Will January Ever End?

Will January ever end?  President Nana Addo of Ghana got inaugurated and the vetting of his Minister-designate is almost done, Yahya Jammeh of Gambia asked for weeks to leave office and finally left, President Adama Barrow inaugurated, President Donald John Trump of USA inaugurated, President Mohammedu Buhari of Nigeria is yet to return from his sick leave. One week funeral of the Queen Mother of the Ashanti Kingdom, Manchester United has played 5 matches already, AFCON is getting to the semi-final stage. Trump is building a wall, deporting people, etc. and we are still in January. Is something wrong with the calendar? 

When you consider the too many things that have happened in 2017, you may think we are in the middle of the year or in the last quarter of 2017. But we are still in January.

January is the first month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars and the first month to have the length of 31 days. The first day of the month is known as New Year's Day. It is, on average, the coldest month of the year within most of the Northern Hemisphere (where it is the second month of winter) and the warmest month of the year within most of the Southern Hemisphere (where it is the second month of summer). In the Southern hemisphere, January is the seasonal equivalent of July in the Northern hemisphere and vice versa. (Wikipedia, 2017)

But January is much more than what it appears on record to be. It is seemed to be the longest month despite the fact that it is not the only month with 31 days. It is a month in which the prudence and frugality of individuals, families, and cooperate entities are put to the test. The month becomes longer for those who believes that December means spending all savings.

Those whose savings were all spent in Christmas celebrations must have fasted and prayed for the pay-day to come quickly. I reminisce calling my friend and he told me he is studying endurance. Initially, I thought he was just doing what most Christian’s does-studying the Bible. Interestingly, he mentioned he is studying about enduring to the end. That is good I remarked and then added, we must endure to the end to be saved. Disappointingly, he said he is enduring to the end of the month when he would get his pay because he was broke. I am sure by now he must have gotten his salary.

As we bid farewell to January, I do hope we would make the promise to ourselves never to spend all we have saved in the name of Christmas because January can be very long, even longer than you can imagine. In my opinion, January is a true test of patience and endurance. If you get your things right in January, then be sure you would right for the rest of the year. Beware, January debts or mistakes has a way of staying all year.

Happy Birthday Mama

Mama

It takes a whole village, says a Yoruba proverb, to raise a child. In my case, I think it is taking the whole of ECOWAS to raise me. I am, perhaps, the only person with a Nigerian root and foster branches all across West Africa. I have a Nigerian Mother, a Ghanaian Mother, an Ivorian Mother etc. and that means I have families in all these areas.

Today, I wish to pay homage to my Ivorian Mother. The woman behind the little broken French I speak. She is an Ivorian and as you would expect, had problems speaking the English. In order to communicate well with her, I had to force myself to speaking the French. Although I have not made much significant improvement, she thinks I am doing great. I can say unambiguously that she loves me as her son. I do love her too as a mother.

I think my love for her is stronger than the love her daughter Esther has for high-hill-shoes and selfies. It is stronger than the love her son Daniel has for “Mallam.” It is stronger than the love her grandson Emmanuel has for “Kalypo”. This unexplainable love is fueled by few things we have in common. Example, her birthday is 14 days away from my biological mother’s birthday. Her love for music is equal to none etc.

She is a woman of great worth. She’s a mother who is ever alacritous and ready to open her door to you any time, share with you whatever she has whether big or small. Because of her, I am an adopted Ivorian. Her kitchen skills are so excellent that I found it so hard to resist her food. She is ever ready to prepare any food for me especially delicious Ivorian dishes. Her name is Marguerite but tenderly called Mama. 

Motherhood is a divine role and I can say that Mama is playing it divinely well. When the June 3^rd disaster happened in Ghana, my apartment was flooded. Mama came without any qualms, eviscerated, washed, and kept my things in order. I am so grateful to Mama for her love, care, support, and prayers for me. Things would be impeccable if I become her son in-law J'ai essayé que si mais cette porte est fermée.

Mama is woman of strong faith. Her love for God influences all she does. It is only once Mama gave a shot prayer in family home evening. Her prayers are usually long and she would mention the names of all in the room in her prayers. It’s isn’t surprising to hear her grandson praying like that. What a great example.

Mama as you celebrate your birthday, it is my prayer that God will continue to bless you with good health, sound mind, and Beaucoup de petits-enfants. You would live to enjoy the many sacrifices you make for your children and all around you. Et que Dieu fournisse des moyens pour que deux mille dix-sept, nous voyagions en Côte d'Ivoire. Happy Birthday Mama.

Happy 1 Year Wedding Anniversary

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Duku

Marriage, they say, is ordained of God. I read in my Bible that the first marriage in the history of this earth, between Adam and Eve, was performed by God. Thus solidifying the belief that marriage is ordained of God. I further read in my Bible that “he who finds a wife has found a good thing.” This verse of scripture makes me want to get married now because I desire to have “good thing(s)” from God. I believe this is one of the reasons why people get married and promised to live together for better or worse.

Nevertheless, there are some men who think marrying was the worst mistake of their lives. This is because the reverse of “good thing” is what they got or are getting from the women they married.

But to my Brother and dearest pal, Joseph Kwame Duku, his marriage to his charming Priscila Duku was and is the best thing in his whole life. The kind of love, affection and care they show to each other is something I really would love to have when I “grow up.” The feelings I get whenever I am in their love shrouded home is something I can’t fathom at this moment.

Having been friends before marriage, the two love birds are just opposite of each other complementarily. While one is hot, the other is cold; making the marriage a balanced ship.

Since their connubial, I have seen many things transmogrified in my dear friend’s life in all corollaries. He now talks, eats, dances, walk and work like the good married men I have known. Indeed, Priscila is a help-meet to Joseph. She is helping him meet his responsibilities as the cranium and patriarch of their home. She is helping him meet his entrepreneurial challenges. She is helping him meet his pious onuses. She is helping him meet his social canons. Most conspicuously, she is helping him meet his faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Although they are not perfect, together, they are endeavoring to live the gospel of Jesus Christ and to be chivalrous neighbors. It ecstasies my heart seeing my friend bourgeoning from nothing to something with his dear consort always lending a helping hand ardently.

One year of their nuptial conglomeration today, I have seen my friend grow deeper in appreciation of the divine role of women in the home and for the good scrumptious food that only women provides. His love and devotion to God has upsurge ominously. He has become humbler and acquiescent like a child even when he disagrees with proposals. He gives an understanding heart to details than before. He rushes home quicker than before. Love, they say, changes everything but to Joseph, it is marriage that has changed everything in his life.

As you celebrate your one-year wedding anniversary, it is my prayer that the love in your hearts for each other will continue to grow. May God continue to shower great blessings upon you. Happy One Year Wedding Anniversary.