A demon with the wings of an angel.

I think I’ve gotten to the point where I don’t have to bother myself with people’s issues anymore. It looks like people take you for granted when you are nice to them and even take you for a fool. I have been advised several times not to let what I go through affect my personality but hey sometimes, pulling back I think is better than to have some wounds that would be very difficult to heal. Trust me!

There’s this girl I met during my last semester in uni through a next door neighbour in the hostel I resided. This guy kept telling me about a girl he was taking care of in school because she was a pauper. I was so touched by her story that I wanted to meet her badly. I finally met this girl and her story I heard again was just too bad. She told me her parents passed away when she was just a kid and that she stayed with her half sister in Kumasi who paid no attention to her at all and that she had to struggle to pay her fees. I immediately opened my arms to this girl and told her to come to me if she ever needed any help and that she was now my sister. What even made me like this girl most was when she told me she is a prayer warrior and that she loves to pray at dawn and cannot sleep if she doesn’t get to the field to pray. Little did I know I had opened up to a demon. I made this girl so free around me that she’d get up in the morning and the next place would be to my room to search for food. I was never worried about that since I thought I was a blessing in someone’s life. What even hurts me most was the fact that I introduced her to someone I have always respected and cherished my whole life. She met this lady and also lied to her about herself just as she did to me.  Apparently, she even told my mentor about a scholarship she had been awarded and that she needed GHC1500 to process her documents to study in the United States for some time. Hmm, I just bless God I found out who she was before someone offered to sponsor her. I remember a time I took her to the mall to shop for her because she had told me she never had the motherly love and that no one cared about her. All I wanted to do was to make her happy; I would call this girl right after my lectures and ask her if she had had lunch even when I hadn’t had mine. Another stupid thing I also did was to introduce this girl to my boyfriend!

The whole truth about this girl was revealed when my boyfriend and I realised that her conversations with us did not tally with who she told us she was. This girl who told me she had to fast for some days because she couldn’t afford gari was the same person who was now telling me she used to drive Mercedes and that some prominent people in Ghana were her friends. We started to raise eyebrows at what she was now telling us but who were we to judge someone.  A guy who was also in the same hostel and claimed to know the girl in question back in Kumasi was apparently looking for me to warn me against the girl since that was what she did to get the attention of others and dupe them. The girl was a number one fraudster and a liar who had played her tricks on many people on campus but what baffled me and still does is the fact that she was a member of many societies on campus and even had the guts to run for leadership roles in some of these social groups when she was not a student. Well, that is another issue for another day as to how someone who is not a student found her way in a hostel as a student to swindle innocent people. She told me she was a student pursuing languages with majors in Spanish, Chinese and Portuguese. I don’t even know how and why I  believed her when there was no way someone could be offered to read more than two modern languages in the university. I gathered courage to confront this girl and ask her if what the guy told me about her was true and that was when she started to rattle more lies. It looked like nothing good ever came out from this girl’s mouth and the most annoying sentence she’d make before lying again was, “let’s put God in the centre”.

If I should write everything that was revealed in the end, I won’t sleep this evening but the whole truth was that the girl was not a student in the uni, she was a thief and a pathetic liar. I cried that day when I interrogated her and she told me the truth (which I don’t really believe everything she said). I also got to know that the money she was looking for was to get an agency to help her travel with the intention of not coming back and surprisingly, she had five (5) names she used everywhere she went. We woke up the next day and we were told she moved out that dawn. I’m sure she might have relocated to another place to continue defrauding people but I pray people will really know who she is and not fall a victim.

I was told she said to someone that I have disgraced her and made people who respected her know who she really is and that she’ll deal with me but I want her to know wherever she is that I didn’t do anything and that her cup was just full. If anything should happen to anyone she must rather suffer because she has hurt people and not me and besides every truth that was revealed to me I think was from God and not me. I forced the truth out of her when she thought she had won the hearts of people with her blatant lies.

Sara or whichever name you are using now, know that He who lives in me is greater than He who is of this world and my God has also promised me that He’ll let my enemies eat their own flesh as if they are eating bread and drink their own blood as if they are drinking wine and I also want you to know that my God’s words never goes back to Him void which means whatever He says must be accomplished so you better make the right choice.

To my mentor, my role model and my inspiration, I’m so sorry I brought this devil into your life. I know I didn’t do well by not really finding out who she was before introducing her to you but I’ve learnt my lesson. I pray you find a place in your heart to forgive me. I always think about this issue and try to forget what happened but I feel this girl has hurt me so much that I can’t forget. I pray that God will replenish everything you sacrificed for the girl. Once again, I’m very sorry. I’ve learnt my lesson a hard way.

To my pals out there, please be careful of the people you meet in life because they may be demons with angels’ wings.

  

A letter to mama

I am always thankful to have you as a mom. I reminisce on my childhood days and I can never forget the tender loving care you always showed me. I remember what you told me about my birth process. It was you or me (as to who would survive) but you prayed on your hospital bed and said that both of us will be fine. It got to a point where you had to go under a caesarean operation because I was too weak to make it but God showed Himself so strong in us. No wonder you always say it’s also your birthday when it is my birthday; I know you believe God gave you another life.

I think of the times I fell ill and little sister also had an asthma attack and as the wonderful woman you are, you would carry us both and rush us to the hospital. I will never forget the day I could barely walk and you had to run to our neighbour for help because little sister also had a temperature. You’ve always made us know that we are your priority. This reminds me of the time you were driving little sister and I home and a careless driver nearly crossed us. You screamed and what you said was, “Eii, my kids are all I have o, they’re my world and they are what I live for”. At that moment, mummy, I saw love and protection in you. You’ve been so strong when I was weak. I remember in my secondary school days when I felt very sick. Mama, you would not eat and at some point your friends and the doctors thought something would happen to you but they didn’t know you were praying for God to spare your child’s life. Those were the times you put your job aside and made time for me; you never left my bedside and you kept massaging my feet and told me that I would be alright.

Anytime I think about what you do at home, I laugh! I wish I could upload the day you were learning how to dance azonto. I couldn’t stop laughing that evening. Your humorous attitude makes people remember you always. My friends always talk about the food you used to bring us back in our secondary school days, not forgetting your advices which have helped to reshape our lives. I now eat fruits like I would drink water; thanks to you. You have always made me know about the importance of fruits and even with the books you bought to convince me? Hmm, you are the best mom in the world!

Mom, I thank you so much for doing everything in your might to make me happy. I’m so proud to have you as a mom especially when I think of how you push me through academia. You would do everything just to help me attain the best in life, anything I show interest in, you’re ready to help. What else could I ask for? Even at my age now, you make sure you call me at least twice a day to check up on me. You hear a voice change and the first you ask is if I’m ok. I just love how you call me in the morning and call my name with that lovely voice. You pray for me and bless me even before I start my day, aww mummy this love is too much! lol

I thank God for the fact that anytime I go anywhere and people get to know I’m your child, they treat me nicely. People always praise you and tell others how good and humble you are. Your humble and noble character has taken you far and has affected me positively too. I remember how all the workers at the place I did my internship kept praising you and telling me the good things you’ve done for them.

Mama, I know you wanted more kids but God in His own wisdom gave you two but we promise to never let you down. You’ve never let us down so we wouldn’t. I pray for long life and prosperity for you. May you be accepted wherever you go and may the good Lord always remember you as you have purposed in your heart to worship Him alone. Thanks so much for your rituals every morning when you lay hands on us and pray for us and even call to pray for us when we are away.

God bless you and thank you for being you. You are worth celebrating. Happy mother’s day!! J

My unknown thoughts......

I wish this world was such a peaceful and a better place to live in: a place where no one would kill his brother for anything, a place where the thief would not go and rob the innocent family at night, a place where one wouldn’t have to lock his door at night or even during the day because of burglars, a place where a close friend would not sabotage his friend because of a position he doesn’t deserve, a place where there would be no paedophiles nor rapists, false prophets and fraudsters who dupe others of their hard earned monies.

I wish we lived in a world where a man would love a woman, marry her and place her on a pedestal. I wish the woman would be submissive to her man as the good book says for the man to also love her equally. I wish we had a world where ladies would stay away from married men and not go to destroy someone’s “hard built” marital home. A world where a man would not abuse his wife or partner emotionally and physically but rather learn to live with her shortcomings. I wish we had a world where men would take up the responsibilities of taking care of their children and helping their wives to raise a wonderful family. A nice place where a man would tell her wife she is fat and still love her for that and let everyone know how proud he is to have her. The beautiful world where a man and his wife would laugh and play together as little kids and dance their hearts away to the tune of their lovely music even after 20 years of marriage.

I wish we had a human race where friends would help each other in times of difficulty and also pull the other to climb the ladder of success together. A place where there would be no fair weather friends but real friends who would take good care of your family and other properties if you were away. A world where people would not talk behind your back and say hurtful things they do not know about but would be bold enough to approach you to solve issues. A place where sisters or best friends would not stab you in the back and take your spouse but would rather pray with you in strengthening your relationships. A place where a family member would not love to be seen as a “saviour” in the family to be worshiped but as someone who would love to help the less privileged in the family to also attain a better position in life. A domain where an uncle would not ask for sex from his niece before he pays her school fees. 

I wish we lived in a wonderful place where people would tell others exactly how they feel and not harbour any bitterness in them. A better place where there would be malice, pain, bitterness or anger in anyone’s heart but we would love our neighbours as ourselves and be each other’s keeper. A peaceful and a serene atmosphere where countries would not rise up against countries, where there would be no racism issues, where there would be no corruption; a world where leaders would fulfil their promises when they come into power and not spend the little money in the nation’s coffers. A world where there would be no corruption; a place where the rich would not continue to get richer with the poor getting poorer but a world where the rich would teach the poor how to also “fish” and not necessarily feeding him with fish because with that he’d know how to gain and sustain his riches.

Mostly, I wish we had a world where we used our mouth to settle issues and not the use of weapons and the hands. Our wise God in His own special way gave us mouth in the creation of man to be used for talking and solving problems when the need arises. A wonderful world where phrases such as “thank you” and “sorry” would always be on everyone’s lips. An atmosphere where there is love and not hatred; peace and not war; joy and not sorrow.

My heart desire is to see all the nations with one heart, worship our creator irrespective of our religious background. I would love to see people with a common destiny who would remain united no matter what happens. I am waiting to see that world, and I would love to do everything I can to see that world because I trust that is the place I can scream “o, what a wonderful world!” I don't know about you but I know you'll love that world too.

All things are possible to him who believes, more to him who hopes, even more to him who loves, and more still to him who practices and perseveres in these three virtues – Brother Lawrence

He who throws pellets.....

I quite remember a book we used to read in the literature class back in the day. The book, “The gods are not to blame “by Ola Rotimi was one of the best literature books of our time. What I really loved most were the typical Nigerian proverbs that really got you thinking; I must say I love African wise sayings. Well, what happened this weekend reminded me of a particular proverb in the book; “he who throws pellets at one asks for rocks in return”.

A friend visited me after Sunday service and told me he had just broken up with his girlfriend. “What the heck?” was the first sentence I could utter. How could this be possible when these lovely couple visited me just a day before and we had a lovely chat about their future plans and of course the family they would love to raise someday. Initially, I thought my buddy was just kidding but after listening to his reasons for making that decision, I noticed I had a friend who could endure. This was a guy whose girlfriend could make him experience “fire and flavor”, that is, fire indoors and flavor in public but this guy would never complain to anyone and would always pray that things will change. He was being accommodating and hoping things would change but the lady kept messing up. The lady was throwing pellets at this young man till he couldn’t take it any longer and so had to return the pellets with rocks! I bet the lady never saw this coming, of course they may have argued a couple of times or may have experienced some silence treatments from this fine gentleman but I strongly believe the “it’s over’ phrase was never part of her plans for her relationship. From my encounter with her at some point in time, I could deduce that she thought the guy could never leave her so she rather used to treat the guy of leaving him. I bet this girl never saw this coming!

After trying for hours to influence my friend to reconsider his decision, I gave up on that when he let me know that he had lost the love he had for the lady in his heart a long time ago but rather advised him to follow his heart since he knew what he was going through. I woke up on Monday morning to see his calls I had missed at 2:45am. I immediately called him only for him to tell me that the girl threatened to commit suicide that night and that was why he kept calling but I didn’t answer. OMG! So it had gotten to that stage where there was even attempted suicide! Ah, but I thought she was that brave girl who would never cry over a guy. Hmm, what a funny world we live in!

There is a popular saying that “you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone.” Many people have lost loved ones because of an attitude or behavior they showed them and now getting them back is difficult. We sometimes act on our emotions so much that we don’t even take a moment to think about how the other person feels and the pride in us also makes it hard for us to apologize. Truth is, most people don’t know how to express their feelings especially when the ones they love hurt them so they just keep “piling” up the mistakes till they can’t take it anymore and that is when they explode when you least expect that from them.  Accord people with respect and always remember the golden rule: do unto others what you want to be done unto you. Cherish relationships and be a shoulder for someone to cry on and not a “shunner” for someone to cry about. The last thing I would want to hear is for someone to tell me “it’s too late to apologize.” No way!

 Always remember to be nice to people on your way up, because you’ll meet them on your way down - Wilson Mizner.    

...and just trust!

God will never, never, never let us down if we have faith and put our trust in Him. He will always look after us.

                                                                         Mother Teresa

There are times I weep and ask God questions; I sometimes feel remorseful  about my past and even wish I could turn back the clock just to do things right. I sometimes feel terrible especially knowing that I can’t correct some mistakes I have made. I am sure I’m not the only one going through this; there are people from all walks of life who just wish they had not done something terrible that would still haunt them.

I was just going reading an inspirational book and I came across this touching piece from Mother Teresa. I have always known that God will never let His children down but how people despise you when you get into trouble makes me wonder whether God is really looking after us. Well, I don’t let what mortal beings do bother me but I know for sure that there are some people who are just wondering if God is indeed looking after them because of what they are going through. What even baffles me is when servants of God also despise and reject people. A man once told of the hardships he went through when he decided to leave his village for Accra to seek greener pastures. You won’t believe that this guy slept in one of the big churches in Ghana and he was robbed of his belongings and sacked from the church. He was asked not to sleep there again and that made me ask myself if these people are indeed working for God because God has taught us to feed the hungry and care for the needy. Another I heard was about this lady who was punished at church for getting pregnant out of wedlock and that makes me wonder, ”where else will she go if the school sacks the teenage mother and the family also rejects her?” . I thought the church was like a place of refuge! Well, who am I to judge? That was just by the way!

I remember back in my junior high school days when I used to tell people that life was like playing chess.  Truth is, I didn’t even understand that myself though I preached that but now things are clearer now. You think you are on a right path till you face a bigger challenge which looks at you in the face and seems to say “CHECKMATE!” and that is where you see those who love you and the others who were just waiting for you to fall. I always talk about the goodness of the Lord and how He rescues us even when there is no hope. I am a living testimony and I always tell people that I even find it amazing that I’m alive but to His glory! I’m alive and enjoying perfect health.

You may wonder why I’m writing this but like I said earlier, I know some people need this to move on. They need to know that they are not the only ones going through regret; they are not the only ones soaking their pillows with tears at night neither are they the only ones asking God questions. All I can say is this: never lose hope even when life seems unfair. Have faith even when the road is unclear and don’t forget to pray until something happens (PUSH)! Just remember that because He lives, you can face tomorrow and learn to trust Him through your trials. He shall surely be there!!!

As long as the sun shines in the morning, trust me, there’s gonna be a better day! :)