In the part of the world where I come from; marriage is such a big deal. As a grown woman, you are not considered a real woman if no man honours you by making you his wife. When he makes you his wife and you are unable to make babies; you are still an incomplete woman. The labelling and secret talks behind you; sometimes they sum up courage to tell it to your face. Thus, making marriage such a big deal.
Some group of women constantly preach that; not every woman was made to get married. That subject has to be for another day.
I've met some Peninnah's these few years. Let me attempt a brief background of who Peninnah is. Peninnah is that 'just okay' woman who provokes you to see yourself as deficient whilst on the sojourn through womanhood (You can check my write up on 'The Peninnah of our time on this blog). Peninnah is that woman who reminds you that beauty is vain but grace is essential and keeps you on your toes.
Peninnah is the girl who, when she sees you talk to her husband will do nothing but give you a deadly stare. The one who will embarass you infront of people just because her husband mentioned your name in her presence. The girl who stops speaking to you just for the mere fact that you are friends with her husband. The 'just okay girl' who forms an association with other 'just okay girls' to further her agenda of making sure you feel your beauty is a curse. She is the girl who has your dream man and forces you to do a proper assessment of yourself.
I have come to realize that, Peninnahs are not necessarily bad; depending on how you choose to view them. We all need them at some point. She forces you to identify your deficiency and work on it. All she does is make you see yourself as inferior and lacking behind. Call her a bitch but she makes sure you know your place and act accordingly. She drives the nicest car and has the most handsome man on earth as a husband. She is smart. She lacks nothing, she is always on time in this sojourn through womanhood.
Dear diary, the wait to this walk has not been easy. I've had to look on whilst Peninnah flaunts her Adam at me; making me feel like I'm missing out on the world. Peninnah spites you for no reason though she has the man; the ring and the title. I have incurred the wrath of some Peninnahs.....
Everywhere I go, I see Peninnah. Peninnah at the beach, Peninnah in school, Peninnah at work, Peninnah at church, Peninnah all over. Peninnah flaunts her man and leaves me wondering why I still sleep alone. Peninnah flaunting her Adam; Peninnah flaunting her man. Peninnah, Peninnah!!!!!!
