IF YOU WERE PHILIP

 

Permit me to tell you a bit about Philip. I met Philip in our undergraduate days at the University of Jos. He was never late even though he usually comes from home. I tried several times to beat him in punctuality but I failed on several attempts. Philip was cheerful, full of life, and always the spark of the house. 

Last week was a tough yet defining week for me, I lost Philip who has been a friend for 10 years. Did I see it coming? Certainly not. Was I anticipating it sooner? I doubt it. But will we all die? Of course yes. 

This is not a tribute but be patient with me as I share with you the lessons I have learned at the cause of his demise this week. I have no doubt they will bless your heart.

1. Philip lived well: I know people are often guilty of saying things about people who are gone that are not usually true, but with a deep sense of honesty, humility, and certitude, at 27, Philip lived well. This is no fallacy, this young man touched lives everywhere he went, if not with his smiles, with generosity. If not with kind words, with selfless services. From the testimonies, I heard even from his superiors, I was challenged to start reworking my life all over again. 

2. Philip left traces: A few months ago, I learned a valuable lesson about life. I learned that one never lived if he or she failed to leave a footprint, an imprint, or even a fragment of oneself in people's lives. Yes, he is gone, but Philip left himself in us, he still lives in us.

3. Philip lived life to the fullest: Without exaggeration, I tell you he lived to the fullest. Even though he was consistently facing challenges with his health, I have never seen Philip frown, I have never heard him raise his voice, and he was always the spark of the party wherever he went. He was never late for anything, Philip is always showing up. He was always in the front snapping selfies for us with his hallmark smile. Never once would you see what he is going through shown on his face. He fought hard and well.

4. Make your priorities right: A few of our coursemates went to pay a condolence visit to the family, his parents left us in awe. They were the ones consoling us instead. As we were leaving, his father said something thought-provoking, he said: "I hope all of you here know Jesus? You see, this life has nothing. If it is money, where is it now? If it is a certificate, where is it now?". I left broken and thinking. If the solution for Philip to stay back was money, he would be here today. If it were certificates, at 27 Philip is thinking of his Ph.D. already, and he was working here in Jos and with two other international organizations in the UK and USA respectively. All these things are important but they won't last, only what we have done for love's reward will stand the test of time. Please set your priorities right.

Philip is gone, we are here, what would become of you when you are gone too? Put yourself in Philip's shoes and tell yourself truly how you feel about switching roles if you were Philip.

Dear young people, life is short, live it well and live it right. Honestly, our biggest deception is the mindset that we are still young, sadly dead does not discriminate. Life is short, however, if you live well you will not need another shot at it. 

Thank you for reading

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