I'm in love with a church boy

It is commonly said that good girls like bad boys for a number of reasons. That might be true because I used to like them.  And they were fun to be with…as long as it lasted. But after a number of senseless heartbreaks later and the sudden realization that my clock was ticking with no intention of slowing down, I decided to get serious. And by serious, I meant from graduating from the unserious guys with boyish brains to serious ones who actually had an idea what they wanted their lives to look like in the next five years at least. And oh boy, what a filter that was!
So I got invited to a church youth concert by a friend and since I was fed up with what the world had to offer (I think the world has run out of ideas, really) I wanted to taste life on the other side. I used to be active in church when I was young but I grew out of it as I grew up. Life happened.
The concert was great and it made me miss the good old churchy days. And the best part was my attention being stolen by one of the lead singers of the church’s choir (yeah, carnal me, I know). And an innocent inquiry about him from my friend informed me he was single and pleasant. Yippee! I suddenly felt like dancing…hard. Who said all the fine guys could be found in clubs? It was a lie from the pit of hell!
With the added incentive, I began to frequent the various church meetings and with subtle, deliberate actions grew close to Fine Church Boy. When he started to notice me with the waves and dashing smiles he sent my way, I knew the foundation had been well laid. But there was a problem. He was selective with the kind of girl he associated with. She had to be…a walking Bible. That was a challenge I was ready to take. Being a church girl wasn’t such a big deal…I could definitely dress, act and talk the part.
But alas, I wasn’t the only girl ‘spying’ Fine Church Boy in the congregation. And this girl was damn serious. I thought church girls wouldn’t fight over a guy…I was so wrong. I think church girls fought harder. Even found a verse to that effect…something about the violent taking it by force. She knew I liked him and she made sure I knew she wanted him too. This was going to be a violent ‘godly’ fight.
So there was an outreach coming up where volunteers were needed to spend time with some kids at the orphanage. And of course, Fine Church Boy being a part of the outreach committee was going. I was contemplating going because of some plans I had but that changed when I saw Ms. Church Rival raising her hand to be a volunteer. I knew it would be a terrible mistake not to go so before I could think things through, my hand shot up in the air and my name was put down. She gave me the typical ‘game on’ face which I responded in like manner.
Little did I know that the outreach was a testing ground for elimination and Ms. CR and I were the subjects. And since I was new to the whole church life, I didn’t really prep myself for the outreach thing and what was expected of me.
One of the leaders spoke to the kids about God’s unconditional love for mankind and I began to reminisce about my Sunday school days. One of the little girls asked a question and imagine the shock when the leader directed it to me to answer. Both Fine Church Boy and Ms. Church Rival were there, their eyes fixed on me, waiting for an answer. It was one of those questions which required a supporting Bible verse and there I was, a Bad Girl Gone Good like me who couldn’t think of one verse to say. Stammering be what?! My throat dried up at once and my body felt like it was on fire.
As if that wasn’t bad enough, Ms. CR had to come to my rescue with one of those perfectly thought out sentences. The leader nodded in approval and clapped which everyone joined in.  She gave me a triumphant look but what put me down was the disappointed look on Fine Church Boy’s face. I knew I had failed the test.
Photo credits to Google Images.
When the session ended, I rushed to him just to redeem myself. But he didn’t waste time mincing words.
“I’m sorry but in my journey with God, I need someone who equally walks with Him to be with. It’s obvious church isn’t your thing. I noticed you’ve been coming regularly but you still have a long way to go. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t attracted to you but considering where I’m headed right now, attraction is the least factor I’m interested in.”
So here I was, heartbroken by a church boy even before anything could begin between us. And Ms. Church Rival carried the day, hanging around with him like a trophy girl. I’d be lying if I was harboring murderous thoughts against her.
But I got myself together. I couldn’t go back to my old life; there was nothing left for me there. So I decided to fall in love with the God of the church. After all, He’s called Lover of our soul, right? And I definitely needed some divine loving; I was too broken and I couldn’t mend myself.
With the help of my friend and a few others belonging to the fellowship, I developed a relationship with God and I must say, it has been the best decision I ever made. I felt confident about myself and complete also. For the first time, I felt whole without having to refer myself to being someone’s girlfriend to feel complete. That was a great feeling.
After some months, a rumor broke out about my Fine Church Boy putting Ms. Church Rival in the family way. Church members began to shun him and he looked depressed. I reached out to him and offered my friendship. He was surprised I of all people would be the one to be there for him. So was I, this was a whole new me and I was surprising myself each and every day.
Then the truth came out that the pregnancy wasn’t his after all; it belonged to the guitar guy. Huh, guys will always be guys, right…no matter where you met them. But Church Boy still punished himself for getting involved with her in the first place and he began to feel unworthy to be part of God’s family. I did my best to assure him that all was not lost. I was a perfect example of all hope lost but even I got a second chance with God. As they say, time heals all wounds and so did his.
Months passed and we got engaged. A year later, we got married! I liked a church boy but it was only until I fell in love with his God first before I could fall in love with him. Indeed, all things work for the good for those who love Him…!
Credit Josephine Amoako
Mr Pobs