A Sacred Tradition of Over 40 Years
The Easter holiday has always been a sacred part of my life for over 40 years. From as far back as I can remember, it’s been etched into the very fabric of my soul—a season wrapped in solemnity, deep reflection, and the joyous celebration of resurrection. Ever since my youth, I have looked forward to Easter with the kind of anticipation one reserves for family reunions or milestone birthdays. Being a church person through and through, Easter to me has always been a Christian holiday—nothing more, nothing less.
Naive Assumptions and a Spiritual Bubble
For years, I carried this quiet assumption that everyone, regardless of their background, paused during this season to reflect on the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. I never really took time to think about what others were doing during this time. I guess you could say I was too naïve, or perhaps just too spiritually insulated, to consider that not everyone lives a purpose-driven life. I believed, in my own little world, that Easter was a universal moment of holiness and introspection. That belief was shattered one afternoon in the most unexpected way.
A Taxi Ride to Thetsane That Changed Everything
I had hopped onto a Four plus One headed for Thetsane. Just a regular local taxi ride to most, but for me, it turned into a trip I’d never forget. Among the passengers was a man—possibly in his late 30s—who seemed to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders. He had a tired face, eyes full of regret, and a voice heavy with disbelief. And then, he began to talk.
A Painful Confession
What started as casual banter quickly turned into a candid confession. This man, in the spirit of lament, opened up about how a woman—someone he described as both a “lady of the night” and someone with a noble daily profession—had completely drained him. According to him, he’d spent two days with her, completely immersed in an illusion of pleasure and fantasy. In those two days, he paid her rent, bought her winter clothes, and funded what sounded like a lifestyle that was far above his pay grade.
Used, Abandoned, and Left with Nothing
And then, as suddenly as it had begun, it ended. When his money ran out, so did her affection. She kicked him out like a stray dog. No goodbyes. No sympathy. Just a cold dismissal and the arrival of the next big spender. He said the house had a rotation—small boys came in with small money, and when they were dried out, the big boys rolled in with fat wallets and even fatter egos. This poor brother had gone in full—and came back completely empty. He was afraid to go home. Not just because he had no money, but because he had nothing to say. His wife was waiting, hoping, expecting—probably praying. And he was busy cooking lies in his head to feed her instead of food.
A Man Broken by Pleasure
I sat quietly, listening, my heart torn between empathy and sorrow. Here was a man who had gambled with his dignity, sacrificed his responsibilities, and got played in the most brutal way. A man who traded purpose for pleasure, and in the process, lost more than just money. It was as if he had laid his whole life on the altar of lust, and the fire consumed everything—his pay, his peace, and his pride.
The Dark Side of Easter for Some
His story shook me. It reminded me that Easter, while sacred to some, is just another weekend to others. A time for indulgence, escapism, and reckless behavior. It reminded me how easily men can be lured into traps masked as love, and how deception can wear perfume and high heels.
How Many Are Living Like This?
As he continued to pour out his heart, I couldn’t help but think—how many brothers are out there, living double lives, playing with fire while their families wait in faith and love? How many men are walking around with broken hearts, empty pockets, and lies on their lips?
The Oldest Profession, The Freshest Wounds
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A Call for Mercy and Reflection
May God have mercy on our shenanigans as men?
That taxi ride changed something in me. It forced me to reflect—not just on the resurrection story of Christ, but on the resurrection many of us men desperately need in our own lives. A resurrection of purpose. Of integrity. Of honesty. A return to the things that truly matter.
A Cautionary Easter Tale
So yes, this was an Easter to remember. Not because of a powerful sermon or a special church program—but because I encountered a raw, painful story of a fellow man who had lost his way. A cautionary tale wrapped in the bitter fragrance of regret.
The Hope of Redemption
May we all find our way back? Jesus Christ is calling us all to repentance. He remains the Ultimate Leader. Let us follow Him, and many will follow us. All hope is not lost. Let us get up and stand up to pursue the heart of the Master.
Dr Ted Msipa is Pastor, Author, Visionary, Entrepreneur and Public Speaker based in Maseru, Lesotho. He is a leading voice in leadership, personnel development, organisational thinking, transformational leader and people builder in sub-Sahara Africa and Beyond. He writes here in his personal capacity and views shared here do not necessarily reflect those of Africa News 24. Dr Ted can be reached on Coachted117@gmail.com or on +266 63177309.
