Racing to the Rescue

Kevin blared his car horn impatiently and cursed underneath his breath. He told himself it was impossible to be a gentleman, let alone a Christian, in this kind of traffic. He also assured himself he would leave Nigeria the first chance he got. He had been weaving in and out of lanes, sometimes endangering himself and his new Toyota Avalon, but it hadn’t done him much good. It would still be two hours at least before he made it home to Ejigbo from Ikeja.

He wondered what his wife had been up to all day. Marrying a creative person could be a very exciting experience, what with the spontaneity, the surprises and originality of what they do for you. But it also had its downside – the mood swings, the depression that follows a lack of inspiration, the frustration when a work lovingly and painstakingly produced lacks an outlet or fails to receive critical acclaim or bring commercial success. And he’d been seeing more of the downside lately.

Convincing Diane to relocate to Nigeria had certainly been a mistake. Trying to break into the musical market here has been a struggle. Her brand of pop which was loved in Europe sounded childish to the locals and his position as a music company executive did not open all the doors he had hoped it would for her.

At first, Diane felt she would most definitely be a hit here because as she put it, she was bringing “a new sound and freshness” to the musical output in the country. But she found that producers and artistes, rather than being impressed with her songwriting and vocal skills, expected her to drop what they called her “been to” ways and acculturate in order to make her person and her music saleable. She was advised to collaborate with local artistes to get a feel of the industry before making any solo effort.

This seemed like a slap in the face to her who held a degree in contemporary music from the University of Birmingham and had a respectable career before her current adventure to Africa. If anything, these people she was being directed to should be taking lessons from her, she felt. So with the assistance of her husband’s music company, she put out a single. But in spite of broadcast interviews and other efforts to promote the song, it wasn’t receiving airplay on radio and the video was only featured occasionally as a filler in late night TV.

The disappointment had thrown up issues that Kevin had never anticipated – Diane began to drink hard and use drugs. When he came home once in the middle of the day, she was nowhere to be found. He decided to skip work for the rest of the day and she returned three hours later, slightly inebriated. She put it down to the excitement of seeing some old friends on a business trip to Nigeria and apologised.

That was two weeks ago but the situation had gone downhill from there. Not a day passed without her getting drunk or high on something. Yet, she refused to say where she got the drinks or the drugs. She had even stopped apologising, insisting that she was an artiste and that these things came with the terrain. Wanting to save her life and their marriage, Kevin felt that the best option would be to seek transfer to their head office in Abuja. He intended to check her into a rehab facility there and do what he should have done from day one: share the gospel with her.

In fact, he was going to do the latter right away because with Christ in her, she would find the strength to fight her addictions. But he needed to get home to do that. And with that thought, he blared his horn again and mopped the sweat on his brow.

-The end-

Do you think that Kevin’s plan will be enough to save Diane?

Postscript: This is the first draft of this story. The expanded version is called “Saving Diana”. Which of the two do you prefer?

69 comments

  • Oweka Chioma Sandra

    Poor Diane

  • Jeremiah Chioma

    its more than enough if only she be willing

  • Eze Benjamin Oduma

    Kelvin’s effort can contribute a little to the solution, only God has the ultimate panacea to every problem.

  • Eze Nnenna Victoria

    when you go to Rome behave like the Romans, God will help her. Nice one

  • Eze Benjamin Oduma

    Kevin’s effort can contribute but a little, only God can proffer solution to every problem.

  • Mokogwu Josephine

    this story is intriguing

  • Depression is something that man finds hard to conquer in life, with drinks and drugs included Diane has a tough way to go in fighting this. But there is hope in God because there is nothing he can’t do. All you need is to “ҍҽӀíҽѵҽ.”

  • GOD, THE ULTIMATE HEALER. A MESSAGE AGAINST ADICTION. BY GOD’S GRACE, I PRAY THAT SOMEONE OUT THERE WILL FROM NOW ON CONTROL HIM/HERSELF EVEN IN THEIR ADDICTIONS. AMEN

  • Asogwa Emmanuel C.

    our faith should be built on Christ and nothing more

  • chika divine umunnakwe

    Diana should adapt to change and thank God for her lovely husband, Kelvin who is humble to understand his wife

  • Ndieze Kelechi precious

    I love that kelvin stuck with her despite her actions and brought in the most important factor …God. Her life is the story of most celebrities out there, just chasing fame and can’t keep up.

    • Edith Ohaja

      She was going through the worse in “for better, for worse”. Nice guy! And yes, God bringing into the picture can make a lot of difference. Bless you, Kelechi!

  • Asogwa Emmanuel C.

    from my own point of view, YES, i believe Kevin plan for his wife will go a long way in transforming and changing her life style, because with God everything is possible, if he seeks God sincerely about his wife behavior i believe God will turn her life style around for the better

  • Ewurum john

    Its really hard to stop an addiction cold turkey, most especially when it starts from childhood, not all rehabs tend to be successful, i just wish Kevin, success in his intentions

  • Egwuonwu Priscilla

    There is no other saviour than Jesus Christ. Kevin’s plan is very good because if she accepts Jesus into her life,all things change and pass away starting from her new birth in Christ. I think Kelvin’s plan would cut off her excesses.

  • Ezeme Evans Ejike

    Naija music industry no be small place o.. Diana needs to set her ego aside and collaborate with the local artistes. Kevin is a wise man sha, introducing Jesus is the deal. definitely he will influence her career, attitude and their relationship.

  • Anyadubalu Oluchi Maryrose

    I strongly believe that when there is life there is hope, all you need to do is believe, no matter the depression, the frustration, there would always be a way.

  • nwafor chukwudalu franklin

    kevin is a very patient and understanding husband, he know what his wife is going through and is trying his best to give her all the support and attention he can, I believe his plan would work and his wife would string through.

  • itodo mary

    it’s so nice knowing that kelvin wants to stick to her even in her bad times, i find it very inspiring….his efforts would go a long way in helping her but i believe jesus is the best helper so he should commit everything into his hands because no marriage can stand without him being there to make it work. by the way, lovely post

  • Oleru Precious

    I think Kevin’s plan is a good idea. If he really loves his wife, he would do everything possible to save her from her addictions.

  • Jackreece Princess Daeregoba

    There’s is power in the name of the lord, as long as Kevin believes in God. I believe he would safe Diana… Depression does a lot to one.. Oh poor Diana.. I want her to get better, frustration seems to be the reason…

  • Amadi victoria chinwendu

    Kelvin should serve as a mentor to husbands out there. Patience, assistance and understanding is the key.

  • nwankwo gift nneamaka

    I prefer the title “saving Diana” poor girl. She should just try and adapt to the country’s style, although starting from the scratch is quite difficult.

  • ugochukwu ogwu

    Diana ohhh Diana…chasing fame when it’s not for you…she should really adapt and I really wish all men could be like her husband who stood up for her…thanks ma

  • Obiorah Emmanuel Paschal

    I think Diana is so lucky to have Kelvin in her life. He’s inspiration to other men I must confess. He refused to give up on her and the God factor is the highlight.

  • MOKOGWU JOSEPHINE

    Kelvin did the right thing, although nothing comes easy these days, Poor Diane, she shouldn’t give up on her career and taking drugs is not how to fix her problems.

  • MOKOGWU JOSEPHINE

    Diane need to be strong and she also need God’s intervention for her to rise up again and be herself like before she started doing drugs , Kelvin is a good husband, he understands her and he didn’t give up on her.

  • Nwokolo Chidera Mirabell

    Introducing God into her life was a very good decision Kevin decided to take, but I dont think it would solve her problem of drinking and taking drugs. Its one thing to tell someone about God, but its another for the person to believe and live in Christ. Most people claim they are born again but are still drug addicts. I hope that his plan works because ‘With God All Things Are Possible’, and I also advise Diane to heed the advise of the producers to collaborate with local artists. A very interesting and wonderful story.

  • Orji Chidiebube Prudence

    Am sure Kevin’s plan will work a great deal… In avid to do this, there is need for patience also cos it involves depression.. Nevertheless, there’s nothing difficult for God..

  • Akwara Agatha Uchechi

    Kelvin is a man with a goof heart. Always supporting his wife and standing by her. Diane should take cover in Christ, because in him she has everything she could ever dream of. When everything seems to be turning against us, we shouldn’t seek comfort in the things of the world. Rather, we should turn to Christ and he’ll always be there for us.

  • Ezeh onyekachukwu c

    Drinks and drugs are never the best resort in life. It is the duty of the man or woman to be a source of motivation and encouragement to each other.

  • Akuma Victor

    Africa is certainly a place for the strong and in being strong a major force formation is having Christ at the forefront, it is good the husband realized this and came up with plans.

  • Anazodo Helen

    What Kelvin is doing for his wife is nice, not all men can do what he is trying to do. Diane on the other hand should know that drugs can’t solve her problem, life in Africa is really hard, she should look for other jobs and leave the rest to God.

  • Morgan Joy

    Kevin’s plan is a sure remedy. Nothing beats sharing the gospel. This story is a lesson to people who lose faith easily. Well done ma.

  • Kosisor

    Kelvin may be able to get her to rehab or even tell her about Christ Jesus but he cannot change her decisions. She has to fully understand that Jesus is the only way and have a deep conviction in her heart.

  • okechukwu victor

    Diane was in a state of bruhaha before kevin realized that the only way to salvage her was that Christ might come Into her so, the question is, is Christ in you.

  • CHINAWAEZE OLISAEMEKA

    Diane should know that God is the architect of our life,no matter how many degree one bag in life without his grace is useless.thank God for her caring husband that always want the best for her and considering to come back and stay with her.

  • Henry onyeka

    I wouldn’t blame Diana for her predicaments. Things were moving smoothly while she was abroad, on returning to her home country her style of music is not valued. Any way that did not give her the room to start involving in drugs and other hard substances, praying to God and finding another perspective was a better option. When something is not working for us the way we planned, we should fall back to God and find another way of tracking the problem.

  • Igboamalu oluchukwu vivian

    Love is what matters after all if not for a caring and loving man like kelvin i wonder what would have been of diane drugs is not always the best approach to situations like this most people misuse drugs snd feel its a way of getting out of any slighest depression they find themselves in drugs will only worsen it and make you feel good for a period of time but the question is have you sought for help from he who is greater than us? It goes to everyone out there living that type of lifestyle? Drugs are not the best to get out of situations like that..

  • DENNIS LYDIA EKPERECHUKWU

    It is only in time of trouble that we can say who truly love us. kelvin is really trying for his wife. Diane have to understand that drug addiction can never be a solution to her problem.

  • Nnachetam Favour

    Depression is a psychological disease that when not properly handled might end in suicide. I believe Kelvin’s next line of action will effect a positive change.

  • Kooyon Abigail A

    Yeah
    Kelvins idea is the best.
    Thank goodness he knows that God has the solution to all problems.My prayer is for Diane to listen to her husband and change her pattern of life.We can’t always get what we desire,she should remember that man proposes alone but the Lord disposes.
    God bless Naija!

  • Kelvin’s character is really worthy of emulation. We should at all times stand by our spouses and help them overcome any difficulty they may be facing.

  • Onyeka Stanley

    Kevin is doing a great job. Even with the current situation he’s passing through, he hasn’t given up on his wife. Love and commitment are what Kevin is sticking to. Kevin is just like God- God loved us while we were yet sinners and He sent Jesus to die for us.

  • Chukwu Oluebube juliet

    Kevin is a true meaning of love,he loves his wife unconditionally despite her flaws

  • Emmanuel chibuike

    Only God can give a lasting solution to a problem and a resort to drug and hard drinks would only make One a worse person. No matter ones state in life, there is need to learn from others and this is what Diana failed to understand. She saw other artists as being local and not of the same standard with her and this is not good. Thank God for the caring husband that brought in Christ and also stood by his wife. Thus the bible says
    And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. – Psalms 9:10

  • In life, it’s best to be with someone who understands and accepts u including our flaws. Kelvin is the man Diana needs and he’s doing his best for her. May God strengthen them.

  • Ugwu Chika Samson

    It is true that the kind of music they sing here is different from that of Dian’s in abroad but it is not enough reason for Diana to get her addicted to drugs and drunk. Am sure that if Kevin knows what he will do to arrest this situation he will surely do it.

  • Duruji Veralin Ogochukwu

    Kevin’s acknowledgement that his wife has a problem and needs God is one step to solving the problem. I pray him and his wife find the strength to fight against the strains that might befall their marriage

  • John Adaobi Benedicta

    Of course, Kevin’s decision to go to the Lord in prayer and preach the gospel to his wife, Diane, is definitely enough to save her because in Him Christ Jesus, all things are possible.
    Kudos to Kevin who knows God’s place in this kind of situation. For all power to save belongs to only Him.
    Well done MA.

  • Nwosu Victoria

    Rehab could work, but the surest solution would be introducing her to God and interceding on her behalf. God can do anything and everything

  • Aniebo Beauty

    His plan would play a role, basically the first step but there is till lot of work to be done. And God is really the last hope

  • Stephens Chinecherem Grace

    Diane had the Nigerian experience. Things here are not always the same as in other countries but that’s the beautiful thing about us. So does it mean Kelvin and his wife do not share the same faith? I find that shocking. Also, her using drugs didn’t just start in Nigeria. I do hope his plans and efforts pay off.

  • Ezeh Chimezie Amos

    I don’t think kelvin’s plans will be enough to save her. I would suggest she goes back to where her kind of music is appreciated.

  • Ugwuanyi Collette Mmesoma

    It can be so heart breaking when your expectations is not met, especially when you have high expectations. Kelvin have a point by introducing Christ to his wife’s life but he still need to take her to where her songs will be appreciated.

  • Aroh Cynthia Chioma

    I really felt good when I came across what Kelvin wanted to do to save her life and marriage by putting his wife behavior in prayer and also preaching to her knowing fully well that with God everything is possible.

  • Kenneth Onah

    “There is always a bad side of virtually everything good”. It’s part of the cross Kevin has to carry in his marriage with Diane. Thank God he later resolved to take the most vital step, which is sharing the word of God with his wife, as that can turn the situation of her wife for better.

  • Igbokwe Rita Chinecherem

    It is very difficult to conquer depression in this life. But it is also very important to hope and believe in God because he has the ultimate solution to every problem.

  • Eze Vivian Nkiruka

    We should not allow frustration,our expectations, or the things we less expect in life and the unfavourable situations around us to take away the good parts of our lives.

  • Nnabuihe Victoria

    I am not saying the plan won’t work but the fact that she has already mad a career out of the kind of music she produce, she might as well thought of returning back abroad since her style of music is not giving her what she hoped it would in Nigeria instead of involving herself with drugs. Sharing the gospel with her would be a good move but returning back to were her style of music is valued will be a very good way to save Diane also.

  • Okoloji kosisochukwu vivian

    So getting high comes with music terrain…..I never knew till date…
    I think checking Diane into a rehab will help.
    Lagos traffic frustrate alot of people daily.

  • Chioma Christy Agbaraka

    Kevin’s plan is the perfect one to save Diane. What she is undergoing can be really depressing and painful… feeling like all hope is lost and you are not good enough and then resorting to drugs and drinks. Indeed with Christ and the fear of God, she would find the strength to fight the addictions that is also a threat to her beautiful marriage.

  • Ebere

    Kelvin has really tried and done his part as human. But only God has the final say,He is the problem solver.

  • Omaga Chiagozie

    Kelvin’s plan is fantastic. What Diane is going through is just a phase that will pass soon and it is only God that can help her out. This Lagos traffic self why is it adding to Kelvin problem.

  • Ezema Uchechukwu

    At first I thought this story would be about the insane traffic conditions in Nigeria but I think along the way you followed your spirit and twisted the plot.
    The story was awesome and I can’t wait to read the sequel. Let inspiration fall and let the ink flow!

  • Levi ifeanyi

    I think the action of Kelvin will be nice with the help of God grace. Moreover, it is always good to know and understand the way things go in the environment you find yourself…in the case of Diane.

  • Ejiofor Emmanuel

    So sad?. I pray she overcomes this depression. Also, Kelvin is a nice husband, I pray he finds strength to help his wife overcome this.

  • Anabude oluchi

    Kelvin perseverance and patience is quite commendable despite all the bad habits the wife had put up, he still held on and was more concerned on how to change the ugly situation and also bringing in God factor unlike what we see today in our society.

  • ochor johnmartins ifeanyi

    This story also shows how cultural differences can pose challenges. As we can see from Diane’s experiences as a foreign artist trying to break into the Nigerian music market reveal how cultural expectations and norms can impact one’s career and personal life.

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