THE EMPTY CHAIR

FADE IN:

EXT. COMPOUND - DAY

We see a young girl, MAY (16), and a boy, JOHN (17), standing close to the entrance of a house, talking in hushed tones.

MAY

(whispering)

Leave that one, John. My dad's bark is worse than his bite. He's never home anyway. The best he can do is beat me. Nothing else. Besides, he's not always at home. We barely see him. It's the information he gets that he can work with.

JOHN

(nervously)

How about your mum?

MAY

(dismissively)

She's home always but went to the market. Don't bother about her, she's a pushover. Her words don't hold water. She's not as firm or disciplined as my father.

JOHN

(hesitantly)

Won't she tell your dad?

MAY

(confidently)

She won't dare. She's just too soft. She won't want to cause me some problems. Besides, I already informed her I was expecting a visitor.

JOHN

(scared)

I'm scared o

MAY

(reassuringly)

Why? Ain't you a man? Besides, I'm giving you my word. My dad won't be back until midnight. He thinks money is everything.

Both of them walked in and were surprised to hear the door shut behind them. Both of them looked behind to see. The girl saw her father standing close to the door.

MAY

(terrified)

Dad! Where's mum? Someone please help me!

JOHN

(panicked)

I told you this wasn't a good idea! (he starts wetting his pants)

MR. JONES

(firmly)

Your mother's not here, May. And neither of you is leaving this house until we have a talk.

FADE OUT.

LABARINA - THE ANONYMOUS REQUEST

This occurred between me and someone today 30/08/2024 -  Around 11:30am

FADE IN:

EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD STREET - DAY

We see a young man, SUNDAY (31), walking down the street, heading home. Another man, ANONYMOUS (37), approaches him.

ANONYMOUS

(catching up)

Guy, how far?

SUNDAY

(continue walking)

I dey! Good morning.

ANONYMOUS

(walking alongside)

You dey reach this area too?

SUNDAY

(keep walking)

Yes!

As they walk side by side, people drinking alcohol watch them from a nearby spot.

ANONYMOUS

(whispering)

Abeg, I dey find 50 naira make I take buy Maggi.

SUNDAY

(firmly)

Nothing dey!

ANONYMOUS

(persisting)

I wan buy Maggi take put for food.

SUNDAY

(emphatically)

Nothing dey! (touches his pocket)

Anonymous walks away, disappointed. Sunday continues his journey home.

FADE OUT.

Summary on moral lesson:

The script teaches valuable moral lessons like honesty, self-responsibility, and politeness, promoting personal growth and healthy relationships. Trusting our instincts and being aware of inconsistencies in others is crucial. Living a responsible and productive life helps maintain dignity and avoid desperate measures. By being self-sufficient and hardworking, we can lead authentic and responsible lives, making the most of our time and staying productive.

YOU TOO

SONIA: (looking upset) I'm not happy.

DEBORAH: (concerned) Why? What's the matter?

SONIA: (sighs) I overheard some people talking ill about me.

DEBORAH: (empathetically) I'm so sorry to hear that. Let me share something with you. (opens Bible) Ecclesiastes 7:21-25 says:

"Do not pay attention to every word people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you, for you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others."

(DEBORAH looks up at SONIA with a gentle smile)

DEBORAH: (encouragingly) Remember, Sonia, we've all been guilty of speaking ill about others at some point. Let's focus on being kind and compassionate, and try not to dwell on hurtful words.

SONIA: (nods, looking slightly better)

Inspired by The Holy Spirit 

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I SHOULDN'T HAVE DONE IT

FADE IN:

INT. SCHOOL CAFETERIA - DAY

SANDRA and GODFREY sit across from each other at a table.

SANDRA:

They made me do it. Well, not exactly made me...

GODFREY:

How did they convince you?

SANDRA:

I saw them doing it. They were my friends, and I didn't want to be left out. I didn't want to look like a fool.

GODFREY:

Peer pressure.

SANDRA:

(nodding) Yeah...

GODFREY:

(serious tone) Sandra, just because others are doing something doesn't mean you have to follow. It's important to think for yourself and make choices that align with your values.

SANDRA:

(reflectively) You're right. I should have been stronger.

GODFREY:

(encouragingly) We all make mistakes. What matters is that we learn from them.

SANDRA:

(looking down) I wish I had stood firm...like it says in Psalm 1:1, "Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked, or stand in the way that sinners take, or sit in the company of mockers."

GODFREY:

(smiling) That's a great verse, Sandra! Remember, God gives us the strength to resist peer pressure and make choices that honor Him.

MORAL LESSON:

Peer pressure can be powerful, but it's essential to remember that your choices define you. Stay true to yourself and make decisions that align with your values. Remember, being a follower isn't always a bad thing, but being a blind follower can lead to regrets. Seek guidance from God's word and find strength in His presence.

FADE OUT.

LABARINA - GAMBLING: LOTTO

LABARINA 

"As I walked home from a morning visit, I was disheartened to see mature individuals in a betting shop called Lotto. I believe it's irresponsible to trust one's time, life, and destiny to luck. While some may have made money through gambling, I've learned that their end is often not pleasant, with at least 99% experiencing negative consequences.

It's unwise to prioritize fast and easy gains, whether it's fast money, fast food, or fast cars. These fleeting pleasures are found on the broad path that leads to destruction. Instead, let's seek wisdom and guidance from God's word, which reminds us:

"'For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and have pierced themselves with many pains.' - 1 Timothy 6:10

Let's choose the narrow path that leads to life and seek eternal treasures that bring true fulfillment."

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MANY NAUGHTY SHELLS

MANY NAUGHTY SHELLS

FADE IN:

INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY

JUDAS, a young adult, sits across from DAVID, a wise and experienced mentor.

JUDAS

In a nutshell, how do I make it in life?

DAVID

(smirking)

In a nutshell? You can't be serious. There are many naughty shells out there. You'll have to be patient and attentive to crack them until you find what you're looking for.

JUDAS

(leans in)

What do you mean?

DAVID

(serious tone)

Nothing of value is free, Judas. You must be willing to pay the price to achieve your dreams. Pray that Lord Jesus gives you the strength to persevere and cause your star to shine.

JUDAS

(nods, inspired)

Thank you, David.

DAVID

(smiles)

Remember, put God first, and everything else will fall into place.

FADE TO BLACK.

Inspired by The Holy Spirit through MASTERCLASS by Bishop David Oyedepo.

Written by Ojo Sunday Ikponmwonsa Oritsemiegbegbemi

 

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LABARINA - PSALM 121:1

LABARINA 

As I walked home from my friend's house at around 10 pm, I encountered a security guard who asked me, "Oboy, how far?" I replied, "Good evening bros," and quickly walked away to avoid being begged from.

The security guard called out, "I beg, find small thing for security, like hundred naira." I replied, "Bros, nothing, no money," and continued walking fast.

The security guard persisted, "Make I take buy Chelsea?" I chuckled to myself, and jokingly thought, "How will you buy Chelsea FC, that's trying to buy everybody? Wasting money!" Although I knew he was actually referring to a Chelsea mini pack, an alcoholic drink.

As I continued walking, I couldn't help but think, what i was a thief? I asked myself. Imagine, a security guard paid to secure lives, yet trying to beg from someone he doesn't know instead of watching to know the person's true identity.

It's a reminder that, "Except the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it, except the Lord keeps the city the watchman waketh but in vain" (Psalm 127:1).

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