SILENT WORLD OF VISIONS

Chapter 1 God: Sibu’s imaginary friend Once we focus our attention into the spiritual world, we feel that there is no joy in this physical world”, said the little girl sobbing. Our place of joy is where our father lives”. The most beautiful toys and clothes had no meaning and value in her life. Sibu’s total focus was stolen by the world of the unseen. Her desire to live in a world of harmony turned her into a total alien in this real world. She was so lonely and sad that it seemed she had no friends at all. Her mind was totally consumed by the spiritual world; a world she deeply believed was her home. Nobody knew how it happened that Sibu became part of this strange world, which is feared by the wise and the bravest men. Only a few elders could notice that this little girl was different from other children. “Do not be afraid for, I am with you”, these words echoed in her ears all the time. Quietness and confidence was her strength. Beautiful clothes, shoes and toys never worried her much. She knew she didn’t belong to this world; her home was in the spiritual world where her imaginary friend lived. Sibu would seldom spend much time with other children during her childhood, even though they liked her so much. Playing with other children had never been her priority. She preferred to be alone and communicate with her imaginary friend most of the time. The joy she had or felt when she was with her imaginary friend was beyond measure. She involved him in every little thing she did. It even seemed as if her spiritual friend was her only pillar of hope and strength. This was unusual for a child of her age. In her heart she always believed that if the whole world had been filled with people like her friend; it would have been a much happier place to live in. Her isolation from other children and this physical world presented to her the effects of quietness and assurance forever. She knew that she had to be still and acknowledge the presence of the Almighty. Her spiritual and personal connection to her friend was one of her secrets. She had an inner teacher, the greatest spirit guard and a caring friend. Within her friend she found silence and peace that none of the children of her age could enjoy. This was indeed a privilege. At times when she was among people she lost concentration. Those who understood her would notice her when she would start saying “m… m… yes …. Ok I see!” Then, they would know that her mind was miles and miles way. The further her mind was, the more harmony, peace and silence she felt. Chapter 2 Second chance to live No one could narrate how Sibu got consumed by the beauties of the spiritual world, but at least with her mom, Grace, it was easy to relate and understand. When Oudora narrated the story of Grace, her daughter, she said: “one day when she woke up; she noticed that Grace was sleeping for a long time and showed no sign of breathing.” Oudora sighed “Unbelievable!” with great shock, she called her “Grace! Grace, Grace…..” The child never responded. Oudora trembled with fear, asking herself what might have happened to her little girl Grace. She knew Grace was sick and weak, but never thought she might die any time soon. She tried hard, giving little Grace all types of remedies to make her feel better, but the child’s condition deteriorated. “Grace! Grace, Grace” She called her once more and the child still didn’t respond. She touched her body and it was as cold as ice. It seemed as if Grace had passed on. It was good that Oudora was alone in the bedroom; that other children were spared this unusual and terrifying sight. Oudora screamed, cried and said “This isn’t really happening, it’s just a nightmare.” Then, she called neighbors for help, and immediately the elders of the village arrived. As the custom recommends, when someone is suspected to have died, the grannies are called to witness and confirm. When one of the elders arrived, Ms. Latria; she looked at the little girl, touched her like they always did to confirm when someone has passed on. She looked hopelessly at Oudora and nodded, to confirm that the child was gone to the sky families. “Oh Oudora, there was nothing you could have done to save her, it was time. The Almighty has achieved his will”. Oudora was a woman of courage and faith; her heart was as strong as that of a lion. She eventually accepted that Grace was gone. She had a strong faith and knew everything happens for some reason. It was not easy for her to lose her single beloved little girl; however, she remained calm. She made everything to keep herself united for the sake of Grace’s spirit to rest in peace. As a Christian, she knew that in every situation we have to be grateful and thankful, pray at all times, for whatever happens is God’s will. Oudora did not want to throw away her confidence in the Lord. She was one of the elders of the Catholic Church; who were always there to comfort grieved families, to help them through difficult times, and now it was her turn. This was really a challenge to her; she had to be strong and to shed no tears, so as to prove her faith. As a religious person she didn’t have to take out her pain by crying, as she would be considered to have little faith. She had to prove courage and faith by being strong. This was a test that she had to go through. She felt her faith was tested like Abraham, having to give up her single sweet little girl that she loved with all her heart.