Nigerian Great King David, A Priest In The Grave!

Many things have been written about David than any other biblical character. Sixty-six chapters are dedicated to him. That doesn’t include fifty-nine references to him in the New Testament. How important do you think King David was to Israel?

Whenever King David is mentioned, my mind conjures up the image of when he was in his teens. He relied on the strength of God and was great. David is the man after God's heart. He was young when Samuel found him. David had been shuffled off to his father’s fields to work as a shepherd boy. His father must have viewed him as trustworthy and responsible to give him the sole care of his herds. In reality, he was in God’s training ground learning to be a king. David was “a skillful musician, a mighty man of valor, a warrior, one prudent in speech, a handsome man,” and the LORD was with him. (I Samuel 16:18)

King David serves as an inspiration to us today with the life he lived. Throughout his adolescent, he displayed faith in god. even when he faced the giant, he trusted God for victory. He was also committed to his family as seen when he saved them from the giant. He was courageous. He protected his flock from lions. He maintained a loyal friendship as seen with Jonathan that lasted the test of time. David also teaches us to wait on God to reveal his plans to us patiently.

Just as the biblical King David, a special soul widely known as Great King David Ethan Chidiebere Igweonu, (Nigerian King David) lived his life to the fullest and touched many souls as witnessed by all that knew him.

To begin with, King David is from Ozubulu in Ekwusigo LGA of Anambra State. He held his family in high esteem. After God, comes his family. His mum was his goddess. Upon return from anywhere, the first person he calls out is his lovely mum. 'Ene m (Idoma way of calling "My Mother), how are you? 

'Good Evening Ma', he greets...

He was respectful and caring and was loved by all.  There was never a tear he did not wipe from the face of his siblings. He was a comforter, a devoted son, a brother, an uncle and a spiritual director to the family. Anytime surrounded by his family, King David was always at his happiest moment - even during those inevitable tough times that life has a way of throwing at people. His devotion to his family was the foundation of his actions - the anchor that defined and shaped his life.

Turning to the next page of his life is 'David the friend'. He was a good friend to many! He could be counted on and depended on always. Whether you needed simple advice, an empathetic ear, a shoulder to lean on, companionable silence, a listener if you will, he was the man; ready, steadfast, willing and good fun. For those that knew David, I know they will miss the friendship that David brought into their lives. But it's well.

As the pages continue to flip, I see ''David as a man defiant and unwilling to settle for less.'' He lived a principled life underpinned by a strong sense of right and wrong. He was never a cruel man and he made his family understand that nothing can be gotten from holding grudges. David stood for the truth. He spoke out when it really counted. His strong principles did not allow him to let something wrong stand unchallenged. He never let anyone or anything stand in the way of making things right. 

You can only imagine how much more he could have accomplished in his life were it not for his demise.

Turning to more pages, jeez! 'David the eater'. hahahahaha. David eats everything. He doesn't have a favorite. He doesn't like wasting food. Do you have a leftover waiting to be disposed of? David would tell you to keep it, that he would eat it. There was a funny saying gotten from somewhere that he uses and crack his siblings up- 'Nicodemus, erimeri o di? Butere m erimeri ka m rie'. (Nicodemus, is there food? Get me food to eat). 

Hahaha....

David does the house chores diligently though he doesn't like washing dishes. He cooks very well.

Going further, let me say that the page in David's life I find most memorable is the role that spirituality played. King David loved his God. He was known as a very private person but a loving man whose quiet faith guided his actions, words and deeds. He was a true Christian. He received the Sacrament of Baptism, Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation. He was a member of the Catholic Altar Severs Association of Nigeria, Block Rosary Crusade, Lay Readers Association, Legion of Mary, Catholic Boys Organization, Young Catholic Students, Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria, etc. 

Until his sudden demise on the eve of Aug 25th, 2019, all King David wanted was to be a priest of the Almighty God in the order of Melchizedek. He made the move. By October, we hoped he would either be in the Seminary (Congregation of The Holy Spirit) or University of Benin to study Philosophy. He strove always to be the best he could be - son, brother, friend and champion to others. His Bible and Rosary were his greatest weapons (A Green Rosary gifted to him by a priest friend from Rome) He would always say 'I will be the first Pope from Africa, I will also be the youngest Pope. Afterward, I will go home a saint'. 

David cared for everyone. Most of his resources went to the children on the street. He was a great giver. 

His smiles were healing balm.

That's David!

Owing to that saying "Man proposes, God, disposes", at 20, King David was called by God almighty to come and serve him better in heaven. And I lost my younger brother to the cold hand of death. The Nigerian King David became a Priest In The Grave!!!

Now, everything about me feels empty. I feel like David will walk in through the door any minute. but, he is gone. Oh, sad reality.  

Dear King David, it is very hard to say goodbye, so I will only say, rest on brother. The pages of your book will never be closed, just as the pages of Kosi and Dad cannot be closed either.

We will remember you through the many people still left behind whose lives you touched so positively. You may not realize it, but at 20yrs, you left an amazing legacy behind. We are your legacy! Through us, you left this world a better place, better than how you found it and for that, you have to be very proud.

Mum cannot stop missing you!!!

Aunty Amina cannot stop crying!!!
Your In-Law (Sir E) is yet to believe you are gone!!!
Mma has been weeping!!!
Angel T feels his world has chattered!
Obum said you live in him!!!
Your "twin" brother Olisaemeka awaits your coming back!!!

Florence, Esther, Chuchu, Lulu & Kaito have not stopped looking for Uncle David!

Did you even forget Aunty Justina David? She has been crying uncontrollably!

David Ndi #SeahorseLubricat na ajuzi kedu ebe ino!

Ndi Okongwu Memorial Grammer School (OMGS) are still in our house waiting for to come back!

But what can we say if not REST ON GREAT KING DAVID!

Adieu, Great King David Igweonu!
Adieu, Nwata Na Anya Seahorse Lubricant!

Your Lovely Sister,

Ijelennaya Christabelle Cynthia Odidika (Nee Igweonu)

~www.ijeletours.blogspot.com~