Upward call to Heaven (7)

School has finished for Easter. Amelia won the goodness award as in each semester a prize was given to the student who displayed the most natural act of charity. Some try very hard and it can be noticed immediately that their kindness was forced, but with Amelia everyone could see that her charity flowed from her Christ besotted heart. Her speech in winning the prize was full of humility, so much so, that one wanted to lavish her with more prizes and applause for being such a perfect painting of Christ himself. Amelia would be the first to mouth her own sinfulness, and declare that it was all an act of grace, and it is due to nothing in her. Mother watched Amelia with tender eyes, drawn into this young quiet beauty, which I imagined must remind Mother of her younger self. My head was full of other things, like, if I was one day to marry Amelia, something of an impossibility, then I believe I would be marrying Mother herself.

“Jeremiah,” said Mother, “It makes me glad that you have a friend such as Amelia. She is kind and gentle, a good influence to you. She was nothing like I was when I was her age.”

“Haven’t you always been good Mother? I imagined that Amelia must have reminded you of your younger self.”

“No, no dear child. At her age I was a friend of the world. I despised those who were too heavenly minded to care about the vices of this world. On Sunday mornings, I would deliberately break the Sabbath by doing all of my homework, for in our household it was forbidden to read anything else on a Sunday but the bible and theology. I hated such rules for I would rather be reading one of Shakespeare’s sonnets or lose my mind in Homer’s Iliad. My child, I dare say it but at her age I don’t think I ever did anything good that was not tainted with selfishness. This is why I marvel at Amelia, that at such an age she has already the maturity and kindness of a well-lived saint.”

“I never knew Mother that you were such as I was.”

“I was worse and this is why I instruct you as I do so that you will not make the same mistakes I made.”

Mother stroke my soft black hair kissing my forehead before we departed. But before we left Mother and I had the opportunity to congratulate Amelia on her award.

 

K.Oni

Upward call to Heaven 6

I went to bed last night feeling happy and glad because my deeds of yesterday were of noble themes. I demonstrated Love, hope and charity. Naturally, it is not my easy disposition to possess such qualities but the past few days of really wanting to please Mother and Amelia have produced such loveliness in me.

This morning there was a bright smile on my face and I opened my blue tailored curtains which Mother had sewed for me almost a few months after I was born. I could not see the sun but I saw everything else. I heard footsteps so gentle approaching me and I knew Mother was coming to greet me with her usual morning kiss.

'Morning dear Mother - you are very pretty and lovely this morning and I love you very much'.
She smiled; taking hold of my cheeks she kissed my forehead. It felt so warm and pure. I am the luckiest kid in all of town for I must have the best Mother to have ever lived.

'I have been impressed with you this past few days,' she said as she scrolled her eyes to my open bible and then continued, 'You are very much tidy and are beginning to kick out your old habits. What has brought about such quick transformation'.

She kissed my head again as I was lost for words in replying her question and I soon returned the kiss. Mother left my room and for a minute I laid back on my bed with a sweetness and happiness that I have never felt before. I wondered to myself whether this is the fruit that keeping religion does to the soul and if it is I always want to keep on this right road.

K.Oni

Upward call to heaven 5

My sleep that night was restless as I fell far short of possessing the divine attributes of being a saint like my mother and Amelia. The morning came with a bright sunshine where I could hear the birds sing so merrily and I could wish I was as they in their jovial mood. 


I have been thinking through the night and made another resolution this morning to entertain two of the fruits of the Spirit which my mother is very adamant I display. The two fruits are goodness and faithfulness for Mother and Amelia are never far from telling me of my lack of them. Amelia is full of them and to a greater degree my Mother. Both are such friends of humanity that I in comparison am an enemy. Many youthful souls as I in the school are at times perplexed why Amelia should spend almost all of her time with me and why she did not so spend it with Barbara and Amy Thornton. Their Father is the owner of many properties and a great politician who’s philanthropy is known throughout the Atlantic. He has with great energy sent many orphan child to school and throughout this land he is known as the helper of the poor. But such divine traits are not passed on genetically for Mother often told me that they must be cultivated and given by divine grace. Barbara and Amy Thornton still have a great deal of land to walk if they should be like their hospitable Father for their manners are filled with exceeding pride. Barbara is better than Amy although both being twins at times exhibit a rare similarity. The teachers are also perplexed at Amelia’s strange fondness with me and many of them have came to the conclusion that it is another of Amelia’s excellent attributes of not judging another of her fellow creatures. 


As we walked to school, I and Amelia were joined by a strange boy who inquired whether we were walking to Grangehill school. The boy looked much like myself, brown eyes and black hair but two inch taller than I and had a clearer complexity. Amelia was immediately drawn to him and she displayed the kindness and openness which is natural to her.


“I’m Amelia and my friend’s name is Jeremiah which in the Hebrew means Yahweh as uplifted. He often uplifts my soul although he may not know it but he does and makes me glad. And what is yours”


Our new friend seemed very ambitious to declare his name and said “My name is Benjamin, Benjamin Sickell”. 


I remained quiet for a while until Amelia opened up the conversation to me to tell Benjamin of what our school is like for today is Benjamin’s first day. I scrambled in my mind to find something wise to say for both spoke with such eloquence and wisdom that my speech of mine would taint the beauty. Amelia encouraged me and I remembered my resolution this morning and determined thereof to display such goodness and faithfulness to our new friend that soon He will see my good nature and complement the assuredness of my character.  

K.Oni

Upward call to Heaven (4)

Last Sunday Mama was privileged to read out the scripture before the preacher came to preach. Mama wore her Dalmatian dress of which she looked very admirable and peaceful. She read the psalm as if she had wrote it herself and for the whole minute, the congregation were moved by her waves. A sweet angelic voice the preacher described her and joked that he would soon take her to his parish if we would let her. Of course I disdained his comment and took not lightly to his fluffy remark but I soon thought nothing of it.


The preachers sermon availed the whole congregation except I and upon reflection I thought that I must be the most ungodly soul that ever lived. This feeling impressed upon me for the whole week and Mama noticed my disposition. She would daily ask me of what ails my soul but I would tell her not of my true feelings and tell her a lie which deepened my guilt. I felt that all of my progress of striving heavenwards have suddenly been altered; for I thought that how can God be pleased with me when I am not so warm to his words. I feel it more of a strain to read it than a pleasure; prayer is more of a duty than it is a joy.


The preacher in His sermon spoke of a Loving shepherd who happily guides his sheep. He spoke of the Shepherds nature of how tender sweet and happy he is. He tells a story of the shepherds painful adventure to rescue one of his sheep and in doing so encountered many great obstacles of which he defeated great beasts but not without scratches wounds and hurt. The shepherd although sweet was also of a firm nature; he rightly disciplines his sheep and should any one of them stray from the flock, with his rod he would guide the wondering sheep back to the fold. Often, the shepherd would guide his sheep through lofty terrains but the end of their tour would always end by the green pasture for this was their dwelling place. A high gate secured the entering of any thieves and should any thieves enter the fold, the sheep are well learned in distinguishing their masters voice. The shepherd is known to have not lost a single sheep and should any go unaccounted for he would spend night and day in finding them. Such was his care and love for his sheep that although many felt it strange that he should possess such a love for low creatures yet it was his delight and pleasure to love and care for his sheep with all of his might.


The preacher of course spoke about Christ and his people and many hearts were melted because of Christ's love for them but I felt miserable for I knew that I wasn’t one of his own. I had a different master, a different shepherd for I could not belong to Christ because he never acted with me as the preacher described. I felt lonely among the congregation and I too wished I had such a great affection for Christ but non existed within me. I am an earthly child and must not be of the same flesh as Mama for she his heavenly. 


Today, my condition is still as I felt and Amelia has been no encouragement to me at all. She remains joyous and happy and reminds me very much of my mother. She constantly told me of her great affections for Christ after the sermon on Sunday and how warm her whole disposition is towards Christ. She would say often that after that sermon, my relationship with Christ is upon a whole higher mountain and each day surpasses the last and I feel heavenwards and wish to see him bodily and should I die today then it would be for all my joys fulfilled. But I often remained silent and smiled because for me I had no such affections and I wanted it but knew not how.

K.Oni

Upward call to Heaven

This is my poor attempt to imitate the wonderful book called ‘Stepping Heavenward’. The book is written in a journal style format and it details the story of a girl as she lives her life and grow in godliness. Its worth a read for all girls and boys perhaps may learn from it as well. I am currently reading it and it has inspired me to imitate Prentiss style and write one of my own, titled, ‘Upward call to heaven’. I will be writing it and posting it up in parts. You can download and read Stepping heavenward from this link: Stepping Heavenward.

Upward call to Heaven (3)

Two weeks have since passed since my decline in health and today brings with the sunrise a healthy appetite for an outdoor walk. My bed had been my companion far to long and a change of scenery will do splendours for my young mind. Amelia promised to meet me before the morning ends to go for a stroll in the open fields and there she would spill on me all that she had learnt in class. I was doubly excited for once again I shall enjoy the gaping air and to tell Mother of the progress of my reading of scriptures. God has been very good to me and I think that it was my careful attention to His words which brought about my quick recovery. I pondered that what if I should live a life free of sin, then I should be the most healthy of boys and grow to be strong and wise like Jesus for he knew no sin. Jesus lived without sickness according to the biblical accounts and I reasoned that it was because he was sinless for bad deeds brings about bad troubles and infirmities. Here in my discovery, I was zealed to live a righteous life wherein I knew no sin and thus infirmity and sickness I shall never know. But my fantasy was short lived as I pondered in my soul that a million sins I must have committed before and if I should be punished for each one then my efforts would be useless to attempt to maintain a righteous life for I do not have a million days to live. I sighed on my bed with a frowning countenance at such a system and wondered why God would have it this way. Those were my thoughts while sickness occupied me but today brings a fresh renewed passion to the goodness of life.

Mother called me down to come and eat. She had been baking all morning and I would have been a helper but Mother restrained my hands until I was fully recovered. I loved each morning to see my Mother’s gentle eyes, she is a remarkable mortal, the first fruits of God’s creatures and it is impossible for any being to miss her beauty. I prayed many times that I may be like mother, for I feared that a soul like myself had no possibility of entering heaven unless I was changed to be like Mother. She does everything with great simplicity and fondness and when she prays she is ever so satisfied and joyful. But when I pray, I am greatly uncomfortable for I thoroughly believed that God must not love me because of my disposition and prayer was a chore, rather than a delight.

I drew near to Mother and she grabbed my cheek and examined my face; a smile twinkled in her eyes and with a rush of love she hugged me and bid me to sit and eat. ‘Your strength as returned, it seems good to the Lord to shine his mercy upon you. I am happy to see your countenance return and what beam you have upon your face’. Mother is a cheerful soul and it pleased my soul more to see the joy on her face of my recovery than it pleased me. I sat and ate the tasty dough and told Mother of my readings of scripture but I refrained from telling her my thoughts. I told her of my meeting with Amelia before the morning ends and joy swelled her face. Mother is happy of my keeping company with Amelia for she is a good influence and a well kept garden. She could only be for my good and improvement.

K. Oni

Upward call to Heaven

This is my poor attempt to imitate the wonderful book called ‘Stepping Heavenward’. The book is written in a journal style format and it details the story of a girl as she lives her life and grow in godliness. Its worth a read for all girls and boys perhaps may learn from it as well. I am currently reading it and it has inspired me to imitate Prentiss style and write one of my own, titled, ‘Upward call to heaven’. I will be writing it and posting it up in parts. You can download and read Stepping heavenward from this link: Stepping Heavenward.


Upward Call to Heaven (2)

I woke up this morning with a light hearted sickness on my chest. I was sure to say my prayers that perhaps God would make me better. I remember the stories of instant healing where Christ would lay His hands on the sick like He did with Peter’s mother and the fever left her. Perhaps mama could be that to me this morning but she would only say rest a while and my prayers would always be for you.

I staggered out of bed and stumbled to the door, my stature was weak and mama would notice for I wanted to go to class today because there we would learn how to write poetry and poetry was my favourite literature. The Psalms of David were my best in the bible but I am nothing like him. He was handsome and faithful, my manner is quite different and I don’t suppose a preacher is at hand to walk in and anoint me to be the next apostle of this town.

Slowly I drifted downstairs, and there was Mother, prettier than all the flowers of the field, a sparkle in her mellow eyes to greet me with the arms of love and immediately she sat me on the chair. She covered me with all the garments of the house to keep me warm and I knew that poetry would be for another day. She made me a most delightful breakfast and provided me with all the necessities of my day for she was a worker. Her job was at the church, the minister’s assistant and the carer of the sick. Her soul was so given to others that I feel that she has many children but I am her alone offspring. It was clear from her eyes that she didn’t want to leave me but I assured her of my comfort and with a warm kiss she touched my head.

Alone now but not for long as Amelia burst through the door repetitively calling my name not knowing of my sickness for I had made her late. She saw me on the chair, wrapped and covered, and because of her sharp nature she knew immediately that I was a sick creature. Her eyes watered for her heart was the same as my Mother. She came closer and offered to make me a hot drink. ‘You will be late’, I told her. ‘Hurry your legs to school so that you don’t miss class, for you have a good reputation’.  Then she said, ‘I will come by after school and come to you for the weekend to be your nurse; I know of your sweet taste to poetry and I shall teach you all that I’ve learnt. Be well soon, I shall pray for you with all of my whole heart’. she hurried of to class but her words brightened my day. All of my excitement are now stored up in the moment when she shall be my teacher and nurse. I would do the same for her.

I thought of what to do with my day, reading my bible would impress mother. I began in the first chapter of Romans but my disposition was to weak to digest any complicated assortments. I retired to rest and therein my day consisted.

K.Oni

Upward call to Heaven

This is my poor attempt to imitate the wonderful book called ‘Stepping Heavenward’. The book is written in a journal style format and it details the story of a girl as she lives her life and grow in godliness. Its worth a read for all girls and boys perhaps may learn from it as well. I am currently reading it and it has inspired me to imitate Prentiss style and write one of my own, titled, ‘Upward call to heaven’. I will be writing it and posting it up in parts. You can download and read Stepping heavenward from this link: Stepping Heavenward.

Upward call to heaven (1)

I designed to get up bright and early this morning but hearing the rain pour outside dismantled my ambition. The air was cold, and my bed was delightfully warm. So, I stayed a while making sound promises to myself until the loud voice of my loving mother bellowed through my door. I chuckled, because I had made a promise that I would be more obedient to her and each morning greet her with a kiss for I had come to see the ugliness of my lack of affection towards her. I hurdled of my bed and wrapped a garment around me to shield me from the wintry air, which a few days ago had curt me with her shrivelling cold. I had no handkerchief so I suspended the breathing out of my sneeze and I rush towards mother and kissed her intentionally. A wonderful smile covered her remarkably young face.
“Say grace my dear”, mother said to me; I said it joyfully and it seems that this morning there was nothing out to plague me and all my pathways were surprisingly clear. “Its time to go to school my dear”, mother told me. This time it was her who kissed me and her kisses are always warm and she told me that upon my return from school that she wanted to speak with me. She said it in such a tone that brought no peace upon my mind but the sound of Amelia soon took my mind away. She was a pretty girl, dark air and had a taste for everything sweet. She was my best friend for I known her since we were three and if our history had never been, I imagine that she would not have noticed me at all.

My time at school was well and Amelia spoke so eloquently in the English class that the teacher said of her that she would be a writer one day and of me, he made no comment. I said goodbye to her; then I remembered mother’s departing words to me and a curiosity shadowed my mind.

Mother called me into her room, she looked at me with discontented eyes. She said that there needs to be a change in my character and at times I cause her many grief by my rashness and foolish manners. My heart sunk in me and told her that I am indeed a miserable creature and when I wake each morning, I make myself promises to be better each day. She smiled slightly and said that perhaps in a few years, I would be more mature and grow to be the loveliness of this village and such was her prayers for me, that I would exhibit more of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. She kissed me gently, affirming her love for me but my soul was so trodden that I wanted to be left alone for a while to wobble in my depravity; and how I must bring shame upon mother who is the taste of our village.

 I hurried to my room and sat down at my old desk and covered my face with my eyes and sobbed heavily. I love mother for she is all that I have but my foolish manners as she says is of a disgrace and everyone affirms it by the way they act towards me but only mother and Amelia love me enough to tell me so. I thought of Amelia and how proud her mother would be of her and how her house would ring of her praises. I was a contrast to her.

 On my desk, Mother had left my bible opened for me to the book of Galatians and marked out for me Galatians 5:22. She left a note for me saying that each morning and evening I ought to slowly think about one of the fruits and pray diligently until God himself forms them in me.  I cleaned my face and rushed downstairs for supper. It was just me and mother and she made all the pleasantries in which I love to eat and she kissed me goodnight. There is never bitterness in the air when Mother is around and her face chuckled with laughter as she told me of her old stories. I went upstairs and did as she said and for the first time I had kept one of my promises and eager I was to tell her the next morning.

K.Oni