sylvia
The bible says you shouldn’t judge so that you won’t be judged.
Esther, a word is enough for the wise.
Esther
Sylvia, learn to focus on what’s on the ground.
Sylvia
What’s on the ground? You’re funny! Think again!
Esther
I’m in the right frame of mind. If not…
Sylvia
I guess ‘’you’ll see the other side of me’’ is what you’d say. Am I correct?
Esther
You’re wrong. Silence is the best answer for …
Sylvia
Wish you completed that simple sentence of yours.
Esther
Good to know you know the last word.
Sylvia
No comment. Anita, carry on!
Anita (continues, but replying Esther)
On the contrary, Esther, the very reason is rather complex. I believe the grace of God is sufficient for me and will take care of everything that concerns me.
Ladies and gentlemen.
Oh, Sorry! Brothers and sisters in Christ, this is my idiosyncrasy---my mental challenge:
Why am I trying to live when I live to die?
Why try giving when nothing comes to me?
Why am I trying to see nothing?
Why trying to be present when I know I’m absent?
I tell you, people of God, the fact is…
Esther and Sylvia hear me seldom say this: ‘’the world is so wrong that all that’s left isn’t just right.’’
Hence, I concur with what Esther said to me.
That has been a way of concealing how confused I am.
To the question, I’d say, ‘’I will impact my world from the standpoint on whom the cap fits.
This time, through the word of God as I pray for more grace.
James
Food for thought for each and every one of us.
‘’The truth shall set you free,” the bible says.
To me, the truth you know shall set you free! May God help us all.
They respond
‘Amen.’
James (proceeds)
Johnson, what are we leaving behind?
Better still what do you think you’re or you’ll leave behind?
Johnson
I am the family-type of person.
I’ve learnt that children, one of my would-be beloved ones, would remember their parents not necessarily for this things they leave with them, but for the things they leave in them.
Like what Alex said, I’ll, even if it’ll be limited to my family, instill the presence of God in my children and I’ll ensure me and my household shall, for eternity, serve God. After all, the word says: Train up a child in the way he should grow; so that when he grows, he won’t depart from it.
That’s what I believe I will leave behind.
James
Train up your child in the way that he should go…
Hmm…Very didactic! Some moral lesson.
The very person to wrap up this meeting is…Sylvia.
Sylvia shows off her all-white designer T-shirt, trouser and footwear. She takes a stand. Esther and Anita are taking a good look at her outfit and hair extension. Sylvia is unperturbed. She is used to them.
Sylvia
What am I leaving behind?
Very good question! Subconsciously, I’ve asked myself this very question…
Indeed, it’s what we should be really concerned about.
As a trending person, and someone who has the Basic Information Before Leaving Earth, which Is the bible, I will practically showcase my trending lifestyle in line with the scripture, ‘Wisdom is profitable to direct.’
Esther
The word says that you shouldn’t be entangled with the things of the world.
Sylvia
But the word says ‘Test all spirits.’
Esther
Can you serve two masters simultaneously, Sylvia?
Sylvia
God knows I worship no other except him.
Esther
Indeed. Okay. Continue.
Sylvia
Nice one, Esther. Like I was saying, the world has also the G.O.D identity.
The G stands for Gold, O stands for Oil and D stands for Drugs.
But the common denominator is MONEY.
Esther
Do you know of Aristotle Onassis’ daughter, Jacqueline?
Sylvia
Yes, of course.
The daughter of that billionaire as recorded in official history.
Esther
She said, ‘’If not for women, money won’t have value.’’
Sylvia
She forgot that the wise book, the Holy Bible, says that money answers all things and money is a defense.
Esther
What about the Excellency of wisdom?
Sylvia
That’s what I stand for. God’s wisdom tells me money is a servant of ideas.
Esther
Do you know money has no backing?
Sylvia
Currently, it doesn’t. But it used to be backed-up by gold.
Esther
Very good. Now, what does this say?
Sylvia
Money is that worth based on a promissory note.
Esther
Tell us that money is a debt. So, how can you pay a debt with a debt?
Sylvia
Are you putting words in mouth?
Esther
Explain yourself, then.
Sylvia
At the moment, read my lips: MONEY is the Means of National Exchange (for Yields).
Yields could be in the product of goods and services, or even ideas.
That’s what trending, girlfriend.
Go with the train!
Esther
Come to think of it, what do you think you have, trending woman?
Anita
I’ve been wanting to ask you the very same question Esther has just asked.
Sylvia
I’ll use what I have---my gifting to get what I want.
That is, what I know.
Esther
Interesting! What makes you trend?
Sylvia
Well, three things make you trend.
Better yet, the three familiarities you know not only makes you trend, but draws or attract people to you.
Anita (curious)
What are they?
Sylvia
Sex, Spirituality and Money.
Sex is really multi-dimensional.
Even God realizes that to appropriate, to me, the most physical testimony in the world, one should flee from fornication and if married, shouldn’t commit adultery.
Spirituality is what, for instance, binds us all. Our Christian faith.
Though God rules in all, cash rules everything.
Just take a look around, if you doubt me.
You want to hear more…
Anita
Heard enough…
How do you want to be what you want to be through your trending lifestyle?
Esther
I’m all ears, girl.
Sylvia
Faking right the righteous way to make it!
Esther
What a contradiction!
Sylvia
That’s the nature of man! That’s the world we live in.
Anita
Waiting for whom the cap fits.
Esther
Anita, again…
Anita
What’s it, again?
Esther
Anita, learn the habit of keeping quiet.
Anita
In an all-engaging, all-ladies talk? Hmm, I see.
Sylvia
Esther, you’re proficient at interruption.
You interfered during Anita’s contribution.
Now, mine.
Try to behave.
Esther (admits, though reluctantly)
I guess you’re right.
Sylvia
I am.
Anita
Sylvia is right, Esther.
Sylvia
Let’s not forget the fact that the world is getting more feminine, each and every passing second. Back in the day, it used to be the slogan:
‘’It’s a man’s world.”
But now, I guess you guys would think otherwise…
Sylvia’s thoughts provoke the attention of Johnson
Johnson
Sylvia, it’s more appropriate to say that the wrong use of the feminine and masculine energies have made the world an entity of gender bias.
James
Say what?
Johnson
Man, it’s self-explanatory.
Alex
Wonders will never end.
Sylvia
Yes, you’re quite correct.
Wonders will never end.
You’ll realize that in as much as a man has his will, a woman will always have her way.
Johnson
But when there is a will, there is a way.
Sylvia
Only when there’s no bill!
Johnson
Hmm…I see.
Sylvia
I’ll use what I have, like I mentioned, the knowledge of what’s trending to appropriate the wisdom of God in my very own space.
Call it the ‘’game of gender.’’
James finds the discussion very fascinating. He decides to join the chorus.
James
A friend once told me: ‘There are two categories of women; the first category is those who admit they’ve lost the way and the second are those who think they know the way but are either stuck or lost in the way they think they know.’
Sylvia
May God deliver your friend.
Esther
And also deliver you.
Anita
Sylvia, you need a divine touch of deliverance.
Sylvia
We all need it.
May God deliver us all!
James, I read in some magazine that there are only two kinds of men; men with time but limited money and men with money but limited time.
How about that?
James
Errrrr…
Sylvia
Alright, what I will leave behind is this: God’s wisdom to appropriate what’s trending in my own world.
Esther
You never cease to amaze me.
Anita
Truth be told, you’re getting me more confused, Sylvia.
Johnson
In this so-called ‘’game of gender’’ of yours, they say men are from Mars while women are from Venus.
Why are they on Earth?
Sylvia (answers)
For the sake of family.
That’s why if you educate a man, you’ve only educated one person but if you educate a woman, you’ve educated a nation.
Johnson
Could this be the reason our fathers possibly weren’t detailed about who are mothers were, and the reason our mothers never told them?
Sylvia
It’s up to you to find out! My assertion was simply self-explanatory.
James
Food for thought!
Alex
Maybe…
Johnson
They say men lie more; but women lie better. Why so?
Sylvia
Our world, if not that we’re in Christ, is full of nothing but a matrix of truthful lies.
Women absorb more of truthful lie frequency because of the infinite vibrations of lies as told by men.
That’s simply the reason.
James
Any such word or phrase as a ‘truthful lie?’
Alex
Still trying to figure it out.
Sylvia
Except the boy is well-developed, a girl of his age is at least four years ahead of him in all matters.
James
Source?
Johnson
Where did you get that from?
Alexx
Wow!
Sylvia
Do your research.
I advise that guys grow up!
Man up!
So that we can work together understandably.
James
This same friend says the best way to work or walk with a woman is to try to love her but don’t understand her.
And for the woman, try to understand him but don’t really love him.
Sylvia
It appears your friend is got some guts, I must admit. No wonder you, as in the bible, have a sound mind.
After all, a man is judged by the company he keeps. Show me your friends, and I will tell you who you are.
James
Thanks, Sylvia for those soul-lifting words of yours.
Sylvia
My pleasure.
Johnson
How do we man up?
Sylvia
Am I to spoon-feed you? See, what makes you a man is your courage, appropriation of your sexuality and leadership. Do I need to tell you guys more?
Alex, Johnson and James respond emphatically: ‘’NO.’’
Sylvia is rounding up her contribution. She hasn’t forgotten what to reply Esther and Anita who are still starring at her.
Anita
Looking for whom the cap fits…
Sylvia or the rest…
Guys, there is neither male nor female in the presence of God which is found in Christ.
I rest my case!
Sylvia
Good.
Well, I’ve made my points crystal-clear, despite being interrupted by you guys.
As for you, Esther, I’ve made my opinion vivid to you. Anita, as you already know, it was made to be.
Remember, God’s grace is sufficient to help solve your problem.
Anita
Amen.
Sylvia
Thank you guys for this great time-out in God’s presence.
James
From the bottom of my heart and God know it, I appreciate your painstaking efforts to attending this meeting.
The bible admonishes us not to forsake the assembly of the brethren.
Tine will not permit me to unveil the enormous knowledge I’ve acquired just by listening to brothers and sisters in Christ bare their minds on the issue: WHAT ARE WE LEAVING BEHIND? ‘’Iron sharpeneth iron,” the bible says.
Esther, Anita, Alex, Johnson, Sylvia, thank you for contributions.
Johnson
You’re welcome, friend.
Alex
My pleasure, my bro.
Anita
Whom the cap fits… You, I guess. It’s my pleasure.
Esther
My greatest pleasure.
Sylvia
Thanks…James.
James
Jesus started with prayer and ended with prayer. Alex, close this meeting for us with prayers.
All heads bow…
Alex (Prays as all heads bow)
I thank you Lord of Hosts for this meeting.
Thank you, God, that the wisdom to appropriate our words for your pleasure, your teachings as our legacies and the word of God we’ll impact in the lives of others, will make us proud of what we are leaving behind.
Thank you, Abba father, that our lives will never remain the same after this gathering in Jesus’ name, Amen.
James
See you guys on Sunday! I apologize there aren’t no snacks and drinks I brought. I’m expecting my salary on Monday.
Sylvia
One of those things
Esther
See you there….in church!
Johnson
All roads lead to home!
Alex
Will be waiting to see y’all in church!
Anita
Can’t wait for tomorrow’s service! See you all there!
They leave James’ place for their respective homes. James decides to take a nap at his friend’s place, three houses away from his.
END