My parents have six biological children. Five females and one male. 

I am the fifth and the last of the females. 

When you meet us for the first time, whether together or apart, you will sense that we share some kind of blood relationship.

We have similar facial features, body language, mannerisms and our voices sound almost alike (except our brother’s voice of course!) This is because we, all six of us, are a combination of two amazing people; Samuel and Eudorah.  

Though we all sprang up from the same loins, we have peculiar differences. We all have, at least, one character trait or habit or perception that sets every one of us apart from the rest of the crew. 

There is one of us who is musically inclined and enjoys daily conversations with musical instruments. When this one lays those gifted fingers on the piano and plays some classical notes, you will feel the chills as you listen. This one is reserved, does not make noise (like me!). You won’t even notice when this sibling is in the room.

There is another one who talks and acts like a professor. This one is prim and proper. The bookworm. Sometimes, when we crack our regular jokes, this sibling is always the one to say, “I didn’t get the joke. Abeg make una explain.” This one was godly from the womb and had a strong influence on our faith and belief in God. 

Then there is the one who is very inquisitive; always asking questions, wants every detail and won’t stop until the details are complete. This one laughs at the silliest things; but has a creative mind! This is our adventurous sibling! 

This other one doesn’t like stress. At all! Any attempt to introduce stress into this sibling’s life never sees the light of day. This one can tour the world in two weeks! Our one and only Minister of Enjoyment! Yet, this is the kindhearted, patient sibling who will give you the last dime cheerfully; live under the same roof with a mad fellow and still maintain sanity through it all! 

This one? Hmmmmn. Extra-cautious, very careful, won’t take risks and if there is a need to, it has to be a calculated risk. This one views life from a very unique, attractive perspective. Our family accountant who does not have a degree in Accounting; also does not have time for nonsense! Conversations with this sibling will make you think and rethink and unthink! 

Then there is me! The talkative one! I think I am ‘that sibling’; you know, the ‘weird’ one! The one my Igbo people will refer to as “Opuru-iche”; that is, “the one who is different from the rest”. I was the sibling who hated Mathematics while the others romanced it; the only one who clung to the Arts while the others excelled in the Sciences. True story! 

However, with all these differences, the bond we have is strong. 

Firm. 

Thick.

Solid.  

You look for one person’s trouble, you look for everyone’s trouble. The good news is that our parents taught us never to return evil for evil. Otherwise……! 

We cry together. 

We laugh together. 

When one sibling acts up, the others rebuke,

not out of hatred or jealousy,

not as an opportunity to get back at him/her,

but in love. 

Sometimes, the erring sibling does not even realize it is a rebuke because it is delivered through words that fill the heart with a willingness to do it right the next time. 

When our father has a need, we pull our resources together, everyone giving based on their capacity and no one feels intimidated by the level of the other sibling’s ability to give. The focus is to be a blessing to Daddy because he deserves it. 

When one person is down, the others stretch out their hands to lift that one up. We never leave any one behind. We move and grow together. 

When one person celebrates, the others act like the celebration is theirs. We show up in our full regalia. We make the noise! We blow our trumpets! A win for one is a win for all!

Individually, we are different but together, we are one family because we have one father (and mother). 

We have refused to allow anything or anyone destroy this beautiful relationship of love. 

Friends, this is not a boast. 

It is the truth. 

It is also an analogy. 

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches.”