Of Stars, Scars, Stories, and Songs.

In the famous line from one of the Shakespeare plays, Cassius says, “ the fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars but ourselves,” While this has been subject to interpretations, I adapt and amend this to write about what I am learning about seasons, stars, scars, stories, and songs.

Of stars, it seems that the light, curiosity, love, success, and every good thing I have are not only in my stars; they are also in my scars.

With scars, the wife of my PoP once shared a message titled “show me yours,” She asks that we show not just our stars to the younger generation and with people who need to hear it but that we need to show our scars. She affirmed as PoP has always said that the only way some people would recognize Jesus would not be through miracles, Rhema, and all the supernatural acts that he did but by his wounds. The only way Thomas knew him was through his pierced hands and feet.

We talk about the miracles of Christ, and that is wonderful, but can we talk about his miseries too. PoP once said that one verse today’s Christians would remove from the bible if they are the ones writing it was when Jesus accused God of abandonment. My God, My God, why have you forsaken me? Or the scripture that He wept. It seems that sometimes we are silent on the humanity of Jesus as though it robs him of his divinity.

On stories and songs, the hymn writer says, “this is my story; this is my song.” Our songs and stories come from both our traumas and triumphs. My PoP says that the church talks about triumphs but less about trauma. He says yes, “trouble doesn’t always last, but trauma does.”

While I talk about scars, stories, and songs, don’t be quick to share with everyone. A wise woman once said that “our stories and vulnerability are like knives that we should not hand over to just anyone.” Brene Brown suggests that we should “share our stories and secret to only people who have to earn the right to hear them,” More so, in the era of digital hostility that allows for obscenities, to quote Adichie. Yet I have made a conscious effort to write, even bearing in mind this.

I used to be the one that shouted to family, friends, and acquittances Too Much Information(TMI). Still, in recent time I am sharing for reasons too numerous to distill in a post but primary to show my scars to travelers on the journey of life who, like me, wants to throw in the towel like I do every other week that our lives will not just be our scars, it is our stories, songs, stars, and scriptures. Dr. Anita Phillip was quoted to have said that “our favorite scriptures too might be an indicator of our struggles and dysfunction.” Scripture like take no thought for what you shall eat or wear can be an alibi to rely on serendipity rather than sweat and quality planning.

Other times, it is our song. Not long ago, I was overwhelmed and reached out to talk to someone I trusted and adored, but they were busy. So I had the inspiration to visit a site where killish(dry peppered meat) is sold. I had promised my father and mother that I would not visit that site to order anything months ago because of how expensive they were. I checked my account balance, and it was not smiling, but the spirit of my struggles spoke to me through one of the dysfunctions of my country manifested in the lyric that is now the national anthem for our reckless behavior. I heard the voice singing to me, “If I broke na my business.” Please don’t ask me if I bought it or not remember it is in our struggles.

Finally, although I know Jesus may/may not have died and arose on any of the days we debate, yet what is certain is that he triumphed despite his scars.

Happy Sunday!

Happy Resurrection!

Happy Easter!

The Bright and Morning Stars, the Daystar, emerge from the grave with scars and stars shining throughout the generations into eternity.

Posted on Facebook on April 16, 2022

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