LIFE STRUGGLES: THE TEEN’S PATH

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38JJKg7CYkPMIQwHc2HFANCBXoQIjAxE_467-g43SM4nMfsLB_plUyDlmLc9U4JLznkuw-RKakVomdw6uEU3G2XQfVminPV7r639pLqzvVYwmnDh-JpoS88iuVQH_C3HS6_TRmMYGeH8/s1600/Teens+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="852" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38JJKg7CYkPMIQwHc2HFANCBXoQIjAxE_467-g43SM4nMfsLB_plUyDlmLc9U4JLznkuw-RKakVomdw6uEU3G2XQfVminPV7r639pLqzvVYwmnDh-JpoS88iuVQH_C3HS6_TRmMYGeH8/s320/Teens+2.jpg" width="320" /></a><b style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Mum everyone was doing it, and I got tired of not being part of the group, not being popular. I was all alone and it felt so weird, so I had to join them”.</span></i></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 13.8pt; text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 13.8pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">That was Tamara talking to her mum after the medical test result was out. She has been sick for a while, so her mum decided it was time to see a Doctor. The test result showed that Tamara had Syphilis, an S.T.I (Sexually Transmitted infection). <o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 13.8pt; text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 13.8pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Mrs Nina could not understand how her 15-year-old daughter, who is just in Senior Secondary School, could have been caught up in such a situation. She has done what she can as a mother to instill moral values to her daughters, but with this, she wonders where she got it wrong. She hopes to find a way, so her younger daughter, Annabel, does not fall into same or similar issue.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 13.8pt; text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 13.8pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Similarly, David has been home on holidays for 2 weeks, but he was unusually withdrawn, and upset at every little thing. Dad also noticed that his muscles trembled sometimes, such that he can be seen visibly shaking all over. Dad thought it was strange and took him to the Hospital. After tests and interaction with the Doctor, Dad was informed that David was having Drug withdrawal symptoms. Apparently, he has been into narcotic drugs while in school, and since he could not get the drugs at home, the withdrawal symptom surfaced. <o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 13.8pt; text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 13.8pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">When David was asked by his Dad why he indulged in it, his response was, <b><i>“Dad, the other guys in school bullied me and made fun of me, called me a weakling and even forced me to do their assignments with threats, I needed a way to toughen so I can fight back”.</i> </b><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 13.8pt; text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 13.8pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">David is 17 years old, and just got into 2ndyear in University. Dad could not imagine how his son fell into the deception that narcotic drug was a source of Strength. Where did they go wrong with him?<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 13.8pt; text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 13.8pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Tamara and David are typical teenagers, facing the varying challenges that come with the teen years.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 13.8pt; text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfC2MCskbrfK0l1_5ZW7sRJ5GnChabNMNZXSBIoZFvUZXdVdLagLiDe2Ujn9sRHkM1bQsxt-zRkUcFoL8DhjWMvLMuRh3yplWXbD2sb52k_GB4RYMZ23oQZcjbY7YIwJAqSzoq-foB_oo/s1600/bullying.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfC2MCskbrfK0l1_5ZW7sRJ5GnChabNMNZXSBIoZFvUZXdVdLagLiDe2Ujn9sRHkM1bQsxt-zRkUcFoL8DhjWMvLMuRh3yplWXbD2sb52k_GB4RYMZ23oQZcjbY7YIwJAqSzoq-foB_oo/s1600/bullying.jpg" /></a></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">The teen years, which comprises of individuals aged 13 to 19 years, is a challenging and sensitive season of life. It is a transition stage between childhood and Adulthood, within which decisions and habits formed highly impacts the Adult life. It is also a season where Parent-Child relationship is strained or strengthened, depending on how it is handled. <o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 13.8pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">It is marked by self-discovery and physical body changes, hence most teenagers tie their sense of self-worth to their physical outlook, gadget possession (phones, costly jewels), popularity among friends, etc. Consequently, they become faced with varying challenges and pressures such as bullying, depression leading to suicidal thoughts, under-age sex, drinking, <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">cyber</span> addiction, low self-esteem, etc., when they sense a lack in self-worth. These challenges are usually rooted in these factors -  <b><i>the need for love, acceptance and validation.</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 13.8pt; text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 13.8pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Tamara and David are both from Godly homes, but never got to understand the need to own these Godly standards as theirs, rather it was seen as parent’s standard. When the pressure of compromise came, they had no strong footing to stand up for what they were taught to believe.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 13.8pt; text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 13.8pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">As a teenager that desires a great future, how do you overcome this inevitable pressures that you face daily?<o:p></o:p></span></div> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> You need to submit your life to Christ and yield to discipline from older Christians. The Bible says, </span><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but one who hates correction is stupid” Proverb 12:1</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">. </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li> </ul> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">You also need to understand that your identity as a Christian comes from God and what He says about you in His word (the Bible), not from your physical outlook or the opinion of your peers. The correction you receive that points towards a Godly path may not always be comfortable but is rooted in love, as the Bible says<b><i>, </i></b></span><b><i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">“The one who will not use the rod hates his son, but the one that loves him disciplines him gently” Proverbs 13:24.</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li> </ul> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Seek to build a close relationship with God, remember that, Jesus, who is our example, started participating in the temple at the age of twelve, so you are not too young to hear from God and follow His leading. <o:p></o:p></span></li> </ul> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">It’s high time you stopped comparing yourself to pictures and posts you see on <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Instagram</span>, <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Facebook</span></span>, Twitter, and other Social media platforms, which are mostly mirages of life realities,<b><i> </i></b>to measure your self-worth or success in life. <o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">I want you to know this, in accordance with </span><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Psalms 139:14, “you are fearfully and wonderfully made”.</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> <b><u>God loves you so much, to let you remain the way you are</u></b>; hence He has made Himself accessible to you through Jesus Christ. He is enough to guide you to overcome every challenge in this season of life and beyond, to become the Great Person He has destined you to be. He has a good purpose for your life: The Bible says, </span><b><i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope,” Jeremiah 29:11</span></i></b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> <b>There is hope for your future,</b> </span><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">DON’T LET THE devil ROB YOU OF IT.!!!</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 13.8pt; text-align: justify;"> <b><span style="color: #002060; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">A Word to Our Parents:</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Every Godly parents’ heart desire is that their teenagers in the family grow up to be Godly and successful Adults. Hence, we take them to church, we place rules in the house, we try to provide their needs, and some other things. As much as these steps are encouraging and right, they cannot replace your building a close and unique relationship with your Teenage daughter or son, which will give them the right view about <b><i>love, acceptance and validation.</i></b> <o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 13.8pt; text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 13.8pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">We live in a time where we have high level of Emotional instability among teenagers. Everyone seemed to be engrossed in the Social-media life, hence most teenagers search for anything to fill up the emptiness they feel within, and when it seems far-fetched, the consequences are suicidal tendencies and other vices. <o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 13.8pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Being a season of self-discovery, mistakes are bound to occur, hence they need to be guided firmly, yet in love. It’s a time a parent needs to focus on<b> building friendship</b> with your teen to <b>develop trust, </b>rather than talking down on them, to enable them freely open up their deepest concerns to you. <o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 13.8pt; text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 13.8pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Being overly critical will drive your teenager away from you, and limits the chance for them to be open to you about their struggles with life issues, and you may end up faced with escalated issues you never anticipated. But if they sense your understanding and love while correcting them, they’ll have no fear opening up to you. <b><i>In </i></b></span><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Ephesians 6:2</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">, the Bible says, </span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Fathers, don’t stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 13.8pt; text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 13.8pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Therefore, while you set Godly standards, pray to be a worthy example for them to come to the faith, and own the Standards as theirs, so that a Godly Lifestyle will be based on their relationship with God, not based on ‘family’ or ‘parent’ rules.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 13.8pt; text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 13.8pt; text-align: justify;"> <b><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">GOD BLESS YOU</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 13.8pt; text-align: justify;"> <b><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Much Love From</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 13.8pt; text-align: justify;"> <b><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Joan A.</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 13.8pt; text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"> <b><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">(NB</span></b><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">: Names, Incidents, events, etc. are used in a <b>fictitious manner</b>. Any resemblance to <b>actual</b> persons, living or <b>dead</b>, or <b>actual events</b> is purely <b>coincidental.)</b></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal"> <br /></div>

LIFE STRUGGLES: THE TEEN’S PATH

Joan A. 0 18:15:00

“Mum everyone was doing it, and I got tired of not being part of the group, not being popular. I was all alone and it felt so weird, so I had to join them”. That was Tamara talking to her mum after the medical test result was out. She has been sick … Read more »

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TAINTED YET LOVED 2

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-A9TM6-QGO82NLeqYacUJUUDwVC2nhs9gEZE4BbybDP45AG9G4MPan0bqoF5T9wFVF1cbwdOC8uK49VkfTY6J6Lu4w0lHLwZL0RT3IWB1gTSJGZgzjl77-Z2bu2HX442FxvHDgc4aaOw/s1600/tainted+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="158" data-original-width="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-A9TM6-QGO82NLeqYacUJUUDwVC2nhs9gEZE4BbybDP45AG9G4MPan0bqoF5T9wFVF1cbwdOC8uK49VkfTY6J6Lu4w0lHLwZL0RT3IWB1gTSJGZgzjl77-Z2bu2HX442FxvHDgc4aaOw/s1600/tainted+2.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tricia: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Steve, what happened?<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Steve: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I’m confused myself. We got talking pretty well, but when I made my intentions known, she started crying. Please, I hope she will be ok, whatever it is. Let her know I’m sorry if I said anything wrong<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tricia: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sorry about this... I’ll take care of her.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Steve: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Thanks Tricia. Good night.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tricia: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">yea, Goodnight Steve.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I went in to speak with Tina, I could not understand why she was downcast. She was draining her pillow in tears. So I sat quietly beside her.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tricia: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina, what happened love? What happened to you?<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">why is God reminding me of my past?<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tricia: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -36pt;">my dear, I don’t understand, please stop crying, talk to me.</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina:</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> Steve wants us to be in a relationship, with a hopes of getting married. <o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tricia:</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> But that’s a good thing coming your way dear, you left him apologizing to me on your behalf last night.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina:</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> Tricia!! Have you forgotten I don’t have womb anymore? I can’t bear children for any man. Steve is too good a guy for me to put such burden on him.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tricia: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">oh my…. I see why you’re crying… But T-love, no situation is hopeless before God. I think we should pray about this. Be open to God, if Steve is the guy, he’ll love you beyond the scars of the past. <o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tricia, it does not sound good. I’ll need to tell him upfront, but I’ll need your help.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tricia: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">ok dear.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The next day Steve came to visit us. I went to let him in.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tricia: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Hi Steve, welcome<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Steve: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Thanks Tricia, good afternoon. How are you doing? And how is Tina?<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tricia: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We’re fine, she is inside… we need to speak with you<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Steve: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">ok, I hope no problem<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tricia: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Well, it depends on how you see it, let’s go in.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Steve: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Hi Tina, I’m so sorry about last night. Hope you’re ok?<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Good day Steve. I’m sorry too. I should have not let my emotions overwhelm me. I’m still speechless… I’m not capable of building a family with you. I can’t bear a child. (crying).<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I tried to console Tina<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tricia: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Steve, Basically, Tina was caught up in a mistake, a wrong relationship, during our First year. It became life threatening that the only option of survival was Hysterectomy. So, that’s what she is trying to let you know.</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Steve moved closer to us, held Tina by the hand:<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Steve: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I’m sorry about what you went through, but I love you Tina. I believe That God can still do miracles – if you are willing, I am certain that you’re the one I need in this journey. Take your time and pray. I’ll hear from you when you have an assured answer.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This love is strange…. I’m speechless, but I’d get back to you in 3 months’ time<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Steve: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Alright dear. I’ll be leaving now.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tricia and Tina: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Bye Steve<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Three months later, Tina accepted Steve’s proposal and the wedding was fixed, and I was her maid of honour. On her wedding day, we had a brief talk before she walked in to meet her Groom.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Oh T-gal…. how can this be happening? Am I worth this love?<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tricia: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">My dearest Tina, being tainted never disqualifies you from God’s love. That’s why Jesus came. That’s what extravagant grace is all about. To give you an oil of gladness, beauty for ashes, a garment of praise instead of mourning. It’s your day, my dear. It’s a new dawn. <o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Thank you Jesus for your extravagant grace that found me and transformed.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tricia: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Let’s go now, your groom is waiting.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i><b><span style="color: blue;">And the one with scars was found by love and grace.</span></b></i></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dear Friend, I may not know the Scars in your Past or Present life, but what I know is that Jesus Christ came to give everyone who accepts him eternal life, a rich and satisfying life, even while on Earth. That’s what Believers celebrate this season of Easter. His love and Grace is available. Only ask. <o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Hear this: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><b><span style="color: blue;">Though millions have come, there is a room for more… there is a room at the cross for you.</span><span style="color: orange;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></i></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> <b><i><span style="border: none 1.0pt; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.0pt; padding: 0cm;">Happy Easter and Remain Blessed</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 9.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> <b><i><span style="border: none 1.0pt; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.0pt; padding: 0cm;">(Please do share as you are blessed and also follow me on any of the Social Media platforms)</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 9.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> <b><i><span style="border: none 1.0pt; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.0pt; padding: 0cm;"><br /> Much Love<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> <b><i><span style="border: none 1.0pt; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.0pt; padding: 0cm;">Joan A.</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 9.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> <b><span style="background: white; border: none 1.0pt; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.0pt; padding: 0cm;">NB:</span></b><span style="background: white; border: none 1.0pt; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.0pt; padding: 0cm;"> (This is a work of fiction. Names, Incidents, events, etc. are used in a <b>fictitious manner</b>. Any resemblance to <b>actual</b> persons, living or <b>dead</b>, or <b>actual events</b> is purely <b>coincidental.)</b></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 9.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -72.0pt;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -.55pt;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <br /></div> <br />

TAINTED YET LOVED 2

Joan A. 0 09:58:00

Tricia: Steve, what happened? Steve: I’m confused myself. We got talking pretty well, but when I made my intentions known, she started crying. Please, I hope she will be ok, whatever it is. Let her know I’m sorry if I said anything wrong Tricia: Sor… Read more »

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TAINTED YET LOVED

<div class="blogaway-section"> <br /> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnmPQ0x_0bHhUAfcFaavnZbx-9OSq22zOewYihts8Y_YLOK06cRX_Fb2tbPq49sJIrCuGNzrV041OO7OSin0Q6PJioLt0zbGOenEVhChIwUY5yzAwtYK1kKx-ZxdsQ6OhYLbhM-sxaphQ/s1600/Tainted+yet+loved+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnmPQ0x_0bHhUAfcFaavnZbx-9OSq22zOewYihts8Y_YLOK06cRX_Fb2tbPq49sJIrCuGNzrV041OO7OSin0Q6PJioLt0zbGOenEVhChIwUY5yzAwtYK1kKx-ZxdsQ6OhYLbhM-sxaphQ/s1600/Tainted+yet+loved+pic.jpg" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">(……. Continued from <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">BETRAYED 2</b>)<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">After Tina’s phone rang twice, unsure of what to do, with me in tears, she answered the call.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Hello Sam<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sam: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I’m sorry we’ve not communicated in a while, I do miss you and would like to see you<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Please let’s talk later, need to sort some things out, ok<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sam: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But can’t it wait<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">No, I’m sorry. Later ok<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sam: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">if you say so. Take care my dear.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Thanks. Bye Sammy.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">(Sam felt Tina sounded a bit odd, but believed she’d get over the issues soon and be back to him </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">soon)</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">T-gal, I’m really sorry… please talk to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tricia: (thinking) </span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I cannot believe my ears, how could my Best friend attempt to get me in a trap? … I’m dumbfounded. I’ve been praying for someone, who unknown to me, wanted me to go down with her. What do I do?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">T-gal, please I know I’ve hurt you, but I don’t want to lose us…I’m sincerely sorry<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tricia:</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> Please give me some minutes, I need to use the ladies, I’ll be back.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I went to the ladies, not to relief myself, my head was full, I had to cry my heart out.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tricia: (crying)</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">O Lord, I was at the point of leading her to you, but I’m hurting right now, I don’t know how to do this. I need your help Lord. Do I walk away?<o:p></o:p></i></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">After few minutes, I heard Him say to me: “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Yes, I know it hurt so bad, but imagine, what it was like when I was denied by Peter, what I did is what you need to do. You need to forgive her and bring her in…. we’ve waited for her for a long time now, we are never giving up on her. Remember, My Grace is sufficient for you, and my strength is made perfect in weaknesses.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I washed my face and returned to Tina’s room, her head was buried in her hands when I walked in, she then looked up at me as I walked towards her.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tricia: (hugging Tina) </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I forgive you Tina, I love you, we can start all over again and better.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina:</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> Thank you so much Tricia, I’m grateful. Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -72.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -72.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tricia: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I have no choice my dear, that’s what Jesus would do.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -72.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -72.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Wow, I think I’m ready to join you, please tell me how to connect with Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tricia: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Person of Jesus being in my life is the best thing to happen to me. It’s wonderful to know that connecting with him is not complex as we sometimes think, because his arms are open wide to receive as many as we believe in Him. Let me show you his word.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son so that whoever believes in him may not be lost, but have eternal life. </span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">John 3:16.</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></b></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.</span></i></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> <span class="text">For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.</span> <span class="text">As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame……</span> for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” </span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Rom 10:9-11,13.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">How do I do that? The Confessing and believing?<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tricia: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Pray, ask God to forgive your sins, acknowledge in your heart and believe Jesus died for you to be Saved. Take my hand, let’s do it together.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I led Tina to Christ, and also encouraged her further with this word, <span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white;">But to as many as did receive <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">and</span> welcome Him, He gave the right [the authority, the privilege] to become children of God, <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">that is</span>, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name— who were born, not of blood [natural conception], nor of the will of the flesh [physical impulse], nor of the will of man [that of a natural father], but of God [that is, a divine and supernatural birth—they are born of God—spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified].</span></i></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> John 1:12,13</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Few weeks Later, we were back to school, and Tina started going to fellowship with me. One </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">day, while she was in the room, she got a call from Sam.</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sam: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Hey girl…. I didn’t hear from you again, what’s going on?<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Hello Sam, I’m sorry, but I don’t think I can continue with this relationship any more.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sam: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What? Why? I still love you.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">My values have changed, I’m a Christian now…. I’m born again.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sam: (laughs) </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">you? Born again? You can’t be serious.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">And why is that? What’s funny?<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sam: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Look you’re too impure for the church folks and trust me, none of them is going to look your way… remember you’re like a half woman currently… so take my advice. You belong with me, girl. We’ve got our youth to have fun not being bored with Church. Hello…. <o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina ends the call and begins to cry……. <o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sam: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">oh! She ended the call, I hope she gets over this Church syndrome.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I walked in to the room later and found Tina in tears.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tricia: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina dear, why are you crying? What happened?<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It’s Sam.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tricia: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sam? What about him?<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina: (sobbing) </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He said I’m too impure for the church folks and no one is going to look my way… that I’m a half woman currently.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tricia: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What?!!! When? Did he come here?<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;">  </span><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">No. He called me<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tricia: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina, I’m sorry he made those statements to you, but you need know that he is lying. There is no one that comes to God, that he casts away. If possible, cut every form of communication with Sam for now. You need to heal completely and Trust God. You won’t be disappointed; I can assure you.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Thanks, T-gal<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tricia: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Now clean those tears and smile for your best friend.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I gave her a hug and went to prepare dinner.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Few years later, we were oth in Final year. Steve called for me at the end of the service on a fateful Sunday morning.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Steve: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tricia<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tricia: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Yes, Steve<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Steve: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I need to talk to you about your friend, Tina. Please take a seat.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tricia: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">ok, I’m listening.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Steve: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I’m interested in her…. Like I’m considering being in a relationship with her that could lead to marriage. So, I needed you to tell me more about her, since she is your best friend.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tricia: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Well Steve, Tina is Basically a nice lady, growing in the faith, but I don’t think I need to be more elaborate than this. I believe you can approach her and get to know her for yourself.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Steve: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">ok, thanks.</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I walked away to meet Tina for us to return to our room.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Hey dear, so what was Steve telling you about, that was making you Smile.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tricia: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">oh, he was just telling about some lady in our fellowship, you know a new member.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Are you guys planning a “follow up” session.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tricia: (smiles) </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Nope<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">ok o, please let just get going I’m hungry.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tricia: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Yea, me too.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Within six months, Tina had become friends with Steve like myself. We had just concluded our final exams. Steve felt it was time he opened up to Tina. Today, He met us leaving the School’s Law Club Centre.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Steve:</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> Tina! Tricia! wait up <o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Hi Steve, how are you doing?<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Steve: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I’m good. How are you Ladies?<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tricia and Tina: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">we’re fine.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Steve: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">ok, Tina please can I see you for few minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina turns to look at me, I gave her smile. And they took few steps away from where I was.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">ok<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Steve: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I just wanted to know if it be ok for me to invite out for lunch later today?<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">yea sure, but what about Tricia, don’t you think she should come too?<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -72.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -72.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Steve: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Today’s own is a bit different.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">interesting… well call me by 12 noon. I need to be sure my best friend is not going to be left alone, while I’m at some place with our friend.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Steve: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Ok, I will.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Yea, bye Steve<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Steve: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">yea, see you soon.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina smiles and walks back towards me.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tricia: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So what’s behind the smile?<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Steve is a very funny guy, he called me aside to ask if he could invite me for lunch, and I told him you needed to be there too, but he said this is different. So I told him to call by 12, while I ask you, so as to finally decide. I don’t want you to be alone.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tricia: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina dear, I’ll be fine. I’m ok with you going without me. I’ll go play volley ball with the lodge girls then.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Ok, if you say so. Now what do I wear.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tricia: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I think this royal blue gown is ok.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">ok, thanks.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Steve called Tina at 12 noon, and she told him she was available, so he came to pick her from the room 30 minutes later.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Steve: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">You look unusually pretty today<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Thanks, you don’t look bad yourself.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tricia: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Good day Steve<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Steve: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Hey, Good day Tricia<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">T-gal, are you sure you don’t want to come with us?<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tricia: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">No, go ahead, (Smiles)...<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>you’re in safe hands.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I gave them both a hug and they left. They arrived at the Restaurant few minutes later and walked in:<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Steve: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Ladies First, (Smiles) (getting the seat out for Tina)<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina:</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -36pt;"> (Smiles) thank you.</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">They made their orders and got talking<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Steve: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So tell me Tina, what’s your plans after graduation?<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">well, I have applied to the Law School, so that will help further my career in Family Law.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Steve: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Wow, that’s impressive.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I’m trusting God to help me… so, how’s your MBA going?<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Steve: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">it’s been going pretty well; I should conclude the programme in 3months time.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">wow, congrats in advance<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Steve: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Thank you. So I do have something I need to ask you Tina<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Ok.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Steve: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I’ve really come to admire your person. You’re quite an exceptional lady and I’m hoping we could me more than friends. By your agreement, I’d love to be in a relationship with you, that could lead to marriage, God-willing. What do you say?<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Steve, I’m sorry, I’m more than what you see. I can’t.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Steve: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I don’t really understand, I can give you time to search your heart and pray.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Steve… I …. I… I’ve a lot of baggage that won’t make this work. I’m sorry (Starts to Cry)<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Steve: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">oh no…. Please don’t cry. Did I say something wrong?<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tina: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">No… Please can I get home.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Steve:</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> ok.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -.55pt;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -.55pt;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Steve brought her home that evening amidst tears, I was shocked, but calmed myself to be able to get a view of things. Tina ran inside the room, still in tears.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -.55pt;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -.55pt;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Why was Tina crying? Find out in</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> “</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tainted Yet Loved 2</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">”</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -.55pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> <b><i><span style="border: none 1.0pt; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.0pt; padding: 0cm;">Much Love<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> <b><i><span style="border: none 1.0pt; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.0pt; padding: 0cm;">Joan A.</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 9.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> </div> <br />

TAINTED YET LOVED

Joan A. 0 09:46:00

(……. Continued from BETRAYED 2) After Tina’s phone rang twice, unsure of what to do, with me in tears, she answered the call. Tina: Hello Sam Sam: I’m sorry we’ve not communicated in a while, I do miss you and would like to see you Tina: Please let’… Read more »

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