BEYOND THE SHINE.
"Please bear with me, I would like to pass by someone's place to drop something off... ", a taxi driver, whom I later found out was called Emmanuel, said to me in one of our local languages, Twi.
I wondered what it was that could not possibly wait till after he took me to my destination.
" A lady I picked earlier this week left her phone in the car", he continued..."and I keep going there to see if she is around, but she hasn't been..."
I was quite surprised. I seemed to have forgotten that such people still existed. Even if they did, they were quite few, and I felt so privileged to meet this man. His act brought a few questions to mind and taught me some lessons I would like to share with you today. Before we proceed however, I'd like you to ask yourself this question :
Beneath your outward appearance, what true treasure lies within?
My taxi driver friend had a way of reminding me of the power of honesty even when no one is watching or there is no likelihood of being rewarded. His act may have seemed 'little', but it went a long way to have an impact on me. Which brings me to my next question...
What image has your life imprinted on others' hearts and minds? Or better still, what impression will someone leave with when they spend just a few minutes with you?
I have learnt not too look down on others and not to quickly jump to conclusions about people, especially based on their outward appearance. When was the last time you chose to be nice to someone based on the way they were dressed or how affluent they looked?
Appearances are and can be deceptive and that is why we need to make it a point to look BEYOND THE SHINE to what truly lies within; a character that refuses to be bent by time and conditions. We need to take the time to know people for who they are and what they have been through.
No doubt, it may seem as if I concluded hastily about my taxi driver friend based on just one act of his... but isn't that how life is? Like it is often said, 'A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step..'
The story of your life being written by someone begins with the first step they see you take towards them and others. This could either be good or bad, depending on which path of life you decide to choose. Your actions always speak volumes about you.
If you were to do the right thing over and over again without being acknowledged, will you finally throw in the towel?
I believe Ghana has more people like Uncle Emmanuel hidden in different corners of the country. What makes the difference is whether they will continue to walk in that stead no matter the conditions...whether the light of recognition will some day shine on them or not. With or without a pat on the back, we at least owe it to our nation to do what is right and be one another's keeper. Right will always be right even when the world disagrees. We are even more privileged because there is a manual available to us; the Bible, which constantly reminds us not to conform to the standards of this world. The world's standards always change, but we can decide to be that constant factor that never changes no matter what.
So, the next time we meet, what will I see beyond your shine? What will others be able to say about you after a brief encounter? How will the story of your life be summed up by others?
You have the great privilege of being the light this world needs to see. Ghana will be even brighter if we all work towards being much more than what is seen on the outside.
Work on the treasure that is BEYOND THE SHINE.
A life is waiting to be impacted by no one else but YOU.
Friday, 1 April 2016
Friday, 11 March 2016
CREATE YOUR WORLD.
Create Your World.
"Make sure you bring your laptop to class tomorrow... "
Somehow, I never wanted to hear those words because I had a laptop that I had started to compare to a desktop computer, since I could only use it for at most, an hour, before having to plug it into a power source. This increasingly became cumbersome especially in the time of 'dumsor' (which I hope is genuinely over for good!) and made taking the laptop to class a whole task on its own. My frustration caused me to forget how 'faithful' it had been to me through my class assignments and other important tasks, till I actually started to treat it like the desktop I was unknowingly trying to force it to be.
Imagine my dismay when one day, immediately after an accidental disconnection, the laptop went off completely in the middle of its use. Somehow, I knew it was a combination of fact and words. Fact was that the laptop was quite old and would have eventually needed to be changed, but words were "My laptop is 'condemned' ", a confession that eventually became a reality.
What am I driving at?
This laptop may not have been an animate object, but it taught me quite a few lessons.
How we view people and situations in our minds, could eventually reflect in how we treat them or react to them. How often do we write people off because of one or two mistakes they have made? How often do we callously utter a discouraging word before we realise the gravity of our thoughtlessness?
My faithful laptop had a way of reminding me that we need to be constantly appreciative and not take the seemingly little things for granted. We need to appreciate others, no matter how small whatever they may have done for us is. Appreciation does not only have to be felt, but also expressed...you never know when someone just needs to hear it.
Faithful L, as I eventually decided to call the laptop, also had a way of reminding me of the importance of every moment we have. 'L' finally gained its status of being 'condemned' when I least expected it. No doubt, if I had treated it better, it would have lasted longer. We do not need to wait for people to walk out of our lives before we realise how important they are to us. Every moment with the special people in our lives is a precious opportunity to make life (both ours and theirs) count...and everyone is special in their own way.
At this juncture, I just want you to take a moment to reflect... What were the last words you said prior to this? Were they positive or negative? Did they build someone up or tear them down? Did they take you one step closer to a brighter future or indirectly stole something good from your days ahead?
I came across some stories of a few people who made it despite the discouragement they faced....
*Colonel Sanders
Founder of the famous KFC. He started at the age of 65! In trying to build his business, he was rejected 1009 times! He still pressed on despite the discouraging feedback.
Words have a great effect, which means, if you do not have anyone to speak positively into your life, take up the task YOURSELF and CREATE YOUR own WORLD.
*Stephen King
A famous book writer, his first book was rejected 30 times. He eventually gave up and threw his work into the trash. He just needed an encouraging word, and he found that in his wife, who retrieved the book from the trash and encouraged him to submit it again. That encouragement opened the door to many more books, and today, he has sold more than 30 million books!
Why don't you also be that encouraging voice in someone's life today?
*
This space has been left blank, to be filled by your name someday. Your name could also be someday etched in the sands of time, if only you choose to CREATE YOUR WORLD with positive words and overcome whatever challenges you face.
Ghana is waiting for you.
It's amazing how something as trivial and mundane as an old laptop could teach me these important lessons. What lessons are out there waiting to catch your attention? We do not only learn for ourselves, but also to share with others. More than once, I have been humbled by the store of knowledge that those around us in our everyday lives have in them, just waiting to be shared. The only key to unlocking such wealth is TO ASK.
Changing the Status Quo can never be half of what it is without you, the reader. The power however, does not lie only in reading, but spreading the word to others. A word could revive someone, teach another and yet correct another. That is how powerful our words can be. No doubt, my laptop experienced the power of my words firsthand! The world is waiting to be changed by your words. You could start with an encouraging word to someone or even by sharing this post with others!
CREATE YOUR WORLD TODAY!
Recommended books on the power of our words.
*The Books of Proverbs and James (found in the greatest book ever written, The Bible.)
*'Claim Your Inheritance' by Richard Roberts
*'The Game of Life (and how to play it)' by Florence Scovel Shinn.
If you were to think in a second, of three people who have impacted your life greatly by their words, who would they be?
Appreciate them today.
"Make sure you bring your laptop to class tomorrow... "
Somehow, I never wanted to hear those words because I had a laptop that I had started to compare to a desktop computer, since I could only use it for at most, an hour, before having to plug it into a power source. This increasingly became cumbersome especially in the time of 'dumsor' (which I hope is genuinely over for good!) and made taking the laptop to class a whole task on its own. My frustration caused me to forget how 'faithful' it had been to me through my class assignments and other important tasks, till I actually started to treat it like the desktop I was unknowingly trying to force it to be.
Imagine my dismay when one day, immediately after an accidental disconnection, the laptop went off completely in the middle of its use. Somehow, I knew it was a combination of fact and words. Fact was that the laptop was quite old and would have eventually needed to be changed, but words were "My laptop is 'condemned' ", a confession that eventually became a reality.
What am I driving at?
This laptop may not have been an animate object, but it taught me quite a few lessons.
How we view people and situations in our minds, could eventually reflect in how we treat them or react to them. How often do we write people off because of one or two mistakes they have made? How often do we callously utter a discouraging word before we realise the gravity of our thoughtlessness?
My faithful laptop had a way of reminding me that we need to be constantly appreciative and not take the seemingly little things for granted. We need to appreciate others, no matter how small whatever they may have done for us is. Appreciation does not only have to be felt, but also expressed...you never know when someone just needs to hear it.
Faithful L, as I eventually decided to call the laptop, also had a way of reminding me of the importance of every moment we have. 'L' finally gained its status of being 'condemned' when I least expected it. No doubt, if I had treated it better, it would have lasted longer. We do not need to wait for people to walk out of our lives before we realise how important they are to us. Every moment with the special people in our lives is a precious opportunity to make life (both ours and theirs) count...and everyone is special in their own way.
At this juncture, I just want you to take a moment to reflect... What were the last words you said prior to this? Were they positive or negative? Did they build someone up or tear them down? Did they take you one step closer to a brighter future or indirectly stole something good from your days ahead?
I came across some stories of a few people who made it despite the discouragement they faced....
*Colonel Sanders
Founder of the famous KFC. He started at the age of 65! In trying to build his business, he was rejected 1009 times! He still pressed on despite the discouraging feedback.
Words have a great effect, which means, if you do not have anyone to speak positively into your life, take up the task YOURSELF and CREATE YOUR own WORLD.
*Stephen King
A famous book writer, his first book was rejected 30 times. He eventually gave up and threw his work into the trash. He just needed an encouraging word, and he found that in his wife, who retrieved the book from the trash and encouraged him to submit it again. That encouragement opened the door to many more books, and today, he has sold more than 30 million books!
Why don't you also be that encouraging voice in someone's life today?
*
This space has been left blank, to be filled by your name someday. Your name could also be someday etched in the sands of time, if only you choose to CREATE YOUR WORLD with positive words and overcome whatever challenges you face.
Ghana is waiting for you.
It's amazing how something as trivial and mundane as an old laptop could teach me these important lessons. What lessons are out there waiting to catch your attention? We do not only learn for ourselves, but also to share with others. More than once, I have been humbled by the store of knowledge that those around us in our everyday lives have in them, just waiting to be shared. The only key to unlocking such wealth is TO ASK.
Changing the Status Quo can never be half of what it is without you, the reader. The power however, does not lie only in reading, but spreading the word to others. A word could revive someone, teach another and yet correct another. That is how powerful our words can be. No doubt, my laptop experienced the power of my words firsthand! The world is waiting to be changed by your words. You could start with an encouraging word to someone or even by sharing this post with others!
CREATE YOUR WORLD TODAY!
Recommended books on the power of our words.
*The Books of Proverbs and James (found in the greatest book ever written, The Bible.)
*'Claim Your Inheritance' by Richard Roberts
*'The Game of Life (and how to play it)' by Florence Scovel Shinn.
If you were to think in a second, of three people who have impacted your life greatly by their words, who would they be?
Appreciate them today.
CREATE YOUR WORLD.
Create Your World.
"Make sure you bring your laptop to class tomorrow... "
Somehow, I never wanted to hear those words because I had a laptop that I had started to compare to a desktop computer since I could only use it for at most, an hour, before having to plug it into a power source. This increasingly became cumbersome especially in the time of 'dumsor' (which I hope is genuinely over for good!) and made taking the laptop to class a whole task on its own. My frustration caused me to forget how 'faithful' it had been to me through my class assignments and other important tasks, till I actually started to treat it like the desktop I was unknowingly trying to force it to be.
Imagine my dismay when one day, immediately after an accidental disconnection, the laptop went off completely in the middle of its use. Somehow, I knew it was a combination of fact and words. Fact was that the laptop was quite old and would have eventually needed to be changed, but words were "My laptop is 'condemned' ", a confession that eventually became a reality.
What am I driving at?
This laptop may not have been an animate object, but it taught me quite a few lessons.
How we view people and situations in our minds, could eventually reflect in how we treat them or react to them. How often do we write people off because of one or two mistakes they have made? How often do we callously utter a discouraging word before we realise the gravity of our thoughtlessness?
My faithful laptop had a way of reminding me that we need to be constantly appreciative and not take the seemingly little things for granted. We need to appreciate others, no matter how small whatever they may have done for us is. Appreciation does not only have to be felt, but also expressed...you never know when someone just needs to hear it.
Faithful L, as I eventually decided to call the laptop, also had a way of reminding me of the importance of every moment we have. 'L' finally gained its status of being 'condemned' when I least expected it. No doubt, if I had treated it better, it would have lasted longer. We do not need to wait for people to walk out of our lives before we realise how important they are to us. Every moment with the special people in our lives is a precious opportunity to make life (both ours and theirs) count...and everyone is special in their own way.
At this juncture, I just want you to take a moment to reflect... What were the last words you said prior to this? Were they positive or negative? Did they build someone up or tear them down? Did they take you once step closer to a brighter future or indirectly stole something good from your days ahead?
I came across some stories of a few people who made it despite the discouragement they faced....
*Colonel Sanders
Founder of the famous KFC. He started at the age of 65! In trying to build his business, he was rejected 1009 times! He still pressed on despite the discouraging feedback.
Words have a great effect, which means, if you do not have anyone to speak positively into your life, take up the task YOURSELF and CREATE YOUR own WORLD.
*Stephen King
A famous book writer, his first book was rejected 30 times. He eventually gave up and threw his work into the trash. He just needed an encouraging word, and He found that in his wife, who retrieved the book from the trash and encouraged him to submit it again. That encouragement opened the door to many more books, and today, he has sold more than 30 million books!
Why don't you also be that encouraging voice in someone's life today?
*
This space has been left blank, to be filled by your name someday. Your name could also be someday etched in the sands of time, if only you choose to CREATE YOUR WORLD with positive words and overcome whatever challenges you face.
Ghana is waiting for you.
It's amazing how something as trivial and mundane as an old laptop could teach me these important lessons. What lessons are out there waiting to catch your attention? We do not only learn for ourselves, but also to share with others. More than once, I have been humbled by the store of knowledge that those around us in our everyday lives have in them, just waiting to share. The only key to unlocking such wealth is TO ASK.
Changing the Status Quo can never be half of what it is without you, the reader. The power however, does not lie only in reading, but spreading the word to others. A word could revive someone, teach another and yet correct another. That is how powerful our words can be. No doubt, my laptop experienced the power of my words firsthand! The world is waiting to be changed by your words. You could start with an encouraging word to someone or even by sharing this post with others!
CREATE YOUR WORLD TODAY!
Recommended books on the power of our words.
*The Books of Proverbs and James (found in the greatest book ever written, The Bible.)
*'Claim Your Inheritance' by Richard Roberts
*'The Game of Life (and how to play it)' by Florence Scovel Shinn.
If you were to think in a second, of three people who have impacted your life greatly by their words, who would they be?
Appreciate them today.
"Make sure you bring your laptop to class tomorrow... "
Somehow, I never wanted to hear those words because I had a laptop that I had started to compare to a desktop computer since I could only use it for at most, an hour, before having to plug it into a power source. This increasingly became cumbersome especially in the time of 'dumsor' (which I hope is genuinely over for good!) and made taking the laptop to class a whole task on its own. My frustration caused me to forget how 'faithful' it had been to me through my class assignments and other important tasks, till I actually started to treat it like the desktop I was unknowingly trying to force it to be.
Imagine my dismay when one day, immediately after an accidental disconnection, the laptop went off completely in the middle of its use. Somehow, I knew it was a combination of fact and words. Fact was that the laptop was quite old and would have eventually needed to be changed, but words were "My laptop is 'condemned' ", a confession that eventually became a reality.
What am I driving at?
This laptop may not have been an animate object, but it taught me quite a few lessons.
How we view people and situations in our minds, could eventually reflect in how we treat them or react to them. How often do we write people off because of one or two mistakes they have made? How often do we callously utter a discouraging word before we realise the gravity of our thoughtlessness?
My faithful laptop had a way of reminding me that we need to be constantly appreciative and not take the seemingly little things for granted. We need to appreciate others, no matter how small whatever they may have done for us is. Appreciation does not only have to be felt, but also expressed...you never know when someone just needs to hear it.
Faithful L, as I eventually decided to call the laptop, also had a way of reminding me of the importance of every moment we have. 'L' finally gained its status of being 'condemned' when I least expected it. No doubt, if I had treated it better, it would have lasted longer. We do not need to wait for people to walk out of our lives before we realise how important they are to us. Every moment with the special people in our lives is a precious opportunity to make life (both ours and theirs) count...and everyone is special in their own way.
At this juncture, I just want you to take a moment to reflect... What were the last words you said prior to this? Were they positive or negative? Did they build someone up or tear them down? Did they take you once step closer to a brighter future or indirectly stole something good from your days ahead?
I came across some stories of a few people who made it despite the discouragement they faced....
*Colonel Sanders
Founder of the famous KFC. He started at the age of 65! In trying to build his business, he was rejected 1009 times! He still pressed on despite the discouraging feedback.
Words have a great effect, which means, if you do not have anyone to speak positively into your life, take up the task YOURSELF and CREATE YOUR own WORLD.
*Stephen King
A famous book writer, his first book was rejected 30 times. He eventually gave up and threw his work into the trash. He just needed an encouraging word, and He found that in his wife, who retrieved the book from the trash and encouraged him to submit it again. That encouragement opened the door to many more books, and today, he has sold more than 30 million books!
Why don't you also be that encouraging voice in someone's life today?
*
This space has been left blank, to be filled by your name someday. Your name could also be someday etched in the sands of time, if only you choose to CREATE YOUR WORLD with positive words and overcome whatever challenges you face.
Ghana is waiting for you.
It's amazing how something as trivial and mundane as an old laptop could teach me these important lessons. What lessons are out there waiting to catch your attention? We do not only learn for ourselves, but also to share with others. More than once, I have been humbled by the store of knowledge that those around us in our everyday lives have in them, just waiting to share. The only key to unlocking such wealth is TO ASK.
Changing the Status Quo can never be half of what it is without you, the reader. The power however, does not lie only in reading, but spreading the word to others. A word could revive someone, teach another and yet correct another. That is how powerful our words can be. No doubt, my laptop experienced the power of my words firsthand! The world is waiting to be changed by your words. You could start with an encouraging word to someone or even by sharing this post with others!
CREATE YOUR WORLD TODAY!
Recommended books on the power of our words.
*The Books of Proverbs and James (found in the greatest book ever written, The Bible.)
*'Claim Your Inheritance' by Richard Roberts
*'The Game of Life (and how to play it)' by Florence Scovel Shinn.
If you were to think in a second, of three people who have impacted your life greatly by their words, who would they be?
Appreciate them today.
Sunday, 6 March 2016
STAR OF THE WEST.
Star of the West.
"Ghana is 50..Congratulations! Ghana is 50, let's all celebrate.. "
This song was composed nine years ago to mark the golden jubilee of our beloved country; a time that witnessed quite a number of festivities, adverts and even some renovation of the Black Star Square.
'This day must be really special', the whole atmosphere caused me to think. But nine years on from that day, do we as a nation really have much to sing about?
In spite of the various challenges we may have faced as a country, this Independence Day should be extra special to us because it presents us with an opportunity, especially the youth, to reflect on how far we have come as a nation and what difference our presence in this country could and should make.
Ghana is sometimes referred to as the Black Star of Africa. This star, like every other star, is meant to illuminate whichever space it finds itself in, and in effect make a difference. How have we shined as a nation amidst not just our neighbouring countries, but Africa and the world as a whole? How have we as individuals made an effort, be it singular or collective, to make our country shine?
Scientifically, a star is said to be made up of a number of gases, mainly hydrogen and helium. Today, and every other day, I would like us to view ourselves as an important constituent that blends with other constituents to make up a bright star. The land is ours and can only shine if we do our part. We need to be the light this nation needs to see.
I would like to make a brief comparison between Ghana and two other countries, namely Singapore and Malaysia.
Singapore, like Ghana, was once a British Colony and gained independence in 1965. One unique feature of Singapore is its location and size. It is a small island, but has managed to rub shoulders with great nations. One lesson I have learnt from this country is that size does not need to determine our rate of success. We do not always need to be surrounded by successful people or nations before we feel the urge to make the most of what we have.
Singapore has used its human capital over the years to its advantage by depending heavily on the size of their population to build a commercial hub that is still vibrant today. The nation boasts of amazing infrastructure and great sanitary conditions.
Malaysia, also a former British colony like us, gained independence in the same year we did... 1957. Being the 44th most populous nation in the world, Malaysia has used its diversity to its advantage, becoming one of the best economies in Asia, and is still growing. Unlike Singapore and more like us, Malaysia is blessed with abundant natural resources and has capitalised on this as well to achieve great development.
What makes these two countries, and others, so different from Ghana? Nothing really. We have virtually the same opportunities they do and Ghana boasts of a population far greater than quite a number of countries, a fact we can use to our advantage. Ghana can be even greater because above all, she has you and me. It is up to us to make the difference.
As a nation, we have quite a lot to be proud of despite our challenges, including our constant peace and our diversity; traits we need to hold on to in our quest to develop, irrespective of our political affiliation or ethnic group.
Ghana is hopeful that with us, more 'birthdays' will witness greater strides in development. We are the only ones who can make the Star of West Africa and beyond, shine again. It is only by our initiative that the word INDEPENDENCE can become truly meaningful to us. Then the star against the backdrop of red, gold and green will truly stand out.
The Star of West Africa can only shine with YOU. The time to shine is NOW.
Happy Independence Day!
OPINION:
Do you think our annual March Past is still a necessary way to commemorate our Independence Day, or it could be improved?
"Ghana is 50..Congratulations! Ghana is 50, let's all celebrate.. "
This song was composed nine years ago to mark the golden jubilee of our beloved country; a time that witnessed quite a number of festivities, adverts and even some renovation of the Black Star Square.
'This day must be really special', the whole atmosphere caused me to think. But nine years on from that day, do we as a nation really have much to sing about?
In spite of the various challenges we may have faced as a country, this Independence Day should be extra special to us because it presents us with an opportunity, especially the youth, to reflect on how far we have come as a nation and what difference our presence in this country could and should make.
Ghana is sometimes referred to as the Black Star of Africa. This star, like every other star, is meant to illuminate whichever space it finds itself in, and in effect make a difference. How have we shined as a nation amidst not just our neighbouring countries, but Africa and the world as a whole? How have we as individuals made an effort, be it singular or collective, to make our country shine?
Scientifically, a star is said to be made up of a number of gases, mainly hydrogen and helium. Today, and every other day, I would like us to view ourselves as an important constituent that blends with other constituents to make up a bright star. The land is ours and can only shine if we do our part. We need to be the light this nation needs to see.
I would like to make a brief comparison between Ghana and two other countries, namely Singapore and Malaysia.
Singapore, like Ghana, was once a British Colony and gained independence in 1965. One unique feature of Singapore is its location and size. It is a small island, but has managed to rub shoulders with great nations. One lesson I have learnt from this country is that size does not need to determine our rate of success. We do not always need to be surrounded by successful people or nations before we feel the urge to make the most of what we have.
Singapore has used its human capital over the years to its advantage by depending heavily on the size of their population to build a commercial hub that is still vibrant today. The nation boasts of amazing infrastructure and great sanitary conditions.
Malaysia, also a former British colony like us, gained independence in the same year we did... 1957. Being the 44th most populous nation in the world, Malaysia has used its diversity to its advantage, becoming one of the best economies in Asia, and is still growing. Unlike Singapore and more like us, Malaysia is blessed with abundant natural resources and has capitalised on this as well to achieve great development.
What makes these two countries, and others, so different from Ghana? Nothing really. We have virtually the same opportunities they do and Ghana boasts of a population far greater than quite a number of countries, a fact we can use to our advantage. Ghana can be even greater because above all, she has you and me. It is up to us to make the difference.
As a nation, we have quite a lot to be proud of despite our challenges, including our constant peace and our diversity; traits we need to hold on to in our quest to develop, irrespective of our political affiliation or ethnic group.
Ghana is hopeful that with us, more 'birthdays' will witness greater strides in development. We are the only ones who can make the Star of West Africa and beyond, shine again. It is only by our initiative that the word INDEPENDENCE can become truly meaningful to us. Then the star against the backdrop of red, gold and green will truly stand out.
The Star of West Africa can only shine with YOU. The time to shine is NOW.
Happy Independence Day!
OPINION:
Do you think our annual March Past is still a necessary way to commemorate our Independence Day, or it could be improved?
Your opinions are always welcome. Changing the status quo is always ready to learn from you.
Friday, 19 February 2016
FIELD OF PLAY
FIELD OF PLAY
Whenever I watch a soccer match, I get confused as to why a coach sometimes waits till a match is almost over before he decides to bring a player on to play. It seems almost as if he just wants the player to have a feel of the match before it ends. The tactic just seemed quite pointless to me and always made me wonder...that is, until an English Premier League match between Arsenal and Leicester, that changed my view.
The match had almost ended 1-1, when Arsenal's coach brought in a substitute, Danny Welbeck, to carry on with the match till the last minute. I thought this was just another substitution till this last minute 'decision' scored a crucial goal for the team, giving them a decisive victory. The victory was even sweeter because Welbeck had not scored since December 2014...quite frustrating for any goal oriented player.
This reminded me of our own lives, and how great things can happen when we least expect it!
More often than not, it takes quite a long time before we see the results of our hardwork and effort. This match however, had a way of reminding me of the need to press on and not downplay the potential of seemingly small opportunities.
Life, like any soccer match, provides us with a field of play on which we can make and also receive :
TACKLES
Some problems need to be faced head on in order to be dealt with. Just as players seem to forget about their health when they make that head on tackle against their opponent, we also need to sometimes forget about our own comfort in order to push some obstacles out of the way, in our quest to reach our goal. This requires stubborn determination and a decision to not allow anything to make us cower in fear.
PASSES
There is power in teamwork. It is sometimes frustrating to see a player try to score a goal on his own when he could have easily passed it to his fellow player who had a better chance of scoring one for the team.
Building others up to achieve greater things never really takes anything away from us, but rather makes us better. Won't it be heartwarming to hear someone say : "I scored that goal because of you." ?
DEFENSE
We each have great and unique things in our hands that we need to guard and take good care of. In doing this, we create opportunities and an atmosphere for results to take place. And when we reach our destination, it should spur us on to do more, not become complacent.
Building a solid defence takes time and effort just like in soccer teams. We need to surround ourselves with the right people and the right kind of influence. Having a solid defence does not mean some mistakes will not be made at times, but just as defenders in a football match continue to play their role even after their opponents are able to penetrate through their defence to score a goal, we can also stage a comeback even after a setback. It is just a time to think, regroup and play on.
RED AND YELLOW CARDS
Of course, a match cannot end (most of the time) without a few yellow cards and occasionally a red. This is often unpleasant but is also the reality of life. We will sometimes be corrected for wrong actions and decisions. What makes the difference however, is how we respond when we are shown the card. Are we willing to humble ourselves and accept corrections, or we prefer to be set in our own ways?
Great things take time to happen, and in waiting, we need to work hard and press on. We also need to believe in others and encourage them to work towards achieving their best.
No doubt, if the Arsenal coach, Arsene Wenger, had not believed in Welbeck enough to give him the chance to play, he would not have had the opportunity to score that goal.
It is NEVER too late to shine, to make it. Even when it seems as if no one believes in us, we can still create opportunities for ourselves and others if we put our minds to it.
Take up the opportunity today and score that goal.
Ghana is waiting to celebrate with you.
Whenever I watch a soccer match, I get confused as to why a coach sometimes waits till a match is almost over before he decides to bring a player on to play. It seems almost as if he just wants the player to have a feel of the match before it ends. The tactic just seemed quite pointless to me and always made me wonder...that is, until an English Premier League match between Arsenal and Leicester, that changed my view.
The match had almost ended 1-1, when Arsenal's coach brought in a substitute, Danny Welbeck, to carry on with the match till the last minute. I thought this was just another substitution till this last minute 'decision' scored a crucial goal for the team, giving them a decisive victory. The victory was even sweeter because Welbeck had not scored since December 2014...quite frustrating for any goal oriented player.
This reminded me of our own lives, and how great things can happen when we least expect it!
More often than not, it takes quite a long time before we see the results of our hardwork and effort. This match however, had a way of reminding me of the need to press on and not downplay the potential of seemingly small opportunities.
Life, like any soccer match, provides us with a field of play on which we can make and also receive :
TACKLES
Some problems need to be faced head on in order to be dealt with. Just as players seem to forget about their health when they make that head on tackle against their opponent, we also need to sometimes forget about our own comfort in order to push some obstacles out of the way, in our quest to reach our goal. This requires stubborn determination and a decision to not allow anything to make us cower in fear.
PASSES
There is power in teamwork. It is sometimes frustrating to see a player try to score a goal on his own when he could have easily passed it to his fellow player who had a better chance of scoring one for the team.
Building others up to achieve greater things never really takes anything away from us, but rather makes us better. Won't it be heartwarming to hear someone say : "I scored that goal because of you." ?
DEFENSE
We each have great and unique things in our hands that we need to guard and take good care of. In doing this, we create opportunities and an atmosphere for results to take place. And when we reach our destination, it should spur us on to do more, not become complacent.
Building a solid defence takes time and effort just like in soccer teams. We need to surround ourselves with the right people and the right kind of influence. Having a solid defence does not mean some mistakes will not be made at times, but just as defenders in a football match continue to play their role even after their opponents are able to penetrate through their defence to score a goal, we can also stage a comeback even after a setback. It is just a time to think, regroup and play on.
RED AND YELLOW CARDS
Of course, a match cannot end (most of the time) without a few yellow cards and occasionally a red. This is often unpleasant but is also the reality of life. We will sometimes be corrected for wrong actions and decisions. What makes the difference however, is how we respond when we are shown the card. Are we willing to humble ourselves and accept corrections, or we prefer to be set in our own ways?
Great things take time to happen, and in waiting, we need to work hard and press on. We also need to believe in others and encourage them to work towards achieving their best.
No doubt, if the Arsenal coach, Arsene Wenger, had not believed in Welbeck enough to give him the chance to play, he would not have had the opportunity to score that goal.
It is NEVER too late to shine, to make it. Even when it seems as if no one believes in us, we can still create opportunities for ourselves and others if we put our minds to it.
Take up the opportunity today and score that goal.
Ghana is waiting to celebrate with you.
Friday, 12 February 2016
AUTHENTIC LOVE
AUTHENTIC LOVE.
Valentine's day celebrations were always a sight to behold when I was in primary school. It was almost a competition...who could combine the most red things. It ranged from very obvious attempts like red sneakers or socks, to more obscure things like red earrings or watches. If Valentine's Day happened to fall on 'Our Day' (our termly party to mark the end of another academic period), then someone could even dare to pull off a red shirt, red ribbon, red shoe, red watch stunt... I am sure you get the picture.
Growing older however made me realise that this day that is so widely celebrated goes far beyond any red apparel to a deeper word most people are still trying to understand, LOVE.
It's interesting how people signify love with only the colour Red, whilst others attach love to only one day, Valentine's day.
What is love to you?
How true is your love?
"I may have all knowledge and understand all secrets ; I may have all the faith needed to move mountains - but if I have no love, I am nothing. " - 1 Corinthians 13 :2 (GNB)
This quote alone teaches me that love, the genuine kind, goes beyond any celebration, appearance or even romance. I have come to learn that AUTHENTIC LOVE is seen in our day to day activities and is tested almost always on a daily basis.
Beyond Valentine's day, there are many people to whom love can be shown, and many people who can also put us through tests of love without us knowing it. The more obvious people include :
- Family
Family could well be the closest people we could ever have, and because of that, we often take them for granted without even knowing it. We do not need to do or see anything 'big' in order to know that we are loved. Little things like 'How are you?', 'Take care', or even an occasional stern rebuke for doing something wrong, are all little proofs of love and acceptance, and we could return that love in many little ways like being respectful and forgiving.
- Friends
I've heard people say that "Friends will either make you or mar you" ; a statement I have come to believe over time. It is quite easy to love when that friend is always smiling, warm and understanding.... but what happens when he or she becomes moody, or even suddenly decides to become a broadcaster of your life to others?
Another difficult test of love.
- Strangers
An act of love to someone you barely know is quite some proof of love. It could be someone you've noticed at work, school, church...anywhere, who always seems lonely and is in dire need of a warm smile or kind word.
It could be a colleague sitting close by, who is obviously in need of water to drink, especially when you know that the one you have is your last!
Of course, the world has become quite strange these days, making it tougher to love and show kindness, but in the midst of it all, there are people still in genuine need. May we have the ability to tell the difference!
The list of people we could show love to and learn lessons of love from, is quite endless, not forgetting Ghana. Yes, we can show love to Ghana too, like she once told us in her letter, Ghana's Cry, by praying for her, being proud of her, standing up for her when we have to, and being kind towards her children, no matter the party or tribe or 'class' they belong to.
Some of our Ghanaian love songs have a particular phrase that runs through them, which when translated means "Love goes where love is, like a mirror.", meaning that love is always returned or reciprocated.
The harsh reality however is that love is far from being like a mirror, and AUTHENTIC LOVE is more often than not, unnoticed or unappreciated. It is quite easy to love when the recipient equally loves you too, but I'd like to throw you a challenge..
'Can you love (or show love) to someone you know cannot repay you or someone you know may not even appreciate you? '
Love is definitely a lot of things combined... too many things!.... to be celebrated in just one day. Let us make everyday a day of love, a day to count.
Before I end, there is a true ultimate Gift of love I would like to share with you. This Gift is to me, the most authentic because He was able to lay His life down for people who barely knew Him, loved Him or cared. That precious Gift is Jesus, and I recommend this Valentine's Day Gift to you to accept and also share with others, for
"..Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends... " - John 15:13 (KJV)
And lastly, a little reminder... Valentine's day is definitely not time for a pity party, when you lament over being single or being unloved. It is a time, I believe, to work on ourselves, build ourselves up and remind ourselves of why we are special. Trust me, there is at least one thing in you that is worth something.
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!..... EVERYDAY!
Valentine's day celebrations were always a sight to behold when I was in primary school. It was almost a competition...who could combine the most red things. It ranged from very obvious attempts like red sneakers or socks, to more obscure things like red earrings or watches. If Valentine's Day happened to fall on 'Our Day' (our termly party to mark the end of another academic period), then someone could even dare to pull off a red shirt, red ribbon, red shoe, red watch stunt... I am sure you get the picture.
Growing older however made me realise that this day that is so widely celebrated goes far beyond any red apparel to a deeper word most people are still trying to understand, LOVE.
It's interesting how people signify love with only the colour Red, whilst others attach love to only one day, Valentine's day.
What is love to you?
How true is your love?
"I may have all knowledge and understand all secrets ; I may have all the faith needed to move mountains - but if I have no love, I am nothing. " - 1 Corinthians 13 :2 (GNB)
This quote alone teaches me that love, the genuine kind, goes beyond any celebration, appearance or even romance. I have come to learn that AUTHENTIC LOVE is seen in our day to day activities and is tested almost always on a daily basis.
Beyond Valentine's day, there are many people to whom love can be shown, and many people who can also put us through tests of love without us knowing it. The more obvious people include :
- Family
Family could well be the closest people we could ever have, and because of that, we often take them for granted without even knowing it. We do not need to do or see anything 'big' in order to know that we are loved. Little things like 'How are you?', 'Take care', or even an occasional stern rebuke for doing something wrong, are all little proofs of love and acceptance, and we could return that love in many little ways like being respectful and forgiving.
- Friends
I've heard people say that "Friends will either make you or mar you" ; a statement I have come to believe over time. It is quite easy to love when that friend is always smiling, warm and understanding.... but what happens when he or she becomes moody, or even suddenly decides to become a broadcaster of your life to others?
Another difficult test of love.
- Strangers
An act of love to someone you barely know is quite some proof of love. It could be someone you've noticed at work, school, church...anywhere, who always seems lonely and is in dire need of a warm smile or kind word.
It could be a colleague sitting close by, who is obviously in need of water to drink, especially when you know that the one you have is your last!
Of course, the world has become quite strange these days, making it tougher to love and show kindness, but in the midst of it all, there are people still in genuine need. May we have the ability to tell the difference!
The list of people we could show love to and learn lessons of love from, is quite endless, not forgetting Ghana. Yes, we can show love to Ghana too, like she once told us in her letter, Ghana's Cry, by praying for her, being proud of her, standing up for her when we have to, and being kind towards her children, no matter the party or tribe or 'class' they belong to.
Some of our Ghanaian love songs have a particular phrase that runs through them, which when translated means "Love goes where love is, like a mirror.", meaning that love is always returned or reciprocated.
The harsh reality however is that love is far from being like a mirror, and AUTHENTIC LOVE is more often than not, unnoticed or unappreciated. It is quite easy to love when the recipient equally loves you too, but I'd like to throw you a challenge..
'Can you love (or show love) to someone you know cannot repay you or someone you know may not even appreciate you? '
Love is definitely a lot of things combined... too many things!.... to be celebrated in just one day. Let us make everyday a day of love, a day to count.
Before I end, there is a true ultimate Gift of love I would like to share with you. This Gift is to me, the most authentic because He was able to lay His life down for people who barely knew Him, loved Him or cared. That precious Gift is Jesus, and I recommend this Valentine's Day Gift to you to accept and also share with others, for
"..Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends... " - John 15:13 (KJV)
And lastly, a little reminder... Valentine's day is definitely not time for a pity party, when you lament over being single or being unloved. It is a time, I believe, to work on ourselves, build ourselves up and remind ourselves of why we are special. Trust me, there is at least one thing in you that is worth something.
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!..... EVERYDAY!
Sunday, 7 February 2016
VALUABLE MIRRORS
Valuable Mirrors.
As I looked around my church's Sunday school, I realised just how enlightening it can be to hang around children. Like every lesson learnt, we need to look closely before we see just how many important lessons children can teach us.
Just like a mirror, children are a reflection of who we are and who we eventually become. A mirror at times points out our flaws (for example a big pimple on the nose or mismatched clothes) and indirectly prompts us to correct ourselves.
Today, these beautiful mirrors have a few lessons we could learn from them. I hope as you read, you will remember one or two lessons yourself.
*FORGIVENESS
More than once, I have been touched by how children often seem to easily forgive. It seems much easier for them to let go of some things, whilst we who are older and have more to let go of, rather hold on tightly to whatever hurt we have experienced. On several occasions, I have seen a child sulk because this person has torn her book or this person has sat at his place. However, after some minutes pass, they are themselves again, and the best situations even see the child playing once again with the one who offended them...at least, more often than not.
*SELF CONFIDENCE / APPRECIATION OF ONESELF.
A phone camera has an amazing way of letting a crying child quiet down with fascination. Suddenly, the face that was 'washed' with tears lights up with a smile or curiosity, with their own faces staring right back at them. With children, their own face is an image worth looking at over and over again. If children are not afraid to accept themselves for who they have been created to be, why should we who are much older be discontent or compare ourselves to others?
*DESIRE TO FIND OUT MORE.
Children ask the most amazing and random things, like "Why have you done your hair this way? Are you getting married?" or "When will you come to my house?", when they barely even know you. With children, every moment is an opportunity to explore, to learn something new. That is a trait we could equally develop, in order to broaden our scope and experience new possibilities.
*KINDNESS.
The hardest heart could be melted by the sight of a brother placing his arm protectively around his sister when a bully is approaching, or a cousin eager to share a toffee he has earned for answering a question with his cousin, or a little girl trying to carry a baby who is almost her size. Kindness seems to come easily to children, for one reason or another. And as time goes on, we also need to make a conscious effort not to let the circumstances of life harden our hearts to others and their situations.
*TAKING CARE OF WHAT HAS BEEN ENTRUSTED TO US.
I saw a little boy crouched on the ground, apparently looking for something, with a very worried, almost tearful, expression on his face. "I can't find my offering money", he said when I asked him what he was looking for. To him, losing the money his parents had given him was like his whole world collapsing.
How many times do we take for granted the little things that have been entrusted to us? And when we lose those things, what effort do we make to get those things back?
*UNCONDITIONAL LOVE.
Children have a way of loving without any ulterior motives. Once they form an attachment to you, they stay devoted to you.. Even when you disappoint them, they find a way of still holding on to that love, without judgement.
How unconditional is our love for others? Is our decision to stay faithful and kind to those God has blessed us with based on only how good they are? I'd really like to love without judgement just like children do.
Of course, there are some children who are really tough to handle and who are usually referred to as stubborn. Even they however teach a valuable lesson.... Look for the good in people, using patience and care, but firmness. It sometimes takes an extra effort to bring out the best in some people, but it is really worth it in the end.
Children are a mirror of our very own lives and the things that truly matter. We can CHANGE THE STATUS QUO by being an example to them as they are to us. That way, when they grow, Ghana will be in the hands of a great generation.
So whether it is a little sibling, cousin, neice, nephew, grandchild, son or daughter, or even a pupil or neighbour's child, we have VALUABLE MIRRORS staring right at us everyday, through which we can see ourselves and learn a lesson or two.
"CHILDREN ARE A GIFT FROM THE LORD, THEY ARE A REAL BLESSING. " - Psalm 127:3
As I looked around my church's Sunday school, I realised just how enlightening it can be to hang around children. Like every lesson learnt, we need to look closely before we see just how many important lessons children can teach us.
Just like a mirror, children are a reflection of who we are and who we eventually become. A mirror at times points out our flaws (for example a big pimple on the nose or mismatched clothes) and indirectly prompts us to correct ourselves.
Today, these beautiful mirrors have a few lessons we could learn from them. I hope as you read, you will remember one or two lessons yourself.
*FORGIVENESS
More than once, I have been touched by how children often seem to easily forgive. It seems much easier for them to let go of some things, whilst we who are older and have more to let go of, rather hold on tightly to whatever hurt we have experienced. On several occasions, I have seen a child sulk because this person has torn her book or this person has sat at his place. However, after some minutes pass, they are themselves again, and the best situations even see the child playing once again with the one who offended them...at least, more often than not.
*SELF CONFIDENCE / APPRECIATION OF ONESELF.
A phone camera has an amazing way of letting a crying child quiet down with fascination. Suddenly, the face that was 'washed' with tears lights up with a smile or curiosity, with their own faces staring right back at them. With children, their own face is an image worth looking at over and over again. If children are not afraid to accept themselves for who they have been created to be, why should we who are much older be discontent or compare ourselves to others?
*DESIRE TO FIND OUT MORE.
Children ask the most amazing and random things, like "Why have you done your hair this way? Are you getting married?" or "When will you come to my house?", when they barely even know you. With children, every moment is an opportunity to explore, to learn something new. That is a trait we could equally develop, in order to broaden our scope and experience new possibilities.
*KINDNESS.
The hardest heart could be melted by the sight of a brother placing his arm protectively around his sister when a bully is approaching, or a cousin eager to share a toffee he has earned for answering a question with his cousin, or a little girl trying to carry a baby who is almost her size. Kindness seems to come easily to children, for one reason or another. And as time goes on, we also need to make a conscious effort not to let the circumstances of life harden our hearts to others and their situations.
*TAKING CARE OF WHAT HAS BEEN ENTRUSTED TO US.
I saw a little boy crouched on the ground, apparently looking for something, with a very worried, almost tearful, expression on his face. "I can't find my offering money", he said when I asked him what he was looking for. To him, losing the money his parents had given him was like his whole world collapsing.
How many times do we take for granted the little things that have been entrusted to us? And when we lose those things, what effort do we make to get those things back?
*UNCONDITIONAL LOVE.
Children have a way of loving without any ulterior motives. Once they form an attachment to you, they stay devoted to you.. Even when you disappoint them, they find a way of still holding on to that love, without judgement.
How unconditional is our love for others? Is our decision to stay faithful and kind to those God has blessed us with based on only how good they are? I'd really like to love without judgement just like children do.
Of course, there are some children who are really tough to handle and who are usually referred to as stubborn. Even they however teach a valuable lesson.... Look for the good in people, using patience and care, but firmness. It sometimes takes an extra effort to bring out the best in some people, but it is really worth it in the end.
Children are a mirror of our very own lives and the things that truly matter. We can CHANGE THE STATUS QUO by being an example to them as they are to us. That way, when they grow, Ghana will be in the hands of a great generation.
So whether it is a little sibling, cousin, neice, nephew, grandchild, son or daughter, or even a pupil or neighbour's child, we have VALUABLE MIRRORS staring right at us everyday, through which we can see ourselves and learn a lesson or two.
"CHILDREN ARE A GIFT FROM THE LORD, THEY ARE A REAL BLESSING. " - Psalm 127:3
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