By Bola Babs
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
bola@nigeriahorizon.com
July 2008

Interestingly enough, I decided my next publication should be on the strength of a woman.  It stemmed out of one of those reflective moments, while analyzing the theory of the looking- glass self.  Although, still contemplating and undecided on what angle to explore on this area, I made up my mind on this fateful Friday afternoon.  For some intuitive reason, just as I headed out for lunch, I decided to go back to my desk, grab a pen, a notebook and head back out.  As I made my way across the streets, walked down the pavements, savouring every bit and pieces of the sun, yet, looking for a spot to sit and relax.  The first spot I found was a little bit too chilly for my liking, considering the mere fact that I have decided it's now summertime and nothing less. So you see, it is often my way or the highway!  And in most cases you might just be better off taking the highway.  It is faster!!!

I crossed over to the other side of the street where I had noticed some sunshine, when I heard a singing voice coming from a woman occupying the 'only park bench available in this downtown (Toronto) section'.  I froze in my tracks as I realized she was singing in a familiar dialect.  Not only did I understand the dialect, the lyrics of the inspirational tunes were very much familiar to me.  I had to control myself from walking up to her and starting a discussion.  In short, the old saying that it is a small world is highly outdated.  I beg to differ; as I extend that old and popular saying by adding, the world has become much more a smaller place.

This woman was so oblivious of her surroundings that while on her cell phone, she was praying and singing to whomever was on the other line. Passer-bys would occasionally glance in her direction, but this didn’t deter her emotions.  It was clear she had heard some great news and who better to praise than her supreme creator.  Believe it or not, she went down on her knees in her excited haste to express her gratitude as she prayed and sang inspirationally to the person on the other line.  To those who may not understand, they may automatically assume she had gone ‘cuckoo’.  But my instincts knew beyond a reasonable doubt and judging from her appearance, she was very much normal.  Though, I was curious about the news she had heard to make her react in such a state.  I marvelled at such reverence and a tear played at the corner of my eyes at this woman’s open acknowledgement of the existence of divinity in whatever her situation was.

Was I surprised at her reaction and expression?  Maybe a little!  I mean living in Toronto, how do I put this in a more subtle tone?  It isn’t everyday I hear of the Prime Minister having lunch with my neighbours in Africa, is it?  So why is my sister singing a lullaby on ‘Wall Street’? If by mere chance she is reading this today, I know without any doubt she would recall seeing another woman just a few feet away from her.  Why? Because, it is in our strength, most often derived from our faith.  It is the bond we have in common.
 
It is in faith, that we have become stronger and have carried, have celebrated life in its fullness.  It is in faith; we have become not just daughters, but sisters, wives, mothers, grandmothers, great-grandmothers, great-great grandmothers, while building an empire of friendship.   It is in faith, God chose to design us as women who will go out and fulfill his plan to bless the earth in fullness, depositing treasures in the lives of many, and help make a difference each day in our world.  It is in faith our strength have become undeniable, unexplainable, yet unsurpassed.  It is after all, the strength of a woman!

Other articles by Bola Babs

The Birth of Body & Soul
When Beauty Says..
BET
The Term is 'Make-up' not 'Mask up'
Women and Attitude
Almost Summer