A STORY OF GRACE AND RESILIENCE

 In the quiet corners of a forgotten town, my story unfolded against the backdrop of adversity. Conceived in the midst of turmoil, my entrance into the world was marked by the haunting specter of abortion. However, fate had other plans for me, I emerged into a life overshadowed by rumors and prejudice.

Raised in the narrow alleys of judgment, my childhood was painted with whispers of negative comments and influence that clung to me from birth. My mother, a woman weathered by life's storms, made the courageous choice to bring me into a world that seemed eager to reject me. The small, worn-out house we called home echoed with the weight of secrets and unspoken pain.

As I navigated the tumultuous terrain of childhood, the label of a "demon child" became a relentless companion. Bruised and battered by the fists of ignorance, I carried the physical and emotional scars of a society quick to condemn. But through it all, I found solace in the enduring love of my mother and grandmother, love that served as an anchor in the storm. 

School, however, became an arena where the cruel echoes of society intensified. 

Branded as a "houseboy""stupid" and "useless," my life journey was marred by the sharp edges of ridicule. 

Yet, within the confines of my humble room, I found refuge in my unwavering faith. God, a silent ally in my darkest hours, became the source of strength that allowed me to endure. Accepting Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior in my teens was my sure bet.

The narrative of my life transformed as I transcended the expectations thrust upon me. My mother, an unsung hero in the tale of resilience, stood by me with unwavering support. Together, we faced the storms that raged outside our sanctuary, finding strength in the unbreakable bond forged through hardship.

As I grew, so did my determination to prove that I was more than the sum of society's judgments. Despite the scars, physical and emotional, I pressed on. My struggles became stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks, as I discovered the power of perseverance. The town that had once whispered of demons soon witnessed the emergence of a young man who defied the odds.

Through the lens of faith, my life journey became a testament to the transformative power of resilience. The scars that once defined me became a canvas upon which I  painted a story of triumph. In a world quick to discard, I have become a beacon of inspiration for those who faced similar battles.

The small town, once steeped in prejudice, found redemption in my story. I have become a symbol of the strength that arises from unwavering faith, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. I, once deemed a burden, had become a source of hope and inspiration, proving that even in the harshest circumstances, the faithful heart can triumph over the darkest shadows.

John Benjamin Eshun 

On the occasion of my 40th Birthday. 

Principal - Cambridge O level 

Ghana Christian International High School 

Author / Poet / Inspirational Blogger / Preacher / Teacher / Trainer 

God Said: Harnessing the Power of Spoken Words in the New Year

In the genesis of a new year, reflections on the profound impact of spoken words become a beacon of wisdom. Drawing inspiration from the analogy of creation, where the mere utterance of God brought forth existence, we delve into the transformative influence that our words wield on the canvas of our lives.

In the beginning, God spoke, and creation unfolded. Each word carried the potency to shape worlds, ignite stars, and breathe life into existence. This ancient narrative serves as a powerful metaphor for the potential encapsulated within our spoken expressions.

As we embark on a fresh chapter, it becomes imperative to recognize the significance of our own declarations. Words, more than mere vessels of communication, hold the key to molding our realities. The adage "as a man thinketh, so is he" echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the intimate connection between language and manifestation.

Our verbal affirmations and declarations become a self-fulfilling prophecy, echoing the divine act of creation. Like God's spoken word, our expressions have the ability to breathe life into aspirations, dreams, and ambitions. This realization calls for a mindful approach to the language we choose to wield, for it shapes the very fabric of our existence.

In the tapestry of creation, God's words were deliberate and purposeful. Likewise, our articulations should align with our intentions. Choosing positivity over negativity, hope over despair, and encouragement over discouragement sets the stage for a year imbued with promise and fulfillment.

However, the power of spoken words extends beyond the individual realm. It permeates relationships, communities, and the collective consciousness. A harmonious symphony of affirmative expressions can propel societies towards progress, fostering a collective mindset of growth, empathy, and unity.

Conversely, the misuse of language can sow seeds of discord and destruction. Recognizing the responsibility that comes with the power of speech is essential. It prompts introspection on the impact of our words, urging us to be architects of harmony rather than agents of discord.

In the grand narrative of creation, God's words were not arbitrary; they were purposeful, deliberate, and laden with intention. Similarly, our expressions should reflect a conscious awareness of their potential consequences. By harnessing the creative force within our words, we stand at the threshold of sculpting a reality aligned with our aspirations.

As we traverse the uncharted terrain of a new year, let us draw inspiration from the divine act of creation. Let our words echo with purpose, positivity, and the unwavering belief in the possibilities that lie ahead. For in the tapestry of existence, the power of "God said" resonates, reminding us that our words possess the profound ability to shape the destinies we envision.