MY PEOPLE 2

 

MY PEOPLE, I HAVE COME AGAIN OOO WITH MY TRUE LIFE STORY

This morning, after my prayer time, I decided to share my message on the most prestigious platform in Nigeria, ANA. I wrote passionately about my new book, THE GREEN DOCTOR: Sicknesses Bitter Leaf Cures That Will Shock You. I spoke about the healing power of bitter leaf—our ancestors’ trusted medicine that many have forgotten today. I showed how it cures malaria, diabetes, high blood pressure, infertility, wounds, stress, and insomnia. I tied it with Scripture and African wisdom, inviting people to rediscover what God has freely placed in our backyard.

Not long after, one Madam Linda replied publicly:

“Mr Frank, I bought a book from you once and asked that you give it to Mr Vaughan anytime you happened to see him. How far? I’m interested in this one too but I’m yet to see the last one I paid for.”

I was shocked. I had no recollection of such a transaction. So, with respect, I replied:

“Hi, I don’t recall selling a book to you or promising to give one to Mr Vaughan. Could you kindly clarify which book you’re referring to? Please provide more context so we can clear up the confusion.”

She later responded, saying it had been a while and that she would check her WhatsApp history.

Soon after, Mr Vaughan himself joined the conversation. He explained that he never received any book from me, but rather thought the issue was about another author’s book. His words made it clear that I was not involved in the matter at all.

Grateful for his honesty, I thanked him:

“Good day, Sir. Thank you for standing up for me against Madam Linda. Your support means so much to me.”

But Madam Linda came back again, insisting she had paid ₦5,000 for “my” book. She admitted she had deleted her chats, making proof difficult, but concluded it was “no big deal” since ₦5,000 was not worth the stress of going to the bank.

At this point, I reminded her.

“Madam, are you not the same person who once asked me to send you my manuscript, promising to help me publish it? I sent it to you, you read it, but you never got back to me. If you truly paid ₦5,000 for my book and I failed to deliver, kindly provide proof of payment and I will refund the money immediately.”

Meanwhile, another member of the group, Camba, stepped in gently and reminded her that the money she paid was likely for a different book altogether. She explained how copies had been distributed at the ANA stand during the Nigerian International Book Fair, and some were sent out by courier.

Still, Madam Linda insisted she was sure it was me. She even accused me of not following up when she “wanted to help” me with publishing. But gradually, with the intervention of other respected members, the truth began to surface. Another woman, Mena, confirmed it clearly:

“Linda, it was Dr Chigozie’s book you paid for—not Frank’s. You were supposed to have picked it up at the book fair.”

Finally, Madam Linda accepted and offered an apology:

“Thank you, Mena. Camba has resolved the issue. My apologies have been issued. It is well.”

And just like that, the storm settled.

MY REFLECTION

My people, what did I learn from this?

That assumptions are the lowest level of knowledge. They can destroy trust, create unnecessary conflict, and put another person’s integrity on trial. One wrong assumption can cause embarrassment in public and paint an innocent person in the wrong light.

But wisdom teaches us to always verify before we conclude. As our elders say, “He who rushes into judgement often washes his hands in shame.”

Today, I thank God for vindication, for the honesty of those who spoke the truth, and for the humility of Madam Linda who later admitted her mistake.

MY FINAL WORD

Beloved, before you assume, pause and verify. Before you accuse, check your facts. And before you judge, hear both sides. That small step can save dignity, protect relationships, and preserve truth.

So I ask you, my people:

👉 Have you ever been wrongly accused based on assumptions?

👉 How did you handle it?

👉 What lessons did you learn?

Share your thoughts in the comments. Let us learn together.

Because in the end, truth will always speak louder than assumption.