Women Have A Choice Too!

 I met one of those old men borgers at the supermarket  where I  had gone to shop after work nights ago.He sounded level headed so I did not refuse to exchange numbers with him after he claimed he  found me quite interesting.

Because I went asking the people at the supermarket   why they were selling a certain brand  of cornflakes and whether it had been certified by the FDA. (Definitely  that's  how they start, they find you intriguing  or intelligent, since beautiful no longer moves us. Next thing they are pushing or trying their  luck to see if they can burst the nuts.)

Now  may I ask why men think that they own you once they buy you a drink or two? Or give you a few thousands of Ghana cedis or dollars  or pounds. Please  this phenomena  is becoming  increasingly  annoying.This man thought the next thing  that should be  happening after having a  drink is, we should be having sex.

A woman  seated at a table close to ours that same night was busy trying to  win a soul for christ  by convincing  a young woman who had admitted exchanging  sex for favours to change. I had stopped  listening to the one seated infront of me and was eavesdropping. It was the same story, men feeling  like  once they helped  a woman  out they had to be rewarded with sex.

No disrespect  to men because  I love men but this attitude  of men is getting  out of hand. A man is lending  you a hand and the next thing, he wants sex as payment.

A woman  seated at a table close to ours that same night was busy trying to  win a soul for christ  by convincing  a young woman who had admitted exchanging  sex for favours to change. I had stopped  listening to the one seated infront of me and was eavesdropping. It was the same story, men feeling  like  once they helped  a woman  out they had to be rewarded with sex.

Who says  I  can't  buy myself a drink? When you go to even have a drink alone, is when they think  you need sex. What is wrong with  our current  generation ? Can't  a woman  have some 'me' time anymore?

Unfortunately  I've met some nicely dressed ones, with good jobs who seem well-mannered  but on a  first interaction they are commanding sex out of you and want to make you feel guilty for not offering it to them. What is wrong with us?

I have stopped  responding  to  stupid. Yes,I read your text it sounds abusive or harassing I  ignore you if you are lucky. Look elsewhere .......having a woman  listen to all that madness is traumatising.

What gives a man the audacity  to think that once he has your phone number he can call or text to abuse you verbally  or  harass  you? Why should  men think that they must do women favours for sex? This madness  must stop. Some men are really painting 'men' black.

Same men pushing women  into prostitution  are  the same men calling them names. Yes, what would  you call a woman  who sleeps with every man  since you lots think every drink should end up in sex?

Dear young woman, your body is not for sale. Never! A man giving you a few cedis or buying you a drink doesn't  deserve  your body. You are fearfully  and wonderfully  made. No amount of money can buy you. Close your legs already unless that's  what you want, let no man make you feel like  you are obliged to give them your body. This nonsense  must stop!

Dear young woman, teach the men how to treat you by not responding  to this age old nonsense. Learn  to work for your  own cash and not depend on a man. Cease the day, wherever  you find  yourself, stop taking  the  abuse and harassment  from them.

Dear men,not every  woman wants to have sex with you. Not every  woman  wants a favour  so they can  pay back with sex. This madness  must stop. Stop abusing  women, stop harassing  women, women have a choice too!

My apologies  if this hit on men or sounded a bit harsh but women have a choice too. Remember I love men!

Who Are You To Someone ?

Two nights ago, I woke up at 1am to  read and had just gone back to nap  when I  found inspiration  to  write this piece.

Sometimes  the choices we make in life, can either push us to the top or undo us. When  it comes to friendships, business partners, marriage etc. our choices can mar the future.

People  are looking for walking sticks, some are looking for carriers  and others drivers, some others, just spectators  to cheer them on in the field of life towards attaining a medal or reaching their finish line. Which one are you? Which one are you  looking for?

Sometimes  our choices of who we need and what we want to be to others can change our lives forever. Lately, the people   hate the cheerleader, spectator or alarm clock types. They would  rather go in for the great in giving me pleasure type.

There are others who the moment they get upset will ruin every single empire they helped  you build. Are you  one of those people ?  You don't  have to  be. A good  person does not brag about how good he or she is. A good person  is known by their deeds.

Some people  will forget  the very minute things you did for them that turned their lives around. They will tear you down by a single raise of the arm. What do you  do?

Your value does not diminish  by the  way  a person decides to treat you. You are who you are. A queen or king,strong,a cheerleader,  a helper...

Stop switching  loyalty  roles because someone  let you down. Stop trying to unmake people  because  you had a  little  misunderstanding  with them. Let your worth be seen and measured by the real you.

May I ask, who are you to someone on the field  of life? Cheerful  or spectator, alarm clock or coach, walking stick or carrier?

Photo source: Google  Photos 

Hoping to write more in the days ahead.

Congratulations  to  Mawuli, you walk down the aisle  on Friday.
Unfortunately, I cannot  be there to support  you,
but my wish for  you, is to practice  all those poems you've been writing  with no one else but your wife. Grow old together !

SHE IS GHANA

They gather in grandeur to honour her graciousness
Wrapped in beauty and wealth
Her land, great and  rich in resources
Freed from her oppressor into freedom to fly
Independence they  called it
Born to a new dawn
Freed and left to fly
She is Ghana!

A free eagle to soar and shine
It's her 61st
Akua Ghana....
Ghana my happy home
Kwame Nkrumah's Ghana
Your Ghana
My Ghana
She is Ghana

Let the drums beat
Let the trumpets blow
Let her people celebrate
Criticise and praise Akua Ghana
She is Ghana
Kwame Nkrumah's Ghana
Your Ghana
My Ghana
She is Ghana

Happy  Independence  Day to all Ghanaians.
God bless our homeland Ghana!

I  saw a whole school march along the Ashongman- Kwabenya  road this morning without  security escort. Who allowed their children  to march on such a busy road? And those teachers..what happened  to school fields? All because  it's Ghana's birthday, I laughed  all morning  because  some parents  decided  to allow their precious  kids risk their lives in the name of Independence  Day Celebration. It would have been a sad day if something had happened to them. Ghana my happy  home☺☺☺

Photo Source: Kobby Blay Photography and Google  Photos  

CHEESE ON MY CAKE

Cup cake
Honey cake
Banana cake
Vanilla cake
Chocolate cake
Still cheese on my cake.

Cheesy cheese
Crooked circles
Shining slings
Running helter skelter
Run and run
Still cheese on my cake.

Chase cheese cake
It's a cheese cake chase
Till I eat that cheese on my cake
Feed me, spoil me, stone me like Dallas in
Jackie Collins'....
Cheese on my cake!

Photo Source  :  Google  Photos 

A HERO IN LIFE'S FIGHT

'Life is opening out before you
Youthful life so fresh and bright
God on high is watching over you
Be a hero in the fight
Be a hero
Stand up bravely for the fight
Be a hero
Be a hero
Be a hero in the fight'

~An old song from Primary School~

How I hate the sight of  graveyards especially when my mind isn't preconditioned to see one.

You know the hysteria that comes with it: sometimes it sets the mood for the rest of my day. It reminds me of my grandparents, my mother and a friend, my little cousin who went to be with the Lord at age 11 or so, my girlfriend who asked me for airtime and took ill and that was the end. Don't even know if she finished the airtime.

 I'm reminded of all the people I've lost to death who lie beneath the debris in the bottom surrounded by darkness.

Sometimes I like to just look at the numerous grave yards when I pass by. It teaches me lessons though it always comes with a feeling of sadness. The other time I passed by it again, I started putting this write up together but couldn't finish it.

How we take the life we live for granted. Some gamble with it, drive at top speed, ride motor bikes and gamble with their lives in the middle of the road as if this life were a gambling slot. Sometimes we are living alright but dead inside, either because of some negative experiences of the past or people's attitudes toward us. Sometimes we murder ourselves with our own words, at other times we do it to others with our very words.

I've been down for  two weeks, but while I lay not going to school or work, and trying to get well again, life taught me the meaning of that song we used to scream and sing during Primary school days back in UPS. Then, this song held no meaning for us, at least not for me. Now it does. I would sing this song to my roomie and friend Alexa years ago in Akuafo and she would say to me 'you always have a way of making me feel better'  at that time, it was to probably make her happy but now this song makes more meaning.

When all the odds are against you, when darkness seems to linger on and it isn't darkness beneath the debris,know that life is still opening out before you. When you feel like giving up, when you feel it's time to die and so cage yourself in, whilst still alive, remember this song I've just shared with you. Be a hero in the fight,  yes you be a hero in life's fight!

Photo Source: Google photos

A WALK DOWN THE AISLE TALES: CASH FOR SUGAR DADDY

People come into our lives for various reasons. Some come as acquaintances,  helpers, friends for life name them. Just the other day, I went asking my friends if they knew any rich old men. It was hilarious,  my girlfriends dissed me, others said I was crazy, while others laughed it off. My male friends: some were like is it Movenpick or Kempinski you to want to go to, I'll take you. Others said they were available, it must have sounded like a joke. There was another group that got furious that I would come asking for sugar daddy links in the first place. Oh well, was just messing around but indeed there's too much pressure in this world.

If you are aspiring to be my sugar daddy, the five or four star hotels in Ghana won't impress me unless I allow myself to be impressed by you by psyching myself up. You know why, as early as age 22 , I had this boyfriend, who was  son of a certain big man in Ghana who wanted to act like a big man himself,  as young as we were. Those hotels were  where we had our drinks just to talk or watch soccer and have  dinner. After that time, taking me to such places and wasting what I call money which may be peanuts to you, does not wow me.

I seemingly had a male admirer not long ago who loved to tow the same line, he believed in taking me to the best places to dine but when nothing came out of it, he called me the girl who wouldn't even appreciate his head if he cut it for me. You see, a certain boy had spoilt me and taught me to look beyond material things and luxurious places. Believe me I appreciate simple gestures and places, I've come to learn it's the intent and reason behind a person's actions that matters. Now tell me, where are you gonna take me in Ghana that I haven't been to?

Sugar Daddies come into the lives of young women to get one thing, their sexual fantasies and desires met. In some instances they genuinely love the little girls they date and end up settling down with them if they do not have men in their lives already. I know a childhood friend who is happily married to one with whom she has kids and obviously he has helped push her  dreams. I don't know if she has any regrets though. Just the other day, I was sharing with my lecturer the story of a sugar daddy who had gotten poisoned by his little girlfriend and died leaving his wife and children. My coursemate had told me the story which happened in his neighbourhood. Apparently she had wanted to get married to her younger boyfriend who she confessed had told her to kill the old man.

Personally, I'm thinking if I have a sugar daddy he has to be able to prove beyond reasonable doubts that he can blow my mind off. Yes trips abroad for the weekend, a luxurious car; brand new, yes brand new, a business empire, please this whole Ghana legal education system is frustrating, a paid world-class education in the  UK, US or Canada  won't be bad. A fat bank account,  a Regimanuel Gray estate apartment; I only ask for Regimanuel, it's affordable, I don't want to punch holes in your pocket  and we are good to go. I'm so cheap, my list isn't too tall.

Till then, we remain friends because afterall if you are not single and can marry me, this is no time to be deceiving myself into a relationship where he stands to gain more than me.  I should be enhancing my life too because in the end, he'll go back to his wife or? And I'll be left to hunt for my Adam again. Oh but if he's single and raises the bar high, and I want to spend my life with him, why not. Yes, even if you are a young married man, the gains must be good, seriously!  This sin must give me some benefits to show for.....

Yet the little I' ve seen and come to learn about this life is, it will be wrong for a young woman to place her dreams in the pocket of a man. Some maybe lucky and have those men safeguard them and help nurture them. I'm not a believer in such things. I'm still that conservative thinking woman who believes in owning my own dreams and working at it, it will be a plus to have a man push me but I do not rely on a man to push me. Did I hear you mention feminism? No no, don't get it wrong. I beg to differ, I believe a man will not marry my beauty only, I should be able to also bring something worthwhile to the table. My man must be proud he met me and has me. Do I throw my talent away or put it on hold because I await a man to push me? Oh!

Sugar Daddy can't be my thing because if you ask me to sit and wait for you, I won't. My brains race too much to want to sit and wait for someone who has got their own life. Oh I know what your argument will be next, a younger man can be equally domineering, yes but I haven't met any yet.

Some young women genuinely need the push to reach their destinations, that's fine and even if I did, I would rather hustle unless the money is worth it. Which ever way, would you like a Sugar Daddy? Feel free to have one. If not, girl, live your life...freedom is expensive!

Photo Source: Owi

Life Is Gold

Ghanaians woke up to the sad news of dancehall artiste Ebony's demise on Friday. While I did those few lines announcing the news to the world, I was not only in a state of denial hoping it would be another of those pranks but was certain it would be fake news. It was quite a sad day, was depressed all through, if I felt that way, how did the families feel then?

Yet days have passed and there has been no news of Ebony coming back to life nor assertions that it was not her who got killed in the accident.  I realise life is gold, life is precious.

It leaves us with lots of lessons to draw and infer. I hope  investigations  will be conducted  and we'll all know who left the heap of sand there as well as the necessary  actions taken where needed. Ghana my happy home!  Damn the allegations and controversies surrounding her death. It has been an opportunity for people to boast and pride themselves in the fact that their mums intercede on their behalves, whose mum doesn't? Shut up already! That's someone's baby we are referring to not your mum's baby.

There are no special people in the world if there were, years ago, a great man of God in this country lost his two beautiful rising daughters in a tragic road accident even though they had travelled by air and had to reach their final destination by road.  Those girls were special, tell me why they died then?

I did not know Ebony personally, I only knew her as the girl who showed so much flesh and had songs I could dance to. She obviously oozed sexual appeal amongst the male population, nothing new. The only time I had really listened to people I know talk about her was not even anything bad. The guys were intrigued by her way of dressing and very typical of men, they did not mind having her. She was a crush to most young men in this country.

Not someone to be bothered by her dressing. Why judge someone when I may have done my share of it and still do? I believe in letting people make their own mistakes and learn from them. Forty percent of my female friends are years younger than I am. I've been in that position countless times when they would either come telling me something or show up dressed inappropriately.  Do I tell them they are wrong? When you love people, you correct them in love. Sometimes letting them make their own mistakes and having them point them out to you themselves helps. I would never be able to draw them if all I did was criticise them at the least opportunity but pointing out their flaws is not a priority, what is, is to ensure that they reach their dreams and goals as well as not stray.

I always use myself as an example. I would say if you knew me during undergrad days in Legon, you would hate me. I wore weird and loud shades  of nail polish. Wore several toe rings and rings on my fingers. Wore anklets to go with it and definitely there had to be a bit of my flesh showing off. Please my mum took me along to buy my clothes, she made me choose them and she paid. Needless to say I dressed that way but was as innocent when it came to anything sexual. Sometimes appearances can be deceptive.  I just lived my life. Didn't I grow up in church? 

 Thank God for his saving grace. So given this backdrop, I'm not someone to judge someone by the way they dress. Except perform my fashion police duties in my mind and if their pantie line was drawn or something was off.

Today I've learned to cover up and I look at people who wear toe rings and anklets and smile.  No need telling them to stop, they'll stop when they want to. Life is in stages. We grow up every time and I was hoping Ebony would reach that stage too, so I never bothered with what she wore.

Finding Christ? No one is too young or too old to find Christ. If evangelism isn't backed with the Holy Spirit, we would win no souls at all. Our parents have a huge responsibility of bringing us up in a way that the awareness of a higher authority we submit to is imbibed in us. The best thing we can do for our children is to lead them to Christ. Yes some will drift away but it will be an albatross around your neck not to ever introduce your children to Christ as a parent. Yes and even if your parents never do, you still have the chance.

Everyone keeps talking about Ebony but have you given it a thought yet? She became a star in her youthful age. How old are you ? Are you a star yet? Have you lived your dream yet? Are you that doctor or dancer you said you would become? Are you writing a book? How many have you published and how many lives have you impacted? Can you even afford to take a risk?

The parents who keep judging. Okay, you are supposed to implore the Holy Spirit to build a hedge of protection around your children. Are you praying for your children? Or you are busy glorying in their achievements and neglecting the prayer bit? Are you interceding for them? Are you correcting them in love? Are you counselling them whilst cheering them on in the field of life? Are you standing in the gap for them?

Those of you  saying on social media, my mum stands in the gap for me and would never let this happen, my dad does too,  does God know you personally?  Are you working out your own salvation too or leaving it to your mums? Mums if you have a rising star, are you standing in the gap for them whilst they go out to pursue their dreams?

As a child of your parents, are you protecting yourself? Are you under a covering? Are you seeking God? Whatever it is you are seeking, seek it well. We all need God. We all need the grace of a finisher to reach our various dreams and destinations and be the ones to bury our parents not otherwise.

Are we loving enough?  Are we spending time feeding our souls as much as we spend time on our physical bodies, yes facials, pedicures and all? Remember, heaven is so real and death is cruel but an end for everyone .

While we mourn Ebony, stop the unnecessary speculations and judgements, leave God who gave her to us to do his work. Concentrate on working out your own salvation, let this draw you a step closer to your dreams and propel you to seek Christ if you do not know him yet. If you already do, concentrate on working out your salvation, leave someone's daughter alone!

Our hearts are definitely broken, God take care of yours and the families of those who died with you.

Even in death, your determination, style rare talent cannot be overlooked.

Forever in our hearts.
We'll miss you.
Sleep well Ebony!

Photo source  : Google  Photos  and  Marie Amoakwa  Boadu

HAPPY NEW BEGINNING!

These past few days, I've read with so much interest people's achievements in 2017 and resolutions for 2018. From I did this and that to I thank God for this and that to what they would do differently this new year: 'I'm not tolerating friends who....' and the list is endless.

I remember how 2017 began. My year had never began better: a glorious time in God's presence. I may not have understood it then but as 2017 unfolded, I began to understand the very few days spent in the beginning just waiting in his presence.

I'm not someone  who  would count my blessings openly: my God knows why and he understands the importance of not jumping ahead of him so I sum it all up in one phrase: ' Answered Prayers.' I learned that he makes all things beautiful in his very own time even when before the eyes of man, it is deemed really late.

My regrets: I was a committed member of the Answer Communications team. Using my little piece of writing to spread God's word, and push the vision of his servant in his kingdom. However, in the latter part, I made it look like the church needed me whilst I perused my dreams. I deserted my role as a church worker.

As a youth executive, during the latter part, I did not contribute much. I was rather interested in sending my substance and I must have gotten it all wrong. I was sworn into office to promote God's work amongst the youth, I became a dormant executive.

I joined the instrumentalists at church hoping to play for the 'Rubies' once I became perfect. With my piano background from my childhood days  it was not a struggle to fit in. My tutor was impressed, I dedicated hours after service each Sunday practising on the keyboard. I was zealous about it and all was going well till the semester started to weigh me down.

I had less sleep and was always on the go. I looked stressed, everyone around me said. This was the semester I nearly quit. I would cry secretly and ask myself why I had gotten into this in the first place. People may not understand but with time, the R...... and R........ kept me away from church on Sunday mornings. I would sleep instead of getting out of bed.

Forget it if you invited me to go to any event. I wouldn't show up. I would never text or call back for weeks. I lost friends.  God knows.....I didn't have a social life. I lost touch with the world. Friday nights out was the least on my priority list, I was mostly exhausted and needed to get enough  sleep( which I never got) to face my  Saturday. 

People thought I was arrogant.They invested time trying to reach me and all I did was act like an ass. Forgive me! It has been a long haul. The very little time I had, I would try to invest in two or so people. Apparently, they would take it for granted too because they did not know it was such a sacrifice on my part. My friend Rina couldn't understand me either. She would lash out at me especially because I wouldn't show up for service or even perform my duties in God's house. We would bicker for days. On the other hand, Miss Mortson was not perturbed. She knew I didn't get in touch often because I was busy.

If you are really close to me,  then you understand what 'housegirl' duties mean. This latter part, I could not cook for my mum or clean for her. When the laundry woman falls ill, I'm uncomfortable, I really did not have time to enjoy life like people do. I spent less time with my family neither did I talk to them much.

I look back and my regrets are of the things I started beautifully especially in the house of God and deserted.  In 2018,  I go back to my keyboard. I can't sing but I can play for them to sing, why must I be lazy?

I can't talk but I can write. Why did I neglect my duty in the communication team? No matter how tired I am, I must show up for service on Sundays, I don't have an excuse.

Sometimes, the very things we ask God for, keep us away from him. People without children ask God for a child. He blesses them with one and they spend their entire time at home taking care of the child and stop attending church. What if God decides to take away that child?

In 2018, remember your blessings are not meant to stop you from serving God but rather they are meant to make you serve God in comfort so that others can see and draw nearer to him. As we get a chance at a new beginning this new year,  let's learn the truth in being blessed by God: so others may enjoy that blessing too.

Happy New Beginning 2018!

A WALK DOWN THE AISLE TALES: CHRISTMAS CRUSH, BRONYA BOY!

It's amazing how the pressure to really have a man intensifies during the yuletide season for a variety of reasons. These include; the mere fact that christmas is a time to spend quality time with loved ones and those who matter.

Lots of people plan their weddings for this same season. It's a season when cousins travel all the way from across the world back home to either exchange marriage vows with their supposed significant other or just take the first step to walking down the aisle. 

This is a period where there are lots of shows in town and one would just feel the unnecessary desire or want to have a man to go to all those places with. So you see why 'a bronya boy' or christmas boy is some sort of a necessity? Show off, fun, name it.

So my friends were fond of talking about getting a boyfriend for Christmas. We just laughed and teased each other. Wondering if we could have them beyond the season and then we reminded ourselves that it was just for the season. Even those with stable boyfriends always wanted one: because he came with a new experience. We set out again on another quest for a Bronya Boy. Usually this Bronya boy would be an illusion.

Let me share with you a significant Christmas experience. It was getting to the yuletide season again but I kept postponing making plans for it because my first hurdle was to definitely finish off the semester, that meant focusing on writing and passing my exams. By the time exams was over, I barely had enough time to plan yet I was so bent on making good use of my vacation. So even before my final paper, I had made plans to attend the annual festival of lessons by Mtn.

That night, I met this young man I had seen a few times but had never really taken the time to look at nor talk to, to even get to know him properly. We talked, we laughed and yes yes we ended up going on a date to the beach. So fast huh? Yes I wasn't a believer in such trends until he changed my view.

That happened sooner than I had envisaged. It was fun; he was quite a good conversationalist and he could hold an intelligent conversation. The previous night, we had been on the phone, discussing everything so doing that in reality was just a confirmation of the fact that he could hold a good conversation.

I was attracted to him, well, he looked like he was too. Days on, we kept at it and my dream of getting 'a bronya boy' was gradually becoming a reality until  five days to christmas when I had obviously analysed our friendship and had come to the awareness that we could not go beyond the present  yet I was so attracted I decided to enjoy the moment. That meant , agenda Bronya boy was still on.

Everything was going well till Bronya boy told me how he didn't want a relationship due to his past relationship experience . Wasn't that supposed to hit me and send me running? Here I was having to deal with someone who sounded broken. I would have left honestly but by now, I was more into him as a person. Yes he was my Christmas crush, Bronya boy but he could pass for beyond the season because he made me laugh. He had this enigma to him I didn't want to let go off . This was going well but he was so broken to the point  I was when I stalked my ex and discovered I was just a game to him because his real life was on Twitter.

It didn't take less than two years to recover. I went on casual dates but could never form an emotional bond with anyone. I became cold. Memories of the past caged and prevented me from having anything to do with the opposite sex. I didn't care who it was, I did not see why I had to agree to become someone's girlfriend when I couldn't give him my best.

Then Bronya boy came along and changed my whole perception. All of a sudden my tears and hurt were gone. I felt ready to date properly again. Yet here he was, at the point where I had been.

I could see him trying hard to disbelieve he had feelings for me. I could see him trying to deny that he fell for the girl he had told he didn't care about any girl in the world at all  I could see him trying really hard to fight this. Instead of fleeing, I chose to stay because he was not only my Christmas crush, he was my perfect gift for a beautiful season. Yes he came with a baggage despite being funny, smart and sweet.

I will fly.
I will definitely fly if I had wings.
If I was a butterfly, I'll fly around his world.
If I was a bee, I'll sting him with some sweetness.
Yes I will.

Merry Christmas Dearies!

Photo Source: Lala

A WALK DOWN THE AISLE TALES: I PRAY FOR YOU

Singlehood can be so much fun and the best time to serve God is obviously when you are single. You know why?

When my big sister and I woke up one morning and were getting ready for school in the mid nineties, the radio was on and it was joy quiet time. The Pastor said to begin praying for a husband at age sixteen. We laughed all morning on the ride to school. Hilarious, who did that we thought. As young as we were, we could not comprehend this Pastor's message fully. We would grow up to understand later.....
Prayer is life: the word of God is life.

Prayer is an essential part of life.

Dear dream boy,

I want you to know that when I go on my knees, it is also to say a prayer for you: for you to manifest the three prayer points I prayed before God brought you my way.
A man known by God

A man who's a friend to God

A man who will be a blessing unto me and to every other person who comes into contact with him.

When I go on my knees for you; it is to speak life and blessings. God bless you. I feel lucky to have met you. I feel lucky to have experienced all of you.

So I keep saying to God, bless this man, bless his food, bless his water: bless everything that has to do with him. Bless  his generation yet unborn; obviously they will become mine too.

Lord bless everything that has to do with this huge blessing you are  giving me. Lord empower him with the Holyspirit to face the pressures of this world.

May the day favour him. May the night favour him. Bless him financially. Bless him with wisdom: wisdom to walk the face of this earth in awe of you, wisdom to achieve the height of a great man.

Together we will keep praying....till then, I want you to know I pray for you!

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CUTIES CHRISTMAS READERFEAST

Thank you for your support thus far. Join the CRF train as it stops over at Manhean near Amasaman for this year's Cuties Christmas Readerfeast dubbed: 'Cuties Read A Book Fete.'
Do you know, not every child in Ghana, in school and of school going age can read or speak English? We'll be helping seventy rural kids read and speak English.

It will be a two hour reading clinic, followed by a feast.
Date: 30th December
Venue: Manhean DA school premises
Time: 1pm 

We can't do this all alone, we'll need your support: cash, food, drinks, souvenirs, water etc.
Awaiting your donations.

Call or text 0242602511/ 0243465207 to send in your donations.

We'll be reading for the first time, books in the ADJOLICIOUS SERIES. 
See you on the 30th!

CUTIES READERFEAST, helping: a rural child read,
I pledge!

BE A HERO IN THE FIGHT!

'And up ahead
Eternity
We'll weep no more and sing for joy
Abide with me
We'll weep no more and sing for joy
Abide with me'

~ Verse taken from:
'Abide With Me', by Matt Redman~

Tonight, reminds me of Matt Redman's song: 'Abide With Me.' Just read the story of a young man who committed suicide, because his wife left him. My sister also shared with me, the story of another young woman who is contemplating suicide because she owes someone seven thousand Ghana cedis. Wow! Is seven thousand worth taking your life?

Matt Redman's song makes me understand that I'm here on a temporary sojourn. God certainly knows the pain, the sorrow, the tears, the problems that fill this world. Years ago, I missed out on a golden opportunity to become a lawyer under bizarre circumstances. I contemplated suicide. Yes I did. It was only after that experience, that I realized some situations can compel you to take certain irreversible actions. I know how it feels when death seems more appealing than life. I know what it means to be in a place of darkness with no sign of light. I know how sour it is to have drank from the well of torments and torture.

Serwa my cousin keeps saying: 'Life is beautiful no matter the situation.' She would rather be here instead of being dead.
Dear you, who's contemplating death, suicide is not an option. Be a hero in the fight....be a hero, stand up bravely for the fight...be a hero! Please come and talk to me: I'll listen, we can pull through it together. We can cry and laugh and pray about it. You can call me, you can text me.
Don't do it. Don't end your life. I can be your shrink for free. Taking your own life is sin if you are a Christian.

Listen to Matt Redman's 'Abide with me' ten times in a row. How do you feel now? Empowered? Strengthened? Alive?  Be a hero in the fight, your funeral will only attract a gathering of mourners who'll do nothing but pity you. Stand up, it will get better, be a hero in the fight! If I had taken that irreversible action in that low moment, you would not  be reading this piece now. Hold on!

Photo  Source:www. marieamoakwa- boadu.com

OPEN LETTER TO ADWOA SAFO

It's been nine months since the commencement of the seventh parliament of the fourth republic and Ghanaians are anxiously awaiting and looking forward to seeing their elected members of parliament move their constituencies forward.
The people of Dome Kwabenya are no exception.

Dear Adwoa, I have personally been waiting patiently for nine months. Yet all I've seen and heard  is your assertion that the Kwabenya Community Senior High School, sprang up by dint of your  hardwork. You were also around for a health screening organized by Philipa Baafi. I have not seen or heard from you since then. I stand to be corrected.

A humble plea and a gentle reminder Madam. Just like a boyfriend doesn't desert his girlfriend when she seems to be slacking off ; my slay queen; I'll urge you to sit up. You seem to have a lot on your plate: from Member of parliament to Deputy majority leader in parliament to Procurement Minister. God knows how many additional  roles you have that are unknown to me, but please do not let your constituents who queued to retain you in office down.

Adwoa, there are dozens of issues that require your urgent attention. Very key amongst  them is the dilapidating state of the Adwoa Safo gutters. In case you are wondering what that means: try speaking to the people who use the Adwoa Safo gutters daily.  'Adwoa Safo gutters' simply mean the numerous potholes on the various roads in your constituency. These include: Dome- Kwabenya, Taifa, Pillar Two and the Kwabenya-ACP roads. All of a sudden, I'm hearing MP's do not construct roads. That is no news but since when did that sink down well with the people until this era? Fact still remains; the roads are bad. Driving on that stretch with passengers in your car makes you a bad candidate for a  driving job.

Are you aware of the upsurge in crime rate  in your constituency? From alleged murders to robbery incidents? What are you doing about them? Have you seen the traffic situation on the Dome- Ashongman and Kwabenya stretch? Do you know how long it takes for one to commute to other parts of Accra? A journey that is meant to last for twenty minutes takes over an hour to complete. Did you see the last time it rained for hours and how Dome got flooded?  Did you see the traffic situation that night and how long it took people to reach beyond the GCB bank at Dome from St. Johns?  Hope you saw the state of Dome when it was raining yesterday: almost flooded.  Have you seen the number of teenagers whose hopes have been restored, attending the Community Senior High School in your constituency who had virtually no hopes of getting a senior high school education? Yes and free Senior High School...Did you see the smiles on the faces of the Dome market women and the misinformed way they sang your name as praises though you were just the special guest  during Philipa Baafi's health screening exercise in your constituency? I never heard a single of them say; 'thank you Philipa.' Every praise went to Adwoa Safo. That should tell you the magnitude of  people rallying behind you.

How many months has it been since your government assumed office? Your party is trending and is likely to trend for the next couple of years. Do whatever it takes to fix those Adwoa Safo gutters; give us an  Adwoa Safo motorway. Lessen our burdens of travelling on these roads that can force a pregnant woman to go into labour before her time is due.

Madam we need an upgrade now that your party is the bus driver of Ghana. I don't want to hear MPs  do not construct roads. Fix it already! That's why the people queued to cast their ballots for change. You cannot let them down.
Put measures in place to protect your constituents from losing their lives and properties to strangers in the name of robbery and murder. The next time it rains, I hope to see a change: hopefully, there will be no floods.

You remember how the NDC lost some of its seats? The people of Ghana are now learning to disappoint politicians who disappoint them. Be wise. Get to work girl! Stop talking, stop trying to  be a dormant MP; that's not what you are! The honeymoon is over.
Work! Work!  You are there to fix the problems. Fix them!
I'll be watching and waiting to doff my scarf to you, once you get to work.
Thank you!

Long live Dome-Kwabenya constituency!
God bless our homeland Ghana!

A NOTE TO ADWOA SAFO

It's been nine months since the commencement of the seventh parliament of the fourth republic and Ghanaians are anxiously awaiting and looking forward to seeing their elected members of parliament move their constituencies forward.
The people of Dome Kwabenya are no exception.

Dear Adwoa, I have personally been waiting patiently for nine months. Yet all I've seen and heard  is your assertion that the Kwabenya Community Senior High School, sprang up by dint of your  hardwork. You were also around for a health screening organized by Philipa Baafi. I have not seen or heard from you since then. I stand to be corrected.

A humble plea and a gentle reminder Madam. Just like a boyfriend doesn't desert his girlfriend when she seems to be slacking off ; my slay queen; I'll urge you to sit up. You seem to have a lot on your plate: from Member of parliament to Deputy majority leader in parliament to Procurement Minister. God knows how many additional  roles you have that are unknown to me, but please do not let your constituents who queued to retain you in office down.

Adwoa, there are dozens of issues that require your urgent attention. Very key amongst  them is the dilapidating state of the Adwoa Safo gutters. In case you are wondering what that means: try speaking to the people who use the Adwoa Safo gutters daily.  'Adwoa Safo gutters' simply mean the numerous potholes on the various roads in your constituency. These include: Dome- Kwabenya, Taifa, Pillar Two and the Kwabenya-ACP roads. All of a sudden, I'm hearing MP's do not construct roads. That is no news but since when did that sink down well with the people until this era? Fact still remains; the roads are bad. Driving on that stretch with passengers in your car makes you a bad candidate for a  driving job.

Are you aware of the upsurge in crime rate  in your constituency? From alleged murders to robbery incidents? What are you doing about them? Have you seen the traffic situation on the Dome- Ashongman and Kwabenya stretch? Do you know how long it takes for one to commute to other parts of Accra? A journey that is meant to last for twenty minutes takes over an hour to complete. Did you see the last time it rained for hours and how Dome got flooded?  Did you see the traffic situation that night and how long it took people to reach beyond the GCB bank at Dome from St. Johns?  Hope you saw the state of Dome when it was raining yesterday: almost flooded.  Have you seen the number of teenagers whose hopes have been restored, attending the Community Senior High School in your constituency who had virtually no hopes of getting a senior high school education? Yes and free Senior High School...Did you see the smiles on the faces of the Dome market women and the misinformed way they sang your name as praises though you were just the special guest  during Philipa Baafi's health screening exercise in your constituency? I never heard a single of them say; 'thank you Philipa.' Every praise went to Adwoa Safo. That should tell you the magnitude of  people rallying behind you.

How many months has it been since your government assumed office? Your party is trending and is likely to trend for the next couple of years. Do whatever it takes to fix those Adwoa Safo gutters; give us an  Adwoa Sarfo motorway. Lessen our burdens of travelling on these roads that can force a pregnant woman to go into labour before her time is due.

Madam we need an upgrade now that your party is the bus driver of Ghana. I don't want to hear MPs  do not construct roads. Fix it already! That's why the people queued to cast their ballots for change. You cannot let them down.
Put measures in place to protect your constituents from losing their lives and properties to strangers in the name of robbery and murder. The next time it rains, I hope to see a change: hopefully, there will be no floods.

You remember how the NDC lost some of its seats? The people of Ghana are now learning to disappoint politicians who disappoint them. Be wise. Get to work girl! Stop talking, stop trying to  be a dormant MP; that's not what you are! The honeymoon is over.
Work! Work!  You are there to fix the problems. Fix them!
I'll be watching and waiting to doff my scarf to you, once you get to work.
Thank you!

Long live Dome-Kwabenya constituency!
God bless our homeland Ghana!

RAINDROP: MADAM JOJO

Sound of the raindrop
Splash! Splash! Splash!
Raindrop rejuvenates
Raindrop nurtures
Raindrop nourishes
Raindrop: a glowing necessity for everyone.
You are like a raindrop
You come with laughter
You are laughter
Laughter is food
Madam Jojo:  blossom and grow
Madam Jojo: bloom and grow
Sail and fly
Soar and win
Shine, my baby: shine....
Raindrop Madam Jojo
God bless Raindrop Jojo.
Happy birthday my baby!!!

For the only Madam Jojo I know:
When I say you mean the world to me, I mean it.
To the world's best daughter; niece; grandchild; sister.....
You are soooooo special to me.
The damage you cause: the things you spoil: like you tore my book and I couldn't spank you, you can spoil a whole TV, a phone and chew my charger. You can fall off the bed a million times a night, you can draw and scribble in all my books, you can mess up my eyeshadow and make up in a second, oh I can't enunciate how much damage you've caused..
My Elikem; my Elikem Jojo...
I'm too good...You are my friend, buy me something today...Madam I'm not interested, Madam: Mummy front, back...Madam carry me at your back...Elikem, stop crying. Don't cry ok, will buy you chocolate. My PA......
Jojo my sister, Jojo my baby, my Adjolicious: you inspire me, you teach me everyday; the real meaning of love. For the first time in my life,  I don't have enough words to describe or say exactly who you are and what you stand for. I love you to bits my Jojo❤❤❤❤

LIFE'S LITTLE BIG BLESSINGS: I SAW A MAN WITHOUT A NOSE.

While the world looks upon me
As I struggle along
They say I have nothing
But they are so wrong
In my heart I'm rejoicing
How I wish they could see
Thank you Lord
For your blessing on me! 

~Thank you Lord for your blessings on me,  by  Easter Brothers~

Last Tuesday night on my way home; around Mile Seven, I saw a man without a nose cheerfully going about his  duty of selling in traffic. No wonder I'm tempted to use the above lyrics from the Easter Brothers. He had on a smile, looked perky and did everything to get the attention of all his prospects. The whole night, I could not get over the man I had seen in traffic. I had never in my life, seen a human being without a nose. Not in real life.

All I had been doing lately; a recount of all the things I've lost in life and all the other things I do not possess. Sometimes, we are too drowned in the miseries of life, allowing the things we lack ; to control and depress us. The man does not have a nose but he still has life and he breathes properly. What's the point in counting and doing a recount of what isn't there?
At times, we are too busy asking God lots of whys instead of counting our little big blessings. Having a nose is a blessing, obviously.

Instead of investing time into counting our losses and brooding over our shortfalls, why don't we become like the Easter brothers and count our blessings? It will help get us through even the very dark days because, instead of the dark clouds we see, we'll be focused on the stars and on our little big blessings.

God brought a beautiful man without a nose my way to teach me a thing or two about my life; my little big blessings. Apparently I was oblivious of them. He brought him to  remind us that, we may not necessarily have it all sometimes, but if a man without a nose can still smile, then those with two eyes must even smile more.

A reminder that, whilst I'm  counting my losses, there's something I possess that some other person lacks: life's  little big blessings. Human beings with noses and eyes are still grumbling and asking God questions. Why can't I see properly, why am I short? why don't I  have a son? Yet, you have a daughter but someone is even looking for a baby to kick in their belly. Why is my forehead so big?  Yet someone is wishing they had just a little bit of forehead too. Perhaps it would enhance their look.

The next time you are tempted to do a recount of all your losses, try counting  your little big  blessings instead. It will remind you of all the things you possess and who you are ; blessed and lucky. Let's  learn to be thankful for our little big blessings.

A WALK DOWN THE AISLE TALES: PENINNAH FLAUNTS HER ADAM

In the part of the world where I come from; marriage is such a big deal. As a grown woman, you are not considered a real woman if no man honours you by making you his wife. When he makes you his wife and you are unable to make babies; you are still an incomplete woman. The labelling and secret talks behind you; sometimes they sum up courage to tell it to your face. Thus, making  marriage  such a big deal.

Some group of women  constantly preach that; not every woman was made to get married. That subject has to be for another day.
I've met some Peninnah's these few years. Let me attempt  a brief background of who Peninnah is.  Peninnah is that 'just okay' woman who provokes you to see yourself as deficient whilst on the sojourn through  womanhood (You can check my write up on 'The Peninnah of our time on this blog). Peninnah is that woman who reminds you that beauty is vain but grace is essential and keeps you on your toes.

Peninnah is the girl who, when she sees you talk to her husband will do nothing but give you a deadly stare. The one who will embarass you infront of people just because her husband mentioned your name in her presence.  The girl who stops speaking to you just for the mere fact that you are friends with her husband. The 'just okay girl' who forms an association with other 'just okay girls' to further her agenda of making sure you feel your beauty is a curse.  She is the girl who has your dream man and forces you to do a proper assessment of yourself.

I  have come to realize that, Peninnahs are not necessarily bad; depending on how you choose to view them. We all need them at some point.  She forces you to identify your deficiency and work on it.  All she does is make you see yourself as inferior and lacking behind. Call her a bitch but she makes sure you know your place and act accordingly. She drives the nicest car and has the most handsome man on earth as a husband.  She is smart. She lacks nothing,  she is always on time in this sojourn through womanhood.

Dear diary, the wait to this walk has not been easy. I've had to look  on whilst Peninnah  flaunts her Adam at me;  making me feel like I'm missing out on the world.  Peninnah spites you for no reason though she has the man; the ring and the title. I have incurred  the wrath of some Peninnahs.....

Everywhere I go, I see Peninnah. Peninnah at the beach, Peninnah in school, Peninnah at work, Peninnah at church, Peninnah all over. Peninnah flaunts her man and leaves me wondering why I still sleep alone. Peninnah flaunting her Adam; Peninnah flaunting her man.  Peninnah, Peninnah!!!!!!

SATURDAY SHOWERS

Drops of rain
Drops of rainfall
Showers of rainfall
The sweet fragrance of the rain
Saturday showers
Saturday oil
Oil me with your sweet fragrance;
Saturday oil
Let me inhale and exhale the sweet smell of Saturday
Saturday showers
Saturday queen
Saturday showers
Shining Saturday
Reigning Saturday
Reign and rain
Saturday showers

TEACH ME!

Questions and Answers
Whys and when
Do's and Don'ts
Why me,
Why not me...
When will that?
When can this?
Teach me!

Let me learn to understand
Let me learn to crawl
Let me learn to walk
Let me learn to run
Let me learn to fly
Let me learn to laugh
Let me learn to cry
Let me learn life's lessons
Teach me!

Count it
Cram it
Counsel and cross
Cans of the cases
Teach me to understand;
The tell-tale signs
To sing the song of the blessed
Teach me to count
To count till I cannot count anymore
Teach me!

Teach me to teach tomorrow
Today's stars unseen and unknown to me
Teach me to endure today's torture and troubles
Teach me to lay lean and low as I learn
Teach me to sleep on the sill and swim in sacks
Teach me to be appreciative in these times
Teach me to reign in the rails of the glaring victory
I'm spent...
Teach me!

A WALK DOWN THE AISLE TALES: MORNING GLORY!

I woke up thankful to see another day,
not just another day but a new day.
A new day filled with lots of opportunities.
Today was exceptionally busy with deadlines to meet;
Whilst I sailed through,
I constantly checked my phone.
Has he called yet?
Has he texted yet?
I may never have tried to reach you in the mornings but I've definitely enjoyed your calls and messages each morning.
So how can I, not look forward to it every morning...
From Good morning to Good morning sweetie to Good morning babes to ? ????
Today, your text came in late.
It almost got grumpy when it wasn't coming.
Relieved to read from you at last,
a  smile on my face, but again I ask...
Why is it this way?
Is that a message I should be paying attention to?
Should I be listening to the tune my heartbeat is....
Tell me what to do...
Morning glory: my sunrise
Rise on me, set on me, shine on me!