Chimamanda rises from her mat, her corn rows glistening in the soft light. She slips on a dress and her shoes and steps outside, breathing in the scent of dewy earth and the hum of cars on the major road. Birds chirp nearby, and the sound of singing echoes through the air. "Thank you, Lord, for another day," she whispers, clutching her Bible to her chest.
Chimamanda walks along the path to her church, watching the sunlight dance on the water. She pauses beneath the shade of a food kiosk, feeling the cool breeze and hearing the gentle laughter of children playing nearby. "He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters," she recites softly, feeling her soul settle into peace.
Inside the church , Chimamanda kneels in prayer, the presence of God weighty and filling the air. The choir’s voices rise in harmony as she closes her eyes, seeking comfort and guidance. "He restores my soul; he leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake," she murmurs, feeling the warmth of faith envelop her.
On her way home she decides to take the longer path home. Tall grasses sway ominously, and the path is shrouded in shadow. Her heart races, but she clutches her Bible tighter, her steps unwavering. "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me," she proclaims, her voice steady against the night.
Once home, Chimamanda takes her place at the table, surrounded by friends and family. Her enemies, once jealous of her faith and often persecuting her, watch from afar as she is welcomed warmly. The chief anoints her head with oil, and her cup overflows with honeyed wine. "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over," she says, gratitude shining in her eyes.
Chimamanda gazes upward, her spirit lifted by the promise of goodness and mercy. She knows she will always find refuge in the house of the Lord. "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever," she declares, her voice melding with the song of hope that echoes through the night.
