Judging people by their appearance can be deceptive most times. It could either be overvaluing someone when compared with who they are in reality or undervaluing the person. The former is the most prevalent in society.
My father would always warn me to be careful of who I chose as my role model. Even at a lower level, I should be careful about how I wish to get material things possessed by people without knowing the sources.
As I grew older, I took interest in reggae music. I am an ardent lover of Bob Marley's song and in one of his songs titled "who the cap fits", he made a statement thus; "... And if night should turn to day, now. A lot of people would run away, yeah! ..." This statement can be interpreted in many ways. The underlying source of what glitters like gold in the day may be shrouded in darkness during the night.
I gained admission into remedial sciences at a University some years back. Our population in class was over 1000.
A few weeks after starting the programme, an election was conducted to elect the class representative. I threw my hat to the ring and contested against two others. I campaigned seriously and I can say that that was my first experience on how to convince voters with my manifesto.
I was the leading candidate until Johnbosco entered the race at the late hour. While I was canvassing for votes with explanations of what I was planning to offer, Johnbosco pumped money into his own campaign process. He photocopied materials and distributed them to the majority of the population. He bought some people lunch.
At the end of the election, Johnbosco won the class representative.
The following day, he met me with his team and they commended me for my undying spirit during the contest. Despite his money, I was able to get above 40% of the total vote cast. Johnbosco requested for my friendship and I accepted. We became very close during the programme.
One thing with him and his close friends is that they spend money lavishly. They spend money on parties and drinking. I was invited several times to the bar of a hotel opposite our campus. Each time I joined them for such an outing, they ordered expensive drinks for everyone. I kept wondering where the money was coming from.
At a point, I started limiting going out with them. Any lady on campus that crosses their path and they have interest in her is a must get. They wear the latest designers in town.
It was Johnbosco's birthday and I was invited to grace it. I decided to honor him with my presence being a special day to him. It was at the birthday party that his close friends invited me to worship with them in their worshiping place that was neither a church nor a mosque.
I was told that if I join them, I wouldn't be lacking in anything whether money or influence. They even mentioned having access to ladies of high class on campus.
"Do they share money in your place of worship?" I asked.
They laughed out loud in chorus while I was told that I would know better when I joined the group.
Upon further request for details, Johnbosco handed a form to me. The form was that of joining a cult group. I stood up immediately and made an attempt to go.
"You have seen it and you have to be part of it." One of them stated.
I damned the consequences and left immediately.
They disturbed me afterwards and when I couldn't bear their pressure, I threatened them back . I was getting ready for the worse.
Johnbosco met me on a particular afternoon and told me that since I was adamant in joining them, I should maintain my lane while they maintained theirs. I agreed with him and promised never to cross their path. That was how I was left alone.
I later got some details about their cult group and I learned that they are the type that have carrying bags as their identity. Another compulsory thing they do is stealing. They went for what they called operations, to steal people's belongings. They lived on other people's resources.
I learned many lessons. I became very careful of what I wish for. Once I don't know the source of someone's income, I don't wish to be like him. Some things are beyond what we see. All that glitters is not gold.
