Dedicated to kimtasha16 ❤❤

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Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you. --1 Peter 5:7 (TPT)

Tayo stared at the calendar, with his gaze so fixated that it could have burnt a hole through it.

The date was significant. It was the day Doubra and his unborn child had gone to be with the Lord.

He had woken up that morning with a mood he didn't understand. Even praying in other tongues had felt like chewing dry stone-filled garri, but he had pushed through it.

It was when Kazeem was filling him in on his schedule for the day that he realized just why he felt the way he was feeling. It was the second year and it felt like a long time had passed since that fateful day.

Tayo knew he couldn't afford to allow his feelings to dictate his responses and he definitely didn't want to slip back into that depressing moment of his life, knowingly or unknowingly. So, he made a decision: he'd take some time off his day, go home and then spend time giving God thanks for Doubra's life, his baby's and his. He was determined to be full of thanks rather than worry. Besides, he couldn't bring them back to life. All he could do was be thankful that they were in a better place with God, and for all God had used Doubra for in her short stay in his life and on earth.

I choose to be thankful. I choose to see the good.

It wasn't going to be easy as evidenced by the twinge of pain he could already feel in his chest. But he wasn't subject to his body. He really was going to push through the day. He had the Comforter. What more could he want?

******

"So, how is the exhibit going to go, ma?" Toyin asked, with her pen poised over her notepad.

Posi gave a full-on smile as she remembered what inspiration she had received. When she told Tayo that she had received answers to some questions she had, she wasn't joking.

During that service, she wrote the inspiration down as she had received them. Looking around her table, she picked up the notepad she had written in, searched for the page before she showed it to Toyin.

The Exhibit
Art fused with photography
Each picture is like half a painting and half camera-shot pic.

Named The Hurting, The Longing, The Searching and The Revealing all showing that they are still masterpieces irrespective of the stages they are in.

"Wow. Okay. So, do we need to get a model for the paintings and shoot?"

"Yes, we do. And I think I have someone in mind already. I just need to ask him if he can do it. Also, we need to rent the space above us for the exhibit. I'll take the photographs and do the painting too. So, we need to begin planning. It should hold in two months' time tops."

"Alright, ma," Toyin answered as she continued to scribble in the notepad. "How many people are we planning for? And will there be refreshment?"

"Yes. Urm, I'm thinking 30-50 people. And there will be finger foods and cocktail. Then, we should have a moment of spoken word based on the theme of the drawings. In fact, let's talk about the programme now and see what we can fit in. It shouldn't be longer than 2 hours and it should be in the evening," Posi said.

"Okay. The more you talk about it, the more excited I'm getting." Toyin almost squealed, making Posi laugh.

"I can relate. So, let's get on it. We may need sponsors…"

*********

Tayo was still seated in his office. His plans to have a half-day was cut short. There had been a lot of work to do and he needed to attend to them ASAP. And he had.

Now, it was closing time and he was still rooted to his chair as he sighed for the umpteenth time that day. He heard a knock.

"Sir, aren't you going home today?" Kazeem asked. Tayo could hear the concern in his tone and he knew he was wondering what was responsible for the sudden change in his jovial disposition.

"Urm, no. I think I'll stay in the office today. I still have a change of clothes here. You can go home," he said tiredly.

"Okay, sir."

Tayo watched Kazeem as he hesitated in leaving his office. So he said, "I'm fine, Kazeem. I just need some rest. Enjoy your night."

"O-okay, sir. Enjoy your night too, sir."

I doubt that. But Tayo still managed a smile to assuage his concern.

As soon as Kazeem left his office, he stood and walked towards the floor-to-ceiling window. He stared out at the night sky and the numerous lights he could see shining from various buildings.

With both hands shoved in his pocket, he began to mutter in tongues as much as he could manage. It still felt like chewing dry stone-filled garri, but there was nothing else he could do. So he continued. He worshipped and thanked God.

It started difficult and slow, without feeling. It felt like he was pushing against a concrete wall. At a point, it even felt like the pain was increasing as he worshipped and he almost gave up. But he pressed on. He searched his music app for his worship playlist and played them to help him.

He continued. He sang some. Prayed some. Spoke some in tongues. Just worship pouring out of his heart. This was what he knew to do. And he did it.

Suddenly, he knew he had pushed through. He laid prostrate on the rugged floor and continued to worship through the pain. Soon, his pain was but a flicker and the awareness of God's presence in his office was so strong. The only other time he had felt this exact way was the day he surrendered his life to Him.

He was in tears, down at His feet but spirit lifted. He was able to be grateful to God irrespective of the situation. And that was a blessing indeed.

********

Posi, along with Toyin's help, had been able to get most of the details needed to prepare for the exhibit down. All that was needed now was more research about things they were unsure of and the implementation of the final plans.

And one of the things she needed to do was speak to the model she had in mind: Tayo. He had a great stature and his smile would come in handy. All that smiling cannot be wasting.

Is that all? Her subconscious asked.

Well, he has good visuals too.

Just say that he is handsome.

She was sceptical about his reply but there was no harm in asking. Picking up her phone, she dialled his number. It rang but he didn't pick up the phone.

That's a bit strange. She tried again. And it was the same thing.

I'll try again tomorrow. I should probably leave a message.

As soon as she was done sending the message, she went into her kitchen to make herself dinner.

While still contemplating on what to eat, her phone rang. Thinking it was Tayo, she scrambled to pick her phone.

"Hello, Tee. How are you? Been trying your number for ages," she gushed, without checking the caller ID.

"Posi, it's me, your mum."

Confused, she removed the phone from her ear and checked the ID. With a facepalm, she replied, "E káalé (good evening), mummy. How are you?"

"I'm fine, my baby. And you?"

"I'm fine too, ma."

She heard her mum chuckle. "Why do I hear a tincture of disappointment in your tone? Are you not happy that it's me? Oh, I have been replaced by a man in my daughter's heart."

Posi's eyes widened and she chuckled as she listened to her mum. What is this woman even talking about?

"It's not disappointment. And I'm happy you called, my irreplaceable jewel of inestimable value."

Her mum laughed some more. "Ah, you're such a sweet talker. Reminds me of your dad."

Suddenly, it felt like someone poured cold chilly water on the atmosphere. "I'm not sure I want to talk about him, mum."

"Posi, you'll have to. Soon. I know with the way things played out, it won't be easy. But you will have to talk about and to him. It's even why I called."

Posi sighed. "I'm not ready yet. Besides, I don't need him anymore. I have a Father already."

"I get that, Posi. I just want you both to make peace with each other. That's all."

"Okay. I'll think about it."

Her mum sighed. "That's all I can ask of you, sweetheart. So, what is this about a Tee? Is it your husband-to-be?"

"Mum!"

"E gbámì (Somebody help me). What did I say?"

"There is no husband-to-be anywhere o. You and Funmi should stop this now."

"Ah ah, don't say that! There is power in the tongue. Your husband is somewhere on the way to meet you. That is if he hasn't already met you. See ehn, I need to attend to something here. I'll call you later. Take care of yourself. Greet your you-know-who too."

Posi was so sure her mum was busy wriggling her brows and she shook her head in wonder. "Take care of yourself too, mum. Bye."

She got off the phone and rested her back against the sofa. Mum and Funmi should live together. They are so similar.

She checked her phone for any messages. There was none. I hope he is okay.

"Now, what should I make for dinner?"

********

Tayo opened his eyes to see that it was pitch black outside. He had slipped into a deep sleep while he laid on the floor. Now, he felt rejuvenated and calm.

I can guess this was how Adam felt when he woke up from his deep sleep.

The comfort he felt was so tangible. Dusting himself off as he stood on his feet, he made his way into his former sanctum and freshened up. As he did, 1 Peter 5:7 kept ringing in his heart.

"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (KJV)"

Tayo said the verse repeatedly to himself. "God cares for me. God cares for me. For me. So, I keep my mind on Him and He keeps me in perfect peace. Shalom shalom. Nothing missing, nothing broken. I cast it all on Him, withholding nothing."

As he said the words continuously, new scriptures came to mind and an indescribable joy dropped in his spirit. He began to rejoice and whoop right there. It was a sight to see.

It was a joy to know God could handpick him, or anyone out of the crowd and be mindful of him, them. I'm on His mind 24/7, 365 days a year! What a God!

It was no longer about the pain of loss he felt. It was now about the God he served. He could decide to carry the pain and loss on his head and hawk it around like a hawker. But he had decided to drop it all and pick up the garment of praise.

"Tunji, you'll have to be patient. Posi isn't ready to meet with you. I know you want to right the wrong of the past. But it has to be done on her terms. We can't rush her with this. Besides, it's a sensitive issue."

Mrs Faleye heard her estranged husband sigh. After many years of separation, they had finally forgiven each other and decided to be friends, at least for the memories they shared. He had been calling her more frequently to set up a meeting between himself and Posi.

He spoke in his husky voice that had once been a favourite of hers. "It's okay then. I understand. I'll be patient. Send me those front pictures of hers you posted on your Wazzap status in the meantime."

Confused, she asked, "Front pictures?"

"Yes now. She looked very beautiful in those."

"Do you mean selfies?"

She heard him grumble. "Yes. Whatever it is called."

She laughed as she replied. "I will send them. And it's WhatsApp, not Wazzap. On second thought, maybe Mark should design Wazzap for old people like you."

"I don't think you want to go there with me, old woman."

She gasped before they both burst into peals of laughter.

*****************************************

We praise through the storm! We worship through it all. We have only One Rock to run to!

Stay blessed.
Love and Light.
❤💥