“SCARRED TO STARS” Part 1 by Rhoda ‘Keji Onaderu

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By Rhoda ‘Keji Onaderu

As Andrea strolled through social media, her eyes caught a flier posted by her former colleague’s on the instagram app. She almost screamed when she saw the advert for the conference, the very conference she missed the registration date the previous year and guess what? It would be held 100% virtually!

 

She thought it would be foolish to take any chances, so before settling down for lunch, she clicked the link in the bio and quickly registered, providing all the details required.

 

Two hours later, she received a mail to confirm if she would like to share her life story with other attendees of the conference. Though the request was quite surprising to her, she thought it would be overwhelming sharing her story plus she felt she was not mentally ready, she just wanted to be a silent attendee throughout the event, so she refused to reply the mail. However, as she read from her daily devotional book that night, she changed her mind, inspiring other people with her life story would be enriching and value-adding, she concluded.

 

The Previous Month

As the planning committee for the Havilah women’s conference concluded with the programme for the event but just before they rose to meet the convener, Mrs. Petra, the secretary raised her hand to give a suggestion.

 

‘Okay madam, I thought we are done already, any issue please? Dr. Ella, the chairman of the committee asked.

 

‘I feel that since this would be the seventh year anniversary and it would be held virtually, we can make it more memorable if we can document some of the valuable life stories of the attendees ”. Mrs. Petra finished with a curvy smile.

 

Doctor Ella’s face showed a slight confusion as she sipped from her cup of coffee.

 

“We have always done that, I mean the whole event would be recorded and the audio or video would be made available to any interested person to share as gifts later”. Dr. Ella replied.

 

“Is it possible to publish a book? I mean document the stories in hard copy, it can greatly assist any one later in life, we are here to change lives positively ”. Mrs. Petra clarified.

 

The rest of the committee glanced at each other.

“Alright madam, how do you suggest we do this?” Mrs. Iweala inquired.

 

“We have always grouped the ladies for the brainstorming session, we could use the same method and choose the best story from each group for publishing. We all know already that sharing personal stories has transformative and healing power”. Mrs. Petra responded.

 

“Taking it this further would mean the ladies whose life stories are chosen would work together to make this work”. Dr. Ella replied.

 

“Exactly Doctor, I don’t think anyone would mind, it wouldjust be a sacrifice on their parts. They can just share their stories virtually, we would employ a ghostwriter and editors later”. Mrs. Petra ended with a nod and a smile.

 

“Couldn’t we use any of the stories that have been shared earlier?” Arc. Taran asked.

 

“I suggest we listen to and use fresh life stories, we have already recorded those previous stories. This time around we would have audiences globally, there would be more opportunities for engagement and networking, so let’s take advantage of that”. Dr. Ella said.

 

“Would our sponsors and promoters love this idea?’ Minister Rose queried.

“Are you for real? Which sponsor will not like the idea? You are surely growing the virtual conference into a valuable asset for their businesses”. Mrs Petra said wide-eyed.

 

Dr. Ella nodded slowly.

“How do we distribute the books?’ Arc. Taran requested.

 

“There would be both audio version and hard copies. People can order from our website and from other online platforms or we engage a publisher to handle all these aspects ”. Mrs. Petra assured.

 

“Do we all agree to this idea then”. Dr. Ella glanced around to be sure of support for the idea.

They all nodded in affirmation.

Dr. Ella heaved a deep sigh.

“I have a question though, how many stories should we publish?”.

“I feel it depends on the number of groups, presently we have created nine groups, so, one story from each group would make nine. Interested ladies could send the synopsis of their stories to their team lead ahead”. Mrs Petra explained.

 

“I just feel like hugging Mrs. Petra now”. Arc. Taran said with an open-mouth smile.

 

Can we meet the convener please? She would have been waiting for us, it is five minutes past the meeting time already, let’s log in to zoom for the meeting please ”.

 

Dr. Helen Tanye was already online before the members of the planning committee logged in. She however ate from her piece of carrot cake and took her mango drink while she waited for them.

 

“Hello ladies, hope you are good though? It’s a privilege to see your beautiful faces again”.

 

“Dr. Helen, we are good, how is the family?’’ Dr. Ella replied. Our apologies for logging in a bit late, I hope we are forgiven, please don’t penalise us”.

 

Dr. Helen bursted into laughter.

“Thank you for making me laugh, I have been quite busy since morning, I hope i didn’t put you people on the spot by logging in before you ladies. You know l don’t patronise lateness, but just a little penalty, two injections from my hospital for each person”.

 

They all roared into laughter .

“No my lady, we were just putting final touches to our presentation, we are good to go now”.

“Okay, I am all ears to your wisdom”.

“Ma, but it all depends on the final decision of the board”.

“I know, but I trust you ladies”.

 

Dr Ella briefed her on all the agenda the planning committee came with while she nodded intermittently as she listened, her facial expressions reacted to her feelings towards each point. When the issue of publishing a book came up, Dr Helen stood suddenly and started clapping.

 

“You ladies have stolen from my jottings. This is what I have planned to discuss today, surely the Holy Spirit is one. Thank you for being in the spirit”.

 

And as they wrapped up the meeting about an hour later, Dr. Ella with Dr Helen’s permission delegated work to each of the committee member.

“Work must commence in earnest, the time is quite close. Let’s make history ladies”. Dr. Helen said.

“Dr Helen, are we going to close without doing your favourite? Minister Rose asked with a wide
smile.

“My lady, there are still more time to dance, nothing can take away my hobby”. Dr. Helen said as they ended the meeting after saying their goodbyes.

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