Random Posts – The Christian Blog

Afrobloggers’ The Never Ending Story

Ghost witches. Teleportation. Experiencing death even in death. Who would have imagined that one could die even after they were dead? If someone had predicted to her that her life-after-death experience would be this dramatic, she would have died several years ago.

“Daydreaming again eh,” Grandma Kai’s voice jostled her back to the present.

She sat on the rock and gazed at this old woman who everyone thought was ‘dead’ but is very much ‘alive’ and training her for God-knows-what. Mona had always been adventurous but that was when she was alive. All of these puzzling experiences with her grandmother were gradually wearing her out.

“Life, for our kinsmen has always been a little complicated,” Grandma started. “You live and when you think death would bring you peace and rest, it doesn’t. There is always an assignment to complete.”

Mona looked up at her Grandma Kai and wondering what she was going to say next.

“Even in death, we’re not free. There is one last task and …”

The last part of her words became inaudible. Grandma Kai gazed ahead. She seemed frightened. As if she had seen a ghost. She held her tummy and fell off the rock. She began to wriggle in pain as if she had ingested poison.

“No ooo,” Mona screamed as she jumped from the rock to hold her grandmother.

“Not here, Grandma. Please do not abandon me,” Mona cried as she held her grandmother’s almost lifeless body or spirit.

“What am I going to do?” Mona kept uttering these word with tears in her eyes as she shook her Grandma Kai.

For what seemed like eternity, the old woman suddenly jumped up as if nothing had happened. She burst out laughing.

“Oh Mona. Mona. You are too emotional,” Grandma said. “Don’t you get it yet?”

“Get what?” Mona said. Almost whispering and shocked at the turn out of events.

“For the task ahead, you don’t need to get like this,” Grandma said.

“Like what?” Mona asked, wiping the remaining tears from her eyes.

“You need to be stronger than this,” Grandma responded. “This is the emotional-strengthening test and you’ve failed woefully.”

“Come. Sit down,” Grandma said, pointing to the rock once again.

Confused by all that had happened, Mona stood up and walked back to the rock. The night seemed very cold. She rubbed her arms for some warmth and looked at her Grandma Kai and awaited what was going to happen next.

It’s going to be a long night…

NeverEndingABC Links:
✓Afrobloggers
✓Tawa of gentlegiantsblog
✓Kadali.Bartlett of Kadaliblog published on Afrobloggers
✓Nicole of humanityboss published on Afrobloggers
✓uBu published on becominguBu
✓Tanaka who blogs at passionvictim ✓@rasmunroe who blogs at mystorymyownwords ✓ Miss Kay who blogs at misskayblogs ✓ ChristianBlogGh who blogs at thechristianblogghana

Rules

Read and copy the rules
You have one week but if you can do it in less even better
start a new post Max 500 words
Begin your instalment with a brief intro and summary of how the story had ended previously on the NeverEndingABC
Include a link to where the previous instalment can be read in the opening paragraph
At the bottom of your post update the NeverEndingABC links so one can follow where else the story has been.
If one week passes and you have not published your story next person in line automatically becomes legible to start.
For a list of the other participants and full rules check Afrobloggers Post
contact Afrobloggers to be part of the line-up of participants
If you do not have a blog of your own or cannot post on your site contact Afrobloggers

#WBC2020 – Wrapped Up

It’s been almost of two months of participating in a challenge that is supposed to last for a month. 🤭I’m glad I took part because the #wbc2020 did not only provide me with topics to blog about consistently but it readily gave me loads of readers and followers who are currently my ‘blog supporters.’ I’ve discovered some new blogs too.

Even though most of the topics were challenging to write about, my favourite (to read from other bloggers) was the creative writing piece where we were to write a story that ended with, “when he woke up, I was dying.” That was a great day in the challenge.

Shoutouts to all the bloggers who participated – you gave us amazing content to engage with and a big thanks to the Afrobloggers for organising this year’s challenge. They took time to like and retweet all posts during the challenge, helping to promote our blogs. We are definitely looking forward to #wbc2021. Oh and you can follow them on Twitter @afrobloggers.

***This is 22/22 of the #WinterABC2020. The prompt is to wrap up on the challenge.***

#WBC2020 – How to Support Brands on Social Media

Using social media tools, in my line of work, have revealed the competitiveness, indifference of some followers and the various tactics or tricks used by individuals and brands. These attitudes, sometimes, kill the spirit of a brand and this post aims to suggest some of the ways we can show love and encouragement to each other in this virtual world:

1. Let’s focus on the Overall Goal

This point is aimed at brands/individuals that share similar goals. For example, bloggers – we all aim to constantly get individuals to read our posts, thus, let’s not hesitate to support one another by clicking on links to other blogs to read, comment, like and share.

This is what is expected but that is not always the case. On Instagram, in particular, individuals and brands tend to swarm on a page when there is fresh content. They follow, like both the post and page, astronomically increasing the number of followership and when the page administrator is not looking, the number of followers drop drastically.

I’m not too certain why people follow to unfollow but that is not a good practice.

2. Let’s Show Kindness

Creating content consistently is not easy, therefore, do not take those in this space for granted. If they are redirecting you to products, follow the link and buy. If they come out with books, please buy them. If they recommend products, ensure you take a look. This is a way of supporting this skill.

3. Let’s Show Support

Let’s help one another so we are able to achieve our overall goals. There may be individuals and brands who may not necessarily be in your niche but are using their platforms to push worthy causes – let’s give them the push.

On WordPress, let’s follow other blogs, let’s read, like and comment on each other’s posts. On Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter – let’s support one another by liking, remaining loyal followers and commenting on each others’ posts. Let’s avoid seeing each other as competitors but rather one big community promoting different causes.

This post was originally written on 23rd February 2018 and titled 3 Ways to Show Love on Social Media.

***This is 21/22 of the #WinterABC2020. The prompt is to recycle an old post and bring it back to life.***

#WBC2020: My First Biggest Disappointment

After writing our final examinations in the senior high school, my mates and I dreamt of nothing but continuing to the University. The courses we were going to read were not as much of a problem as gaining admission.

It was with anxiety that most of us waited for the results to be released and when they finally came out, I had not performed as badly. My results could earn me a place in the University or so I thought.

My friends and I purchased the admission forms, filled them out and submitted. Again, we awaited to know if we had gained admission or not.

When the list of qualified candidates were released, my friends and I checked online. A few had gained admission and to my disappointment, I did not see my name on the list.

“Oh, they normally release a supplementary list. You have to wait for that,” my friends said.

Several days passed and there was no supplementary list with my name on it. Days turned to weeks and my friends who gained admission went to start their first semester.

That was when it dawned on me that I was not going to the University that year. I had no back-up plans. My family did not offer an alternative plan either.

As an individual in her late teens, that was perhaps, my first biggest disappointment and it lasted for several months. I had to explain to people why I was still at home while my colleagues had begun their semester. I had so many sleepless nights and I cried a lot too.

I believe I grew a lot older and wiser during that period. Looking back, I’m convinced that was definitely part of God’s plan for my life. The next year, I reapplied with the same results and amazingly, I gained admission. With determination, I began my life at the University. This time, I knew I was alone – ‘no friends, no squad.’ I knew I was solely responsible for the outcome of my four years on campus and I had to make good use of it and I believe I did exactly that.

***This is 16/22 of the #WinterABC2020. The prompt is to share something on grief, loss or healing.***

#WBC2020 – I Dream of an Africa…

I dream of an Africa with our own form of governance.

Perhaps one that elections will not be the topmost priority.

And political slogans and ensuring a party retains power, the main agenda.

Even if there are elections, people will vote based on relevant issues and competence.

How I wish discussions will not be based on one’s political affiliation but the truth.

And public institutions will not change their bosses after a new party is elected.

How about if we are able to manage our resources well and not always go begging.

And the youth will be given equal opportunity no matter their background.

Perhaps a national development agenda could be a solution and a sense of nationalism imbibed in every individual.

I dream of that Africa.

***This is 15/22 of the #WinterABC2020. The prompt is to write about an issue which is close to your heart.***

#WBC2020 – How Funeral Rites are Performed in Ghana

When a person dies in most communities in the Ghana, especially in the Greater Accra Region, the immediate family is informed.

While the body of the deceased is kept at the morgue, the family organises a one week-celebration to announce the date for the funeral. People who attend this ceremony may be very close friends, neighbours, work colleagues among others. This particular celebration is an entire day’s event. Individuals, who pass through this ceremony, may make donations of money, bottled water, beverages and food items to be used by the family during the actual funeral rites. Those who pass through this celebration are lightly refreshed with food and beverages.

On the scheduled date of the funeral, the corpse is laid in state (mostly in the family’s residence) at dawn on Saturday (mostly). After a brief ceremony with close family, the body is then made available for viewing by guests and attendants of the funeral. If the deceased was a Christian, church songs are normally sang during the filing past.

A church service may be organised for the individual at home. If that happens, the deceased may still be available for viewing. If the memorial service takes place in the church, the body is placed in the casket and transported to the church building. A short service is organised where songs are sang, prayers are said and tributes read by family, work colleagues, friends etc.

After the church service, the casket is lifted and taken to the burial grounds for internment. The dead may be buried in the city/town that he/she resided or could be transported to their hometown which could be several miles away from where funeral is taking place. At the cemetery, brief rites are performed before the body is lowered to the ground. Wreaths are then laid and final prayers are said amidst wailing and weeping.

The family and guests then move to a chosen venue where they are treated to some form of refreshment. Donations are made to the deceased’s family by the guests. A table is set where the donor makes the donation and their details are recorded. That information is furnished to an announcer/master of ceremony who mentions it through the microphone and publicly acknowledges the donor. This goes on till the donations stop coming in.

The next day, which is normally a Sunday, close family and friends attend a thanksgiving service at the deceased’s church. This is done to thank God for a safe burial. Prayers of protection, strength and good health are said for the family.

A ‘gbonyo’ or ‘dead’ party is organised after the church service for the family and the guests. Meals and beverages are served and the latest music is played over loud speakers and people dance.

The above is the general structure for most funerals in Ghana but it could vary depending on the status of the individual in the society (chiefs and other traditional leaders), the mode of death (accident, natural), religion (Islamic funerals are totally different) and their age (young or old).

Funerals in most communities in Ghana are known to be costly and lucrative for those in the business. Example caterers, masters of ceremonies, professional mourners etc. Recent times have seen a lot of families resorting to private burials due to the covid-19 because a bann has been placed on large gatherings. This is causing low revenue generation to those in this business.

How are funerals organised in your community? Let us know 😊

***This is 14/22 of the #WinterABC2020. The prompt is share about one cultural aspect from your community or country.***

#WBC2020 – Chimamanda Adichie: The Personality I Would like to Meet

Her popularity may be linked to her creativity and the number of books she has authored. She is an amazing storyteller who draws her readers into the books. Even though they are simple to read, they have very deeper meanings.

Her stories are well-researched and are likely to take you to places like Nsukka, Biafra, Lagos, the US etc.

She writes fiction, short stories and non-fiction. Purple Hibiscus, The thing around your neck and Half of the Yellow Sun are some of her works of fictions.

She is popular on the continent and outside of it, making news on main and social media. She is known for her works on anti-racism and feminism. The latter, which has earned her both admirers and haters. The haters critique her work on feminism and say it is too skewed.

She has a political science, communications and creative writing background (indeed, we have something in common 😊). Her books have earned her a lot of awards and she’s spoken on several platforms including Ted Talk.

She has proven that authoring a good book has the ability to shoot you to some amazing platforms.

I would, one day, like to meet the multiple award-winning African novelist – Chimamanda Adichie Ngozi from Nigeria. We are likely to have a chat about creative, story writing among other topics.

***This is 13/22 of the #WinterABC2020. The prompt is if you could meet a notable African personality, who would it be and why?***

#WBC2020 – 5 Akan Proverbs and their Meanings

This post has got me scratching my head real hard because I am not fluent in my own local language known as Ewe (pronounced ‘Eh-ve’), reminding me of Steve Harvey’s attempt at pronouncing it on Family Feud. Ewe is the language spoken by the people from the Volta Region, which is on the eastern coast of Ghana, sharing a border with Togo. Ghana has 16 of these regions.

I am, therefore, going to list five Akan/Twi (pronounced T-wiii) which is the most widely spoken language in Ghana.

1. Obi nkyere akwadaa Nyame. Literal translation: Nobody teaches the child who God is. Which means: Innately, we (including a child) know the existence of a Creator/God.

2. Aboa a onni dua no, Nyame na opra ne ho. Literal translation: For the tail-less animal, God cleans/sweeps his body. Meaning: Vulnerable people have a special place in God’s heart. He takes care of them.

3. Praye se wo yi bako a na ebu: wokabomu a emmu. Literal translation: It is easier to break a broomstick than the whole bunch. Meaning: In unity lies strength/there is strength in togetherness.

4. Anoma aantu a, obua da. Literal translation: If a bird doesn’t fly, it goes hungry. Meaning: One needs to work or they’ll go hungry.

5. Kwatereakwa se obema wo ntoma a tie ne ding. Literal translation: If a naked man/woman promises to give you a cloth, just listen to his name. 😂 Meaning: You cannot give what you do not have. If the naked man had any clothes, he would have worn it himself 😂😂😂

On this note, do you have any proverbs in your language you’d like to share? Please do so.

***This is 11/22 of the #WinterABC2020. The prompt is share 5 proverbs in your vernacular and what they mean.***

#WBC2020: University of Ghana – A Brand I Would Like to Represent

An educational institution like the University of Ghana (UG) has a mind of its own. Unlike other public institutions that mostly dance to the tune of the government in power (whether good or bad), from what I’ve witnessed at UG, so far, it is a little autonomous.

In this covid19 period, for example, UG shut down before our President ordered all educational institutions to do so. This was immediately it recorded its first case of the virus. Currently, it has partially reopened for final year students to complete their courses. UG has made it flexible for these students to still work from home without necessarily being on campus and jeopardizing their lives. This was after the President called for the re-opening of schools and educational institutions for final year students (in particular).

Most African countries give ~~too~~ ~~much~~ a lot of power to their governments. The government of the day appoints Chief Executive Officers and bosses of organisations and most of them obey every command from the presidency (good or bad). For an institution to operate flexibly and creatively without a lot of interferences from government is difficult and for UG to take these bold initiatives is laudable.

Cumulatively, I have been at UG for about eight years (both studying and working on projects) and I love how the systems work even though there is always room for improvement. Individuals respect protocols and are not unnecessarily rude to others. For instance, an accountant may be frustrated by your actions but is still forced to be nice because he knows trouble looms when he does not treat you well.

I may not be privy to all that goes on in this institution but I can say it has space for dialogue and intellectual discussions. New systems are always being developed to improve teaching and learning and I wouldn’t mind being their brand ambassador and working there till I retire.

***This is 10/22 of the #WinterABC2020. The prompt is which institution would you love to represent and work with.***

#WBC2020 – 4 Social Media Accounts I Follow & Why

Limiting the number of social media accounts I follow to only 4, in this post, is almost tortuous but here we go:

1. Heather Lindsey is a preacher, fashionista, vegan, mother of three and a wife. You can get a sense of her life through her posts. She is truly an inspiration to young women and I admire how she confidently posts everything (almost) about herself, family, husband and children on social media. She has a huge following and most of her posts go viral. I follow her on Instagram and Facebook.

2. Dromobaby is a page I discovered not too long ago but have succeeded in watching almost every video on their page. They feature women and husbands (sometimes) who share stories about their pregnancy journey. Some of the guests they feature are hilarious and others share sad stories. One that I wouldn’t forget in while is a woman who lost her twins after she delivered them. 😥😥 They feature Ghanaians (mostly) and I follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

3. BabiesbyBazal, Coos_n_Clicks, ElomAyayee, Twinkle_toes_inc (they are four different pages 😄)- these are businesses that take maternity shoots and family photos as well as photos of babies when they are as young as a week old till when they are about eight or nine or so. I love the creativity behind those shoots. The end product of the shoots are pretty and surreal that they will make you feel like having babies. 🙃They are all Ghanaian brands and I follow these pages on Instagram and Facebook.

4. Liezer-legacy productions – I love comedy and this page shares skits of some hilarious individuals/comedians that we have in Ghana. The recent satirical quiz they produce is so funny that it trends on YouTube. I follow them on Facebook and I’ve subscribed to their YouTube channel as well.

**Can I add my Church’s social media accounts or you are tired? 😂😂😂

Which social media accounts do you follow and why? Do share.

***This is 9/22 of the #WinterABC2020. The prompt is 4 Social Media accounts and why you follow them.***