VESSEL

  Psalm 23 . Groaning, I rolled my heavy self to the left side of the bed. With one eye barely open, I reached for my Bible, careful not to mistake it for my novel — both were the same size and often tricked my sleepy mind. My lips parted, whispering softly as my eyes traced the verses: " The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Closing my Bible gently, I breathed a prayer of thanks before slipping into my favorite sky-blue pajamas...

My first year of motherhood reshaped my expectations, deepened my faith, and revealed God’s constant love in every season of life. Motherhood is not just a chapter in my life—it has been one of God’s greatest classrooms. From the moment I learned I was carrying life, I began to understand a little more of what His love truly looks like. When the Lord told me to share my journey, over a year of being a mother, I hesitated. I feared what others might think, but obedience to His voice mattered more. Love That Provides I became pregnant shortly after my nuptials. With that came the sobering truth: I am a mother now . God had entrusted me with life, just as He entrusts each of His children with gifts to steward. Even when our finances were low, He provided the strength and resources I needed; medications, antenatal visits, and the wisdom to understand what my body and baby required. Through family and friends, He reminded me that His provision often comes wrapped in people. My sister-in-law...

  The drive had grown so still, so heavy with unsaid things, that Osaze found himself stealing glances at her, just to be sure she was still there. Ivie sat quiet, her gaze fixed on the window, as though the trees and buildings flashing by could offer more clarity than the silence sitting between them. They were making progress, or so she believed. Slowly inching toward presence, toward some form of co-parenting rhythm for the babies on the way. But she hadn’t expected him to suggest something beyond the bare minimum. Not more care. Not… consideration. His words had lingered long after he spoke them. “I’ll make the guest room available for you. Rita will also be popping in from time to time.” It sweetened her heart in a way she wasn’t ready to name. A warmth bloomed quietly, stubbornly, one she wanted to brush aside but couldn’t. He had thought about her comfort. Her needs. And in its own quiet way, that meant something. Osaze gave a small, grateful nod, his expression un...

  “It is a blessing to have you join our Men’s Fellowship, sir. We are elated to have you here,” Minister Abraham said warmly. His firm voice carried a weight of sincerity, and the way he stood, back straight, shoulders squared, reflected a life of steady discipline. His low-cut hair was precise, and his well-cleaned, neatly shaven beards gave his face a defined, polished look that made him seem both approachable and commanding. Osaze listened closely, nodding slightly as the words sank into him. A lot can change in a week, he thought. He had become a member, not just in name but in presence too, walking his way slowly but surely into consistency, a man now trying to keep his words and honor his steps. Minister Abraham shook his hand heartily, the grip firm and brotherly, before offering Ivie a brief greeting in passing. Osaze's smile deepened as he caught the sweet lilt of her voice. Ivie stood a few feet away, her sunflower-colored flare pleated gown flowing softl...

  ππππππ The silence in the apartment was the kind that could break a wall, thick, weighty, and echoing with things unsaid. It hung in the air like incense after a long prayer, seeping into every corner of the room. Ivie sank into the plush brown sofa, exhaling as she adjusted herself for comfort, her swollen feet propped on the ottoman he’d pulled close. The weight of the triplets pressed on her lower back and bladder, a constant reminder that rest was no longer just a want, it was a necessity.  Ivie needed rest but she knew Osaze needed answers. Osaze knew Ivie needed rest but he also didn't want to start a fight, he needed to be careful with how he said what he said.  He moved around her kitchen with careful steps, like a man tracing familiar footprints in a new season. He opened the cabinets without asking, his hands finding what they needed almost instinctively. There was no pride in his movements, just a quiet determination to be useful. Present. In a few minutes, h...

  She had been given a heads-up by Rita, so she wasn’t caught completely off-guard. But no amount of warning could have fully prepared her for the effect seeing Osaze again would have on her. As much as she hated to admit it, even to herself, he still took her breath away.  She quickly steadied her thoughts. Rita had quietly asked her to at least hear him out. And she would. For Rita’s sake. “Have your seat,” Ivie said, gesturing toward one of the wooden-carved chairs opposite her desk. “Thank you,” he replied, stepping cautiously into the room. Osaze took in the office, his eyes sweeping over the subtle changes since he had last been there. The cream-colored walls now carried a calming presence, softened further by warm, floral accents that brightened the corners. A large cream sofa stood against the window, tastefully adorned with throw pillows in dusty rose and sage green. There was a soft jasmine scent in the air, probably from the reed diffuser beside the bookshelf. Her d...