A mother's love

There is nothing like a mother’s love.

Its intensity amazes me by the day.

I guess it starts from being the fruit of lovemaking.

And in our traditional African context, a validation of her womanhood.

The more the better…lol.

There is nothing like a mother’s love.

From the discomfort of pregnancy to labour pains

Or for some, the pain of surgery.

And with our bad health systems, the ever present threat of losing your life.

A mother’s love is literally life giving.

There is nothing like a mother’s love.

Breastfeeding and all the sleepless nights.

Which do not even end when you grow up.

She is always more concerned

and literally sacrifices her whole life so you may live.

There is nothing like a mother’s love.

Through the early years she pours out more of her love.

She moulds and forms you and prays over you daily.

She’s your first hero and the one you always turn to.

You are sure she knows everything.

There is nothing like a mother’s love.

Through the turbulent teen years,

When you are sure she’s crazy and

She is frustrated by all you are or are not.

Even then, she loves you with all of her.

There is nothing like a mother’s love.

She always believes in you and pushes you.

Through every phase of life, she is for you and with you.

And she does everything within her power

To make sure you keep going.

There is nothing like a mother’s love.

Throughout your life, she is there for you.

Nothing could take her away,

Even in death she is still with you.

She is always in your heart and mind.

There is nothing like a mother’s love.

Sacrifice, joy, sorrow, pain and all you can think of.

Her love knows no beginning or end.

No wonder God reminds us that He will never forget us

Using the hyperbole of a mother forgetting her suckling child.

There is nothing like a mother’s love.

Angela Azumah Alu, 31/03/2020

Sakumono (COVID-19 time)

Image from: https://quotesempire.com/family-quotes/mothers-love-purest-love/

 

I loved a boy

I loved a boy; a boy who seemed to represent all I thought I wanted

He was handsome, bearded and nerdy.

He played the guitar; he was a church mouse.

To top it all off, we came from the same region; that was good news.

I loved a boy; we chatted on facebook, on skype and whatsapp.

Those were his preferred mediums; nerdy as he was.

I tried to get him to call or even meet face to face.

Those are my preferred mediums.

I loved a boy; I told my mum about him.

We discussed why he didn’t ask me out.

I told her I thought there was something wrong.

She thought I only liked talking on the phone and should cut him some slack.

I loved a boy; he didn’t agree with my faith.

He was all for Luther’s “solas”

And thought I was in error.

He didn’t want to find out about my faith.

I loved a boy; I was in a faith crisis.

And well, at the time didn’t have many answers.

It seemed my God had forsaken me.

I wondered where this love would go.

I loved a boy; after a year of talking and chatting,

Just when I was rejoicing that he was calling,

He asked me what I thought of us dating.

I was so excited I asked what took him so long.

I loved a boy; he broke my heart when he said he could see no future.

I watched my dreams go down the drain.

My dad said not to worry; God would make a way.

He reminded me of my new job.

I loved a boy; even about three years later, the pain still seemed new.

And I just didn’t seem to have closure.

But now, I knew my God hadn’t forsaken me.

He had been with me through it all.

I loved a boy; he seemed to represent all I thought I wanted.

I may never know what may have happened, but I gave it my all.

Too bad he didn’t see it or didn’t feel the same.

I thank my God whose love never fails; I wait for him to bring me a man who’ll love as He does.

Angela Azumah Alu, 01/07/2018

Image from: http://www.radiantchurchcharlotte.org/gods-love-never-fails/

Jesus, your love is better than wine

Jesus,

your love is better than the sweetest of wines,

your love is better than that of married couples,

your love is better than that of parents,

your love is better than that of family,

your love is better than that of friends,

your love is the best of all.

Wine would never die for me.

Spouses rarely die for one another.

Even parents don't usually do.

Family may betray me,

Friends may forget me,

Your love is the best of all.

Your love is the best of all.

When I think of the pain you endured,

the betrayal and all the suffering.

When I think of your agony and humiliation.

When I remember all that you went through for my sake.

I cannot help but exclaim; your love is the best of all.

Your love is the best of all.

Teach me to love like you do; day by day.

Teach me to trust you more.

Teach me to love your word.

Teach me to proclaim and to do the things you did.

But most importantly, let me rest in the best love of all.

Angela Azumah Alu, 26/3/18

Wishing you a fruitful and Spirit filled Holy Week. Tis the Week of all Weeks!

Merry Christmas!

He gave me love at Christmas!
Pure undeserved love:
God so loved the world that He gave
His only begotten son; to save a sinful world.
Love is the reason for Christmas.
He gave me love at Christmas!


He gave me joy at Christmas!
The joy that comes from surrendering to Him;
from laying everything at His feet and saying:
Be it done unto me according to thy word.
Like Mary did.
He gave me joy at Christmas!


He gave me peace at Christmas!
The peace that surpasses all understanding.
Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth
And goodwill to all men.
The message to the shepherds.
He gave me peace at Christmas!


He gave me hope at Christmas!
Hope  that leads you on a journey
Even though you may not know the end.
They presented their gifts to Him.
The magi who travelled.
He gave me hope at Christmas!


He sent angels at Christmas!
Angels in dreams and visions.
Angels singing and praising God.
Angels protecting the Christ Child.
Because His promise is sure,
He sent angels at Christmas!


He gave me himself at Christmas!
And that was the best gift of all.
The word became flesh and dwelt among us
To make us right with God.
And He still does so in his word and as
bread and wine.
He gave me Himself at Christmas!


I give myself at Christmas.
I give my fiat; I say yes to Jesus.
My dreams and hopes; joys and sorrows
My plans and wishes; I give them all.
My family and friends; all my loved ones I give.
I give myself at Christmas!
Merry Christmas!
Angela Azumah Alu

Happy fathers' Day!

Happy fathers’ day!

We’ve had our ups and downs but you’re the best father a girl could ask for.

Your dedication to work is legendary and I remember all the open days you didn’t come for…lol.

Yet I also remember that painful and lengthy trek to Akwatia every term for visiting day.

You have always challenged me to be all I can be, to be a well rounded woman and to be a good big sister.

Thank you…for every sacrifice you have made and continue to make just so we can achieve our dreams and live that comfortable life you didn’t have as a child.

Thank you for all of that.

Your way has always been to do your best with what you are given…and you have lived that out everyday. 

Your faith shines out in all you do.

You have indeed set the bar high and we pray we are able to live up and even exceed your laurels.

There’s so much I want to say…but thank you and thank you again!

Happy fathers’ day to the one and only Uncle P!

Angela Azumah Alu, 17/06/17, Accra