IF SO, DOXOLOGY!

 

I was thinking this morning... Only a handful of people born after 1970 will truly appreciate the expression, “If so, doxology!”

In the 70s and 80s, when secondary school boys were aspiring Shakespeareans and romance was conducted through handwritten letters, there was a peculiar language of love.

First, instead of writing an address, the young lover would simply write “Ditto.” Then came the masterpiece:

My Dearest Sweetheart,
This is the calligraphy of Wey Mey, written with the golden pen of love from the bottomless pit of my heart.

How are you and your entire household? I hope you are swimming in the ocean of good health? If so, doxology!

Yours forever in the garden of love,

Wey Mey.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX.

Those Xs were not multiplication signs. They represented kisses! Na wa o! Our fathers were not the only ones who knew how to express love.

Although I never wrote such letters, I was always fascinated by “If so, doxology.” I neither understood what it meant nor bothered to find out. After all, who needed a dictionary when love was doing the talking?

Last week, a colleague resurrected this ancient correspondence during a conversation, and my curiosity was awakened.

I discovered that doxology comes from two Greek words: doxa, meaning glory or praise, and logos, meaning word or expression. Essentially, it is an expression of praise to God.

So, those young lovers were actually saying, “If you are well, glory be to God!” Imagine that! Theology hidden inside teenage romance!

As I reminisced, I wondered how many marriages today owe their existence to those beautifully exaggerated love letters. Some people probably married because somebody promised them an ocean of affection with neither canoe nor life jacket!

It certainly wasn't my strategy for winning the heart of my young wife. Perhaps it worked for others. If so, doxology!

Since I wasn't particularly gifted in the art of romantic calligraphy, I channelled much of my energy into building my professional career.

Last Friday, I was honoured with the award of Professional Fellowship by the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES). As I stood during the induction, I reflected on my professional journey and the many people, opportunities, challenges and experiences that have shaped it.

Truthfully, titles have never been my motivation. I have always believed that the value of a professional is measured less by the letters after their name and more by the difference they make.

Nevertheless, this recognition is deeply appreciated. I hope the Fellowship will further strengthen my commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainability and mentoring the next generation of environmental professionals.

And if it does, doxology!

You see, the more I reflect on that forgotten expression, the more I realise that those secondary school boys, perhaps unknowingly, were teaching us something profound.

Life is full of “if so” moments.

If your family is healthy, doxology!

If your children are making progress, doxology!

If your years of labour are being recognised, doxology!

If you have survived challenges that once appeared insurmountable, doxology!

And even when things have not turned out exactly as planned, there is still something for which to be grateful. As the Bible reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “In every thing give thanks.”

Perhaps it is time we resurrected this beautiful expression, not necessarily in love letters, but in our everyday conversations. Because behind every achievement is a story of grace, and behind every testimony is a reason to give thanks.

As for me, from the days of youthful dreams in Warri to this latest professional recognition, I can only look back and say:

If so, doxology!

Stay hopeful. God's got our back.

Happy Sunday!

......Just the thoughts of a certain Wey Mey