MASQUERADER

MASQUERADER
That was about the only thing I dreaded when the Christmas season came around... The sound of whistles accompanied with the rhythmic chant "Masquerader!  Masquerader!"  As a child, I really wondered what this scary looking mask had to do with Christmas. The only thing it seemed to succeed in doing was making a little girl run and hide behind her parents or any corner close by.

As I grew up, "Masquerader"  became less and less intimidating to me. The knowledge that often comes with growing up made me realise that the masqueraders were actually human beings hiding behind some colorful costume to entertain and also make a little cash. My apprehension towards them eventually vanished. They actually became more of a hilarious sight to me.

Seeing a few of them recently in traffic brought some memories to mind as well as one or two lessons.

Memories. They were important then and are important now. No matter how life may have turned out, almost everyone's childhood is characterised by one good memory or another. Growing up may have made those pictures fade, but it's great to pick those pictures up once in a while. Memories bring another word to mind :FAMILIARITY. Just like I became familiar with the once scary masqueraders.
Over time, I've wondered whether familiarity is really a good thing or a bad thing. No doubt, when I'm familiar with someone, I know what they like and don't like, so I know the right way to relate with them....but on the flipside,  familiarity has a way of making us take people for granted unconsciously, either because we have known the person for a long time or because we expect the person to know that we love them and we also expect them to always be around. Familiarity needs a great balance between knowing and making the effort to keep things 'fresh and alive'.  Someone said, "Everything is valuable only at two times :Before getting it and after losing it.."  May this saying not be true in our lives. May things be most valuable to us when we have them NOW.

Masqueraders also have a funny way of bringing two other things to mind : "FACING MY FEARS " and." HIDING BEHIND A FACADE. "
AS time goes on, the things we were once so afraid of are not so scary once we get the courage to face them. At times, the only way we can overcome that fear is by facing it head on and nipping the myth around it in the bud. How will you know how much potential you have until you overcome the status quo in that area of your life? The first few tries may be disappointing, but it gets better with time. Until we stand up and face our fears, the whole world will pass us by as we cower in fear towards that seemingly formidable thing.

In  facing our fears, we do not need to lose our identity. Facing our fears by no means implies that we need to impress people, like choosing a "difficult"  course so that people will "respect"  you.  Like the Masquerader, we may sometimes unconsciously hide behind some identity just to 'stand out'  or fit in.  As I was growing, I realised that many people keep up appearances because of the environment they find themselves in. For example, peer pressure could lead to something like: "Everyone is 'rich'... I must show that me too "I have  some".  But why do we need to prove ourselves? If we are truly content, we won't feel the need to compete with others, and even if we do feel that urge, we can overcome it.
In hiding behind the facade, we end up losing who we truly are, and when we finally take the masks off, we do not recognise who we are anymore. It is never too late though. No matter how thick the makeup may be, it can always be wiped off, leaving the same familiar face with which we can start afresh..

I just want to brush over the three lessons my MASQUERADERS have taught me:
-Cherish memories and make familiarity an enjoyable thing.
-Face your fears.. That scary thing isn't as formidable as it initially seems.
-Be yourself. No matter how much you may try to follow the status quo, your self will catch up with you some time.

CHRISTmas is here once again. No doubt, we will see more masqueraders,(even though it seems their numbers have reduced drastically). Let us embrace who we are as Ghanaians and be welcoming to others. Above all, let us not forget the true Reason for the season, JESUS CHRIST!

LET'S DRIVE

LET'S DRIVE
I wanted to get my driver's license renewed so made my way towards the only place where that could be done...the Drivers' Vehicle and Licensing Authority (DVLA). Since I was not sure who exactly to go to, I entered one of the offices upon my arrival, contemplating whether to make an enquiry from one of the employees. I stopped short however when I realised the atmosphere I had walked into...One of tempers flying. Some men in apparent irritation, were yelling at the attendants for their poor service, slowness and seeming partiality. Now I was definitely reluctant to walk up to any of the attendants before the men added me to their targets of fury.
I observed, waiting to see how the employees will respond. To my dismay, they responded with equally loud voices and rude tones, unconsciously passing up the opportunity for peace to prevail..It was almost as if they were rather doing the men a favour by rendering service to them.
I hurriedly made enquiries and left the room to start the renewal process. When I got out, the loud blaring of a car horn 'welcomed' me, no doubt an impatient driver who wanted a pedestrian to get out of the way. Again, a harsh response followed..Instead of the pedestrian getting out of the way quietly, he had to have his share of the anger pie before giving way to the already irate driver.

This whole atmosphere brought a question to mind: "Why are Ghanaians so angry these days? "

"A gentle answer quietens anger, but a harsh one stirs it up.." - Proverbs 15:1
Perhaps if the employees had responded softly or kindly to the angry men, the men would not have continued in their tirade. Even if they did continue, the atmosphere would not have been half as tense or unattractive.
Or let us consider the driver and pedestrian..If the pedestrian had quietly gotten out of the way, would the driver have had cause to get even more irritated? Or maybe if the driver had been patient in tooting his horn, the pedestrian would not have seen the need to be rude in the first place.

But is politeness circumstantial? Do we really have to choose who to be polite to and when to be polite? Everyone deserves respect...or at least to be spoken to nicely. Should everyone make a conscious effort to be nice (not fake or hypocritical if I might add) Ghana would be much easier to live in considering the tough conditions we mostly face now. Surely, if no one is looking down on anyone, no one will feel threatened to make a point.

Before I go on though, Ghana is not growing any younger..We need better systems in place place. After I finished the renewal process, I was told the renewal stickers were finished so I should have a piece of paper instead as proof of my renewal and report a few weeks later. I was a bit shocked..Shortage of stickers??

Anyway, I would like us to view Ghana as a vehicle. The most basic parts of a vehicle are at least the tyres, engine, brakes, gears, head and tail lights, windscreen, just to mention a few. What if one or two of the car parts refuse to function? The car will no doubt be in poor shape. So it is with Ghana. If we refuse to do our best or what is required of us, Ghana will eventually grind to a halt.

Of course, no car can move without a driver. At the moment, Ghana's driver is our government. I have come to learn that putting aside partisan views is the oil Ghana's engine needs in order to keep functioning. Instead of murmuring against our leaders, the least we could do is to pray for them, irrespective of the party we belong to. Little by little we will get to our desired destination even though we do need a whole lot of acceleration.

I decided to board the Ghana bus a while back. Care to join?

DEFYING THE ODDS

DEFYING THE ODDS.
 After standing for a few minutes at the roadside, I finally got a taxi to head into town. As the taxi driver stopped in front of me to ask of my destination however, I looked twice. I was not sure whether this was a man or woman I was looking at. Though this person had his or her hair cropped so low, he or she had the features of a woman and didn't even bargain as hard as any normal taxi driver would concerning the taxi fare.

In uncertainty, I boarded the taxi. For some reason, my uncertainty led to a little apprehension. As we got closer and closer to my destination however, I was convinced that this was certainly a woman. I decided to observe her closely and learnt quite a few lessons.

In Ghana, the taxi driver job is seen to be a man's job, full of so much hustle and bustle. This woman though, seemed ready to defy all odds. She drove as fast as any taxi driver would and even argued when she had to. Her fashion sense did not fail to catch my eye either...a big shirt and a pair of jeans, no doubt in an effort to make it difficult to identify her gender.
"What will make this woman do this?" I found myself wondering. Her attire just had a way of reminding me that we at times need to forget about our comfort in order to push into the extraordinary. It is not about "What if people laugh at me?" or "Will I be able to do it? " but rather about "How can I use my skills to earn a living? " These days, it is tougher for most people to get a stable job after school. Instead of that being a basis for excuses, it should be a time to test our creativity and our ability to weather storms.

Out of my discomfort (since I am not used to seeing a female taxi driver, I must confess), I missed out on an opportunity to ask questions, to find out what drove this woman. I missed out on a possible new learning experience. But you don't need to make that mistake too. There are always great opportunities to ask questions, to learn more. More often than not, we draw conclusions from afar and end up being very wrong in our opinion.

I was reminded also to never look down on anyone. No doubt, everyone has their struggles to face, and everyone is important in their own way. Every job is important. Without the cobbler, we most probably may have to do away with that otherwise good shoe. Without the electrician, we may end up sleeping in darkness (when there is no 'dumsor' that is.) Without the driver, we may most probably not get to our destination on time...just to mention a few. Everyone deserves to be respected. As it is often said, our fingers are not equal. Ghana may have fingers of different shapes and sizes, but each finger is equally important.

I forgot to add...In my uncertainty when boarding the taxi, I paused to look at the back of the car to see if it had any inscription, like most of our 'trotros' and taxis do. For some reason, the inscription I saw, "THANK U JESUS" helped me to relax a bit.
No doubt, this walk of life is not easy but at the end of the day, we must not forget to give thanks to God. He sustains us, and in the end, everything leads back to Him.

I am proud of Ghana, full of people who dare to be different...people like you and me who can make a difference no matter how bleak things may seem at times.

There are many beautiful lessons to learn out there in our everyday Ghana. Our lives in itself could be a lesson to others.
Defy those odds. People may laugh, but then again people may cheer. You never know till you try.

VACATING THE COMFORT ZONE

VACATING THE COMFORT ZONE.

I decided to go along with my friend on her trip to the salon to get her hair fixed. Since I hadn't been to that salon before, my interest and curiosity were aroused as I was eager to observe what was going on in this new environment. I went down to the salon's shop where they sold different kinds of hair products and all kinds of wigs and weaves you could imagine. In curiosity, I asked one of the shop attendants quite a number of questions about a particular weave. Out of surprise at my seeming lack of knowledge about an area every normal girl should know about, she exclaimed in Twi, "Enti Boatemaa, wote Ghana ha? " meaning "So Boatemaa, are you really living in Ghana? "
As funny as that question was, it brought some interesting lessons to mind I would like to share with you today....

Firstly, I was reminded of the word IGNORANCE.
Even though I may not really be interested in some hairstyles or even how they are done, it does not mean I should not be well informed about them. Since hair issues may not be a topic of much interest to many people, let's link this lesson to our own lives and country. Your lack of interest in an area does not give much basis for not having at least a little insight into it. If Adjoa is interested in Marketing, it does not mean there is no need for her to have a little basic knowledge in Mathematics (in order to be able to calculate her costs) or other subjects (in order to have in - depth conversations with potential customers). This reminds me of the need for our country to have a better educational system. ..a more practical one at that....that blends different disciplines and also does not depend on just one mode of promoting students to the next level of education. We need to read wide and think wide.
Before we blame the educational system for our lack of knowledge however, why don't we take it upon ourselves and make good use of the few resources at our disposal so we can improve and broaden our scope of knowledge?

Not following the crowd is one great lesson I was reminded of from the simple question the lady asked me. Are we afraid to be different? If someone were to comment negatively on your desire to be the difference, to do things the right way, will that douse your fire? We do not always have to fit in. Not every environment or way of life should make us feel comfortable. At times, we need to leave our zone of comfort in order to be who GOD has called us to be. So in Ghana for example, we shouldn't be saying "Everybody is doing it so it's okay...After all what? " Rather, we should be asking ourselves "What can I do to make my Ghana a better place? "

I have learnt that fear often prevents us from venturing outside the box. On more than one occasion, I have been afraid to try something new because I am so used to the normal. Unfortunately however, that kind of thinking could lead me to a point of stagnation when everyone else is moving forward. In trying new things, I am by no means saying that we should compromise on our values. Rather, I am saying we should open up more to embracing newness, like trying that new dish, choosing that course everyone is shying away from or just visiting a group of people to understand what guides their decisions and way of life.

I'd like to leave you with this question..."Enti m'adamfo, wote Ghana ha? " For my friends who couldn't really read the Twi, I'm simply asking.."So my friend, are you really living in Ghana? "
If your answer is yes, then it is time to let Ghana feel your presence. Let your actions and passion count.
Shift out of the normal...the comfort zone...into the extraordinary.

TO THE FINISH LINE

TO THE FINISH LINE.
It is barely three months since you and I decided to CHANGE THE STATUS QUO, and it has been an insightful period as we have learnt so much from each other.

I remember the first day the first post was shared. It was overwhelming to realise just how many people will support you when given the chance. One great lesson I've learnt from this is CONSISTENCY. The first day had many reactions like "I'm so proud of you", "Great piece, keep it up....".etc. Just like when we decide to do something great; something different. You'll more often than not get many people telling you to "Go ahead", "You can do it", "I'm proud of you"...
But what happens when the cheers fade away?

To everything, there is a season. There are times we feel we have everyone behind us, supporting us, and there are other times when we also feel like " Where has everyone gone to? " Regardless of the cheers or support base, we must press on TO THE FINISH LINE.

Not everyone who started with you will want to or even be able to continue with you, let alone walk with you till the end. It is pretty much like soccer. ..Last Premier League season saw Chelsea, a very popular English club having one of their best seasons yet and had many people singing their praises. Well, the story is quite different this season as they are struggling to even make it to the first twelve on the league table. It is in times like these that the true diehard fans shine. Or let us even come home to our own Premier league. Although it may not be much to write home about, our Kotokos, Hearts of Oaks, Liberty Professionals and Real Tamale Uniteds show up and play whenever they have to, whether there are a thousand spectators or just ten.

What this tells me is that regardless of the season, we need to press on. Regardless of the season, our faithfulness and loyalty must stand.

Are we only Ghanaians when the Black Stars win their matches, when oil is found within our territory and when things are just going on smoothly? Or we are also Ghanaians when there are frequent power outages, prices are unstable and things are tough?

We need to get to the finish line with or without the cheers. We also need to cheer our nation, families, friends and whoever finds the courage to CHANGE THE STATUS QUO TO THE FINISH LINE.

OUR GHANA wants to remind us today to come together not just to be BLACK or WHITE, but GREY, as we unite our efforts to BUILD THAT DREAM. But "WHERE IS THE POWER to do that?", you may ask. The power lies in us to build BLESSED MEMORIES and be EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE, doing everything with THE RIGHT HEART till we reach THE FINISH LINE.

THE RIGHT HEART.

THE RIGHT HEART.
"Nana, I think I'd like to run for President during next year's election.", Kwasi told his trusted friend.
"Go for it! You have as great a chance as anyone else. ", Nana replied.
"Our culture is to 'play dirty'. What if I get lost in the midst of trying to do the right thing? ", Kwasi asked, looking worried.
Nana replied: "You know the right way. Go that way and be the difference. Should you lose because of that, you are a winner in God's eyes".....

There is a saying that goes.."If God praises, what are men?" And it is a question we need to ask ourselves as well.
Elections are an ordinary part of our lives..We witness them annually in school, and even on the national level during our presidential and parliamentary elections. Today, I just want to ask a few questions that have come to mind even as the season of elections draw closer and closer.

WILL WE STOP AT NOTHING TO GAIN EVERYTHING?
Has there ever been a time when you felt like you would stop at nothing to get what you want? That could be either a good thing or bad thing. Such an attitude could either make us hardworking and determined, or simply ruthless, depending on the path we decide to take in achieving our goals. No matter how we may look on the outside, God sees our hearts, and we will be rewarded accordingly with the fruits of our labour...be it for a job well done or a dishonest life led. No matter our desires, we do not need to starve our character while we feed our egos.

DO WE NEED TO PAINT OTHERS BLACK SO WE COULD SHINE AS THE BEST?
One thing I have come to learn is that we often find out one's true character just by observing them. More often than not, the most beautiful people inside out show more than they speak. Unfortunately as Ghanaians, we often 'talk more than act.' We need to be doers whether we are being watched or not. We do not really need to say how"good" or "selfless" we are. Actions, they say, do speak louder than words. To be the best lies in building others up especially with our words. We grow much stronger that way. Even weeds die in their competition for sunlight. Rather than compete and tarnish others' image to our advantage,  we need to work together.

WHO ARE OUR TRUE FRIENDS?
True friends stand out in the toughest situations, just as stars glow in the dark. We really do not need thousands of people to smile at us or pat our back before we believe in ourselves. The one singing your praises could just as well be the one spiting you in his or her heart.  This brings the golden rule "DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO UNTO YOU" to mind. Just as we would love to have loyal friends, we should also do our best to be there for others, not being afraid to tell them the truth when they need to hear it.

My final question....
WHAT KIND OF LEADERS WILL GHANA HAVE IN THE NEXT TEN, TWENTY OR SO YEARS TO COME?
Old habits, they say, die hard. Whatever we cultivate today will be seen in our harvest tomorrow. Great people learn from their mistakes and also sow the right seeds in their present, so they can have a better future. As youth, our decisions today shape our tomorrow.
If Ghana will have godly, humble, transparent and selfless leaders, ready not only to instruct, but also show the way with their lives, it starts now, with us.

So with what heart or motives do you want to bless Ghana and those around you with?...Oops, I just asked another question!

To anyone who wants to stand for a position or just make a difference wherever you are, know that you can do it, but only with THE RIGHT HEART. Ghana is waiting for great people like you!

#BLESSED MEMORIES

BLESSED MEMORIES
I was in school one day, tired from walking quite a distance from my hall when I got a call from an uncle of mine asking me where I was. To my relief, he was also on campus and took time off to come and pick me up from where I was to where I needed to go. His act of kindness saved me a lot of time and energy and that day ended up being one of the best bonding times I had ever had the privilege of having with my uncle, whom I had not seen in a while. Such memories bring nothing but the word BLESSED to mind.

When was the last time we just took time off to be with our parents, grandparents or friends? People say "Nobody has time any more", but the truth is that what we spend time working so hard for is not so sweet when we end up enjoying the fruits of our labour alone. Time and how we spend it is very important. Our blood relatives are not the only family we have.; that special friend you made in church or in school could end up being just as good as the only family you've got.

 MEMORIES are important because our lifetime is the only time we've got to make things count. When we build the habit of establishing firm ties with those God has blessed us with, we will find it much easier to be kinder to others we do not even know. Wouldn't it be just wonderful if someday, someone we do not even remember encountering says something like: "I recognise you! You made my day the other time by smiling at me when I expected you to tell me off for bumping into you."? You never know whose life you are blessing.

The little things matter. The beautiful pictures we see on our phones, walls, in books, on billboards, etc. are made up of many pixels that work together to create the perfect image. So it is with our lives. Our little actions will make not only our lives beautiful,  but that of others as well; family or not.

Of course, beautiful relationships can sometimes be marred by unforgiveness and bearing of grudges. However, one thing I have come to learn is that the only person we hurt when we hold on to things people have done against us, is ourselves. Holding on to past hurts wastes time and steals opportunities to bless others from us.

So when is the last time you heard from Mummy, Daddy or any of your family members, loved ones or friends? Now we are blessed with technology and almost everyone is just a phone call away. Mum and Dad may not necessarily be the people who brought you forth, but also people who have been kind to you in various ways, and above all GOD Who created us all.

Life may be so busy and fast these days that we always have to catch up. We however need to sometimes take the time off, sit back, pause and hang beautiful memories on the wall. As Ghanaians, we are even blessed with lovely ways of spending time with those we care about, like 'ludo' and 'oware', priceless games that foster unity and bring laughter and fun at no cost.
You choose the memories you create in people's minds.

We begin by forgiving whichever friend or loved one that hurt us. We then move on to spend energy not only on our lives but that of others. And we will end up not only creating BLESSED MEMORIES for ourselves, but our dear nation Ghana.

Just take some time off after reading this to let someone know you care about him or her. You never know who just needs to hear that.