Fight to keep your marriage

ARE YOU IN COURTSHIP???
Written By: Lizzy Oyebola Oyekunle

My name is Kate and I am a medical doctor.

I am married to a very loving man called Kelvin. He is a teacher so he gets back home before me most days. He takes care of the children, cooks and takes care of the house whenever I am on call.

To me, he is the perfect definition of a great man! And a very great counsellor!

Four months ago, Rachael, my best friend from secondary school contacted me that she had an issue getting relationships right. She was crying all day on the phone and I just couldn’t bear it as I was so sleepy.

I sent her my husband’s contact so she could talk to him instead. She called up to ten times the next day to appreciate me for connecting her to my husband as she was getting appropriate counselling sessions!

Every day, I watch them become really great friends! - My husband talks to her immediately after our family devotions every morning; he sends her gifts and visits her workplace to give her some books to study and apply in her relationship life; he also laughs and tumbles in bed while he chats with Rachael. He looks like he had found a great best friend he never had.

In turn, Rachael picks my children from school and helps take care of them- and my husband too!

The last time my highly romantic husband demanded for an intimate time together was two months ago. Now, almost every time we want to ‘meet’, Rachael’s call come in and he would actually prefer to pick the call over ‘meeting’ me.

I am really happy about that even though I found it weird at first. At least, that will give me the opportunity to be free and have sound sleep and then his own ministry of counselling will progress.

My mother arrived in our house last week and she also observed the whole situation. Surprisingly, she doesn’t like it!

I was busy cutting my nails on the balcony one night when she gave a sound slap on my back from behind. I jumped up at once and she started dragging me into the house like I was a goat about to be slaughtered. I cooperated with her and when we reached our room door, she asked me to listen.

I heard my husband’s voice- and Rachael’s!

I looked indifferently at my shocked mum and whispered. “They are praying momma”

Her mouth was suspended at once and I wondered what was wrong. She opened the door sharply and there they were on the bed, holding their hands and praying. My mummy dragged me in, went close to the bed and shouted “What are you doing?”

That was how the whole issue started.

Rachael says she can’t stop the mentorship with my husband as her life has greatly improved. Even my husband says that he can’t imagine not hearing Rachael’s voice every morning when he wakes up and every night before he closes his eyes.

“I am really really used to her” He said, both of them holding their hands. I shrugged as I didn’t have any issues with that.

“Momma, I am so sure they aren’t having any sexual affair. Isn’t that all that matters?” I said to my mum and I couldn’t count how many blows she rained into my system.

“When did you become a moron, this child? Can’t you see your marriage crumbling before your very eyes? You think women nowadays respect anointing and marriage? Can’t you see that your marriage is melting away like a candle before your very eyes?” She cried as she rushed inside the house.

She came back out with a handbag.

“Whatever counselling does a married man have to do with a single lady every blessed day, eating deep into every hour of the day and even night! Huh? Even in your room, on your bed!” She asked on top of her voice. My husband and Rachael’s bent their heads, obviously embarrassed by my mum’s irrational outburst.

“My husband as old as he is cannot make calls or chat at night past 9 o’clock with a single lady or even another man’s wife. God forbid! My husband refers deep lady’s issues to me! He does!” She exclaimed, tears rolling down her eyes as she loosened her wrapper and tied it again.

“How can your husband be asking a single lady or whatever where her G-spot is, what she ate in the morning, night and midnight, her weak point, her best undies colours and so on. In fact, let’s assume they don’t even talk about that, why must they talk every day! Are they in courtship?”

“Are they in courtship that they must laugh so happily together that way? Can’t you see that immediately Rachael leaves this house, they resume discussion on phone and then when they are done, the house remains as boring and quiet as a graveyard huh?”

“Doesn’t a married man have blood running through his veins? Why would he be so concerned about another woman so passionately and you take it easy? Are the first female medical doctor that will get married? Ask doctors who have happy homes how they do it!”

“But mummy, I really don’t see anything bad in…” I was saying again when she stamped her leg to the ground and started dialing a number.

“Yes pastor. I am bringing her now. Ese sir” She dropped the call and came to my side. She started pulling me.

“You need to be delivered today! You need deliverance oooo. I did not give birth to a didirin child o for God’s sake! How can a child that came out of me, Abeke’s womb be this daft? Ah, Oluwa o” She pulls me off the house and towards the car.

“We will come meet you darling. Let us change our clothes” Kelvin said and I nodded, my mum delivering a knock on my forehead as I did.

Right now, we are on our way to the church to see mum’s pastor but I can’t really tell why mum is taking things this far
MARRIED BUT GONE!
(Sequel to 'ARE YOU IN COURTSHIP?' Read that up first)
Written By: Lizzy Oyebola Oyekunle

I am really speechless at the way the whole thing is turning out to be.

Deliverance?

Shouldn't that be done when one is consumed by some demonic powers?

"Kate my daughter, can you tell me what the whole issue is all about?" My pastor asks and I blink severally.

"Pastor, I don't think you should ask her questions o. She is really crazy as she is. Let's just conduct the deliverance session abeg. I am going crazy." My mum says impatiently, adjusting the gele on her head, sweat beads on her face.

"Mummy o, I want you to take it easy. As much as there is a problem on ground, if the sick person hasn't realized there is an issue with her, cure is far away" Pastor replies and I swallow.

"Sir, I do my psychiatric evaluation every month, I am so normal. What is the issue with one's husband having mentees? Why can't the world be full of trust and love so that we can overlook faults? By the way, I see no fault in their relationship"

My mum slaps her thighs, drawing in her lower lip and locking it down with her upper teeth.

"Can you hear the didirin talk? I am in trouble!" My mum removes her scarf and taps the Melina table unrhythmically.

"My husband is an anointed servant of God and the girl in question was my close friend in Secondary school. She is born again! I trust them both!" I am starting to cry as I look into everyone's face and realized they look at me like I am abnormal.

Pastor dials a number on his phone.

"Pastor Gabriel, is the husband and the other lady here now?...let the lady in please" He drops the call and smiles at me like we smile at patients with the most serious health issues.

"Mum and Kate, kindly move to the other office while I meet with Rachael" He says and we move to the inner office.

____
"Rachael, I will go straight to the point with you"

"Yes sir"

"How much do you love your mentor, Kelvin?"

"200 percent"

"You know he is married to your best friend?"

"Sure. She doesn't know the value of her man anyways. The man is always so lonely and worn!"

"When are you settling down for a relationship?"

"Very soon but to be frank, I wish Kelvin is mine"

"How far have you both gone sexually?"

"Erm...He gives me the chills when we talk on phone, I think about him all day, desiring to have him in my arms, when he hugs me in greeting, I cringe with excitement and when he tells me he loves me, I peck him even though I would love it to go deeper. He kissed me yesterday while praying so I know we will be taking it far soon."

"You are excited about that?"

"Sure. Though I feel sorry for Kate sometimes. Kelvin seems to be in love with me more than I am even in love with him"

"If I ask you to leave Kelvin now so that you don't tamper with your friend's marriage, will you?"

"The marriage has already been tampered with. Kelvin says he is travelling with me to...never mind sire. Oh my, I talk too much!"

"Alright Rachael. You can leave now. Ask Kelvin to come in"

___
"Kelvin my son, let's be straightforward here. I am your man right now so don't lie to me."

"I am a child of God sir."

"Right. Do you love your wife?"

"Hmmm...well...erm...I do but I know that love has been involved in an accident now. Its all covered in bruises and dislocations" He sighs deeply.

"Because you are in love with Rachael?"

"Sir, I won't say I am in love with Rachael. Rachael is my mentee. She is a lady everyone would love to be with. She is humble and kind, she is always available and accessible, her meals are always sumptuous and I love the way the takes care of my children"

"Shouldn't that describe your wife?"

"Erm...well, I guess I'm wrong but what do I do? She was the one who introduced her to me. She is  my happiness."

"Who?"

"Rachael sire"

"If there was another opportunity to get married in another world, will you choose Rachael over Kate?"

"Most definitely sir."

"Why?"

"As I said earlier sir, my love for her has waned. My life started again when I met Rachael"

"When last did you meet with your wife intimately?"

"Two months or so"

"That's kinda too long. Why? You get sexual satisfaction elsewhere?"

There is silence.

"Kelvin!"

"Sir, I will never sleep with Rachael. She is my happiness and Kate my mistake but I married Kate so, I can't sleep with Rachael."

"But you imagine it anyways right? To the extent that you kissed her?"

"I regret that."

"Are you still a child of God?"

"Sure sir. I don't feel Him powerfully like before but since I can still feel the Breath against my neck, that suffices"

"Woow! If Jesus appears in the sky now, will you make it?"

"Sure, I don't sleep with Rachael! I will make heaven!"

"He that looks at a woman to lust after her in his heart, he has committed the real act with her! Can't you see the bond you have between your mentee and you has thickened? Just one jab and you will be down in full fledged  adultery!"

He rubs his eyes severally. His head bent.

"You are even trying to elope with her to another country or state whatever! Oh my! Kelvin!"

He breaks down into tears.

"That was foolish! But I deserve some happiness too sir. I deserve to be with the one my heart longs for"

"That's a lie from the pit of Hell! You don't follow your heart anywhere because it does not know the road! You only follow Jesus, He is the Road, the Way, the Guide!"

"If all Christians follow their hearts to do all their hearts dictate, we will all be doomed. When Paul said we should put our bodies under, you don't know what that means? Its an intentional act! You take your body and put it under by the Power of His Might!"

"But what do I do now sincerely? I don't seem to be attracted to Kate anymore. She seriously irritates me. I don't know why but I kinda like Rachael more"

"What is your decision now?"

"I will stick to my wife but I will keep mentoring Rachael. She is really lonely now and needs help"

"Why not allow your wife do that?"

"She is too busy sir! Even when she is supposed to be off duty, she takes up another doctor's schedule! She loves her job more actually."

_______
Looking at my wife's face, I shake my head in utter disappointment.

She came into the office as I was questioning Kelvin. As soon as Kelvin closes the door, I decide to speak.

"Hmmm...many men are with their wives but their hearts are far away from them!" I exclaim with so much burden in my heart.

"But for the sacred law against divorce in the Bible, many Christians would have left their spouses and children for strange men to find out it is still the same." My wife chips in. I stopped for a moment and listened. She is always spewing out wisdom.

"Marriage is hardwork, only those who are ready to till the ground, uproot the weeds, mould the ridges, water the ground and expose the farm to the sunlight daily should venture into it!"

"Hmmmm"

"Marriage is not for babies oo!"

"I tell you darling. Its not!" I signalled to the secretary.

"Abeg, call in Kate, let her come and listen to the recorded voices of her husband and mistress cum mentee!"

"Okay sir. Hey Sister Kate, you can come in now."
...............
AWAKENING!
(Sequel to ‘Married but Gone’. Get to read that first)
Written by: Lizzy Oyebola Oyekunle

“No sir. I don’t want you to play whatever recordings you have sir. In fact, can you do me a favour sir? Delete the recordings!” I said, my nose blocked all of a sudden.

“Oh I will do that now dear. Thanks for stopping me from further worsening the whole situation” He said and I smiled.

“I know I will forgive my husband and things will be solved again but the words I hear them speak from those recordings will linger forever in my head sir. I know myself”

I wasn’t sure what had happened but whatever it was showed how foolish it was to have placed my home in the hands of whoever, even if it is my child!

I was really shaken!

My husband was gone even though we slept in the same bed! - Lost to the lady that I introduced him to!
____________________
I opened the car door and my children hopped in.

“Mummy, I am so happy you came to pick us up today” Junior said.

“Sincerely! Everyone even thinks we don’t have a mummy. Only auntie Ra...”

“I am sorry children” I cut in. “Work has really been tedious but from today I promise that I will have time for you. We will work something out to favor you” I said and they nodded, giggling happily and dealing with the bowls of Ice-cream I delivered into their hands as we journeyed back home.

________________
Have mercy oh Lord
Have mercy
Have mercy oh Lord
Have mercy
Have mercy oh Lord
Have mercy
Oh Lord, have mercy.

I sang over and over till I was convinced to move on. Inside of my heart, I knew that Kelvin loved me! He did!

“Lord, what happened to that love? What happened to the love that was always on fire?” I wept till I lost the energy to weep.

“A woman whose knees are fresh is not fit for a successful marriage. You fight on your knees daughter!” The Holy Spirit whispered. “You don’t stand aloof like there is no battle, nor do you keep throwing stones at every lizard! You fight battles and celebrate the victories on your knees!” HE continued.

“How else? I can’t even balance it up. I am really weak Lord. I feel angry. I feel betrayed. How can I make it work? How do I deal with this kind of a thing? How?” I cried harder, falling to the floor and slapping it with my hands.

“Daughter, You fuel your marriage spiritually with prayer and physically with wisdom! Where do you get the wisdom? In prayer!” The Holy Spirit said again, speaking so loud and clear like He filled the whole room.

It had been a long time I prayed seriously and surprisingly, I had been so foolish!...ah!

“But Lord, how do I deal with this kind of issue that it won’t be like I am suspecting my husband all the way? I really want to keep trusting. I don’t want this issue to kill the trust.” I cried again. I knew how best I could easily draw the line once anyone broke my heart.

“Wisdom in prayer! Praying in wisdom!” The Holy Spirit said to me again and I swallowed.

Rising up, I moved to the four corners of my room before moving to all the rooms in the house, including the toilets and bathrooms, taking charge as I did.

“I command the Holy Ghost Fire into this room right now! Every deposit of the enemy wherever you are gathered in here, I command you to be set on Fire now in the Name of Jesus! May this room become too hot for the enemy in the Name of Jesus!...” I prayed on. The Holy Spirit moved mightily in me and I started speaking in tongues, taking over!

When I returned to my room, I had become strengthened in the Spirit to pray!

“Lord, as you forgive my past foolishness, dethrone from my husband’s heart every seat of strange women in the Name of Jesus” I prayed like a mad woman seeking deliverance.

“From today oh Lord, I return to the rightful space in my husband’s heart in the Name of Jesus! When he sees me, let me begin to fall in love with me. From today Lord, make me a wise, prayerful woman in the Name of Jesus!”

“From the hold of every strange women, I release you Kelvin Lambe in the Name of Jesus!”

“From the hold of Rachael and the likes, you are released my husband in the Name of Jesus!”

“Kelvin, I command that the Fear of God causes you from today to remember and obey and follow to the latter, every vow you made on our wedding day in the Mighty Name of Jesus!”

As the Holy Spirit dropped more prayer points into my spirit, I cried hard to God and when I rose up from the altar, I could sense the danger I wore! Every negative spirit would definitely bow at the danger they see!

_______________
I opened the door and moved to the garage where my husband had just gone to park the car. He looked up with shock when he saw me.
"Hello! Didn't go to work?" He asked. I moved close and collected his briefcase.

"I took two weeks off" I replied, adjusting his tie.

"Why?

" To be with my honey" I said and his eyes widened as I planted a kiss on his lips.

“Wow! That feels so weird! It’s been ages” He said, closing his eyes shyly.

“I am your wife Kelvin. Things like this shouldn’t be weird between us.” I picked his right hand, interlocked our fingers and walked him into the house.

“I have some hot water ready in the bathroom. Kindly have your bath and come sit at the dining” I said again and he turned to look into my face, looking so scared like a wet puppy.

“What’s happening? Did the pastor say anything to you?”

“Erm...yes." I paused and smiled. "Things like I have been so stupid to let my home slip away through my fingers before my very eyes” I said and he smiled.

“The whole thing is weird Katie. Like, I feel I am about being killed.” He said and I smiled.

“We will eat together then so you can be rest assured.”

“That is still not a guarantee darling. What if you want us to die together?” He asked and I smiled.

“I am not losing my husband in the Name of Jesus! I shall not die but live in the Name of Jesus” I said and he smiled.

“I will be in the bathroom” He said and when I started hearing water splashing, I changed into my own apparel and appeared at the bathroom door.

“Oh, who is that?” He shouted. His eyes widened when he saw me. “What are you doing here with ordinary towel wrapped loosely round your chest?” He almost screamed.

“We are bathing together honey!” I said, dropped the towel and drew the bathroom paper curtains. He screamed when I suddenly splashed some warm water into his body.

After a while, I started singing ‘All things are turning for my good’ and he joined me with his baritone voice. The bathroom echoed the voices of some new love birds.

I felt so new and fulfilled.

We were making out in the bathroom when I heard the doorbell ring and the children ran for it.

“Aunty Rachael!” They shouted and my heart skipped a beat as I looked into Kelvin’s confused face.

There was a knock on our door and I frowned almost irritatedly.

"Hey, it's Rachael!"

THE CONQUEST
(A sequel to 'AWAKENING' Read that first)
Written by: Lizzy Oyebola Oyekunle

"Kelvin, why arent you opening the door? In the bathroom?" Rachael's knocks persisted. I looked into Kelvins confused face again and he sighed severally, slipping on his bathrobe.

“Holy Spirit, help me now. I cried in my spirit.

“I am getting seriously angry and this I am sure will destroy so many things. My heart seemed to start failing.

I quickly wore a simple gown, slid on my slippers, signaled for my husband to stay behind in the room and I moved outside to meet Rachael. She was shocked to see me.

"Kate, what are you doing at home? Shouldn't you be at work?" She asked and I shook my head.

"I decided to stay at home with my husband today. We just had a cool, romantic shower?" I said and she frowned.

Thats really weird! She exclaimed and eyed me slightly. I giggled.

When has it become weird to be with ones husband, darling? I asked as I walked down to the living room. She remained glued to the front of our room.

Rachael, come close nah. Lets talk I said and she twisted her mouth before starting to move to the living room.

Junior I called out.

Yes mummy

Go to the Blue Room and bring the red bag for me I said and soon, he was in the sitting room with the bag.

Go to your room baby I said to Junior and soon, he had disappeared.

Rachael darling friend, thanks for who you are. Thanks for all you have done for my family. You pick my children from school, cook for them and even take care of my husband. I am really grateful! I started and she sighed, obviously confused.

I know it is only God that can pay you back but I have a gift for you too. I bent down to unzip the red bag. I brought out an envelope.

I have 20 thousand naira here. It is small, yes. We havent been paid our salary. So this is for your stress of picking up my children, cooking and all. Kindly accept it

I dont get. Whats happening here? Are you people moving? She asked and I smiled.

Yes darling. We are moving from darkness to light. From shame to glory. From obscurity to authority. From foolishness to wisdom I said smiling, praying with authority in my heart as I did.

Hmmmm. I am really confused She said and I smiled.

Inside this bag, you will find some of your clothes and undies that I picked around the house. I paused to have her reaction and she blinked uncontrollably, her left hand supporting her left chin.

Also, I got you 10 good books on Christian relationship. Those were the books I read which really helped me to pray and desire a happy home. Read them too

Her face turned pale at that but I wasnt going to back down.

I got you Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Womans Soul Then, Authentic Beauty: The shaping of a set apart young woman For women Only by Shaunti Feldahn is there also. I also got The five love languages by Gary Chapman and some others

Who told you I am looking for a husband? She burst out suddenly and I smiled.

Of course my darling. You are a spinster. It was the quest for a relationship that brought you to me, forgotten? I asked. She shook her head.

I was confused and desperate then but not anymore. I am happy now She said and I laughed.

You cant be happy now my dear. The man you talk to every now and then is my own husband. You cant be happy with him sweetheart I said, heat rising up from within and spreading all over my chest.

Is he complaining? Do you even have time for him? Ask him to choose between us and see who he will pick. She said and I smiled.

If you paid attention to what I said earlier, you will realize that I said we have moved pass that stage. We have moved into a better place now and it doesnt give room for any stranger!

Kelvin, come out o. Come and hear what this jealous b*tch is saying o She called out, obviously frustrated and shocked at the reality that was facing her.

Rachael, I am not comfortable with you calling my husband Kelvin You called him Mr. Kelvin before. Return to that. I dont like the way it sounds in your mouth I said and she chuckled, beating her laps.

The door to our room opened and Kelvin came out.

Hello Kelvin She greeted.

Hi Rachael He replied calmly, his eyes swollen all of a sudden. My heart started panting.

Who will my husband choose? Her? Oh no!

Tell her about us. Tell her about the passionate kiss. Tell her about our touches. Tell her! She shouted. Kelvin came beside me and sat down.

Rachael, hmmm...let me show you something today that I just noticed He said and I swallowed.

What does he want to show her?

His arms snaked round my shoulders and my eyes widened.

Look at this woman very well. He said and turned my face towards him.

Just look at the beautiful face alone. Have you heard her sing? Have you seen how passionately she prays for me and our children? Do you know how innocent she is and how greatly she loves everyone? Do you know how much she loves the Lord? He asked and paused.

At that point, tears had started rushing to my eyes.

So, what are you saying? Rachael asked.

If you know the conviction both of us had before we got married ehn! Ah! Very Heavenly! Nothing on else should make us forget such, but unfortunately, we did! He paused again and picked my hand.

She began to love her career too much even more than her home and we started drifting apart. You came into the picture and unfortunately, if you give the devil an inch, he will go a mile! He fell to his knees and held my legs, shaking profusely.

Kate, I failed! He wept profusely.

“Remember the kiss o. In fact Kate, the way we did the whole thing that day was

“Keep quiet Rachael! With the authority in the Name of Jesus, I command you to keep quiet! I sat up and shouted into her face. She ignored that.

Kelvin, its me you love. You only got married to her, it’s me you love. Youve said that to me before. Kate, you are a witch! Leave Kelvin and I alone and face your job! She chanted and was almost charging at me when Kelvin stood up at once, pulled Rachael away from me and she fell into a cushion.

“You want to beat my wife in front of me? He asked, obviously shaken.

When did I beat her now? When did I be... She started crying again.

“Rachael, I was wrong! I led you on! I was lonely and instead of going to rest in God and discussing it out with my wife, I chose the deadly, poisonous path! I cannot explain to you what exactly this whole thing has done to my spiritual life and everything but if you met me a 100% good person, I reduced by 80%! I am meant for Kate alone!

But you dont love her!

My focus shifted at a point and my spiritual eyes were blinded. Isnt it this beautiful young lady here? You cant even compare to half of her! He said and I smiled as the tears welling up in my eyes fell down my face.

What! Are you trying to

Dont waste your time dear Rachael. You have all your stuffs packed in here with the envelope as I heard my wife tell you. Here is another 10 thousand naira. He dropped the envelope on the center table and Rachael fell to the ground crying.

You will meet a good man Rachael. Retrace your ways back to Calvary and you will see the parcel He has for you! He said.

It’s you I want! Only you! She cried like a baby that had been deprived of some biscuits.

I am taken! I am a complete man. Any other addition makes me totally abnormal. He said. I had been abnormal for too long. Not anymore He said and I stood up.

Shall we pray for Rachael as she leaves? I asked and she stood up suddenly, tears rolling down her face.

You are very wicked! What prayer are you still saying for me? Dont worry about the prayers! I will leave now but I am coming back! She said, picked up the envelopes and zipped the red bag.

You are coming nowhere Rachael! This home belongs to the Lord alone! I called after her as she angrily opened the door and moved towards the gate.

The Bible says that when the enemies shall arise like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will raise up a standard against them! You are already handed over to the Lord! My husband said too.

Who can battle with the Lord, who can battle with the Lord, who can battle with the Lord, I say I started singing

Nobody! I husband screamed it as Rachael opened the gate and went outside. She turned back to look at us pitifully.

Kelvin, come back to me. Come back to She was saying when my husband shut the gate. She banged and banged it before we heard some security guards of the estate bundling her away.

Oh my goodness! Ah! Kelvin sighed and fell to his knees.

I knelt down before him too with tears in my eyes.

I pushed you out darling. I was negligent, foolish and prayerless. Someone so desperate picked you for me and proved how foolish I was I said, feeling so sorry from inside of my heart. He hugged me tightly.

If you say you are wrong, what should we describe me as then? Please forgive me from crossing the boundary

I have long forgiven you I said and he smiled.

“Thank you so dearly. I have forgiven you too darling. Lets live a better life from today! He said and helped me up, placing a sweet peck on my neck.

Awwnnnn We heard some tiny voices behind us and we turned to look back. Our two naughty kids were blushing as they held a tablet each recording what was going on.

Oh my God! I screamed when we caught them. They started running back inside the house, giggling as they went.

What! My husband and I exclaimed, laughter etched on our faces.

Weve got to deal with them! I said and Kelvin nodded.

One, two, three, go! He counted and we ran inside the house together, trying to catch the two urchins.

I felt free like a bird! Like I had been in a battle and I was celebrating the conquest!

Of a truth, prayer is repeating the Victors Name (Jesus) in the devils ears and insisting that he retreats!

Jesus still answers prayers!

He still restores homes!

________________
Hey married people, when you start having issues and challenges in your family, remember that God is up to something, if not, the devil wouldnt be fighting you that hard!

Fight on in prayers!