Raise Da Roof - by Friday Okwori

There were four brothers. Actually, they aren’t related by blood, maybe something else. It's common for two individuals to be best friends, but four without any rivalry or jealousy? That is a very difficult one. However, that is what makes their bond so wonderful. They started off as classmates in elementary school before moving on to high school. You know how you can instantly click with someone you just met. In their case, the same thing happened. Because they continued to remain in close proximity to one another, their bond became even more. Since they were all good boys, their parents approved of their relationship. Fortunately, they all went to the same school, so the worry that their friendship might end when they went to college was allayed. Perhaps God was genuinely drawn to the friendship. These lads were raised with high moral standards. They inspired and motivated themselves to improve. Oh, there was the normal banter among guys. Even when they disagreed, they worked things out peacefully. Naturally, there were occasions when two or three of them shared a fondness for the same woman. I have nothing further to say about that. Move on. They had high hopes and aspirations for the future, particularly after earning their college degrees. For all of them, the future did appear bright. Or so it seemed. One of the four brothers suffered a horrific accident while travelling from an interview one fateful day. He knew he was lucky to be alive. He had lost his spine. From his waist down, he was immobile. For the lads, it was a terrible blow. Four hopes and dreams were shaterred in a single accident. Surgery and medical care were extremely expensive. The brothers made sure that every expense was met because his parents were too old and retired to handle it on their own. Nobody would have blamed the other three if they had decided to leave at this time because paying half of the bills was sufficient sacrifice. They couldn't bear the burden of an immobile fellow. Due to his paralysis, he required continual mobility from someone. His parents were unable to pay for a caregiver. He didn't need a stranger to help him, according to his friends. They alternated in taking care of their brother. It really was a daunting process. They resolved that their friend’s predicament wouldn’t take a toll on their bond. It was difficult to see how it will not. It required all hands being on deck. To see their friend walk once more, they gave it everything they had. Rumor had it that one of them declined an enticing position because it would require him to leave the state entirely. He claimed that it seemed like a betrayal of the brotherhood. I find it incomprehensible. Take the job, make more money, and send some to cover his medical expenses. That seems like the sensible course of action. "I could always get a better job," he replied. All he wanted was for his pal to walk once more. He continued to believe that something could be done. They took him to affordable medical facilities and physicians. The same conclusion was reached everywhere. He'll need a miracle to be able to walk again. They also went to some dark places to find a solution. They offered all manner of sacrifices. Don’t blame them. When faced with real misfortune, everyone has the capacity to do the most unthinkable act. Simply pray it doesn't occur. All efforts were abortive. There didn't appear to be a way out for their friend. They couldn't even muster the courage to confront God. They had given their friend everything they could. There was a preacher in their town one day. God used him to work mighty miracles. What if this was the opportunity they’ve been waiting for? They planned to give their friend one final chance to walk. They got to the venue and saw more than they imagined. The crowd was unimaginable. Overflows and the main auditorium were fully packed. Perhaps this young man wasn't meant to be. "What if we raise the roof?" one of the brothers asked in jest. That was the Eureka moment for them. He was miraculously healed after they passed him through the roof. I wish it were as simple as what you read. The courage of his brothers saved the young man. It was a big risk that could have gone horribly wrong. Rumor has it that none of them was a trained carpenter. Even the preacher marveled at such faith! You don’t get to see it everyday. It’s sad when we reduce the value of solid friendship to money and what we can get out of it. Even motivational speakers encourage us to choose friends that can provide only financial assistance to us. Whatever you choose, just know that you can’t do life alone. Get you a friend that can lift you through roofs when that’s the alternative. Better still, be that friend! Article is culled from the bible, Luke 5:17-39

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