“And how has your grades been?” I said. I thought I’d get any of the typical, one-word answers—since the question I’d asked was a mere follow-up to a greeting from a youngster. Instead, his response flung open the door to a bigger conversation.
“My grades have not been good,” the boy said. “But I know it would change very soon.”
I liked the optimism in his voice, so I asked, “So, what’s going to bring about the change?”
His response, however, was far from what I’d hoped to hear. “There’s a church my mum sometimes take us to. It was the pastor there who revealed it to us.”
“Did he mention how this turnaround would happen?”
“Yes,” the boy said. I noticed a look of excitement wash over his face. And there was an innocent glow in his eyes. “The pastor said I was supposed to be smart, excelling in every subject, even maths, as I have a bright star. But some wicked people have seen my brightness and they want to put out my light. The pastor said everything will return to normal through prayer and deliverance. He also gave my mum some anointing oil for me to use.”
“Any idea how much your mum paid for the oil?”
“I don’t know; she didn’t say.”
Maybe it’s just me, but anytime I hear a talk about such quick-fix miracles, a person not taking any responsibility for their issues, something usually goes off in me. Oh, yeah, I know there’s black power, and people do go diabolical just to bring others down, but I still believe there are logical explanations to some issues.
I tried to come easy with the next set of questions, so as not to get the boy feeling on edge—or, worse still, defensive. I made sure the questions appeared unrelated to our earlier tête-à-tête.
“Do you have a personal timetable?”
He shook his head, indicating a ‘No’.
“Normally, how often do you get to read or at least go through your notes?”
“Sometimes.”
“Well, it’s common these days. So, like most of your mates, I guess you may have a favourite social media platform . . . what’s yours?” I asked, not knowing if he even had a mobile phone.
“Facebook,” he said. Then he went on and on; a playful argument why it was the coolest app.
I smiled.
I need not ask how much time he spent chatting. It seemed obvious.
……………………
I shared this knowing this season is ripe for charlatans to practice their trade, preying on people’s ignorance. As much as faith may be needful, we must not fail to do the right things.
Stay aware. Stay safe.
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