Genesis 2:22 And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. 2:23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.

In the game of football, the primary job of a defender is to prevent the opponent from scoring a goal. That is why technically, five, out of eleven possible positions are occupied by defenders.

In relationships, many brothers have turned themselves to defenders. You are the one that will see her off to the bustop after Bible study. You are the one that will usher her in on Sunday morning. You will wait for her in front of her hostel, so you can come to church together. You go to the library together. You are both her prayer and reading partner. You observe lunch breaks because of her. From all indications, you like her and your inner man is OK with her. Naturally, other "strikers" see you and turn back. Those who are bold enough to get closer, go back with "injuries".

Yet, you are not doing something important.

In the above Scripture, after God brought her to Adam, the next thing Adam did was that he SAID...

My brother, please say something. God will not propose on your behalf. He has done his part by bringing her to you, do your part by opening your mouth. If you are not interested in her, please leave the pitch for those who are. Stop spiritualizing the whole thing. Be like Adam. He never analyzed, he SAID. Despite all your analysis, what results have you gotten?

And surprisingly, some sisters too (few percentage) are also defenders. The young man has given you his manifesto, requesting your vote. If you've done your research and found him to be credible, give him your vote. If not, tell him to go campaign somewhere else. Stop giving him hope, making other sisters hopeless, when deep within you, you know he won't have your vote, only to dash his hopes a day before the election. Such a man may not have the confidence to campaign again.

May God deliver us from defenders.

Sylvester Obinna.