‘I didn’t even turn it off. Only God knows how many missed calls and messages will be here.’

Stressed from the day’s work, she took to the bed and scrolled through the phone, trying to sort the messages in order of importance. She hadn’t realized she left her phone in the room as she dashed out in the morning until she got to work and needed to use her Daily Bible Mobile App. She’d begun turning the contents of her bag out before recollecting that she’d last seen it on her bed at home.

“I just hope no one needs anything urgently else, ‘OYO’ is their case o.”

And yes, her people did need a lot of things.

“Hey dear, just thought to remind you of the second prayer meeting for my wedding. I’d love it if you could lead the prayers. Thanks. Love ya!”

Next.

“Hi Sister Lola, your unit report is due tomorrow. Pastor T. said I should remind you.”

Next please.

“Good day ma’am. My name is Tiwa, I got your number from the cards shared at our school camp last month. I really need to see you ma. I need help. I’ll explain better when we see ma. Do have a nice day.”

That had to be from the girls college in town. She made a mental note to call the girl the next day.

On and on it went. Missed calls. All of them needing something. From physical to spiritual. Except one.

“Omo mi, bawo ni? We haven’t spoken this week. How are you?” Her mum.

The text was a simple one but the tears came nonetheless. What is wrong with me God? Why have I been feeling this way? Wiping her eyes, she tried to pray but her lips felt heavy. She knew she couldn’t complain about the people and things God put in her care. But sometimes, she felt overwhelmed. Today was one of those days. Not one person out of those people could even ask after her well-being. I don’t mean to whine Lord, but it’d be nice to have someone praying for me too. A shoulder!

How she missed her friend back then during her service year. Mary was so sensitive to things happening around her even in the spirit. She could just come, lay down on her bed with her and start singing in the spirit, fanning the weak embers within her to flames again. But NYSC ended three years, though they still kept in touch with each other thanks to Facebook and Instagram. She also knew she could call her anytime. I don’t want to bother her, Lord. I’ll be fine.

She finally mustered enough strength to say a word of prayer, thanked God for the day and asked for strength for the next.

She would live to fight this battle another day. Hopefully.

The next two weeks comprised of endless activity, one weekend at her teen ministry house and a couple of fake smiles for Lola. When it was all over, she couldn’t take it any longer. I feel like I’m being drained. Surely this can’t be allowed to persist anymore Lord.

That night, she knelt by her bed, her bible opened beside her. Head bowed and heart ready. She sang her heart out. She prayed. She began to confess.

“Sadness and depression cannot flourish inside my heart. I cast you out in Jesus’ name! Weariness is not my portion. I refuse to be weak in will.”

She was on her feet at this point.

“I have joy within me. Joy of the Holy Ghost! I am strengthened by God. His right arm is holding me up. I have His peace within me. Nothing will trouble me!”

By the time she finally decided to retire for the night, she felt so much better, strengthened even.

Reach out to her. Two are better than one.

She knew who the ‘her’ referred to. Okay, I will. She picked her phone and sent a text.

“Hi Mary, How are you and the family? Just decided to check on you away from social media this time. Take care and regards.”

The reply came about twenty minutes later.

“Lola! So good to hear from you. You’ve been on my mind for some time now. So sorry I didn’t reach out till now. But I prayed for you. How are you doing dear? I see a lot of good stuff you do online. Great grace to you. I’d love to see you soon. One of these weekends maybe? Have a good night.”

‘Wow’ was all she could say.

* * *

Lola found in Mary once again a covenant friend and sister in spirit. And though it seemed as if the ‘reunion’ was simply for Lola’s benefit, she understood better that indeed two are better than one. For few months later when Mary experienced the unexpected loss of her mum, it was Lola who through the help and wisdom of the Holy Spirit fanned her friend to flame again.

“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”- Prov 27:17 (KJV)

To all the Lolas there, hang on! He wouldn’t give to you more than you can bear. Ask Him for strength, He could even send a person to raise your hands like that of Moses.

And if you know any ‘Lola’ out there, instead of asking as always, pray for them. They may be strong and seem to be in charge of it all, but they need your prayers too. So beloved, pray for them.