“WHY MAKE A PROMISE?” (SHORT STORY)
Patrick was so relieved he decided to buy a bottle of soft drink from a passing vendor’s cooler to go with the N100.00 moi-moi he was eating. He was sitting at the Faculty of Arts Quadrangle amidst scores of other students, some of who were eating, reading, typing their assignments, surfing the Internet or chatting with friends. The quadrangle had become his favourite spot on campus for cooling off between lectures in the overcrowded classrooms where he scarcely got a seat.
His Nokia 3310 phone was on top of the books beside him and he was certain that at any moment, he would receive a credit alert from his bank. Patrick was a second-year History student and he hadn’t paid his first semester school fees. The university had announced that the online portal for printing school fees receipts and registering one’s courses would be closed that day. After unsuccessfully soliciting for help from so many people in the past week, he had only one ray of hope to meet the deadline: the promise of a cash transfer from his uncle, Matthias, who lived in Abuja.
Matthias was his mother’s elder brother and although a rich trader, he had never helped his family before. Patrick was certain his mother would be cross with him for appealing to her brother because she swore to train her children singlehandedly after he let her down repeatedly in the two years immediately following her husband’s death. But Patrick was hard-pressed and had reached out to every living relative with means that he knew. They all told him they could squeeze nothing out for him because of their immediate family obligations and projects.
“So much for Africa’s much-touted extended family networks,” Patrick had sneered after the last call.
He had even approached his lecturers and got a total of Eighteen Thousand Naira from two of them, half of which had already been gulped by assignments he couldn’t afford to submit late for fear of having poor results.
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(Related: “No One Is God!”)
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In spite of the tough financial difficulty at home, Patrick had never been one to beg in the past. But all efforts to raise the money for his fees and other school expenses during the long vacation had been frustrated by his mum’s ill health. Her diabetes had become so debilitating that she stopped her petty trade in fruits.
Patrick’s two elder sisters had married artisans right after secondary school, one a welder, the other a painter. The oldest girl, Adanna, had three kids in quick succession before becoming a sewing apprentice. Her sons were aged between 5 and 2 and half. The younger, Nwanyioma, had a two-year-old daughter and plaited hair at home. Their meagre contributions couldn’t pay their mum’s medical bills, so Patrick had to sink in all he made as a labourer at construction sites during the long vacation and the strike that followed.
He sent his dear mum, whom he called Omalicha (for she was truly a beauty before the ravaging sickness came calling) to stay with Nwanyioma and her family when he came back to school and still sent them help from whatever he made from working over the weekend or when he cut classes, which had become more frequent than in his first year when his mum was healthier.
Patrick’s late father was a victim of a hit-and-run driver. He had been a carpenter and had worked tirelessly to pay for his children’s education. He specialised in roofing houses and had several young men working for him but he was knocked down by a speeding commercial bus as he was riding his bicycle home after a hard day’s work. Patrick had just entered secondary school when the tragedy occurred. His sisters shelved their father’s ambition to see them go to the university but Patrick’s mum encouraged him to proceed. But by his Junior WAEC year, she became sick and he started his labourer work to help. He devoted a year to it after writing his O’levels to save money to begin his university education.
Paying for his WAEC and NECO exams was a miracle. He had given up hope of taking the exams with his mates but his pastor (a 20-year-old who didn’t finish secondary school himself) surprised him by raising an offering on two Sundays for him. Their church was small: about 100 members, mostly youths. Their offerings were seen as seeds sown to help a needy brother with the expectation that God would intervene to better their lots too
Another miracle helped him to complete his first-year fees even before he accepted the admission. It was on a fateful Friday as he came down to carry concrete to the first floor of a building he and others were working on. He saw a handsome young man in dreads talking with their foreman. He was angry that the contractor was not on site and Patrick learnt he was Chigozie, the owner of the building. He and the foreman began a tour of the ground floor while Patrick continued his work. By his third trip down thereafter, the foreman asked him to run after the visitor and return his PDA which he had forgotten on the ground floor railing.
By the time Patrick got to the main road, Chigozie was entering his SUV (Patrick didn’t catch the model). He tapped on the driver’s window and when Chigozie rolled it down, he breathlessly informed him, “Sir, the foreman says to give you this. It appears you forgot it.”
Chigozie was surprised at how polished the language spoken by the labourer sounded. “Where did you learn to speak that way,” he asked.
“What way, Sir?”
“You don’t sound like a labourer. What are you doing here? Why aren’t you in school?”
“Sir, it’s a long story.”
“Indulge me,” Chigozie insisted. Patrick looked back at the site and Chigozie understood he was worried the foreman might punish him for not returning promptly.
“How much do you make here?”
“It depends on the work available. Today, I hope to get Two Thousand Naira.”
“I’ll explain to the foreman. Go on, tell me your story.” Patrick was unconvinced, so Chigozie gave him Two Thousand Naira.
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(Related: A Way Of Escape)
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Patrick thanked him and gave him his life story in a nutshell. Chigozie, who had also lost his dad at a young age, sympathised with the boy. He reasoned that if his relatives had not picked him up after his dad’s death, he would not be a permanent US resident with the kind of job that enabled him to be putting up this commercial building for his mum’s comfort and sustenance at the age of 28. He wished he earned more, he would have offered the boy a scholarship but he had his mum and poorer relatives to care for plus the huge project (a three-storeyed building) he was handling. Nonetheless, he resolved not to leave him empty-handed.
“You said you’ve got admission. Find out what you need to get started: your initial fees ….”
Patrick interrupted him. “I’ve already done that, Sir. The acceptance fee is Twenty-five Thousand Naira plus Sixty-five Thousand Naira school fees.”
That sounded high for an undergraduate programme. Where do they expect people to come up with that kind of money in Nigeria’s bad economy, he wondered. Or it may be the boy was inflating the figures. Heck, he may not even have got admission but made up the story to take advantage of his kindness. He would need to verify his story before acting. But on second thoughts, he decided to finish with the matter there and then because he had too many things on his plate than checking a poor boy’s story and he was travelling back to the US in a few days. It would break his heart to forget and miss the opportunity of assisting a needy soul.
“How can I transfer money to you?”
“What? You mean now?”
“Yes, I’ d like to help you pick up your admission. A fellow like you doesn’t belong at a site like this.”
“Oh my God! I have an account with First Bank, oh my God!”
“Calm down, okay? I may not give you all you need but I will give you something reasonable. It may be because of you that I’m here today because I’d scheduled to see this site with the contractor on Sunday when no one will be around. I want you to determine to graduate no matter the difficulty. The God who brought me here today will see you through.”
“Amen.”
“So, can I have your account number?”
Patrick recited the number and two minutes later, his phone beeped. Chigozie had transferred Seventy Thousand Naira to his account. Patrick was still thanking him profusely by the time he drove off.
Ever since he had been seeking help to pay his second-year fees of Forty-five Thousand Naira, he had been wondering where all the Chigozies in the world were. He had been asking God to provide him with a sponsor: just one Chigozie to lighten his load. He wasn’t asking for someone to carry his whole burden but just a concerned man or woman to pay his fees so that he would be hustling for his sustenance, levies, books, etc. Plus his contribution to his mum’s care.
By 2 p.m., Patrick was getting agitated. He called his uncle’s line and he brusquely responded, “Nwoke m, how many times will you call me today?”
“I’m sorry, Sir, I just wanted to remind you that today is the deadline for paying the fees.”
“Why are they fixing deadline? Did they give anybody money to keep? And why are they charging you school fees- is that not a federal university?”
[bctt tweet=”Promises, like crying babies in a theater, should be carried out at once.- Norman Vincent Peale” username=”edithohaja1″]
Patrick was worried that his uncle was about to embark on one of his tirades about the failures of the government. He didn’t have the call credit for that, so he focused his response on his problem. “Exams will start on Monday. That is why today is the deadline.”
“Send me your account number. Let me see what I can do.”
Patrick’s heart sank. This latest reply from Matthias was worse than his response earlier in the day: “You don’t have a problem. I will transfer the money to you immediately.”
He reminded his uncle he’d sent him the account number in the morning and added, “I’m sending it again now, to your two lines. Thank you.”
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(Related: God’s Word Never Fails)
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Four hours passed and there was no word from his uncle. Patrick had spent most of his day at the quadrangle hoping to rush to a cyber cafe to generate his receipts, zoom off to a bank to pay the fees and back to the cyber cafe to register his courses.
By 6:30 p.m., he left for the lodge where he squatted with a classmate. His last two calls had been cut by his uncle. Matthias had not changed. He was still as undependable as he had been to his mum, Patrick bitterly thought. What made it worse was that in waiting expectantly at the quadrangle, he had missed his lectures for the day and an unscheduled test in one of them.
“Why make a promise, why hang my hopes like this? Telling me to get lost would have been better!”
Now, he would be looking for not only his regular fees, but an additional Five Thousand Naira in late registration fees. He couldn’t restrain the heaving of his chest and the tears that cascaded down his cheeks as he walked back to the lodge he called home.
-The end-
Ⓒ Edith Ugochi Ohaja 2019
[bctt tweet=”Broken vows, like broken mirrors, leave those who held to them bleeding. – Richard P. Evans” username=”edithohaja1″]
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Thank you ma for the story. It is really motivational. No matter the challenges of life or how life brings it on, we should learn to push further because God never forsakes His children.
Yes, we shouldn’t let disappointments stop us. God is bigger than any problem we can ever face. You are lifted, Emmanuel, in Jesus’ name.
One of the most disappointing things in this life is raising a person’s hope and then letting that person down. Upon all the hardship Patrick was passing through,he was furthermore disappointed… I just imagine the depression he went through when he noticed that the promise made to him wouldn’t be fulfilled. But despite all the storms of life, one thing that matters most is how we rise above challenges and move on with life
Poor Partrick. There is always this problem of finances when it comes to training a bright kid in school. At times, i keep asking myself is it that God selects the bright kids and give them this particular burden to carry. As for Matthias, Patrick’s uncle , I’d say that he exists in every family. Those uncles that wouldn’t want their brothers son to succeed especially if they have seen that the child has a bright future
It really hurts when a promise made is failed. Patrick’s uncle would have told him earlier that he won’t send the money than keeping him waiting and failed to give the money at last… This story makes us understand that we should depend on God for help not man.
Making promises and not keeping is the worst thing to do but we shouldn’t always rely on people as disappointments are bound to happen at any moment..this story tells the life of student on a daily basis
I have personally been a victim of unfulfilled promises, and sincerely, it is a very terrible thing! I really wonder if those who make promises without the intention of keeping them, understand this. I’ve learnt not to make a promise I can’t keep. Thank you so much ma. To all the Patricks out there, hang in, hope is on the way.
Poor Patrick, waiting all day, hoping that his uncle would try to do something good for once. This story has really touched my heart. I do not like it when stories end on such a sad note but I get the whole point anyway. Never make a promise you can’t fulfill, it may cost someone his/her joy. I sincerely hope God remembers Patrick at this his time of need and make all his blessings worth his pains. Beautiful story as always aunty
Praise God, Kat! I love reading your perspective on my posts. I pray for the likes of Patrick that God will open a certain and consistent door of favour to them in Jesus’ name.
One thing we should know is that human dissapoints, can I say its in our gene to do that, though am not trying to Justify what Patrick’s uncle did, but then we humans should not always put our trust on our fellow men, I believe that one who has God is majority already, don’t let any unfulfilled promise way you down, with God you can still scale through. The motto of the primary school I went to was “Determination is success”, put God, determination and no unfulfilled promise will be strong enough to stop you from reaching your goal.
There is no greater fraud than a promise not kept: A friend of mine passed through the same ordeal in her first year. After all the promises made by her uncle to pay her fees, he left her devastated. I believe that God is going to make a way for Patrick. Man fails,but God never fails. Thank you mum for this story.
Thank you too, Favour! I love the saying, “Man fails,but God never fails.” May He steer our feet away from unfaithful people like Matthias. And may His blessings locate all the needy in Jesus’ name.
Wow fabulously made. Ma you are great and inspirational thanks for that wonderful one. It’s encouraging
Just if lecturers and school managements actually understood that students actually go through serious issues and help us by stopping unnecessary increment in school fees and compulsory buying of their textbooks. Well, This is Nigeria!!!
More understanding is definitely needed. It’s important that students seek help early too so that by the time deadlines approach, they may be under less stress. May God supply you with abundant grace and wisdom in Jesus’ name.
There is no greater heartbreak than a promise unfulfilled, ’cause it has it consequences, like the case of Patrick – all hope is lost for him. A promise is a debt, people should try as much as possible to fullful their promises ’cause we don’t know how that little promise can be a game changer in that person’s life.
As sad as it is, Kingsley, I don’t think all hope is lost for Patrick. You are lifted in Jesus’ name.
Is always good to make and fulfill a promise or at least make a promise u can fulfill.
Some people don’t know that when they make a promise, that the hope of the other party involved lies in their hand especially when it involves money like Patrick’s fees.
For me I don’t promise but once I do, I try to fullfill it .thank u ma for the story
Thank God for you, Oma! May your days be filled with God’s goodness in Jesus’ name.
What a tragic story , i was happy he found favour in the middle but at the end things got really bad. Indeed, as the saying goes, “don’t make a promise u can’t fulfill”.
I wish more people kept that saying. Anyway, as Chinenye said, may we encounter the Chigozies and not the Matthiases of this world in Jesus’ name.
This is really a sad one, but so realistic. My heart goes out to those who can’t afford most of their basic needs. It’s really a painful experience but never give up because God will not forsake you at the end. Never!
True and very reassuring, Chioma! Have a blessed week!
The importance of keeping to one’s promise cannot be overemphasized. People should always try as much as they can to keep their words. It’s so unfair to give people false hope.
Patrick’s uncle should have at least called the poor boy to explain the situations on ground rather than ignoring his calls. It seemed like he forgot that a promise made is a debt unpaid. It really hurts when the person that made a promise to you starts avoiding you.
However, we should always pray for the likes of Chigozie to always come through for us…..
Yes, my dear! I thank God everyone is not like Matthias. I pray you encounter the favour you need this week in Jesus’ name.
If only Patrick’s uncle know what Patrick is passing through at the moment,He will never make promises that he can’t fulfill.He allowed the poor boy have him as his last hope but he disappointed him at last when he needed him most.
This story has just thought me not to put my trust and hope on man but on God.
Thank you mar for this food for thought.
Mar? Lol! You are richly blessed in Jesus’ name.
my heart goes out to Patrick, who’s only crime was trusting a relative. A lot of students in the university go through similar ordeal. you could have a course mate who has a similar experience as Patrick. if you know that you can not fulfill a promise, then why make it in the first place, why raise a persons hope only to bash it because of your own selfishness. Breaking a promise is the worst thing you could ever do to a person. just imagine, if God had broken the promise he made to us about life after death, where would we be now. This story thought me that instead of making promises that you can’t keep, don’t make them at all.
At times,we all see this as a mere story without knowing that people pass through hell In reality.many students here in school go through a lot just to make sure they get educated,they fall victims to many things; unfulfilled promises, slavery, depression,e.t.c.Patric’s story is a presentation of it.
This is what some students go through in order to pay their fees .Uncles that will hang your hopes up high to shatter it at d very moment you need it
Most times help come from the people we don’t expect,most relatives don’t care at all but God always answers when you beckon on him
What a tragedy ???
People are not to be trusted in this world. No man should put his trust in the hands of men lest he be disappointed . I pray for every Patrick out there to receive Grace an upliftment in Jesus Name…Amen
I really feel for poor Patrick. I know what that kind of wait feels like as then to be met with disappointment. His uncle should have not promised anything at all when he knew that it would not be fulfilled. Why raise someone’s hope and then crush it to the ground. There are many people like Patrick in this world, I pray that God sends them a miracle helper.
Hmm. What a Wicked uncle. This is tragic, a boy who has gone through hell should not be left with regrets. I enjoyed the story, at a point I was wondering what will become of Patrick. I believe you will continue the story sometime. Good work Ma.
Ma, I’ve seen cases of worse experiences. Cases where not just one uncle is wealthy but many are wealthy and even those the father of the fatherless or orphans help train, they turn a blind ear to their plight. Indeed God is the rewarder of all things if not the cases of these unfulfilled promises from around one even amongst classmates and friends can be very disheartening and discouraging. Thanks for the amazing post ma.
There is a saying that goes like this ,do not expect anything from anyone because expectations always hurt.whenever we are being promised of something by someone that they will do this and that for us,we should not put all our hope on the promises because human beings are dynamic and they can disappoint at anytime especially when you needed it most,looking at the case of Patrick and his present predicaments where his maternal uncle promised him of helping him pay his school fees and at the point in time ,he disappointed him forgetting that things could turn around within a twinkle of an eye whereby Patrick would be in a good position.we should try and accomplish every promises we make to people or rather we shouldn’t pronounce it at all before the person.
God always has a way of sending help to the needy, even during the most difficult times. This story made me to understand the frustration some students pass through when it comes to the issue of paying their school fees. It is really apalling, seeing people suffer to the point of frustration and depression, when they have relatives who are buoyant enough to help them. I pray that God will always send helpers our own way, when we are in need of help.
This story is really telling my first year story in the university……
Thou my dad was not late but things were very difficult for us….
All promises from my uncles was just to fulfill all righteousness ….none was fulfilled
But God has always been my final hope and he has never for once let me down…
I feel for Patrick because I know and feel what he is passing through….
Here am I in my third year….. Living just fine and comfortable…. In times of sorrow…. I always run to God because he has always been my best friend and My comforter
Aunty I really don’t know what prompted you to come up with this piece but whatever it is, it should equally prompt you to come up with a happy ending for it because I am your story and my present predicament can’t just continue like that of Patrick’s. i need a glimmer of hope. Please give it a happy ending, tell me he got to pay his school fees at the end.
It’s impled, Victor! But the story would not bring out the heartbreak that broken promises bring so graphically if it ends happily. The Lord is on your side, my dear!
This is disappointing! I fill for Patrick. why must somebody be so wicked like this. Mathias should understand that no one knows what the future will amount to. Patrick could be his savior in Future. All I will advice Patrick is to look up to God. He Will never forsake him.
oh God, that is how my uncle promised me a whole lot but he is no where to be found now, he even stopped picking my calls. i felt really bad and angry. poor Patrick, i just wished the story never ended because i kept reminiscing if i have ever promised and failed, well sha promises could be broken this days but not on serious notes abeg!
bless up ma.
This story is a sad one. So many student are faced with problems but I love what Patrick is made up of. He is a fighter and I encourage every student to be as hardworking as he is whenever things like this should turn up than quitting.
A lot happen for us to learn lessons”never to put your trust in man,don’t lean on your own understanding,in all your ways acknowledge him,and he will direct thy part”I definitely believe God is still working on Patrick to make him what he ought to be,I pray his uncle will live and see him become somebody in life.God will raise another chigozie,He can,the heart of the king He said is in His hands.Thanks ma for this piece,its indeed motivating.
We should try as possible to keep to our promise, and also we shouldn’t relief much on people.
No matter how bad the condition is keep pushing keep working hard because hard work really pays
While reading this story, I was so touched because in it,I saw the typical ordeal students that don’t depend on their parents face. As Patrick, I would honestly prefer I was told blatantly of the impossibility than to hang my hopes around a person, only to be tossed out harshly at once. Now, Patrick has lost on both ends,both the school fees he couldn’t pay, the lecture he missed, the test he missed and also the additional levy he would have to pay for his late compliance.
On this note, make no promises than make one and don’t fulfill.
Why raise someone’s hope when you will do nothing, it is heart breaking. I have actually learnt that breaking promises is a sin against the heart
It is really a sad story, assuming that Matthias did not promised him of d money, he might not have missed his classes and as well the test, that is the reason why I use to tell ppl that the implication of promise and fail is far beyond the promised made not fulfilled but other harm that follows it, he did not receive the money and he also missed his classes and test on d process of waiting for nothing
A beautiful piece: heart warming, with an uplifting moment, and a tragic ending. This short story has a fine blend of hope, strength, persistence and faith. A story that explores the goodness and faithfullness of God; the goodness and faithfullness of God to those that firmly put their trust in him. It also explores a strong theme of lies, raising the hopes of a desperate being sky high with untrue words and then shattering it to the ground with unexpected and unforseen actions.
At times, God allows some things to happen in order to expose the fake people we have in our lives. Real situation exposes fake people. If Patrick was not having hard times, he wouldn’t have know that his uncle is a fake fellow. But one thing is for sure ; a help of a mere mortal cannot be compared with that of God. That his uncle didn’t help him does not mean that it’s over, rather it simply means that he doesn’t want to be part of his success. All he (Patrick) needs is God’s favour and a little expansion of his effort. It’s not matter of graduating with his mates, it is matter of being there at right time. That is what actually counts.
Nawa o! We are humans and it is understandable that we are prone to disappoint our fellow humans. But it is really wrong to make promises you can’t fulfill. Many people make promises that they know they can’t fulfill just to boost their status quo. Sad thing!!! I pray God helps us. Thank you Ma for this post.
So heart breaking ?…
I had same experience also and know very much how painful it could be.
My dear Patrick wipe your tears, have faith.
Sometimes we go through difficulties so we could learn i.e Gods discipline (Hebrew 12:5-8 ).
Believe me dearest “The God that gave you that ADMISSION will surely give you GRADUATION”.
Your uncle is not your maker nor your destiny holder.
You’re blessed!
Just be strong, your own very miracle is by the corner .
Situations like this often happens. Its heartbreaking promising someone without fulfilling them. People ask for a favour not because they want to but because they are in need and can’t afford it. What we have today is by his grace, let’s use it wisely.
?? hmmmmmm, what an emphatic story, mtchew, man cannot be trusted, why is this? It is because he is man(but this shouldn’t be an excuse for wickedness, making promises you very well know you can’t fulfill is the very height of wickedness) Finally, Man’s whole trust should be in the one who made him, his creator, He’s the one who indeed can and will never fail.
One thing is to make a promise, another thing is to fulfill it. We shouldn’t say wat we can’t do, it better u said u don’t have so the person can have another plans (or not to expect)
Interesting story
God bless u
Ma I believe Matthias is not a good uncle because he knew how important that money is to Patrick. Anyways God will always send a helper for his children and its better not to promise than to promise and fail.
Thank you ma’am for these words. I’ll never make promises I can’t fulfill or keep up to, because in making them, I might end up hurting someone so badly, that the person might not or will never forgive and that will be too bad. Even the bible says “it is better not to make a vow, than vow and not fulfil” Ecclesiastes 5:5.
Good bless you ma.
quite touching piece, I feel me sad when people make promises and fail to keep to keep their word as seen in the story. But one thing I know is certain is God do not forsake his people for example as seen in the way Patrick has been able to pay both his waec and school fees and so do God always make a way
Honestly this story portrays what most of us are going through in life, it only takes God grace for some of us to overcome this bitter moment of life because some will just give up. All I ask God is for his grace to always remain sufficient in our lives
Thank you ma for this story I know it will make us to always fulfill any promise we make and also to help the needy among us in any way we can.
This is such a sad story and to think we don’t get to know how he finally made it. I believe it is safer to never put trust in men, whether they are close or not, familiar or not. But desperate times call for desperate measures. I pray never to be in this kind of situation. Ever. Amen.
Sad. There are a lot of persons who do not fulfill promises they make without weighing the consequences. May God help us as we desist from making vague promises and people like Patrick as well.
Oh my! That’s just the weight of a promise. You don’t realize how well it is valued by the person you made it to, until you fail to keep it. I hardly make promises but when I do, I make sure to keep them. I feel for Patrick and many other Patricks out there. Certainly, God is not asleep, so don’t lose hope. Great piece Ma.
One terrible mistake most people make is their failure to understand that we are here for all of us. It is only when we realise that that person over there is our responsibility that the world would be a sweet place to be. Tomorrow is another day who knows who will help him in the next minute. one thing is undisputable the wicked brings more peril to his life and even the Bible said it that it will not be well with the wicked. Of a truth the uncle is more poisonous than the vipers
Oh poor Patrick, this story reminds me of Jeremiah 9:4 “Let everyone beware of his neighbor, and put no trust in any brother, for every brother is a deceiver, and every neighbor goes about as a slanderer.”
Men are unpredictable, even when they know they won’t help they make false promises. God still remains the solution and surely he must help his people.
Thank you ma for this inspiring story..
Reading this makes me ever grateful to God, for providing and blessing me through my parents; I can’t imagine myself without guidance in a world like this. I pray that God will send help and people to provide for students without means to survive .
I hope this story is fictional o, because it’s doing me like I should go and beat somebody o. Haba, why hang someone’s hope like that, ‘kukuma’ tell him to use the door.
Independence is the word, I loath this uncle and aunty demands, it rarely comes to a fulfilled stage and if at all it does it takes time and pressure.
Did you mean diamonds! Demands don’t make sense in the context. Bless you!
What a sad story, this is really heartbreaking, promises made by man can always be broken, but God never breaks a promise, may God see him through??
The journey of life, is set on a track of pain and suffering. No doubt that this is a fictional story, but at the other end, is a real life story of somebody somewhere. Moreover, for me, what makes a great person different from other people is their experience in life, for the route to greatness is never a plain part. They should remember that to whom trouble is much grace is inexhaustible, the only thing that is required is patience and persistence.
As for those that have Master Degree in promise and fail, you will one-day look up to those people you failed or disappointed.
Finally, Aunty Edith, keep it up, this masterpiece will go a long way of encouraging people who are finding it difficult to make the ends meet in school, that their situation is not the worst, and thereby make room for persistence. Once again thumb up.
This story tell of the struggle of many students in Nigerian University. thank you Ma.
i am really encouraged by this motivational piece. Nevertheless, challenges are bound to come to us especially as students (average) but the way we respond to the challenges shows how matured we have attained. Let us learn to trust God in our lives.
Hmmmm…very disappointing indeed. why make a promise you can’t fulfil?it would have been better if he had said he cannot be of help than raising the young man’s hope and then frustrating him at the end. this is the sad reality of many Nigerian students.
Truth is, time and time again man has prove that he can’t and shouldn’t be trusted. we should only hope in God, the author and finisher of our lives. only He can’t fail us. thank you ma for this eye opening piece.
Thank you ma for the story, this is typically what goes on in the society now, most orphans who have uncles that should assist them in any way they can end up getting disappointed, but God never fails, he is a father to the fatherless so he will surely see his children through their problems.
This is exactly why we should not rely on our fellow human beings because they are bound to disappoint at any point in time. I wonder why some people will make promises when they know they will not fulfil them but end up raising hopes, Imagine Patrick hoping that his uncle will act differently this time, not knowing that he has not turned a new leaf. I wish he finds help.
Well done ma.
They say when one door closes, another opens. Who knows what God has in stock for him?
Has in store*
Wow thank you ma for this educative story. I learnt to be up and doing in any situation just the way Patrick was when he gained admission and God surprised him with chidozie .
Further more not to make promises I can not keep just like Mathias did . But I believe in miracles and I know God will see Patrick through.
It’s better to hit the nail on the head by telling one the truth than hanging ones hope, poor Patrick I pray God helps him by sending another Chigozie and God healing his mum so all his labour won’t be in vain. Wonderful story as always God bless u MA
This is an example of the result we get when we hope and rely on men it is only God that promise a thing and it comes to pass. He assured us with his word saying, “I will never leave you nor forsake u?. That word alone makes him reliable.
I know that feeling.
That moment you have someone as your last hope but the person disappoints.
Its even more frustrating when the person keeps raising your hopes and at the end leaves you hanging and even more pained..
Poor Patrick.
Had it been the Uncle had told him earlier , he would have sourced for another alternative, but No , he kept toiling with Patrick’s emotions. This is indeed the height of it.
PROMISES ARE MEANT TO BE KEPT, OTHERWISE , IT SHOULDN’T BE MADE AT THE FIRST INSTANCE.
This is also a clear sign that we shouldn’t hope in humans but in GOD who never disappoints.
And also, in your everyday lives, make out time to pray for your helpers to locate you at the times of needs, God can’t come down from heaven to help you, its still through humans even as we help other people in the little way we can just like Chigozie.
God bless you Aunty Edith.
On a personal note, I can relate
It is best to say you can’t help than let one down after giving the person hope, very disheartening
Chaiiyaa, some days are like that. How long will he continue praying? How much will he work? It’s just not working out. Good people are very few. Chigozie was surely a multimillionaire whom the economy has nothing on him. Other places Patrick tried to draw help from may have proven abortive due to the state of the economy. It’s not easy for anybody coupled with the stone hearted and inconsiderate people he called his relatives most especially his uncle. He should try his best to abstain from suicide for God always makes a way… right????
this is something common with most uncles from extended families. they make a whole lot o promises, raising the hopes of the ‘Victim’ and letting everything crash when the time comes for fulfilment.
It’s better you don’t make promise than making it and not fulfilling it, it hurts when you set someone’s hope high, bringing the person to a point of looking up to you for something and at the end of the day You fail to do it. Countless times I have encountered this same thing and I can tell how it hurts when it’s coming from a close relation.
This is a true life story of many students especially in the tertiary institutions. In fact, it mirrors my first year experience and my final year now but like the first year, I am hopeful.The sale of properties like phones, laptops and so on in UNN now by students is a function of Patrick’s situation .It takes the grace of God not to think crime and immorality in this kind of situation. The conditions is the brainchild many atrocities committed in schools today among male or and female alike. One of the problem worth looking at as chidozie pondered is the exorbitant amount federal institutions like UNN pay as school fees. Sometimes, some of persons may wanto help u but when they hear the amount involved they run. However, it is bad to make promise that one won’t fulfil. If u can’t add to someone’s life, its better u let them be instead of minusing from their life thereby causing them pain. Above all, there is need to cast all hope in God in difficult situation than on man.
Ezema Onyekachukwu
Aka Ocmoral
In all the years I’ve spent on earth, I’ve learnt that putting your trust in humans especially relatives will bring you nothing but disappointment and insult. So many a times help comes to us in the most unlikely way, so we should always trust in God because He is the only one that keeps his promises, anywhere anytime.
When life comes with it’s tide, it could make for a great script. The story of Patrick I believe hasn’t ended, there’s still more to it. God always makes the best out of everything. It’s well.
Men have proven to be baskets, never put your trust in them because it surely won’t hold.
Its better not to make a promise than make a promise and not fulfill it. Poor Patrick! Had high hopes of one of his problems being solved only to become a victim of promise and fail. If the world was filled with a lot of Chigozies it would be a better place.
The story is a very touching one. Indeed “why make a promise, why hang my hopes like this? Telling me to get lost would have been better!” This got me thinking of all the times my hopes had been dashed by unfulfilled promises. Never expect anything from anyone just keep an open mind in your dealing with humans but above all Our hope should be In the Lord for He alone never disappoints.
Things happens for a reason,its obvious that Patrick’s uncle is fake.
He never keep to his promises,hard times like this,is when you know people that matters to you.thank God Patrick is a fighter,though he was disappointed because he was not expecting this but with God all things are possible.
I feel for Patrick. Nevertheless, our God never sleeps nor slumber. I know He will intervene divinely. Because, His word said, ‘ He is close to the brokenhearted.’ We should try and avoid making promises we know we cannot fulfil. Nice one ma!
It’s very heartbreaking to make a promise you cannot keep. However, I feel that the young man should not have hinged all his hope on his uncle, knowing that he had disappointed in times past. Nice story ma.
Promise and fail is like hit and run. Giving someone a glimpse of hope this minute and disappearing the next minute. I feel for Patrick shaa. Most times human beings are like that. Nobody is trustworthy, not that they can’t be trusted but that sometimes it could be because of unforeseen circumstances. This is a nice piece of work.
what a sympathetic story . I really felt for patrick .. My derivative from this story is that no matter how disappiontments tends to be a stumbling block in our road to sucess.. we should always raise our head high and keep pushing . Cause there is saying “destiny can be delayed but can never be denied “
POOR PATRICK, Please, don’t just promise me if you won’t do it oo!! I just understand how he feels. It is not so easy to face such especially when it has to be missed with a suspense. It is only the miracle of God that makes such to work out…..I just feel for him. Such a touching story.
It is really motivational. No matter the challenges of life or how life brings it on, we should learn to push further because God never forsakes His children.I know that feeling. That moment you have someone as your last hope but the person disappoints. Its even more frustrating when the person keeps raising your hopes and at the end leaves you hanging and even more pained.. Poor Patrick. Had it been the Uncle had told him earlier , he would have sourced for another alternative, but No , he kept toiling with Patrick’s emotions. This is indeed the height of it. PROMISES ARE MEANT TO BE KEPT, OTHERWISE , IT SHOULDN’T BE MADE AT THE FIRST INSTANCE. This is also a clear sign that we shouldn’t hope in humans but in GOD who never disappoints. And also, in your everyday lives, make out time to pray for your helpers to locate you at the times of needs, God can’t come down from heaven to help you, its still through humans even as we help other people in the little way we can just like Chigozie. God bless you Aunty Edith.
From my little life experiences, I have learnt that it is better to lean on God’s promises in his word. If someone promises me something, I do not lean on his/her promises wholeheartedly to avoid disappointments. However, I pray to God concerning these promises for his will to be done. If the promise is not fulfilled, I will not feel down because God knows the best for me and the promise was not meant to be fulfilled.
Wow!
What an interesting story! Thank you so much ma for this write up.Why I am personally excited about this story is because I have experienced something like this.God has a way of rendering helpers when we are helpless. Patrick never thought that his school fees will be paid until Chigozie came to his rescue.
One thing that people need to learn is that promises are made to be kept. You don’t just raise someone’s hope and turn him down at last is very bad instead be bold enough to tell the person that you can’t be of help to him/her. In the case here Mathias would have told him that he can’t help that way Patrick would have saved the little credit he wasted in calling him.
Patrick is an hard-working young man but his mother’s brother is a wicked man, he wouldn’t have promised Patrick when he knew he would not fulfill his promise, he has forgotten that God gives all things
Disappointment should never limit you from achieving and moving high, there’s alot of disappointment from uncle’s and aunties.. it’s not a new thing to people like us
When u HV an IMPOSSIBILITY SPECIALIST , HE never fails. Patrick got a miracle in his first year and God will still do it again.
Uncle’s are never reliable but in future they always want your help
It hurts so much when people promise and fail.but God never fails that is why we should cast all our cares on him.
So many at times people promise and don’t fulfil it honestly is terrible any promise you make be sure you stick to it for it is better not to promise than to fail
If there is one thing I know so well, unfulfilled promise hurts one’s soul deeply. And most especially when you put the barely sustained hope on one (humans). I can imagine how the poor lad, Patrick may have felt when his uncle betrayed his trust and hope once again just as usual and missing a test too (double tragedy). I sincerely still don’t understand why people make promises, knowing they don’t have any will power to fulfill it, consequently, leaving those that depend on them hopeless and frustrated (So, “Why Make promise?” I ask too)… I just pray that God will always send us Chigozies in a time of such need, amen!
In situation like this it is not advisable to put “all your eggs in one basket “. Patrick only depended on his uncle at that last minute though he asked many people before his uncle, but knowing the kind of person his uncle is he should have been prepared for both the good and the worst. I think also to the University management they should try as much as possible to reduce the levies on students, cause it will really go a long way in relieving the load.
Trust in God and you would not be put to shame, God sends our help through humans like us in times of trouble and His word says that we should call upon Him in the times of trouble that he will answer us. Our ugly situations should not weigh us down because God liveth. In Jeremiah 29: 11, 12 and 13 is for those who trust Him. Human beings can disappoint, just like Matthias uncle but God never disappoints, all it need is patience. Finally, we should not promise what we cant keep.
Nothing hurt more than being disappointed by the very person you thought would have never hurt you.
just like it goes “Promises are like the full moon, if they are not kept at once they diminish day by day. One must have a good memory to be able to keep the promises one makes.
It is frustrating, annoying and it kill the morale, let learn to keep our words when we let it out. be bless
Personally I think that one’s ability to make a promise and then make due on his words is what signifies maturity and responsibility as an adult ….it’s really bedevilling for sameone to make a promise and give another hope only to keep such individuals hanging,,but what can I say? It’s the trademark of the generation we live in.
I trust Gods faithfulness. I know someone currently going through such challenges and I know that even if it does happen the way we expect; God will surely send help.
Thats life for you when you have so much trust on family member who secretly wants your down fall.
Many people in this school are passing through this hell even at that they still cultivate the hope that relative will do something .
I pray that every student affected that God should surprise them.
What a world! Thinking of what some persons go through in trying to get a better future with the authorities unending resolve to constantly increase fees. Would there be a part 2? If yes, I hope he meets another Chigozie and eventually gets to pass out in flying colours.
“Why are they fixing deadline? Did they give anybody money to keep? And why are they charging you school fees- is that not a federal university?” The above statement was convincing enough to signify that he did what he did out of wickedness not that he can’t provide the school. Because if actually he wasn’t able to provide the money there is a pleasing way he would av used to show that he couldn’t meet up due to some reasons ……………Meanwhile there is no peace for the wicked.Whatever goes around comes around, the law of karma.
How sad, and the reality is that there are so many Patricks out there.
May God meet us all at our points of needs.
God bless you ma for this piece. I’m one of the Patrick out here. I have experienced something similar to this and the worst is that it hurts really bad. Expectations they say hurt and it hurts more when someone promised you something but never fulfilled it. It is well and no matter how difficult it seems at that moment, it shall still pass. God bless you ma.
I have experienced this before, it is heart breaking. It is better you don’t make any promise at all than making a promise and not fulfilling it.
This word PROMISE is what we should not joke with for its sometimes hurt deeply when you depend on someone for something and the person turns you down.but my advice to Patrick is not to depend on people because its only God that can promise and keep to it.
A promise made is a debt owed… And it is a very painful feeling to put all your hope in someone or something only to have it crashed at the 11th hour. It is even better not to make a promise at all than make the one you cannot fulfil.
I pray God helps Patrick and every other student in that situation .
It’s true that I’ve never found myself in such a situation but I can imagine the kind of hurt Patrick must have gone through. It’s a heartbreaking experience, and I pray God meets him and others in his shoes at the point of their needs.
Promise is as old as man. The creation of man was a promise. In the Garden of Eden, man promised God faithfulness but failed in the end. A promise is like a covenant and should be kept securely.
This is just one of the pitiful stories making the rounds in our society,the trend needs to change, i fell for Patrick and wish i know him personally as i for one would have helped,but we pray for a better system of government as that will go along way to solve our problems as for his uncle and all those who failed to help him purposely ,they should just wait and see
Life can be indeed very turbulent and disappointing. Humans, especially ones who have proven over time to be undependable should not be trust. People are not always reliable, not because they don’t want to be, but sometimes because of factors beyond their control. Only God can be trusted. Patrick, in my opinion, did everything he could, but sometimes, life doesn’t always turn out the way we expect.
Why make a promise you wont fulfil?
Broken promises can be very annoying.
An uncle has done this to me before, I was soo angry because he raised my hopes for nothing.
It is well Patrick.
There is always light at the end of a tunnel
I pray that this kind of predicament will not befall me or any member of my family because its unbearable.
This is so heart touching, considering that things like this are actually happening and we don’t get to hear or help .
Its quite a pity, making a promise is not the problem at all but fullfilling the promise that is were wahala dey. I can’t Imagine the pain and how fraustrated patrick is, i pray, GOD will see him through and other Nigerian students whose case is like his as well.
Many people are pretty casual about making promises .As a result, promises are frequently made at the drop of a hat with No intention .
Bad energy everywhere, how can you promise something and end up not fulfilling it, this is the situation of some students in the university. Its actually heartbreaking and in this situation it has caused the boy a lot, if not he would keep on finding help. But on a second thought no one knows the uncles reason for not fulfilling..
God blesses us in other for us to be a blessing to other but some people look at it only at the aspect of self interest and not in other interest to help, which shows that some people derived joy in seeing people suffer to the point of frustration just as in the case of patrick who so much trusted his uncle mathias in his promise to help him pay his shows fees but was unable to fulfill his promise leaving him frustrated even though he has the money to help, not knowing that there is a statement that says, “NOBODY KNOWS TOMORROW”
Promises are nice but not when it is not realistic. Promise when you are sure of redeeming them instead of hanging people’s hope.
This is an intresting and yet sympathetic story we all get disappointed by humans and most times we don’t learn from our mistakes we always keep the faith moving by asking from them still hope to get assistance i pray patrick gets all the necessary help he needs and be seen as a testimony of God’s providence.
Well, how painful it is for one to dash your hopes. I have been a victim of unfulfilled promises but I always thank God that “man is not God and doesn’t hold our destiny.” To all the Patricks out there, hold unto your faith and never give up for God is still in the business of doing miracles and supplying all our needs. You will emerge victorious. The battle is not lost yet.
Bless you, ma, for this uplifting post.
You know there are some promises that goes without being fulfilled yet have less or no effect on us at all. But this one, does uncle Mathias want to kill the boy?
the only way out in this world’s struggle is to hold unto God. anyone in Patrick’s shoe will feel so frustrated and dejected; Humans fail but God can never fail you.
Such is life….. I feel so bad for Patrick. I can imagine how he felt at that particular moment. It is better to simply tell a person that you cannot help him or her so the person will look for another alternative, rather than dashing the person’s hope to the floor. Let your yes be YES and your no be NO. But remember: What goes around comes around.
It’s better for one not to make a promise than make a promise you can’t keep
This is a very touching story. People are really suffering. But why make a promise you know you won’t be able to fulfil? It’s not nice at all. I always hate it when people lift my hopes high for nothing.
This is really sad but realistic. The world we live in is a strange place where people come up with promises they can keep.promises are meant to be kept not broken.i believe that all hope are not lost for Patrick. Nice piece ma
Many students deal with difficult situations in school and the problem of finance is one of them. You will never know how it feels like to wake up most mornings and you have to contend with how to meet your basic financial needs for the day vis-a-vis paying of some dues and purchasing some essential and compulsory textbooks. Oftentimes, some get so frustrated and drop out halfway while others continue to struggle to make ends meet. The worst hope you can give to someone in need is false hope. Thus, do not make a promise when you have no intention of fulfilling it. Please always help students with financial or any form of difficulty in the way possible.
Patrick’s drive and determination is very motivating and Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not: nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not: the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.
If there is thing I strictly avoid in life, it’s making promises. I stay away from such situations because promises are difficult to keep just the same way glass cups are fragile. I tell you point and black that I am not capable of doing it Instead of leaving someone hanging.
This was a wonderful story by the way.
The world we live in today is just so mysterious. This story is motivational, it helps us to know that in life there’s always a solution to all problems in that of Patrick. And also don’t make promises that you can’t keep, hurting others in the process. Thanks ma’am for such a nice story.I’m grateful ma’am.
This is interesting, God has a way of doing things even at last minute, he could send a help but I wonder what people gain to make promises they would not fulfill, may the likes of chigozie never ceases to exist in this earth because they are God sent.
I remember the day I called my uncle and said to him that I was hungry and needed to buy food and as well buy some food items to sustain me for the weekend. He said “okay”, and his voice had this enthusiasm that made me feel hopeful. He gave some instructions to carry out at the ATM, I quickly did everything but sadly, I didn’t see alert oo. I called him and he requested for my account number which I quickly sent. Ma, till this moment, I have not seen alert, and when I traveled home last session, he never spoke of it.
The worst kind of promise and fail behaviour is the one done to us by our family. It’s painful, really.
Oh God! This story is so touching that it made me go emotional. This poor boy is really passing through a lot. It would have been better the uncle never made that promise, now Patrick is left more broken than he was before the promise. Raising his hopes and letting him down at the end, this is not just fair. I hope he prays and I pray he pulls through.
This is just a practical manifestation of the odeal people are going through in the society today as a result of unfulfilled promises.
Perhaps,we should acknowledge not to put our whole eggs in one basket.
I pray that we all will keep locating Chigozie’s personality,who will promise and fulfill instantly,and not Mathias type.
Thank you ma for this wonderful piece.
I have been a victim of failed promises and honestly it hurts deeply…it would have been much better if matthias didnt promise him at all ,instead of raising his hopes .honestly i hate the thought of asking extended family relations for any help whatsoever.
When there’s hope there’s a way, I know the country is hard and I have a lot of friends going through the same ordeal but I always advise them to have hope because we serve a living God because there are trials before breakthrough and on the other hand people shouldn’t make promises they won’t be able to fulfill
Instead of giving people hopes and disappointing them at the end, its better we don’t make promises we know we can’t stick to. The effect isn’t too good.
Life is not easy at all. I also have uncle’s like that, after promising they will do nothing about it. The worst is that I won’t even beg them. They will call me themselves and promise me money only for them to abandon me after promising. I always asked myself this same question ‘why make a promise when you won’t fulfill it?’.
The Uncle is a heartless one. Probably, if he had not promised initially, Patrick would have sought for alternative. It is wrong to hang people’s hopes and give them disappointment.
Really felt the pains that Patrick must have been through. Notwithstanding the disappointments we get from men, we should try not to give up because we have a greater God. I pray for more chigozies in our lives.
I just pray suicide doesn’t emerge as the next and only alternative. Let’s cast our burdens unto the feet of Christ because he alone can make them easy and light as feathers. Trust no man but God. Man is unpredictable and dynamic.
i personally have been a victim of failed promises , especially from loved once, they get ur hopes high and dash it off at their own disposal. i think its rather good not to make promises one cant fulfill, unfilled promises hurt like a knife to the back.
I feel for Patrick. Many students face similar situation today and it is only God that will help us because while some of them raise alarm and do not get help, a whole lots of others die in silent and depression. I must also commend the benevolence of Chigozie and we need more of his type today.
this is a catchy one.when everyone fails, God nevers.All look unto the hills where cometh my help.it is better you surprise somebody than to promise the person and live the person hope dashed.promise sometimes is one concept people fail to understand as it can lead to so many things.like depression, sadness,some can be disapointed that they can take their life.we should all be careful wit it.
An amazing piece ma,people should not promise when they know the can not deliver.in a society like ours where men fail everyday we should be wise never to put all eggs in one basket.if men were God i would imagine where we would be now.promise is a commitment you have entered and must live up to it.if i know i cant do something.i wont promise or i would wait and try my best to make sure i shock the person with a the prize or thing.a good surprise is commendable than a shattered heart or hope.
I sincerely don’t think relatives owe us anything.
But that’s not the point of the story. The point is the act of breaking promises.
Uncle Matthias should have turned down the request from the get go. To promise and to wilfully fail is callous, irresponsible and immature.
Hopes like flowers should be tended with the most fragile considerations. Most times, it’s all we have to hold on to and to raise it and let it drop is really saddening.
A good number of young people have this same story to tell and it’s discouraging.
There’s more dignity in flatly turning down requests than promising with no intention of fulfilment.
The sad truth is that both the anticipation and disappointment can break down a formally strong spirit. As much as circumstances might change someone’s condition making the person unable to fulfill their promises but we should try to do whatever we promise because the other person on the receiving end whom their condition could be worse of might have put their whole hopes on you
Promises are meant to be fulfilled, don’t give someone hope when you know that you won’t meet up with the expectations. It’s so unfortunate that Patrick is a victim of circumstance.
Life is always full of twists. some people are like the sun while some are like the dark clouds in our lives. Despite that, persistence and determination should be a watch word.
This is wonderful, it feels like a true-life story and it reminds me of several needy people. I guess one major thing I learnt from this story is hardwork and honesty definitely bring good yields. Also we should not let dissapointment be the end of our quest in life.
This story sings the song of so many broken hearts torn apart in the clutches of broken promises.
I can actually relate with the story tho, on so many levels. A marvellous piece it is ma.
Sadly, most uncles are like this. Personally I don’t like to depend on people for anything because in the end, it’s all promises upon promises. It’s best not to get your hopes up and smashed. My advice to anyone who has been promised anything by any relative, don’t think too much or raise your expectations too high. Once it comes to giving, people change..
This is a nice story Ma……I learnt a great thing from this write up. Do not put all your hope on a mere promises made by man because we are human and are subjected to change any point in time.
There is nothing impossible for God to do,he knows our problems and he will solve it for us.
Just put your trust in him than your fellow human being,they may disappoint you but can not disappoint. Just hope on God ,Some people are saying their is no God but their is God.One day he will do it for you.
People pass through hurdles in life ,the best you can do is to lend a helping hand and be nice.Don’t make a promise you can’t fulfill,I know the feeling,it hurts badly . According to Richards P Evan ” Broken promises are like broken mirror.It makes the heart that held them bleed”.If you know you can’t keep it, don’t make one.Also,I want Patrick to hold firm to God,trust him with all your heart.He is the father to the fatherless and from his story,I can tell, the Lord has been faithful to him. These are tough times,it doesn’t last long but tough people do.
A touching story this is. However, I don’t want to believe this story is like The Greek Tragedy. I want to believe that Patrick was able to pay his fees as well as write his exams peacefully.
Lastly, to those that make empty promises, please learn from this story. It’s better to let your stand be known early, so that people expecting will look elsewhere.
Thank you, Dr. Edith Ohaja. Remain blessed!
That was so bad of mattias. Indeed why make a promise u know u can’t or u won’t keep???? I mean when people do certain things they should think whether if that same things was done to them would they like it? I am sure the matthias had kids too. If something was to happen someday and he died and it was only Patrick alive to help how would he feel if Patrick did the same thing to his kids??
Meanwhile I know the economy is bad but we should take a leaf out of chigozies book to help people in need especially when we have and we know deep down that we can help.
Sometimes, God blessed us so that we can help bless other people and in doing so our reward keepso increasing.
I have been a victim before, so I really understand how Patrick will feel.
Why will you promise a student money school fees for that matter knowing fully well that you are not sure of fulfilling it.
after reading this short story but i ended up finding it wasn’t short, though its really painful for someone to make a promise to u and end up not fulfilling it, i have been in such situations myself, so i know how painful it can be. i really felt for the young man in the story.
One thing people fail to understand is when you make a promise try as much as possible to fulfill it. When you make a promise to someone at the point the person needs it and later end up not fulfilling it, you have done nothing other than hurting the person. I can imagine the feeling Patrick had when his uncle didn’t fulfill his promise. Just like someone stated above, “man fails but God never fails”. In all we do let’s hope and look unto God who makes promises and fulfills them.
This so unfair,this story just made me drop a tear…….indeed humans can’t be trusted,some end up giving fake hope and promises,when they know deep down they will never fulfill it….
I also had such experience with my uncle,his own was even worst because he keeps saying “don’t worry,I will send it very early in the morning”……you call again he will say “give me 10minutes u will see it”…….you call again “I hv sent it already,just call me whenever you see the alert”. For over two weeks I saw nothing and his not even picking up again…..
I know what it feels like to be in that kind of situation but I believe God will surprise him cause he did same to me.
Why make a promise when you know you will fail, why say to your neighbour go and come back again when it is in your power to do it. The thing that hurts me so much is the fact that his uncle has the money, but yet refused to give him. Instead of telling him “no”, staightaway, so that he look for another alternative, he gave him hopes that he will give him the money and after everything he failed.
Hopes are like little threads a person hangs on too, that why we shoild never trust a man with it if not God, Patrick was a victim of hoping on the wrong man and was let down from a high place, a very sad story. Exactly why would we make promises or lead on if we know its all for nothing and won’t be fulfilled, I really hope for this not to happen to me or anyone I know.
It is better not to promise than to promise and not fulfilling it. It hurt so much. Patrick uncle didn’t do well at all. It is better he didn’t give him hope. That is totally disappointment. My advice for Patrick is that he should trust in God , He must surely make a way for him.
God always remember his children in the time of difficulty… We should never trust are fellow humans they are never straight forward … Thanks Aunty for this story
Why making unfulfilled promises when u can actually surprise them with what so ever u intended to give. We should know that making fake promises to people is just like lying which is a sin to God. we should avoid making promises when we are happy cause that when most people make fake promises.
Great story ma’am, life treated Patrick and everyone pass through this kind of ordeal bad and the people like Matthias makes matter worst, it hurt more when it is your family member that disappointed you.
How will he write the examination but I know he is a survivor and he will succeed like chigozie because God is his strength.
In life, only make promises you could fulfil or you would just be contributing to people’s heart break or worse, untimely death.
A lot of Patricks are out there, struggling and hoping for a better and conducive tomorrow, we trust on only God to pave our paths.
This story reflects to my everyday life. My uncle actually do it too but is not good to promise someone without keeping it, it brings up high hopes and breaking the promise can cause sadness. Thank you ma for giving us the chance to communicate our thoughts.
I saw this post earlier on Facebook and I read through till the end. Seeing it here, I just couldn’t scroll it away. I’m so not happy with whatever Patrick’s Uncle did to him. Personally, I’m beginning to spite this so-called man. Although, we can’t tell the circumstances that must have prevented him to sending the promised money. Regardlessly, Making unfulfilled promises at such vital moments is, to me, termed “Wickedness”.
The state in which Patrick is at this moment is one that can result to him taking drastic steps, like taking his own life. This story can be picked up as an example for looking at the many undergraduates all over Nigeria, who, in one way or the other find themselves in such situations. Could unfulfilled promise be what you can offer to such students?
This is a nice piece, I pray Patrick find another help like the one sent him by God during his first year. At this point, all he needs is God; Him alone can help him in all ramifications including, a quick recovery of his Mother.
Sometimes when people ask us of something, we reply saying ” okay I will get back to you ” when actually we can’t help, but we just say so to give the impression that we wanted to help,it may seem like a simple statement but the person who needs the help sees it as her last drop of hope and at the end,she leaves with disappointment. It will not always be financial help,let’s learn to only make promises we can fulfil.
In addition,Patrick is a fighter, a hard working boy so determined to succeed, his relations especially his uncle should be proud of him and support him in his education but no, he prefers to make promises to him which he never intends to fulfil,if Patrick should venture into crime, he ( his uncle ) would be very careful not to associate with him,but he is not a criminal and his uncle still doesn’t want help him, so unfair.
It is better not to promise than to promise and fail. Life is not smooth sailing, when things turn out wrong, do not think all is gone.
.Uhmmm, would have loved to share my story but… I’m going to talk from my experiences, I learnt not to put my hope on human beings but on God. I don’t expect anything from anybody so as not to be dissapointed, disappointment comes only when we expect something from someone and he fails. I believe no one is born to help me unless they are chosen by God, that’s just me. For Patrick, I believe the God who made his admission possible still has better plans and can still do it, after all gold must go through the blast furnace to be gold. Thanks, ma.
Patricks story should be a motivational one to us, and also a reminder that life isn’t always going to be fair to everyone. Even though what his uncle did was wrong we are encouraged to keep on struggling with what life throws at us and make the best out of it. So that we wouldn’t get disappointed.
Truly, what Patrick’s uncle did to him is so unfair and also an act of wickedness. One should never make a promise he knows that he has no intention of fulfilling. I can feel Patrick’s pain because I was once a victim of promise made but never fulfilled. Its always frustrating and unbearable but with God all things are possible. My advice to Patrick and to all the people outside there with related issues is to never loose hope, because I believe that with God, no hope is lost. You just need to hope and trust in God. God never fails.
So touching, I feel like crying right now. Though this happens and its normal with relatives, so long as you are not their biological children they can’t really pay more attention to you. And the painful thing is most of them promise you things they will never give. So sad
if you have never been disappointed by your own family, you never start because they should be your last hope, and when your last option fails, it so painful. that is why we should put our trust in the lord because He never fails.
What a world! Indeed when promises are made to people, it lighten up their world and bring relief but not fulfilling it chatters everything. Patrick was very calm if not if it’s someone else thinking about everything you’ve missed and all the situations, it’s brings depression and thereby causing one to commit suicide, drop out, make wrong decisions. A promise is a debt. Be faithful and truthful enough to keep our promises if not why make them? God Bless You ma!
Keeping promises is the act of building trust, but when one is disappointed, it pains but it takes a great mind to understand that Jesus is the only promise keeper.
Well, I expected him to be disappointed at the end. For a man who let his sister down and is stingy to even his relatives I will always expect a broken promise.
It’s so painful! I understand the feelings of Patrick. People don’t seem to understand that efforts are better than promises. You don’t say what you can’t do. Its always better to be silent than making unfulfilled promises. At the end of it all, Jesus is the only promise keeper.
This is a really heart breaking story. I can’t even imagine being in such situation.
We shouldn’t make promise we can’t fulfill. If his uncle had told him that he cannot help him then that would have been better but instead he gave the boy hope and the boy trusted him ( we should not rely soley on one person). His uncle didn’t only fail him but he made him waste a whole academic day and time.
This kind of thing is what brings about depression and the thought of suicide.
I pray that God will give us the heart to Love and always help others in need. Amen! Thank u ma!
We all get disappointed by humans and most times we don’t learn from our mistakes we still press the button of help from them and hoping they become our “chigozie” even after several disappointments .we’ve all been through several and related issues like that of patrick’s and i pray that God sees him through.
Most times i wonder if these so called uncles want the best for us. He could have simply told him earlier that he cant help him instead he gave him false hopes.
Patrick’s uncle is just like many people who make promises they cant keep. Finally, we should learn not to put all our eggs in one basket.
Sad one!
What I don’t understand is the need to make a promise knowing fully well that the chances of fulfilling them are slim. It is understandable when you make a promise you can keep but unforeseen circumstances do not allow you to keep them. We should try and keep to our promises because the person on the receiving end might be in more need of the fulfilled promise than we are in need of them or try not to even make one aloud
It is never safe to put all your hopes on man,some people disappoint. Ask in faith and if it doesn’t come, you will be sad but not broken
Wow! the story of Patrick left my mouth agap. The story is quiet disheartened,
His uncle imposed what is called “character assassination”. Promise and fail can lead into depression and pessimistic.
Chigozie was sent by God to stand as an object of help to Patrick at that prelius time.
Patrick is a hard-working boy and from the whole scenario, it is obvious that God is with Patrick and at the end, he will turn to be one, a great man.
Very touching story Patrick is a very hard-working young man but he uncle is every wicked forgetting that God gives everything .And chigozie is a saviour if only there was a chigozie in everybody’s life in the world would be a better place.
We all get disappointed by humans and most times we don’t learn from our mistakes we still keep pressing the help button from people hoping they’ll see that we really need help …..but like it is said MAN IS NOT GOD i pray patrick finds his CHIGOZIE quicker than expected.
Wow! This legit brought me to tears and I really felt this boy’s pain…
This removes any entitlement mindset I have towards anyone because no one really owes me anything….. I thank God for his grace in our lives and I pray he comes to the aid of all those in similar or worse situations..
Patrick really passed through pains but l love his determination to succeed despite his critical condition
This is exactly what happened to me.
The best thing is never to depend on humans solely we should always look up to God in times of our need.
God is the only being that will never forsake us because he said in his word “ask and you shall receive ” Patrick’s uncle knew that he won’t fulfill the promise…that is human being for you. Making a promise and never fulfilling it. Thank God for Patrick’s determination.
I hate it when people promise to do something and later don’t do it. For me, it’s better to surprise me than give a word you can’t keep. Even if you promise me a sachet of water, ah…. I will always remember it until you get it for me.
I pray and hope that God provide chigozie to every Patrick out there…
I can so much relate to this story. But i have learned not to depend on anybody. when we depend so much on people, we might be really disappointed. It is not wise to promise something that can not be fulfilled. it is better not to make a promise than make it and disappoint the person. it might be that the persons welfare depends on that promise and be really heartbroken when disappointed. .
People always end up disappointing their fellow,uncle Matthias should have just told Patrick that he couldn’t afford his fees than giving the young man hope and making him regret asking for help.
I know of many people who are going through this,it hurts to be disappointed by someone close to you.
I can relate to this story and sincerely speaking, it is disheartling. I just pray that we will have more chiagozie than Mathias.
To think that people actually go through things like this is heartbreaking! May God grant anyone like Patrick the heart to endure and provide a helper for them.
This story brought tears to my eyes, failed promises, poor Patrick! I can’t stop imagining what many Patrick(s) in the world are going through, this is why most times, we see the female Patrick(s) going into prostitution and the male Patrick(s) indulging in one crime or the other. I pray God keeps sending Chigozie to those who needs help, may we not be force to indulge in crimes out of depression due to disappointments, may God see us through IJN. Amen.
Poor Partrick. There is always this problem of finances when it comes to training a bright kid in school. At times, i keep asking myself is it that God selects the bright kids and give them this particular burden to carry. As for Matthias, Patrick’s uncle , I’d say that he exists in every family. Those uncles that wouldn’t want their brothers son to succeed especially if they have seen that the child has a bright future
Humans are unpredictable, that is the main reason why we shouldn’t expect high of anybody in order to avoid disappointment cause men may fail but Jesus never fails, He remaineth the God of last minute.
This story is the exact replay of my story but I thank God cause He proved Himself GOD.
If we can’t help others why hurt them further.? Things are terrible lately and the economy is not helping matters but we shouldn’t be a greater burden to people who are trying to survive, just a smile can save a soul and one harsh word can kill it!
Patrick really passed through tough times but in the mist of it he was determined to succeed, the only person you can trust is God for everything you need.
i can actually understand how that situation feels like becuase its happnd to me at my entry into the university
my dad was very sick and i just got aadmission ,everyone said dia was no money ,then one of my sorry but stupid uncles now assured me of my acceptance fee and even school fees bt like pat
on the d day ,but the accptance and school fees
i didnt see.
its was really a miracle dt am in school today ….its only God that does not disappoint
only God
Reminds me of a saying”there is no greater fraud than a man that does not keep promises”
It is rather important though to cast all our hopes on the Almighty in whom we can be assured that all promises will be kept.
Why will he make such promise and gave him high hopes when he knows that he wouldn’t fulfill it. I just pray that I wouldn’t find myself in this situation because I wouldn’t know where to start
It’s not good to make a promise and not filfill it. What Patrick’s uncle did to him was not proper. He would have helped eventhough it was a little. We should try and help people in need in any little way we can because as we give, God will surely multiply our purses and shower his blessings on us.
Hmmm…
Such a world we live in… Rising someone’s hope just to crush it in the end…. A story that opens our eyes to the reality of the universe… Thank you very much ma for this… I got a lot of inspiration from this and motivation to strive harder…
I wonder how people claim to be family and still behave as though you were a total stranger to them .That you have today doesn’t mean you Will tomorrow. This has taught me not to keep my hopes on men. Thanks ma for this eye opener.
What a wicked world, even to your own relative that you total know everything about their families, it is not good Matthias. I hope Patrick will find another chigozie.
Do to others what you expect others to do for you.
Love your neighbour as God loves you.
No just Patrick but many people suffer what he suffered today. I think its best we ask God to provide for us because putting our trust in man will only disappoint us and hurt us.
This is a heart melting story indeed, I can’t imagine the pains Patrick must be going through in this king of frustrating situation but i pray that God will help him find a way out of this terrible situation.
I believe there is still hope for the poor Patrick, because one of my ardent believes is that, sorrow may last all the night, but sincerely joys comes in the morning, and equally there is always light at the end of the tunnel. He might be passing through his sorrowful moments now, but the God that gave him admission and fees to pay in the beginning, will equally steer his feet to a joyful moment. Though, it will be late payment, the God that pours down hope when there is hopelessness will see him through, I strongly believe in that. Thanks ma.
There’s a wise saying on having expectations, as men being men are fickle and will leaving you hanging and ultimately disappointed at the end. Having this information, this shouldn’t deter one from pushing word in the midst of challenges and disappointments from jilted promises.
Proofread your comments, my dear! You come across as saying something else because you don’t. Cheers!
This story is heart touching. Ma one unique thing about this story is that it centers on what is happening in the African Society. Most of our uncles doesn’t want to help us like the case of Mathias Patrick’s uncle. Nonetheless, The Psalmist Said ” my help come from the lord.” God is our great provider.
We all are guilty one time or the other of making a promise and not being able to keep it. We are all human. That is why we should not put our hope in man but in God only because his promises never fails.
I must confess i had goosebumps while reading this story, I thought that all these stuff happen in movies not in reality, all the same Patrick, never let your hopes down, for tears may last throughout the night but joy surely comes in the morning. Just trust God, for He that brought you to this world knows your worth and will surely make a way for you. Nice write up Ma.
In one way or the other we have fallen victims of making promises and not fulfilling it or someone making promises to us and not fulfilling it. I have come to understand that when you put all your trust in men they will disappoint you like Mathias did. It could be anybody, our parents disappoint us once in a while even our friends and loved ones but when you put your trust in God he will uphold you. He is not a man that he should lie. The Bible says heaven and earth shall pass away but his words will never pass unfulfilled. He is the only one that doesn’t disappoint. A wonderful piece. May God bless you and continue to inspire you
Indeed, it is painful to expect something from those who have given us their words and later swallow them by turning us down. I don’t really have much to say here, because it what I have once went through. God is all our provider, for he says in his word that; His glory will He not share with anyone.I believe that those who failed to help us in life were not really meant to share in our later glory. IT IS WELL. Thanks mma I must appreciate you for this soul uplifting post, God bless you.
What I was taught in my sch primary is…a promise is a debt, and a debt is a sin and all sinners shall go to hell fire…Patrick’s uncle is not a good man I must say. Why did he play with Patrick’s feelings like that.
Thank you ma for this post.
Just like the Bible said “woe unto any man who puts his trust in man” it’s actually bad that family that should be the strength of it’s members turns out to be an enemy of one.trust in God is ultimate and never disappointing..one may be delayed but never denied.
Dear Patrick keep hopes alive it will end in praise
Some family members and some people are made for disappointing others but there’s always a better light at the end. Uncle Mattaias was wrong nonetheless
This is the world we live in I personally don’t like making promises and if anyone promises me something I don’t hold on to it :from experience. From what I’ve seen in this world I’d rather not hold on to promises so that if fulfilled I would be glad and if not I wouldn’t be too downtrodden But when family members make promises and claim to understand the situation you are in, you tend to have a little faith in them only to be disappointed once again. Good one ma, a little close to home for me but a good one as always
Promise shouldn’t be something we should rush into making. this doesn’t pertain to human beings only but even with our God. Hence we have made a promise, we should endeavour to stick to it to the end to avoid hurting someone, just as Patrick received hurt from his uncle as a result of the unfulfilled promises he made to him.
It’s better you don’t promise at all than make fake promises, promises you know you will never fulfill , I pray that God will help anyone in this kind of situation by sending a chigozie to the person.
Yes, a promise made should be kept but we fail to understand the fact that “MAN PROPSES AND GOD DISPOSES” Every of my failed promise has only made me stronger. Just like Patrick who never allowed his situation weigh him down.
Am not trying to Justify what Patrick’s uncle did, but humans are just dissapointing in nature, so the advice I can give out to us after reading this story is that we should not put too much trust on our fellow man, cause they might end up dissapointing and leaving us devastated. Instead, let’s put that trust on God, no matter the circumstance we find ourselves in, believe in God, keep your heads up, keep standing tall, put in work, I promise you that that day will come when you will forever be grateful for trusting God.
The motto for the primary school I attended was “Determination is success “, but up that determination, put God then the result must surely be success.
Oh! What a poor Patrick? Many people have beeen turned down by their so called uncles or guardian just like Patrick. My problem with some people is that instead of telling you that they cannot afford it at the initial time, they will keep on giving you unachievable hope. I pray that the good lord who is our divine and ultimate provider will help people like Patrick.
I was once in this type of situation, honestly, it wasn’t easy for me that day, “I wait sotey wait come dey wait me”, he wasn’t picking his calls, I sent a massage on WhatsApp, he read it and kept mute, I was so angered by his behavior that I have to send him a provocative text, then, he replied, saying all manner of things but I wasn’t interested in what he was saying. We should learn how to keep to our promises atleast, for the sake of the condition of the person you promised.
Ahh! Those (fake) promises. I can absolutely relate with Patrick on this. Not only does these promises give me false hopes, they almost always make me spend the little money I have on things that I don’t really need with the hope of the one to come later, thereby making me to hang in balance when the promise doesn’t eventually come to fruition. Nowadays, I don’t put all my hopes on those promises. Not just because I don’t trust those persons promising me stuff, but because anything can happen that is beyond their power to handle
Aunty Edith this sincerely brought tears to my eyes. Depending on men rather than God can prove to be really disastrous. There are a lot of Patricks in universities today that are suffering and smiling today, I pray God sends chigozie to them. For those of us who have we should all be contented and help in one way or the other, because it is that little act of kindness that makes the best impact.
It is really frustrating when you’re expectant with your hope high and the source of your hope is thwarted. We shouldn’t make promises when we know we can’t meet up with it. It’s also important not to be confident in men knowing full well that men are subject to change. While we trust a particular source for help we should also try to diversify our sources of help. Most importantly, the Holy Writ (Bible) said in Psalm118:8; ” It is better to trust in God than to put confidence in man”.
Making promises that you won’t fulfil is the worst thing to keep of. I always motivate myself with this quote” expect less from mortal so that you won’t be disappointed rather trust and hope in the Almighty and everything will turn around for your favour….thank you ma for this wonderful story.
Even the Bible warns against putting your trust in man,man will always disappoint.
In every circumstance, pray and ask God to send helpers, when God sends helpers to you, they can never disappoint
Why raise someone’s hope so high, just to crash it in the next minute…. People often misuse the word ‘promise’ I guess that’s why no one remembers the true value of the word anymore. It’s really sad that some humans are wicked enough to watch their family suffer.
Well, I have once been in a situation like this, but then God never fails me. It is very much advisable to always fulfil your promise because it really hurts when a promise isn’t fulfilled. To many out there in same situation as Patrick remember God is not sleeping, he listens to our every cry. Thank you ma for such an inspiring story, may you be blessed today and forever. Amen
This is really sad. I am experiencing almost the same thing now. A rich man promised to give financial support to some of us from my who got admission last year. He publicly announced that he will be giving us a sum of ₦50,000 every semester until we graduate. He did that just once, and since then,he has done nothing else about his promise. This left many of us frustrated, as people that should have helped some of us have relented, thinking that we have gotten help.
I have learnt to always look up to God in everything. If not for God, I don’t know how it would have been.
A promise is a debt. Many people are quick to make promises, but when it comes to fulfilment, it appears difficult. It is better to say “I am not promising you oo, let me see if I can help, than to assure the person by saying “I promise you”.
Lesson: We should not make promises that we cannot fulfil so that we will not end up breaking someone’s heart.
This is hundred percent reality. Some students on campus go through such trials. Infact, there is a very thin line between this story and the everyday challenges students undergo. A very real and amazing piece, thumbs up!!
Mmmmmmmmmm
This story is so touching, i actually cried.
I have been down this same lane before i almost gave up but God actually saw me through.
When people make promises and dont fufill them its a Debt which God will ask from you.
Even when promises are made to me i try as much as possible not to rely soley on them because we are just humans and are bound to brake our promises.
God is the only one that never fails and would never fail.
I put my hope in God
This is really heartbreaking and it’s sad to know that a lot of students suffer this disappointment and hardluck. Well, I know that in the end, patrick is sure to have a breakthrough. Never losing hope is the key.
Aunty this is a nice piece filled with suspense. I thought you were going to conclude on a positive note but you left the end for us to imagine.
Never make a promise when you know that you will not fulfil it because you might just be endangering the hope of a fellow who is looking up to you for help.
In life we live to face tribulations, trials, and many unforseen circumstances which could lead us to seeking for help and hence people make promises that they can’t keep.
Most times, these promises are made to make us feel relieved but the truth is that promises that should not be kept, should not made.
Conclusively, God must not abandone His own… Seek Him first and put all your trust in Him. God will never leave us brokenhearted no matter what happens.
Hmm! I have placed myself in patrick’s shoes right now and I feel like crying. If only uncle mathias had told him on time instead of causing more damage to an already delicate situation, I don’t think that patrick would have been this disappointed. Well, I hope that somehow, he was able to recieve a miracle. I feel saddened by the fact that the story didn’t end on a positive note for poor patrick. God knows the best anyways so we should not lose hope in Him.
What a world! I understood the state of Patrick’s predicament. It is unpleasing but that is man’s nature for you. Matthias is mortal and mortal are bound to fail. The only way mortal can’t fail is when you look up on God to move mortal. Even the Bible averred that God moves the heart of men. Lesson: Never make promise of what you can’t do.
God bless you ma
Touching story .. almost thought it would end in joy but….
Seriously this situation is a bad one ..not having the ability to fund your education,and also hoping on people for help and later getting disappointed is so sad.
My prayer is that God will surely meet the demands of this situations IJN Amen. This is a touching story and a nice short story Ma.
Philippians 4:6 (KJV) Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Sometimes as humans it’s almost impossible not to worry especially when we have a pressing need. I have been in this situation before and it was disheartening when the promise was not kept. I always tell people that if you can’t do something for a person doesn’t promise the person at all and give him /her false hope. My advice to people is always try to redeem your pledges and stay true to your words
Patrick is a hard working young man but he had a wicked uncle who was not helpful when he needed to.
No human is God! Why put too much hope on anything or anyone? We should never put too much hope on anything or anyone especially when we think it’s the last solution and not promise what we are not going to fulfil.And we should always remember that God has a way of doing things and always be prayerful.
This story reminds me of my life experience. But God does not sleep nor slumber. He will rise up for his own, all we need is faith.man might fail us but God will never. I was really touched by this story. God bless you ma.
Patrick had a lot of wounds that made him suffer, and the chief was promises. Promises that cannot be kept is greater than a lie.
Well, life is not easy.
It’s quite a disappointment when people don’t do as they say and in cases like this, it reduces hope.
But nevertheless, good people still exist. And as far as we live, there’s hope.
It’s not good to make a promise and not fulfill it. What Patrick’s uncle did to him was not proper. He would have helped even if it was a little. We should try and help people in need in any little way we can because as we give, God will surely multiply our purses and shower his blessings on us.
This story got me by my nerves. I know some people who suffer this. I think promises are not meant to be made. It pushes people to do what never had in mind to do. I suggest we only hope on God and not on man because man is not consistent with their promise just like God fulfills his.
It really hurts when a promise made is failed. Patrick’s uncle would have told him earlier that he won’t send the money than keeping him waiting and failed to give the money at last… This story makes us understand that we should depend on God for help not man.
men are always so quick to making promises they can not fulfill, instead of wasting Patrick’s time why not tell him that you can not give him any money, the other way Patrick should have looked for a way out instead of depending on his uncle Mattias, little wonder the Bible says that cursed is he that put his trust on man and
makes the arm of flesh his confidence .men have to learn to trust God and not their fellow man .
We should be mindful of enemies that look like helpers in disguise.
Patrick condition is worse than being at six at seven.
Also this portrayed that humans are not trust worthy rather we should put our trust in God.
Its a very sad story. Going through struggles or challenges makes us strong but not giving up actually makes us stronger . it is always hard and frustrating at some point but one day you will look back and smile. Nice one ma
Wow well, I would say I love the twist at the end of the story because I want really expecting that, nevertheless, I like the drive and motivation of Patrick, most people would’ve given up. Surely his perseverance will come through. A good read
sadly enough this happens, people go through this.i just pray G od provide suitable helpers for those in need
We live in a world where people feel its okay to make promises and not fulfil them…
People shouldn’t make promises they can’t keep,if you can’t help don’t give them hope ..because hope is all most people have at the end,his uncle did Patrick wrong,but then the bible teaches us to forgive …
Men will fail but God would never fail..thanks ma for this inspiring piece.
This post shows the harsh truth. Sometimes I wonder what people hope to gain from making promises that they know that they aren’t going to keep to. It’s true that people can’t always help, but it’s better to put them off instead of giving them hope then proceeding to crush that hope.
Poverty has always been a disease that has been plaguing man. It’s a shame that there are people who are like just like his uncle.
His patience and tolerance has to be admired. Because sometimes broken promises can push you to say things or take some actions out of anger. But he calmly took his condition the way he saw it . Sometimes in life, perseverance is all we need.
Must’ve been hard for him to take, it’s always the ones with great future that struggle financially
Its really appalling how the level of selfishness and wickedness is increasing in the public. This story also goes a long way to teach not to always rely on man. God is our strength
It’s honestly very hurtful when someone makes a promise and doesn’t fufill it. You will never know how high you raised the person’s hopes and how much they needed what you promised. If you know you can’t fufill s promise, it’s best not to make it.
A really heartbreaking story. How could his uncle be so undependable and wicked. I have some relatives like that who are very quick at making promises and then forgetting it. I hope God will see him true because he’s really Bright
There is nothing that hurts like unfulling promise, I have been a victim of it before it creates langushing pain in the hrt. For me it is better you don’t promise rather than making a promise without fulfilling it.
As a noun promise means a declaration assuring that one will or will not do something. As a verb it means to commit oneself by a promise to do or give. It can also mean a capacity for good, similar to a value that is to be realized in the near future. Why make a promise when you know you can’t stick to it? According to Frank Sonnenberg “A promise is a promise. … Broken promises imply that the offenders either didn’t think before making the promises, or don’t care that they’ve let you down. They’re also implying that their needs are more important than yours. So, be careful about the promises that you make and with whom you make them”.Why Keeping Your Promise is Good for YOU. … When we don’t keep a promise to someone, it communicates to that person that we don’t value him or her. We have chosen to put something else ahead of our commitment. Even when we break small promises, others learn that they cannot count on us.
Ecclesiastes 5 Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)
Be Careful About Making Promises
Be very careful when you go to worship God. It is better to listen to God than to give sacrifices like fools. Fools often do bad things, and they don’t even know it.Be careful when you make promises to God. Be careful about what you say to him. Don’t let your feelings cause you to speak too soon. God is in heaven, and you are on the earth. So you need to say only a few things to him. This saying is true:If you make a promise to God, keep your promise. Don’t be slow to do what you promised. God is not happy with fools. Give God what you promised to give him.It is better to promise nothing than to promise something and not be able to do it. So don’t let your words cause you to sin. Don’t say to the priest, “I didn’t mean what I said.” If you do this, God might become angry with your words and destroy everything you have worked for.You should not let your useless dreams and bragging bring you trouble. You should respect God.
Godbless ma’am
This is a very touching story. So many people out there are in need of help.most people pray to God to send destiny helpers their way, and when the people they feel that God has sent their way end up disappointing them, they do not only feel devastated but they could also lose their faith in God. Therefore we must Learn not to make any promise we can not keep, and when we make any, let us try to keep them.
I wonder why people should be so inconsiderate and make promises they are unable to fulfill. Matthias, Patrick’s uncle acted unfairly; not only did he reject Patrick calls but never gave him a helping hand in paying the fees after promising. Unfortunately, this story depicts what happens true life…So sad.
Making promises is something I don’t do. Even as a child I’ve learnt not to make promises in so many ways. I’d rather make it a surprise or just do it once I remember. Not keeping promises breaks trust and makes one lose confidence in people. Well I can only stand by God’s promises. It is ever sure and true. It’s really emotional for me reading what Patrick is going through.
Wohhh…poor Patrick.
I would never do such a thing!?
Well that is life u know….not everybody with a smiling face has a perfect life…most students in school have such financial challenges ..this is where most of this sucide cases become rampered because most of them find it difficult to cope and carry on.
May God help us all
Oh! What a poor patrick. If only Patrick knew that his uncle’s promise lacked enforcement, he wouldn’t have waited against hope. Even with the nature of his uncles reply, his words lacked willingness. But who are my to blame Patrick, his uncle was his last hope.
I pray that God will bless every Patrick who are working hard in a genuine way to make a better future.
The worst you can do to a burdened heart is to promise a relief and never fulfill it. If you cannot afford to help why not say so than let the person bask in hope of what doesn’t exist. Eventhough it’s a fictional story, Nigerian “Uncles” are wont for promises they never keep. But the Bible says that you should do to others what you would like others to do to you. May God help the likes of Patrick in Nigeria. Amen.
Why on earth would someone make a promise he or she knows that he or she can never fulfill. Honestly, it hurts alot to be disappointed especially at such a critical moment. My earnest prayer is this “may Almighty God continue to sustain all those in one need or the other, God will surely make a way even where there seems to be no way IJN, Amen”.
Patrick really went through a lot…..what is uncle did was really bad, hence, it will be hard to forgive and forget but has a Christian the bible tells us to always forgive and forget those who offend us, it going be hard be we have to do it. Have been a victim of something like this before and believe me it hurts so bad.Through that process I learnt never to put my hope on any man but only on God Almighty, because he will never fail you.
The one thing that especially caught my eye is the quote from Richard P. Evans, which says “broken vows, like broken mirrors leave those who held unto them bleeding.” We should all understand that our words and promises have consequences when they aren’t met. It would be better to simply say you can’t do something than to claim that you would do it and end up causing more harm than good. As a Christian, I was told “promise and fail” is a sin, I hope others can live up to that.
Why truly make a promise you can’t fulfill?
Funny enough, some just do it to be seen as ‘Good’ in presence of those around who think they would fulfill it. It’s so disheartening to be in this kind of situation, though I can’t categorically say how it feels, but imagine someone just dashing your hope..
My only word of encouragement though, man may fail you, but Jesus never fails. He should have talked to God to lead him aright, to lead him to someone who’ll help. Thanks Ma for this
It saddens my heart reading stories like this, but why make a promise you can’t keep???. Patrick really went through a lot and I pray that God touches the life of so many people struggling with problems like this and continue to give them that zeal to strive for success more Amen!
A captivating one.patrick should not break or get discouraged.it is sometimes like that when you placed your hope and trust in man.you can only trust God.but as it is said heaven help those who help themselves.even if his uncle failed him,he should not deter and not see the bad side of a promise but look onto the bright side. Wonderful writ up.
Why just make that promise when you know your capacity, ability or behavior.i am definitely pissed at both parties.patrick failed to understand you cant trust humans and the uncle failed to know the predicament of this boy.but nevertheless, he should not relent push harder.
This story is like the soft copy of how I paid my year one school fee. But at the end I saw that no one can help if not God. I totally relied on Him and He surprised me. In every situation its best to just trust God totally for our needs.
Making promises is not something we as Human should do, Nobody is Perfect and in so doing we may fail in keeping to the promises we’ve made, too bad we may loose trust and confidence to those we have promised and Not fulfilled the promise, just as Patrick felt without fulfilling his Promises
This is absolutely a difficult situation. I feel tensed and nervous even though i’m not Patrick. I still believe he will come out of these heartrending state. I wish his uncle would just send more than he requested because I know he needs more than that. Poverty is a disgrace!
I have had a similar experience, I must say that it’s very painful and I really learnt a lot from it. Patrick should have known dat humans are not to be trusted not to talk of relatives who might have evil intentions for him
Hmmm, I’ve been in his shoes before so I feel his pain, but he should not give up, he has prayed so help is coming eventually. Thank you so much ma for this story.
It’s so sad that Patrick had to go through all these. It’s one of the many challenges one has to overcome if you’re from a well tonot family. Life has taught me to have little expectations on promises, especially promises on financial help. When you expect little, the disappointment will be bearable.
Such a tragedy. Not only Chigozie dear, Chimuanya would come. The race is not for the swift dear but by his spirit. Still depend on God. He will provide.
This story is very touching. These things happen to people around us, but the God of the fatherless will fight for them
It’s a really sad story, one which I think many of us can relate to. There are many Patricks out there, even much more than we can imagine. However, there is always that light at the end of the tunnel, we just have to SEE it and keep hoping on God.
Sometimes God allows us to pass through tough to test our faith in him, we should always look upon the one that was pierced for our sake. Promises are meant to be fulfilled not broken, if you can’t fulfill then don’t make.
Such a heart touching story. I believe he will definitely graduate and find a better solace at the end. That’s one of the odds of life struggle. It will definitely be alright. I wish I could help too. Being if help to people without expecting anything in return is the best. Just like chigozie did.
Dear Patrick
Am talking to you now dear Patrick.
Patrick am so sorry for the heart cracking moment you have had during the days you needed help the most. It’s what we actually passes through almost always in our lives, in this real world. It might even surprise you to learn that as am typing this, I still have a ladened trouble inside of me, one too heavy for my age. But, we never die by the problems we have. God have a way of making us champions at last. Feel relief dear, Patrick, God had a bigger plans for you.
It is always better to keep mute than a promise not kept: i passed through the same ordeal during my secondary school days. After all the promises made by my uncle to be paying my fees, he left me devastated. But God later make a way for me. And today am a 300level student .Man fails,but God never fails. Thank you ma. God’s blessing will never depart from you.
Its better not say than to promise and its most better to live by God’s promises than that of a man because God never fails his promises but man do fail.
Thank you ma such post
I cannot still seem to understand what people stand to gain from promising and not doing as promised. It is so sad what Patrick had to go through even with relatives . The truth is here is that even though man has promised and failed, God will never fail. There is always hope.
The story is really touching. It relates to our every day life, at times we make promises that we can’t make it up to those we promise. We disappoint … We should never make promises we could not reach… For each of us facing difficulty I pray we find our own Chigozie. Smiles….
This is a really sad story.. unfortunately humans can’t be trusted..I’ll urge Patrick to just accept it as a part of life and move on
It’s really sad that some people don’t have the same priviledge as others. What’s more sad is knowing you can assist someone and still refuse to. This is an interesting story that teaches that there are some good souls out there God uses as tools to help you in your trying times and also teaches that not everyone feels inclined to help, even if they are blood relatives.
Its so very painful when you depend and put all your hope on somebody and you get disappointed,just as Pattick was disappointed by his uncle,who gave him false hope and made him believe he was going to assist him In paying his fees,only to fail Patrick. One lesson I Learnt is that,we shouldn’t rely solely on men but on God alone.
Hmmmm… Its a pity for a young man like Patrick to be going through such dismay, I know how its difficult for me in school even with my parents help no to talk of one without any help, well I believe God never forsakes his people, I know He will come to patricks aid real soon.
For people finding it difficult to help others in need while they re in the position to, let us not forget that no condition is permanent ,that pauper you see today might be the person that will give u a job tomorrow
I have seen people pass through serious cases as Patrick’s, some never had anyone to help them at all.. people make heartless promises that they never intend to keep just to answer “ezigbo mmadu”.. I thank God for the few good people like chigozie in the world… I know people who made such promises to me and for years now they have not even mistakenly called me to know how am living talk more of fulfilling the promise the made .. the Long and short of it all is do not trust in any man!!
People make lots of fake promises thinking ah it won’t hurt anybody he would get over it soon, but little do they know that they are creating scars in the heart of people. Patrick was a victim of this incident too
The truth is, if you’ve never been in Patrick’s shoe, you can never know how it feels to be disappointed by a relative who sounded to be your last hope in a critical situation. The feeling is very mutual.
Well I would say, many are the challenges of the children of God but our God will deliver us from them all.
A lot of students are passing through hell to keep up in school but I add, we will never give up but live to fulfil God’s word in our lives
It’s better to trust in God than to put trust in princes. Man may fail but God is always faithful
What a sad story. We shouldn’t always put our trust in man because mortal man will always disappoint but in God because he is steadfast and trustworthy.
Disappointment is the worse thing that can happen to an individual somm times,it can lead to dippression,we can learn from this story not to relly on human being for they can sometimes disappoint us,and it can hurt our psychological emotions
A promise is not always rosy or advisable to always keep all or full hope because men fail at times. They see promise as a regular thing to be used anyhow not knowing it is a kind of commitment or covenant of some sort. Poor Patrick condition is very dehumanizing as he would loose more because of that promise, however he should strive to pull through life no matter all odds.
Thank you very much MA for this story,funny enough,this story is closely related to mine and I wonder why people make promises they cant fulfill giving false hope.
it’s so disheartening.
Human beings can be ruthless in breaking promises regardless of the state of the person they are making the promises to. The most important person to place all our hopes on is God, because his promises are true and must always come to fulfilment.
Why make promises, when u aren’t ready or even willing to fulfill them. Some relatives finds it hard to help their family members. Its just like my own family, no one is willing to help or even make promises, you are one your own as far as my family is concerned, that’s why I am not close to any of my relatives or even know them. Some are just naturally stingy. These are the problems and frustrations that make the young ones seeking for financial help go into arm robbery and other notorious activities. Please we should try and help others no matter how little. That why I will forever love and remember my course mate, mass communication second year. They will do anything to help their fellow coursemate. Thank you ma and may God almighty continue to strengthen you IJN.
This is really sad??why promise,when u can’t fulfil it…But nor matter how the going gets tough never give up,be strong and keep going..never give up. Never trust and rely on men but always believe and have faith in God.
A lot of students are like Patrick now.No hope of school fees, accommodate and upkeep fees.Friends and family are worsening the case by giving them high hopes and still dashing them on stones.
If you can eat and sleep and not worry about tomorrow’s meal,then you are truly blessed.
An unfulfilled promise is better not made. It really heart-rending to disappoint in such a critical situation. the likes of Patrick should always confide in God’s providence and do the much they can. It’s not always easy to be strong-hearted in such anxiety.
Life on its own is stressful because not all things work as we planned it to be..so it tends to hurt the more when someone you trust made a Promise to you only to disappoint you _just like Patrick’s UNCLE failed him. In essence, do not put your Trust in man(general context ). Don’t put your heart in their promises because they fail most times. But I believe that Patrick will find a way out in his current situation.
Sad. Really sad.
Many “Patrick’s” continue to roam the streets, waiting for that good Samaritan that would deliver them from their troubles. I’ve had friends who have had great difficulties in paying their fees. Some of them have been disappointed by man like Patrick. I have wished that I could help, pay their fees and make them smile. But then I am only a student like them, with no good paying job. I however try to encourage them. I try to make them smile, remind them about God’s love for them, let them know that He will make a way and so far, He has not failed us.
Man fails but God does not
People should keep to their promises
This story is so touching and sad. And for a moment I felt I could meet this Patrick. No one is trustworthy and dependable. I wish we can have it in us to help the needy, maybe the world won’t be so bitter. I pray for anyone in this condition to receive God’s mercies
Everything that goes around comes around. To this his wicked uncle he thinks he has succeeded but what he doesn’t know is that this guy might be his saviour in future. We should always form it as a habit to help the poor and needy whenever we come across them.
What a sad and touching story! Human beings are unpredictable, the best thing to do is to pray and put your hope on God.
Indeed broken promises or vow can be so heartbreaking and this story just gave an example of the kind of havoc empty promises can cause… This is indeed a sad story
Giving one false hope is the biggest offence you can commit. We as Christians should out our hopes and problems to the Lord than our fellow man, cause they might disappoint us. Only the Lord can’t and won’t let us down. This is yet another beautiful post amongst many to come.
There is nothing that is ever wrong in saying NO to a request … But lifting ones hope and failing that person is one of the cruelest thing you can do to a person… I just hope we learn from this post…
This is really a sad story. Nothing is as painful as a broken promise especially when it’s on something with deadline. I pray the Lord comes through for all the Patrick’s out there. Amen
Thank u ma for this lovely story, it’s got me thinking of my past, people that has given me high hopes and then disappointed. But with this I learnt not to put all hopes on people.. The part that got me inspired in the story, is Mr chigozie part.. It’s hard to find such kind hearted people in our country of today. So if people like him are still out there,I will love to say they should never be discouraged about anything, they should keep on wit their kind heart and surely God will remember them.. Because it’s is stated in the Bible” God said give and it shall be giving onto u”..tnx ma for the story ..
This is really wonderful ma. A promise made is like an egg that should be handled with extreme care. Any breaking of this promise can cause heartbreaks, disappointments. in have suffered broken promises from people i trust so much. but the earlier i realize that i can depend on these people, the better for me. Thanks a lot ma.
One thing is to make promises and another thing is to fulfill these promises. Why make promises when you know you cant fulfill them. it is important to be sure of something before making a promise to avoid disappointment and heartbreak.
It is better to say, you can’t help out than to promise what you know you can’t do. False hopes and disappointment causes emotional breakdown. May God help us to hope on him alone. What a world!
I am a victim of this promise and fail when I got admission my aunty said that she will take care of my school but latter disappoint me and God send me a helper that is taking care of my fees and everything God is faithful
Like you said, broken vows,like broken mirror leave those who held to them bleeding. Why make a promise when you can’t keep it. Remember that the people who you make promises to are anxiously waiting.
It is better not to make promises than to make promises and end up not fulfilling them. And we as humans usually trust our fellow men instead of putting our trust God. This can bring heartbreak especially when the person who promised us breaks the promise and also our trust
That how life is everywhere.. The only thing I learnt I this life and,am holding on to is to never depend on anybody the would always let you down but God won’t let you down If you put your trust in him I could even say all uncles are like that at the end of the day they leave you to fend for yourself thank you ma’am for this wonderful story bless you ma
Failed promises really hurts. It’s actually better not to make promises you cannot fulfil because it can go a long way to emotionally hurt someone and even render him hopeless;like Patrick.
It is very wrong to give people false hopes when they come to you for help.I’m sure uncke Mattias had already made up his mind not to give Patrick anything, but still went on to make a fake promise to him just to get him off his phone. It is good to help people in any little you can,because, you don’t know where you might need them tomorrow.
In life we should put our trust in God not man because when man fails to keep promises God never fails.
Poor poor Patrick. This story really tells what we students go through in the hands of unreliable relatives. May God grant us the perseverance to push on no matter what.
Why do people make promises they can’t fulfil? It baffles me honestly. I personally don’t like making promises especially if I know I won’t be capable of achieving it. Promises give hope to individuals and if it is broken, they’ll cease to trust people more
Broken promises are almost inevitable in today’s society. Most people do say things with intent of carrying it out but along the way, other reasons for delay prompt up too. I really can’t justify it, but it boils down to our generation to uphold morals, ethics and simple honesty. By doing so we’ll have a balance in the way we treat each other. Inspiring post ma, still an eye-opener on why we shouldn’t trust empty words wholeheartedly especially when they don’t match with their actions.
promises not kept can be really hurting and disappointing but we shouldn’t always rely on people’s words as God have a way of making us champions in every situation
As my father would say, everything that happens to us in this life whether good or bad are all lessons and all we as strong believers of Christ know is that as we face these challenges we shall rise firmly. God has a reason for everything.
This story really got to my heart. I couldn’t help the tears that rolled down my cheeks. I pray God see the poor boy through this storm. And I urge anyone going through the same challenge as Patrick, to never give up, God has not given up on you. Thank you Aunty Edith for this story.
Earlier this year, I was in this kind of situation too. I lost my fees and hoped to get it before it was too late. I was let down by someone I really trusted and this made me really understand how humans can be. Instead of telling you they can’t be of help to you, they just lead you on and make you feel covered. At the end of the day, they disappoint you and you will be left in weary. LAS LAS we should not put our hopes in any man oo!!
Promises are sacred, but only a few regard this ruling to be true. Patrick just experienced or has been experiencing something common with most members of extended families. If you have never been in his shoes, one wouldn’t understand indeed how it feels.
This story is so pathetic, but it teaches us not to put our trust in man but to look up to God the one that keeps his promises towards us. This is a true life story because so many students on campus are facing the challenge today. May God always send us our destiny helper.
Oh my, this is so heartbreaking. Why do people break promises? I mean it’s better to not promise at all, than give one hope and just leave him/her hanging there. I just pray God helps a lot of people in Patrick’s situation, because I’m sure it ain’t easy.
Why make a promise of what you know that you cannot fulfil It really hurts for your last hope to be dashed just like that The uncle knew that he will not send the money why then did he make the promise Well we just try and put our hope and trust in God Almighty because human beings are unpredictable
We all must have fallen victim to unfulfilled promises especially from relatives.
I could vividly remember when my Uncle promised to get me a Laptop and phone, l never asked for them, he decided to just get them for me. Oh! Blessing waited and waited till she lost all hopes… I wasn’t really bothered because I never asked him to get them for me, but the thoughts of how I would ‘show-off’ and feel among with those devices broke my heart.
A lesson learnt from this story ‘Never make a promise you can’t fulfill, it kills joy because you might not know how anxiously the person waits for those promises to be fulfilled’.
Why make a promise of what you know that you cannot fulfil. It really hurts for your last hope to be dashed just like that. The uncle knew that he will not send the money why then did he make the promise Well we just try and put our hope and trust in God Almighty because human beings are unpredictable.
This story tells the tale of so many heartbroken Nigerian students, it doesn’t end there, it drips it’s venom into everyday affairs like, buisness, relationships, and so many everyday endeavours a broken promise is a very painful experience, i pray people realise this when making promises.another reinvigorating piece mir
It’s really sad when promises made to people are never fulfilled. They feel they can just make promises to get people off their back but it’s not fair at all.
Promises should be fulfilled as fast as they are made. We make promises to get people off our back but that’s not right
You don’t make promise because you are obliged to do so. Make promises of what you can fulfill. And it’s a sin in God’s eyes to make promises and not fulfill them.
A lot of students go through situations like this and it affects them especially in their studies. It is really heartbreaking when a promise made is unfulfilled. This story of Patrick is an eye opener for all because a lot of people depend on man instead of God who never fails his people.
“PROMISE” a word I dread so much. A word that is capable of giving life and as well death to something. It can render someone emotionally broken. Well, ever since I have learnt of the acronym of promise,’PF’ that is, either way Promise & Fail or Promise & Fulfill. I’ve learnt not to put my hope on any promise made by any man, but to prepare my heart to receive the end result. So, people should learn not to rely on anyone except God. Cause He alone is the Promise Keeper.
Its so sad that after waiting for so long with high hopes that his uncle still disappointed him. Promises shouldn’t be made unless you intend to fulfill them. Truly, there are very few people in the world now that are willing to lend a helping hand and its sad. This story really hammers on the need for the world to have some ‘Chigozie’s’ that are willing to spark change.
People of this world are so indescribable how can one make a promise that can’t be fulfilled it’s better not to say anything at all than to make a promise that would lead to disappointments and regrets.
My tears rolled down profusely ,as I read this post. I forfeited my first admission in ESUT on similar account. But the desired end is the testimony that, today am in University. So there is huge hope for Patrick and any other person who is going through this sad side of life. This post is both sympathetic and empathetic. It is better not to make a promise, than to promise and fail. I think even the holy bible opines that. Patrick’s uncle made him believed his problem was over,only for him to disappoint the him at the 11th hour. Patrick would have considered other options, if his undependable uncle( Matthias)had told him unequivocally, that he was not willing to assist him. Uncle Matthias shouldn’t have tantalized his nephew,he should have told him the true position of things than making him relaxed and felt he was on top of the matter,when he could ‘ve tried other means. Patrick should learn how to rely on God totally not on man. He should learn to pray and commit his challenges to God not to man, as man can disappoint, but God doesn’t. Uncle, should know that no condition is permanent, a rich man today can become a poor man tomorrow. Nobody knows the head that will wear the crown. I advice Pat not be discouraged ,God can change any situation. This is Part of his life testimonies.
However, on my part I ‘ve learnt to put my confidence,hope and trust in the Lord Jesus, who does not renege his promises.
Promise and fail is part of human that teaches us to solely depend on God.. Patrick should not give up hope because God will surely fight for the poor
Promise and fail is the worst thing to do but we should not always rely on people because disappointments are bound to happen at any time.
It is better to imbibe shame for a while, Rather than make promises you know very well you cannot live up to. Promise and fail is very disastrous and can lead to several varieties of heartbreak.
This corresponds with the parable of our Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 21:28-32, better to promise most times what can keep..
Not keeping promise sometimes inhibit the fellow from seeking other sources because they felt u are there for them due to supposed promise…
Some People in the likeness of Patrick ends up being great in the future, I’ll urge him to never quit in the pursuit of his dream, he should see that every disappointment to him should be a blessing, And I pray other students should not have Uncles like Matthias in their life
Most times depending on one’s relative can be disappointing, talking from experience. I can also relate to this story in a way i.e not paying my school fees before the fixed deadline. It was horrible and painful. It can be heartbreaking,the feeling of being alone in your predicament with nobody to help or share in your plight. Poor Patrick had a lot on his plate with no family member to help. I hope things works out well and his “Chigozie” locates him because things like this can lead to depression. Making a promise and not fulfilling it is wrong especially when you know you are the person’should only hope. Remain Blessed ma!
I feel like crying with the young man. It can be so frustrating being in his shoes. Well, people can be unpredictable; you can’t trust them. Man is full of disappointments… Nice story, Aunty!
I’d rather not give a reply than make a promise I won’t keep. It’s a dent on one’s integrity. It’s really painful waiting for help that never comes through , especially when that’s the only option available.
Keeping promises is not as easy as most people think. Some say “Just tell them what they want to hear, “and you will get what you want.” Many people do just that, knowing that they can’t come through on the promises they make. But broken promises should never put us down because when everyone turns their back on us, God will still be there for us.
Someone once said that “if you want to be useless in life, depend on your extended relatives”. There’s no doubt that is true. Well they may have their own family to cater for, but I don’t see a reason why they keep making promises without keeping it. It’s very disappointing. I don’t make promises I know that I can’t keep.
Man will surely fail but God can change your entire story at the last minute. Don’t give up, just keep striving.
Why didn’t he just tell the poor boy that he couldn’t? Just made him useless for a whole day. Thank God I’m not in those shoes, my academic hopes would have died immediately.
Truly I am victim of this whole promise thing,but you know what I did; what else, I cried bitterly and swore never to depend on any man. Only God can and will make a promise and fulfill. Oh! Patrick,only if he knew,in life one should expect anything from anybody. Well I still wouldn’t blame him, he needed to be hopeful that the money would come.
Nice story ma’am
Making a promise comes with respect for the needs of one.Patrick predicament is one,and this is what we get day in day out from friends and relatives.the word promise is even abused now.Patrick should not be discouraged,he should trust God totally and see that man has nothing to offer if one put all hope on them. Nice story ma.
Left for me, I would love to live like Chigozie. I would love to put a smile on people’s face. I have consciously chosen to help people the very best way I can. I necessarily do not have to have “30 Billion” in my account. With my #5000, I can still make a difference. As subtle as it is, when Dorcas (in the Bible) died, the widows cried and showed Paul the clothes she had made for them. If she hadn’t looked upon the widows for good, she wouldn’t have been resurrected. Chigozie nearly brought tears to my eyes. The act of kindness alone is superb. Perhaps he in the words of the Igbo Highlife Singers knew that “A kagha fu Chi keelu uwa!”.
This is how a typical African uncle does,they promise more than they can fulfill.patrick should be consoled because something greater lies ahead.
wow!!!
this story sounds so real to me. this is the life experience of 89% successful individuals. every great man has a sad story to tell. from this story, one should know that people you feel and trust will help you, will never help you in such a way God’s own designed candidate would do. Chigozie was God sent and helped Patrick solve his pressing need at that moment. this is a man who knows Patrick from nowhere but when he heard him speak he so believed in the potential the young man carried and knew he would be great. most times, those we put our trust in like relative do not want to see us succeed, and they find ways to kill our shine but God has never and will never place you in a situation that his not prepared to sponsor in his own way. finally, we should learn to NEVER put our trust in man, rather we should believe God, because he makes ways in the desert.
Sometimes, circumstances can make us not fulfil certain promises that we make, but what matters is how we approach the person we made the promise to. I really feel bad for Patrick but I believe that when he laughs at last it will be the best laugh.
This is a very touching story.sadly lots of students go through this. I pray God provides for those in this situation
In this life we must learn to always depend on God for every single thing. Never deped on man for anything. Yes,it’s important to ask because definitely, God will send helpers our way but we must always remember that it’s always in the blood of man to disappoint but our father in heaven will never disappoint us. We must always put our trust in him because he is the author and finisher of our faith.
Personally speaking, even those of us who have the ability and capacity to help, we should not make careless promises if we know we can’t keep to it. I feel his pain because I have been through this kind of thing before.
I don’t know why Mattias should raise Patrick hope like this, people should learn to treat people how they want to be treated. We need more God sent people like chigozie, always put all your hopes on God cause he never disappoints. May God reach out to people going through hard times, amen.
Even the bible in the book of proverbs emphasized on the need to fulfil promises made.This shows that only God can’t fail.
AT a time when patrick needed his uncle,he was failed.this also happened in my case,but thanks to jesus who sent a dying minute help my way…
What makes an individual is the ability for him or her to keep to her word. Truth be told,reading this story made me fell like l was been told on. I have gone through a similar situation. The deadline for registration reached and my account still wasn’t credited. I got so frustrated when my supposed saviour yeld at me and also hung up the call. People should avoid making promises they know they can’t keep because the end point of dashed hope isn’t easy to recover from.
A wonderful story, it actually depicts what most Nigerian student go through well not just Nigerian students, humans in general. Promises are made,promises are broken. In as much as you are you are a human being,you are bound to break promises so I think it’s best to just avoid making the promise in the initial stage. If you know you are not 100% sure that you can fulfill your promise avoid making them in the first place. Though MA, in one of your replies to another comment you said something about having other options but using your story as an example the guy has depleted all the options he has. Going to the uncle for help I believe was his last resort but in circumstances like that I just advise everyone should turn to God because yeah man is bound to fall your hand but God can’t.
He that granted you the admission I.e God will provide means for you to pay the fees
He doesn’t leave his children stranded
So I believe in situations like that of Patrick instead of putting of all your hopes in man put that hope and faith on God and he surely would not disappoint you
Many students pass through real tough times, Patrick’s story is just one of them. What makes one stronger is the determination to excel and help humanity no matter how small.
Disappointment is one of the reasons people don’t depend or trust others with their problems. It’s better you don’t even promise anyone things you know you won’t fulfill. Patrick should have seen it coming na. Knowing that his uncle has disappointed him in the past. He should not have trusted him that much,at least,he should have made a back up plan just in case.
Wow. I actually found myself crying. Why make a promise you can’t keep? Why raise ones hopes? This is terrible!
To be very honest, I can totally understand how disappointed he might have felt.
One of the worst things that a person can do to an individual is unfulfilling his or her promises, knowing fully well that the individual depends so much on that person, it could be really heartbreaking.
If anything, I’ve learnt not to really trust anyone’s promises and just leave everything in the hands of God, cos people would always disappoint no matter how much they try not to.
It is well
What a sad and interesting story! God never forsake his children. Humans will fail but He can never fail. We should always believe and trust in Him
Many students pass through real tough times, Patrick’s story is just one of them. What makes one stronger is the determination to excel and help humanity no matter how small.
Disappointment is one of the reasons people don’t depend or trust others with their problems. It’s better you don’t even promise anyone things you know you won’t fulfill. Patrick should have seen it coming na. Knowing that his uncle has disappointed in the past. He should not have trusted him that much, at least,he should have made a back up plan just in case.
A story which is not uncommon in our society where you get promising people being deprived of one or two things in life. Patrick should not be subdued,he should put his whole faith and trust in his maker to get him out of this situation.A promise should also be kept so hinder discouragement and other vices.
As humans we should no put all out trust on a fellow human.. human beings can disappoint, even though it might not happen intentionally. The only person you can put your trust in is in God almighty he never disappoints his children.
Many people deserving of help go through these things. But we stay steadfast in the hope that God always comes through.
A lot has been said about this already… But let me say this NEVER MAKE A PROMISE YOU KNOW YOU CANNOT FULFILL. U have one thing to protect for which u will be remembered for when eventually the cold hands of deaths comes knocking and that thing is YOUR NAME and your words determines what kind of name you will get.. peace
A promise is meant to be kept at all times.Patrick ordeal is one of many we see today. He shouldn’t loose hope in making life better for himself and others.he should strive harder, just as God brought a helper before he will do it in a more bigger way.
This one touched me deep, after putting his hope on one thing, this is also one of the problems most students are facing in school all in the name of my uncle or aunt promised me,hmmm! Don’t make empty promises you can’t fulfil.
This is so heartbreaking! I feel for Patrick. He should just look up to God who never fails Mathias doesn’t understand that no one knows what the future holds and Patrick might be of great help in his time of need in the Future.
A very heart touching story
Promise and fail in an important situation kills more than anything.
People are the major reason why people are wicked in this world
Its better to tell the person that you can’t or won’t do something so that person will know for real that You are not part of his or her hope
But I pray that the grace of God will continue to intervene in our lives especially when things are not going well for us.
Amen. ?
A very sad but inspiring story! That’s why human beings are to put their trust on God not on man. Very bad to make promises you know you can’t fulfill.
We can only look up to God who will never leave nor forsake His people. The story of Patrick is heartbreaking but I believe that better days awaits him.
That is why it is said put your trust in no man because man promise and fails but God promises and keep to his word no matter how long.
We should always put our hope in him.
Most people have the attitude of promising without having the intention of fulfilling it from the start. Promising for them is just a mere say. Only God is so faithful in fulfilling all of his promises to us
A heartfelt story, this tells people to be glad and content with what they have especially compared to those who little….Thanks for this story.
I never saw the story in that light. I thought it was teaching compassion.
I feel really bad for Patrick, and I still don’t get why people behave in the manner Mattias did. I believe that we should be true to ourselves… If you can help, then say so, instead of getting one’s hope up and you end up disappointing the person.
This is what is typical of many in our society. The dependence on many is often shattered..we should focus all our energy and faith on God for he alone will sustain and cater for us.he is not man that he should lie. He knows the end from the very beginning..why not entrust your journey and worries to him..Patrick should not relent in his pursuit of a good life ..this might be one setback but he should not falter or give up for God will meet him at the point of his needs.nice one ma
This is just a story but every bit of it is what happens in our everyday life,and it’s really sad that people can do things like this to others, if you are not ready to render any help then why would you raise someone’s hopes up only for you to fail the person without any remorse whatsoever. I really pray God comes through for anyone in this kind of situation out there.
So sad and disappointing.. Most people know that they can’t keep up with a promise but still go ahead to make the promise. It’s really so disappointing. I pray that God helps me.
Very sad story, People do really go through similar and worse situations in school, some students have nobody, they cater for themselves, if you have parents that take care of your school expenditure you should be grateful. Nice story ma
This is a touching story. Man is not to be trusted because they may fail you. However put your trust in God as He knows all your needs and will fully supply them if only you trust and believe in Him.
It is even a sin before God to give false hope. What stops you from saying you don’t have other than promise what you can’t redeem
Unkept promises reduces your value..if I’m the boy nothing from Mathias mouth will ever be true
This is a very touching story. Whenever we pass through challenges in life we seek people’s help but get disappointed at their endless promise. Do not make people to hope on for something you cannot give.
This is really a motivational story, breaking a promise is more like killing the person emotionally. Thank you, ma.
This is so motivational, we should not make promises or vows when we know that we will not be able to fulfill it.
Though a fiction in writing, reality in life. This is the story of a lot of students.
What a pity! Not only did he not fulfill his promise but also killing this poor boy emotionally. Instead of making unfulfiled promises it’s better not to make at all.
It’s better not to say anything than to promise and don’t keep to it.
It’s a one thing to promise someone and it’s another thing to fulfil it. People promise other people on something they aren’t sure about. We should normalize the way we promise people who are desperate and not fulfilling it
It’s better you don’t make promises at all than to promise and not fulfill… it simply means you lack integrity!
No no no ibhate this kind of story especially heartbreaking story I must say. The hopes of a young boy appears shattered in his face as his basic needs were ruined. I’ve learnt not to really trust anyone’s promises and just believe in God’s Mercy , cos people are bent or disappointing you especially when you have no other option.
Never make a promise you cannot fulfill. If made, try your best to keep it. In the situation where you wouldn’t be able to make it, inform the person on time so they can look for other alternatives.
This is a touching story I don’t know why people makes promise knowing fully well they won’t keep it.
A maxim goes this way, it’s better not to make a promise,than making a pledge you won’t fulfill”. We should try as much as possible not to depend on people, cause they’re bound to disappoint. Put your hope on God and he’ll open doors for you.
This is a very sad story, the boy really went through a lot the man shouldn’t have made that promise, he clearly did that so the boy would stop calling him but at the cost of what he needs urgently.
This story is so touching. I can’t blame Patrick for going to his uncle for support, he needed all the help he could get. May God make a way for him and all in similar situations.
What a sad story , is better you don’t promise at all than to promise and fail someone.it heart breaking, demoralizing and everything negative to imagine.
This story is so touching. I felt Patrick’s phlight. This is exactly what most students pass through just to pay their fees. We should not put our hope on anybody except God because man fails but God will not.
Its a true story of what some students pass through in school. It better not to say anything than make a promise to someone without fulfilling.
A heart melting story indeed. People should learn to stop giving people false hope even when they know they are not ready to help them.
It is only God that do not disappoint, humans disappoint and that is why we should not expect much from people. It hurts so much when we get disappointed, it is only God that keeps promise. People also should stop hurting people by promising what they can’t fulfill.
Never make promises
you can’t keep we should be known as people of integrity.
I can sincerely relate to this ma. Maybe not in the same way but too many times, people have said things to me and they ended up disappointing. It’s only God that we can bank on and have Him always come through for us. The world may be a hard place but I pray the likes of Patrick know this and bank on Him too.
Some people don’t know that when they make a promise, that the hope of other party involved lies in their hands especially when it involves money like Patrick’s fees.There is no greater heartbreak than a promise unfulfilled.
Is better you don’t make promises if we can’t attain it , unfulfilled promises can be heartbreaking, so if we must make promises we should live up to it
Any promise made should be kept.
The promise Patrick’s uncle made, gave him a little glimmer of hope but when his uncle didn’t act on his promise it shattered him.
So touching.. May God help the likes of Patrick out there, Amen
I really felt bad why reading this story. I don’t understand why people make promises that they can’t keep.
The actions of patrick’s uncle is what we see today, people make promises that they never intend to fulfill.
Once we make promises, we give the one promised expectations and a chance to depend on us.
I try to not make promises that I cannot fulfill in order not to cause more issues than even before I promised.
I literally cried while reading this story because it’s so relatable. I’ve learnt a long time never to hold on to anyone promise as humans break their promises most of the time. The only person we can trust and rely on is God. He makes the most impossible situation possible and sends unexpected helpers our way most of the time. I feel like ranting on how unfair life is and how humans even make it worse but I won’t.
This is a heartbreaking story I must say. The hopes of a young boy appears shattered in his face as his basic needs as a student cannot be met.
This story is quite disheartening. Why make a promise you can’t fulfil? Patrick’s uncle is a very wicked man, he has the money but does not want to give it out to nephew.
Every one must have this in mind,
You are lifted for you to lift others.
Promise are meant to be kept especially those with Deadlines but ma the problem is that people don’t have patience at all which is bad but promise are meant to be fullfied
Why make a promise? A rhetorical question with deep answers to be given. It is better not to promise than fail after making a promise.
Promises are seen as a way to escape responsibilities nowadays, it is very bad as a individual to promise somebody without fulfilling it. If you can not help in a situation and you don’t have any way of helping just say it!!!
“Why make a promise ?” Indeed,some people never fail to make promises but always fail to fulfill them. Poor Patrick !
It’s better to say a straight “No” other than giving high hopes but end up disappointing.
This is heartbreaking, people should stop giving people high hopes and disappointing them at the end.
Chail! So heartbroken,this made me cry?? but I learnt a great lesson from it, we should not place our hope on man because man fails but we should hope in God who never fail
It is always important to make promises that you are sure you can keep to, in order to avoid certain issues.
Don’t make promises if you know you can’t live up to it. One should also never rely on people, at least that’s what life have taught me.
Broken vows, like a broken mirror, leaves those who held to them bleeding.
Why make a promise when you know you can’t keep to your word. Even the bible said” it’s better not to make a promise than making a promise and not keeping it”.
This type of disappointment alone I enough to make a student want to commit suicide. So sad?
Not promising someone anything is better than promising and not fulfilling it because it cause heart break.
We should not make a promise we cannot keep and no matter how many times we get disappointed by people we trusted we should never give up. Keep pushing because God is watching
The best way to be happy is don’t expect anything from anyone, expectations always hurt.
This story is very motivating. We should not let disappointment push us down,let’s keep pushing God will not forsake us. Thanks ma for this post.
Why make a promise you can’t fulfill?
I had a glimmer of hope when Patrick received that reasonable amount of money from Chiagozie. His uncle just had to ruin everything. Making promises that can’t be kept is bad. The joy and hope taken away by doing that is enough to make one depressed.
I enjoyed my read
When you are depressed and in need of something, that when you know the fake people in your lives. It’s better not to promise, than to promise and fail. Well, God is the only one that has never failed to keep His promises for us. The best thing is to believe in God.
Don’t make a promise you can’t or won’t keep, if you do, you take away the blanket of hope you gave to those you promised to help. This is an insightful piece. Thank you ma.
Promises are meant to be kept because a promise is a debt. You don’t gain anything from being wicked .
Very touching. It is one thing to make a promise and keeping it is another.
Making promises without keeping them hurts a lot, why make the promise when you know you can’t keep it. I have been in such a situation like that before and I cried. I even prefer you surprise me than you promising me endlessly.
It’s better not to make promise, than to promise and fail. Whenever we make a promise and fail to keep them, we disappoint those who believe in us
It really hurts, unfufiled promises is so heartbreaking.
Promises being hard to keep doesn’t mean we should stop making them altogether. It just means we should be a little more careful about the promises we make. Better a friendly refusal than an unwilling promise. Promises makes debt and debt makes promises…I love this post
One shouldn’t make a promise, if she/ he knows that it cannot be fulfilled, to avoid disappointment and heartbreaking.
Promises are meant to be kept, not broken. It’s better not to make a promise than break one made already.
Also, I have come to realise, our lives are 100 % our responsibility. No one cares about, what goes on in it.
I really feel for Patric. A hope being diminished after being raised by his uncle. Quiet a sad one .
So heartbreaking. I don’t know why it’s usually the uncles and their endless delusional promises. I mean, are uncle’s just designed to be wicked in this world? LoL. Poor boy.
That was heartless of uncle Mathias, keeping the poor boy stranded with no plans of fulfilling his promise and knowing fully well the poor boy was dependent on him is wickedness at its fullest.
This is one of the reasons I hate depending on people because they tend to disappoint.
Making a promise you can’t keep can damage your reputation and credibility, erode trust, and cause disappointment and frustration for the person or people to whom you made the promise. Additionally, repeatedly making promises that you don’t keep can damage your relationships with others and make them less likely to trust you in the future.
This is so sad,people should learn to always fulfill their promises.
Patrick uncle would have let him know on time knowing full well he wasn’t going to give him the money . Waiting on people can be very annoying and disappointing.
It is bad to make a promise you won’t keep. I pray Patrick finds help quickly. Miracle no dey tire Jesus sha.
Pathetic! Always try to help the needy people around you, I believe in that way, God will enlarge your coast
Such a sad story… 😪😌
We should not always make promises we can’t keep, sometimes it cause a damage to people
It is inappropriate to make promises you cannot fulfill. Patrick’s hopes were dashed by his uncle.
Unfulfilled promises are heart breaking, it’s better not to make a promise, than to promise a person and not keep to the promise.
It is a very terrible thing to make a promise you can’t fulfill. I really wonder if those who make promises without the intention of keeping them, understand this. I’ve learnt not to make a promise I can’t keep. Thank you so much ma. To all the Patricks out there, hang on, hope is on the way.
It really hurts when a promise made is failed. Patrick’s uncle would have told him earlier that he won’t send the money than keeping him waiting and failed to give the money at last… This story makes us understand that we should depend on God for help not man
Poor boy, the one time was desperate and in need of help and decided to ask his uncle he could not come through form. Do not make promises you are not certain that you can keep. Thank you ma for this post.
It’s a pity people will continue getting hurt like this by people they love.
This proves true the saying “trust no man” but it’s unfortunate that those we never expect to be the one to disappoint always does. It’s unfortunate that Patrick learnt his lesson the hard and bitter way.