A heartbreak can define a phase in life.
It shouldn't be defining you
Because you are not broken.
You don't have to do it alone
For you are not forsaken.

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LET'S TALK ABOUT IT.
In 2 Thessalonians 2, Paul says the “man of sin” cannot yet be revealed because something is restraining him. He reminds the believers, “And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time,” and then says, “only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed.” Paul also adds, “Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things?” So the Thessalonian church already knew the identity of the restrainer from Paul’s oral teaching, even though he does not state it openly in the epistle.

That is what makes the early church testimony so important. Paul had already told the church what restrained the rise of the man of sin, so when early Christian writers discussed this passage, they were not speaking in a vacuum. They were preserving an early line of interpretation. And when we turn to those writers, the testimony is striking. John Chrysostom, in his Homily 4 on 2 Thessalonians, states plainly: “when the Roman empire is taken out of the way, then he shall come.”

Tertullian speaks with the same force. In On the Resurrection of the Flesh, after citing 2 Thessalonians 2, he asks: “What obstacle is there but the Roman state, the falling away of which, by being scattered into ten kingdoms, shall introduce Antichrist upon (its own ruins)?” That is difficult to misunderstand. Tertullian does not merely suggest Rome as one possibility. He identifies the Roman state as the obstacle and says its breakup into ten kingdoms would make way for Antichrist.

This fits naturally with Daniel 7, where the little horn—the same antichrist power—arises only after the breakup of the fourth kingdom. Daniel says, “The ten horns are ten kings who shall arise from this kingdom. And another shall rise after them.” So the little horn does not arise before Rome, or while Rome still stands in its united strength, but after its division.

Taken together, the sequence is clear: Paul had already told the church what restrained the rise of the man of sin; the early church preserved that understanding; and those early witnesses pointed to pagan Rome as the restraining power. When Rome was removed and divided, the way was opened for the rise of the antichrist power — the Roman Catholic Papacy.

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TWO MONTHS BEFORE

Part 8 ; The Aftermath (The Part Nobody Talks About)

Breaking off an engagement two months before the wedding was emotionally devastating and logistically nightmarish.

The venue: We'd paid ₦500,000 as a deposit. Non-refundable. The manager was sympathetic but firm. "It's in the contract, madam.”

The dress: Half-sewn, half-paid. The tailor tried to be understanding, but she'd already bought all the fabric and lace. I lost ₦150,000.

The caterer: They'd already ordered supplies. Another ₦200,000 gone.

The photographer: Booked months in advance. Couldn't refund the deposit.

In total, I lost close to ₦1 million. Money I'd saved for years. Money that represented countless shifts, late nights, and sacrifice.
Gone.


Then came the calls.

I had to personally call each of my aunties and uncles who'd planned to travel from Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.

"Aunty, the wedding is off."

"What? Why? What happened?"

How do you explain in a phone call? How do you convince them you're not being rash when they've already bought their aso-ebi and booked their hotels?

Some were understanding: "Omolabake, if you're not sure, it's better to stop now."

Others were... less understanding: "But the dress is already made! Can't you just work it out?"

One uncle actually said, "Omolabake, marriage is not a bed of roses. You have to compromise."

I wanted to scream: This isn't about compromise. This is about survival.

But I just said, "I understand, Uncle. I'm sorry for the inconvenience."


Church was the worst.

The first Sunday after the breakup, I almost didn't go. But I couldn't hide forever.

I walked in and felt every eye on me. People whispering and pointing. Some tried not to stare but failed.

During announcements, our names were supposed to be called for final marriage class registration.

They weren't.

The silence where our names should have been was deafening.

After service, some people avoided me completely. They literally crossed to the other side of the corridor when they saw me coming.

Others came up with fake sympathy: "Oh, Omolabake, we heard. Are you okay?" Translation: Give us the gossip.

A few were genuinely kind. One older woman, Sister Funke, pulled me aside and said, "Better a broken engagement than a broken life. Well done." She was one of the few.


Chris moved to another church within two weeks. I heard through mutual friends that he was telling people I'd broken off the engagement because I was "too controlling" and "had trust issues."

He painted himself as the victim. The good man who'd been wrongly rejected.
And some people believed him.


The months that followed were dark.

I'd wake up some mornings and forget, just for a second, that I wasn't engaged anymore. Then reality would crash back in.
I stopped going to weddings. I couldn't bear it. Every bouquet toss, every first dance, every "you're next!" comment, felt like salt in an open wound.

I avoided baby dedications too. Because someone always asked, "So when is yours coming?"

Work became my escape. I threw myself into my projects at ACE, stayed late, volunteered for extra assignments. Anything to avoid thinking about what I'd lost.

My weight fluctuated from the stress—I lost 10kg, then gained it back. But what grew more than my weight was my faith. I threw myself into prayer, into serving at church, into seeking God's face. He became my comfort. His word became my anchor. And slowly, I began to heal.

Except I hadn't lost anything real.

I'd lost an illusion.

But grief doesn't distinguish between real loss and imagined loss. It all hurts the same.


Six months after the breakup, I heard Chris got engaged to Sister Bimpe.

My friend showed me the Instagram post. The proposal photos looked eerily similar to mine. Same garden. Same sunset timing. Same pose.

He'd recycled our proposal.

Part of me felt vindicated. See? I was right. It wasn't just friendship.

Part of me felt like an idiot. How did I not see this sooner?

Part of me just felt... sad.

Sad for Bimpe because she had no idea what she was walking into.


Four months later, they were married.

Quick engagement, quick wedding. Like he was in a hurry.

I didn't go, obviously. But I heard about it. I heard it was beautiful. I heard that Bimpe looked happy.

I prayed for her that day. Genuinely prayed. Because I knew what was coming.
And about a year into their marriage, I started hearing whispers.

Bimpe had stepped down from ministry. She wasn't posting on social media as much. Seemed withdrawn at church and had gained a lot of weight.

I saw her once at a wedding we both had to attend. She couldn't look me in the eye.

And I understood.

She knew now.

She knew what she'd signed up for.

And my heart broke for her.

Because that could have been me.


Two years post-breakup, I'm still single.

I'm 30 now. The age I thought I'd be married by.

Some days, I'm at peace with it. I've rebuilt my life. My career is thriving. My relationship with my family is stronger than ever. I have good friends. I'm involved in church. I'm... content.

Other days, I panic.

The biological clock is loud. Very loud.

I attend another wedding and feel that familiar ache.

I watch my friends with their babies and wonder if I'll ever have that.

I field questions from well-meaning aunties: "Omolabake, you're not getting younger o."

Thanks, Aunty. I'm aware.


But here's what I know now that I didn't know then:

Being single is not a failure.

Being 30 and unmarried is not a tragedy.

Choosing peace over plans is not weakness.

I'd rather be 30, single, and whole than 30, married, and broken.

I'd rather wait for the right person than rush into a lifetime with the wrong one.

I'd rather trust God's timing than force my own.

And honestly?

I'm grateful.

Grateful I listened to my father. Grateful Pastor Mrs. Adeyemi pushed me to pray. Grateful God opened my eyes. Grateful I had the courage to walk away.

The aftermath was painful.

But nowhere near as painful as a lifetime of that marriage would have been.

So yes, I'm still single.

But I'm free.

And that's worth more than any ring.

© Adebimpe Obafemi


#TwoMonthsBefore
#LessonsLearned
#ChristianSingles
#Back2Eden
#SpiritualGrowth

Embracing Divine Love in Our Life Journey

Hey friends!

Today, I stumbled upon a profound quote by Charles Spurgeon that really resonated with me: “Remember this, had any other condition been better for you than the one in which you are, divine love would have put you there.” This got me reflecting on our unique life journeys and how our circumstances, no matter how challenging, are part of something greater.

Life often throws us unexpected hurdles. Whether it’s a tough job situation, a breakup, or even the loss of a loved one, it’s easy to question why we’re in these difficult seasons. But Spurgeon's words remind us that there is purpose behind our struggles. We are not abandoned; rather, we are enveloped in divine love, which can transform our perspectives and lead us to deeper faith.

In Romans 8:28, Paul assures us that “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Isn’t that comforting? Our struggles are part of God’s perfect plan for us, shaping us into who we are meant to be.

Reflecting on my own life, I remember a time when I faced a challenging career shift. I was hesitant and frustrated, wishing I could return to my previous situation. Yet, looking back now, I see how those experiences grew my resilience and faith. I learned to lean on God more than ever!

For anyone wanting to delve deeper into the topic of faith amidst trials, I highly recommend “Trusting God: Even When Life Hurts” by Jerry Bridges ( @ Amazon https://amzn.to/49vcdHs ) and “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren ( @ Amazon https://amzn.to/4a8KjkE ). These books beautifully explore how God’s love is continually at work in us, even when we can’t see it.

So, let’s chat! Have you experienced a moment where a challenging situation led to unexpected growth? How did your faith play a role? I'm excited to hear your stories!

Remember, friends, our circumstances are not a barrier but a stepping stone towards a richer, fuller life in His love. Keep shining!

John Sheehan, (Dr. hc.)
Of Show Me The Way Ministries
Email drjohnmsheehanAnderson Mwila.com
(870) 321-8852

William J. “Bill” Gaither was born on March 28, 1936, in Alexandria, Indiana, to George Gaither and Lela (Hartwell) Gaither. Raised on a rural farm, he developed a deep love for music early in life. Bill and his younger brother Danny Gaither (born November 20, 1938) began singing within their community as children. Danny quickly emerged as a gifted lead vocalist, while Bill devoted himself to learning piano. Southern gospel music deeply captivated Bill; he filled his youth by collecting gospel records, attending concerts, and tuning in to radio broadcasts of his favorite groups.
Early Musical Ventures (1950–1955)
In 1950 and 1951, Bill and Danny joined their first quartet, the Log Cabin Four, singing alongside Howard Little and their cousin Maurice Gaither (1934–2001). By 1952, the sixteen-year-old Bill played piano for the Gospel-Aires.
Bill continued experimenting with ensemble singing throughout high school. One of his early quartets—featuring Billy Gaither, George Glass, Richard Scott, and Larry Campbell—performed at a sports banquet on March 11, 1953. On January 3, 1954, a foundational moment took place when an early version of the Gaither Trio sang at the Alexandria Church of the Nazarene, formed by Bill, Danny, and their older cousin Arden Gaither (1922–2007).
Bill graduated from Alexandria High School in 1954 and pursued his dream of a gospel career by creating a quartet called The Pathfinders, composed of Bill, Danny, Charlie Hodge of Decatur, Alabama (a fellow student from the Stamps School of Music), and young bass vocalist Vance Windsor. Personnel changed frequently: Danny left when school resumed, replaced by Gene Lowery; Vance married and moved to Florida, and Olen “Honey” Dunn stepped in on bass. After continuing through the winter with singer James Barnett, Bill ultimately left the group in August 1955 due to limited success.
He returned to work at Cox’s grocery store in Anderson, Indiana, and began his college studies—first at Taylor University, then transferring closer to home to Anderson College to major in English.
Formation and Rise of the Gaither Trio (1955–1961)
Determined not to abandon music, Bill regrouped with his siblings: Danny and younger sister Mary Ann Gaither (born January 17, 1945). The Gaither Trio debuted on September 11, 1955, singing at an evangelistic service in Alexandria. Their schedule revolved around school commitments, as Danny was attending Ball State University while Mary Ann was still in grade school.
The Gaither Trio began performing cover arrangements of well-known Christian songs, and by 1959, newspapers described them as well-known across the Midwest, appearing on local radio and television. Danny married Lolita “Toni” Floyd in 1958, and their son Steven (“Nic”) was born on May 5, 1959.
Meanwhile, Bill completed his Bachelor of Arts in English with a music minor from Anderson College in 1959, then accepted a teaching position at Madison Heights Junior High School while beginning a master’s in guidance and counseling at Ball State.
By 1960, the trio was recording professionally for Crusade Records, producing albums such as:
Presenting the Gaither Trio of Indiana (Vols. 1 & 2)
Oh, How I Love Him
On October 8, 1960, they appeared at an all-night gospel program in Indianapolis alongside major gospel names including The Blackwood Brothers, The Statesmen Quartet, and The Speer Family.
Bill’s First Songs and the Trio’s First Breakup (1960–1962)
Bill did not begin writing songs until 1960, when he composed “I’ve Been to Calvary.” Unsure of his talent, he approached Jim Hill of the Golden Keys Quartet, who adopted the song and recorded it on The Ninety and Nine (1960), along with another Gaither composition, “I’m in Love with Jesus.” Ben Speer of the Speer Family later published and recorded the song.
In 1961, Bill and Danny both completed their degrees from Ball State. The trio undertook a three-week multi-state tour before Danny accepted a teaching job in Wheelersburg, Ohio. Personal and professional strains eventually led to the group’s first disbanding, confirmed publicly on April 4, 1962.
Gloria Enters Bill’s Life & Songwriting Expands (1962–1966)
Gloria Lee Sickal was born on March 4, 1942, in Battle Creek, Michigan, to Wilford Lee Sickal and Dorothy Boster—a Church of God pastoral family. She entered Anderson College in 1959, where she met Bill in 1961 when both were hired as teachers at Alexandria High School. They were engaged in summer 1962 and married on December 22, 1962.
During this period, Bill served as choir director at South Meridian Church of God and self-funded two albums:
South Meridian Sings (1962)
South Meridian Sings Vol. 2
His songwriting flourished through collaboration with Doug Oldham, who first performed “He Touched Me”—written in 1963 from a suggestion by Doug’s father, Dr. Dale Oldham.
Bill and Gloria revived the Gaither Trio in 1963, now as Bill, Gloria, and Mary Ann. They recorded:
Songs of Praise and Devotion (1964)
He Touched Me (1964)
The Longer I Serve Him (1965)
Danny, meanwhile, recorded solo and group albums with the Golden Keys and returned to the trio in 1966, allowing Gloria to step back as she cared for their first child, Suzanne, born in 1964.
Full-Time Ministry, New Members, and Landmark Songs (1967–1977)
In 1967, both Bill and Danny left teaching to pursue full-time music ministry. The trio now recorded with Heart Warming Records and continued to expand their influence.
After Mary Ann married John M. James on October 27, 1967, she retired from touring. Bill persuaded Gloria to return temporarily, leading to a transformative spiritual moment that deepened the Gaithers’ understanding of music as ministry, not performance.
Between 1968 and 1969, albums such as I’m Free, He Touched Me, and Sings Warm featured contributions from vocalist Betty Fair.
Bill earned the first Gospel Music Association Songwriter of the Year award in 1969 and would win eight of the first nine such honors.
During a season of exhaustion, anxiety, and writer’s block—coinciding with the birth of their son Benjamin in 1970—Bill and Gloria wrote the life-affirming hymn “Because He Lives,” released in 1971, followed by another classic, “The King Is Coming.”
Their music entered major hymnals and inspired highly successful choral collections and their first musical, Alleluia! A Praise Gathering for Believers (1973), which sold more than one million copies.
Danny’s Departure and the Birth of the Gaither Vocal Band (1977–1990)
Danny left the trio in 1977 to pursue a solo career. Bill recruited Gary McSpadden, and in 1981, an impromptu reunion with Steve Green and Lee Young gave birth to the Gaither Vocal Band, whose debut album was The New Gaither Vocal Band (1981).
The GVB gradually eclipsed the trio in popularity. Membership evolved over the years, showcasing many renowned gospel vocalists, including Larnelle Harris, Michael English, Guy Penrod, David Phelps, Wes Hampton, and others.
The trio issued final major recordings through 1990, while Gloria shifted more of her work toward writing and theological reflection.
The Homecoming Era and Global Influence (1991–Present)
In 1991, Bill organized a video reunion of legendary Southern Gospel artists, intending to record a single song, “Where Could I Go but to the Lord?” The recording lasted three spontaneous hours, leading to the creation of the Gaither Homecoming series—over 100 video and audio productions filmed across the U.S. and internationally.
The series revived careers of older gospel pioneers and introduced new audiences to historic gospel music traditions.
Gloria expanded her career as an author and editor, contributing devotionals, hymn reflections, and serving as editor for Homecoming Magazine.
Losses, Legacy, and Continued Ministry
The Gaithers endured many personal losses, including the passing of:
Danny Gaither (April 6, 2001)
Mother Lela Gaither (Dec. 27, 2001)
Father George Gaither (Jan. 20, 2005)
Mary Ann (Gaither) Addison (April 25, 2018)
Gary McSpadden (April 15, 2020)
These experiences inspired the Gaithers to support the Gospel Music Trust Fund and create reflective works such as their book and video projects on Heaven (2003).
Across more than six decades, Bill and Gloria Gaither have reshaped Christian music through:
hundreds of songs, many now standard hymns
best-selling choral arrangements and musicals
the enduring Gaither Vocal Band
the global Homecoming series
books and devotional writings
Bill once summarized their calling with characteristic humility:
“As long as God allows us to make music with a message, we’ll keep doing it.”

Friends, who can guess where this is found in the Bible “Sow is righteousness, reap in mercy, breakup your fallow, for it is time to seek the Lord, that he may come and rain righteousness unto you”

God doesn’t think like men. If he see that your desire to get solution to your problem is keeping you in prayers, he will keep you longer to purify your soul and to build you up.

On a normal day if nothing is wrong, you won’t be able to pray for 6hours. But when you see your account balance, the medical report, the breakup news, the carryovers. The pressure for change pushes you to prayer.

Not that God can’t instantly change your story but he don’t want to lose you. Many have been lost because they receive a breakthrough.So God must first prone you before he can trust you. Then when he see that even if he answer your prayers you won’t stop praying, he will release his power.

The right question to ask God when it seems there is a delay is “Lord what will you have me do” NOT “lord why are you not answering my prayers”. The reason is because we serve a covenant keeping God. If you are committed to playing your part , he will be committed to playing his part.

Pray:Lord what will you have me. Good morning.

Testimony Tuesday:

I grew up knowing about God, but for most of my life, He felt like a distant figure—more of an idea than someone personal. I went through the motions: church on Sundays, Bible on the shelf, prayers before meals. But deep down, I was empty. I wore a smile, but behind it was pain, disappointment, and a heart that was quietly breaking.

A few years ago, I hit one of the lowest points in my life. I had just gone through a painful breakup, I was dealing with health issues, and I felt like I had no purpose. I remember one night sitting on the floor of my apartment, completely exhausted—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I looked up and just whispered, “God, if You’re real… I need You.”

That night changed everything.

I didn’t hear an audible voice, but I felt something I hadn’t felt in years—peace. It wasn’t instant clarity, and my problems didn’t disappear, but it was like someone wrapped their arms around me and said, “You are not alone.” I cried for hours—not out of sadness, but because I felt seen. Known. Loved.

From that point on, God began to heal the broken places in my heart. He started gently peeling back the layers of fear, shame, and bitterness I had held onto for so long. I began reading His Word—not out of duty, but because I was hungry for truth. And every page reminded me that I was chosen, forgiven, and deeply loved.

He brought people into my life who prayed for me, encouraged me, and showed me what it looks like to walk in grace. I found a church community that felt like home. I discovered my worth—not in what I do or who approves of me—but in who He says I am.

Looking back now, I can honestly say God touched my heart in a way no one else ever could. He met me in the middle of my mess and turned it into a message. He gave me beauty for ashes, strength for weakness, and joy for sorrow.

If you’re reading this and feel like you’re too far gone or too broken—please know, you’re not. I’ve been there. And I’m living proof that when Jesus steps into your story, everything changes.

To God be the glory.

My guitar Was Out Of Tune I need to rerecord this but anyway.... what started out wanting to be a Messianic version of Blue Christmas and a lament for my wife and my breakup.. it turned into this song which makes my heartache into a spiritual realization of the heartache of the Bride of the Messiah as we continuously committed spiritually adultery against Him... yet we long for His return and his forgiveness even if we don't deserve it... this is a good song and lyrically I love the lyrics to it but I need to record it with my guitar tuned correctly... to do that I have to find the chords again... a lot of the lyrics taken understanding of what the feast days mean and what the meaning of the different symbolism is and it understanding of Prophecy and scripture to really know what I'm singing about.... but even without understanding all of the intellectual mumbo jumbo it's just a lover missing her bridegroom because she behaved herself like a stupid prostitute.