I remember when we were growing up, my neighbor's dad was blind yet there was no single Sunday that he and his Dad would not attend church service. They were always early though they attended a church in the neighborhood. Each Sunday, he would hold his Dad's hand and walk him to church.
Unfortunately, my neighbor aged twenty at the time, died of sickle cell anemia. His family was shattered and you can imagine how his Dad felt it should have been him instead of his son. His Dad still went to church on Sundays only this time, he was being escorted by his daughter; Korlekie who was younger. Mr. Ocansey died a few years later. A family of four, was now reduced to a family of two.
Korlekie Ocansey, had qualified as a nurse and found a husband right after school. She also died exactly a year after her wedding: a day after their wedding anniversary. She had died whilst giving birth. The baby also died four days later. So in six years, three members of the family had died. Leaving only their Mum behind. I can't imagine how Mrs. Ocansey must have felt losing everything she had ever labored for on earth, I guess.
Two years on, I would have thought Mrs. Ocansey would stop going to church after death had stolen her joy away, but no. No Sunday passes without you seeing Mrs. Ocansey going to church. She's still an active Pentecost member, attending services on weekdays and Sundays. She has not quit her job neither has she moved houses or grown cold or hostile towards anyone. Not that I have heard of. I wouldn't know what goes on in her house though. Or even in her bedroom. Only God knows what needless pain she bears.
Now tell me, what excuse do you have to give up on whatever it is you are doing? Have you had your joy stolen? Have you tried something in particular for so long and never succeeded? Or did you begin a particular journey thinking it would end well only to have to return to the starting point? Thinking nothing is worth trying again? Or perhaps you are even scared to attempt that particular thing again for the fear of being scarred?
Today, after hearing the story of Mrs. Ocansey, you have absolutely no excuse in life again. It can only be over when the whistle is blown for you to signify your race here on the field of life is over. If not, my dear friend, you have no excuse. You can only rise up and try again!
This is a true life story but the names have been changed.
