Chapter 29 – The Gold Chain
My life as a new believer in Jesus took off as a bullet. Through Jason and Mrs. Jefferson, the Pastor’s wife, arrangements were made for two young women to mentor me. They visited me at home for bible study sessions and life counselling. All this started when I was at home with my injured ankle. My ankle healed nicely but the at home visits continued. My Mentors were Shirley Gibson and Maria Sykes, they were both women in their early to mid-thirties. Relatable and patient; they quickly became my new friends. With both being still single, I found our girl talks to be quite engaging; it really helped me to broaden my perspective on life in general.
Days, weeks and months went by and the changes in my life were growing more and more evident and undeniable. My life was now filled with bible studies and my reading material improved; it went from mere entertaining novels to books and articles that served to enrich my mind and soul. I even took on more responsibility at home, offering to pay one of the utility bills. I grew more understanding of my siblings and my love for them abounded. At work, I felt more purposeful and began actively seeking opportunities within the Company to expand my professional knowledge and experience. When the offer to cross train came, I did not think twice. This opportunity later led to a transfer to the Marketing and Promotions Department. It was a more challenging position and I found myself exploring my creative side.
I also felt my relationships with my friends deepen. I was able to share my faith with my old school mates. Nicky, while acting a bit skeptical, would attend church with me from time to time and that was always special. I was very much aware of the mistrust and hesitancy of many when the topic of “church” or “God” would surface. Because of that awareness, I deliberately sought to learn about the Christian walk and to be as practical as I possibly could, I never wanted to be a talker with no real example to show. I wanted my friends to be drawn to me because of the changes seen in my life.
Jason Emery, the man in my dream over a year ago, grew to be a constant figure in my life. We talked daily about my progress, about our dreams and our future. One Sunday Evening he invited me to his home, it was my first time visiting his family. By then, I had met everyone in his immediate household but it was my first time in their home. We roasted sweet potatoes, breadfruit and fish; it was delicious. Added to the food and the warm company, there was a beautiful moon that shined down on us in all its glory! What a wonderful night it was!
As the evening winded to a close and Jason and I got to be alone, I turned to him and expressed from my heart, my appreciation for all he has been and done for me. From the moment we met, all I received was unquestionable love. He patiently guided me to understand God’s love and to others who can help me do the same. While we were not always in each others’ spaces, he seemed to have taken up a permanent place in my life. We grew to the point where we celebrated each other’s victories and supported each other during the down times. We grew to be great friends and I couldn’t help but be grateful to Nicky for introducing us.
After expressing my heartfelt words, Jason looked at me and smiled and uttered the most beautiful words I have ever heard. “I am confident that our meeting was not by chance, the moment I met you, It felt special and filled with promise. You stood out to me as hope, as a bright light; there was something about you that was drawing me closer. As we talked and spent more time together, I understood why; your desire to succeed and to see others succeed, the way you considered others deeply, putting off your needs to make them happy, your level of maturity and your thirst to find truth, spoke volumes. I remember praying for you and asking God to help me to show you God’s love, and He did.
Jason stood and walked towards me, “It is now over a year since we have met and I know now, more than ever that I want you to be my friend forever.” Jason’s voice began to tremble a little as we were now both standing on his Family’s porch with the moonlight glowing around us. I searched his face, reading his every expression and suddenly there was something dangling from his fingers, glittering in the moonlight with what seemed to be a white stone at the end. I gasp after realising it was a beautiful gold chain with a pendant. “Would you be willing to explore the possibility of marriage with me?” My jaw dropped after hearing the question and I froze, totally caught off guard; I was speechless.
