Features
Reorganising life after Easter

By the grace of God, the people of Ghana, together with the rest of the world have celebrated Easter shared in the joy of that occasion which to Christians serves as a salvation period for mankind which aims at bringing about peace to humanity.
Many a time, this occasion though always celebrated, is taken for granted without critically and comprehensively examining its essence to society and mankind. It is an important occasion that must be thoroughly examined in other to understand its purpose and importance or significance.
Even though we have been celebrating Easter since our childhood, we do not seem to really understand what it stands for and how we can use it as a guide for our social, economic and political life.
ESSENCE OF EASTER
As a nation, Ghana and its people ought to reflect on the essence of Easter and bring it close to heart as a way of guiding all activities in society to maximise its benefits for the good of society. It is only when this is done that, we can boast of having maximised the benefits from Easter.
Easter is usually celebrated on Sunday and this occasion is referred to as Easter Sunday. However, Easter is not a one-time occasion but is preceded by events all of which contribute in a relevant manner to that occasion which has become known as Easter Sunday.
The preparation for Easter begins a week before and this is known as Palm Sunday. On this occasion, the saviour of the world is hailed in a vociferous manner by people who follow him, pointing out to the world that the saviour ought to be accepted and praised. This praise was carried out in a genuine manner throughout that period and everyone present accepted that the Lord our saviour indeed deserves to be praised.
GENUINE COMMITTMENT
It is for this reason that he was given a donkey to ride on to show how genuinely committed to the people. The treatment given to the saviour on this occasion also showed that he was a great person who ought to be treated with respect and revered by all.
Interestingly, not long after this, the Lord Jesus Christ was betrayed by his own people. On holy Thursday for instance, he became sad because he knew he was going to be betrayed by his own people. This was a very unfortunate situation.
After being rejected by his own people, he was crucified on Friday and because of the shedding of blood to save mankind that occasion became known as Good Friday. It was an occasion that marked the salvation of men and women on this earth. How sweet this day was!
Being a true son of God and created for this special purpose, Jesus Christ did not stay in death but had to rise again after three days. This is what makes him a unique person. He was special because he did not stay in death but had to resurrect to prove to the world that he was indeed wonderful and brought into the world for a special purpose.
EASTER MONDAY
This special purpose was celebrated in various forms and on Easter Monday, which was declared a holiday in many countries, Christians took advantage on the Monday to celebrate this occasion in various ways. It is widely known that picnics were usually organised by churches and other groups of people to engage in enjoyment of special social activities meant to celebrate the occasion. On such occasion, people bring food to share with friends and loved ones after which games are also played with each other.
The Easter festivities were meant to give us useful lessons which when properly adopted can make our lives better. Not only can personal lives be improved upon, but society can also be turned round for the better. The first lesson which can be learnt from the period of Easter is that it is not everyone who praises you who must behave as genuine. This is because the very people who shout “Praise him! Praise him!!” are the same people who will turn round and say “Crucify him! Crucify him!!”. This is often done to our political leaders some of whom sacrifice their lives to make things better for the country.
Even before the occasion of Palm Sunday, Christians go through a period of lent. This period teaches Christians a big lesson, to deny themselves of some comfort to appreciate the sufferings which other people go through. When you deny yourself of the pleasures of life and fast or even abstain from sex as married couples, it makes you realise the difficulties that people go through when they have no food to eat. Even though it purges the body of excess food and prepares a person for a new life, the pain and discomfort encountered help to teach us useful lessons about life.
DENIAL
Again, Jesus Christ was denied by one of his own disciples in the person of Judas. There is a Judas in every home, household, or country and this teaches us that every leader must be prepared to undergo disappointment in this way. As a son of God who existed in human flesh, his human nature might have made him very sad after being denied by Judas who was very close to him as a friend.
Earlier before this incident, Simon Peter had also vowed never to deny Jesus of any support. Unfortunately, before the cock crowed, Peter had denied him “three times”. Again, it tells us that man, no matter what can never be dependable.
However, the good news is that Easter had brought us real joy and made us stand for what is good. If we are to stand for what is good then we need to appreciate one another and remember what society has done for us, not forgetting about the great contributions made by our leaders, so that together we can appreciate one another and make society a better place for all.
In our national politics, we need to be genuinely committed to one another and to show genuine love to all manner of people irrespective of political affiliation, social status, religion, or ethnic background. We must not show pretense when within our heart we do not like certain things being done to us. At the same time, those of us who criticise us for one reason or the other should not be marked down for hatred, punishment or discrimination.
NEW SOCIAL LIFE
The old way of doing things must give way to a new social life. This new social life must be pleasant, positive, impactful and bring all of us together for the common good. This common good when promoted is what will bring progress to all manner of people in society irrespective of their familiar and unfamiliar backgrounds.
Ghanaians must therefore not go back to the old way of doing things after Easter but rather turn on a new leave for the rapid progress of the country. We want to see much more cordial relations in parliament between the majority and minority but not the usual negative ways of doing things over there. Political parties and other groups and professionals must also exhibit genuineness and sincerities in all things done, so that we can find it easy to depend on one another.
We must also be prepared to help those who are in need in our neighborhood so that life, even if not perfect, can be bearable and made more pleasant than it is today. Those are the positive changes we want to see after Easter, but not to move on “with busines as usual.”
The world has taught us useful lessons, whether in the past or present. In the light of all these problems, challenges and daily issues we become confronted with, we need to reorganise ourselves after celebrating the Easter to make our country a pleasant place for all.
By Dr. Kofi Amponsah-Bediako
Features
Who knows tomorrow?
Recently a friend posted a sad news on his Facebook page, announcing the death of a school mate who had passed away, suddenly. The report had it that he was on his way to the airport to take a flight to Ghana.
I am sure this man had already informed the wife or a friend or a work colleague at work that he was returning home but he was not to return as a human being but as a dead body.
Such is life and so we need to be circumspect in how we go about things in life. The Bible reminds us that we are like grass which at one point in time looks elegant and the next moment becomes withered according to Psalm 90:5 and 6. It is for this reason that we need to guard our hearts with the word of God so that we shall be motivated to do the right thing, at all times.
This will enable us live on this planet, free from all sorts of troubles in our personal lives, even if we ignore the question of Heaven and Hell. Living a disciplined life delivers us from any kind of trouble as the Bible declares in Galatians 5:23 that against such there is no law.
The uncertainty surrounding our lives on earth is the more reason why people should commit their lives into the hands of the one who created it, in the first place unless you believe that the world created itself and that it appeared from nowhere.
Otherwise, the logical thing to do is to recognize the authority of the creator and surrender to his Lordship. Heaven is real and Hell is real, so for us who know the truth and have received Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, the onus lies on us to encourage our relations who have not believed and received Jesus into their lives, to do so.
We are a couple of days from another Easter Resurrection celebration and an opportunity to reflect on our lives in relation to the significance of Easter. In the Bible, the only occasion Jesus, Saviour of the world commands us to celebrate is his death and resurrection.
He never commanded his followers to celebrate his birth but like everything else, we chose to ignore Jesus’s instructions and decided to do what pleases us, just like our forefather and mother in the Garden of Eden.
Let us deliberately choose to do things differently as Christians this Easter, so we can really benefit from all the blessings that the celebration of the death and birth of Jesus, has on offer. Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result is definitely insanity.
I choose to be different this Easter and I am believing God for a newness of life so God’s glory would be revealed in me to draw the unsaved to him. It is only when people especially the unsaved, see the character of Christ in us, that they can be convinced about the authenticity of Jesus, as Saviour of the world, who can bring transformation in their lives too.
This is what would motivate them to surrender their lives to Jesus Christ. Let us make this Easter a memorable one that will be cherished for a long time. It is also a period for reconciliation and it would be great if in the spirit of Easter, we would try to reach out to those who have wronged us or have a grudge against us.
This would demonstrate that we have indeed accepted Jesus and that our religious posture is not a sham. May the good Lord grant us the grace to love our neighbours as ourselves, demonstrating the love of God in the process.
Those who have lost their loved ones and Easter brings sad memories, may the good Lord comfort and strengthen you. God bless.
.NB: ‘CHANGE KOTOKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO KOFI BAAKO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT’
Features
Cosmetic deformities
COSMETIC deformities refer to physical imperfections or abnormalities that affect an individual’s appearance, often causing emotional distress and impacting their quality of life.
These deformities can be congenital, acquired, or result from various medical conditions or treatments. This article provides an in-depth exploration of cosmetic deformities, their types, causes, effects, and treatment options.
Types of cosmetic deformities
Cosmetic deformities can affect various parts of the body, including the face, skin, hair, nails, and teeth. Some common types of cosmetic deformities include:
1. Facial deformities: Congenital or acquired abnormalities affecting the shape, structure, or appearance of the face, such as cleft lip and palate, facial paralysis, or facial asymmetry.
2. Skin deformities: Conditions affecting the skin’s texture, tone, or appearance, such as acne, scars, birthmarks, or skin discoloration.
3. Hair deformities: Abnormalities affecting the hair’s growth, texture, or appearance, such as alopecia, hirsutism, or hair loss due to medical conditions or treatments.
4. Nail deformities: Conditions affecting the shape, size, or appearance of the nails, such as nail fungus, nail psoriasis, or nail trauma.
5. Dental deformities: Abnormalities affecting the shape, size, or appearance of the teeth, such as tooth decay, tooth loss, or malocclusion.
Causes of cosmetic deformities
Cosmetic deformities can result from various factors, including:
1. Genetics: Congenital conditions or inherited traits can cause cosmetic deformities.
2. Trauma: Injuries or accidents can result in cosmetic deformities, such as scars or facial trauma.
3. Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as acne, psoriasis, or eczema, can cause cosmetic deformities.
4. Treatments and procedures: Medical treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery, can result in cosmetic deformities.
5. Aging and environmental factors: Aging, sun exposure, and environmental factors can contribute to cosmetic deformities, such as wrinkles, fine lines, or age spots.
Effects of cosmetic deformities
Cosmetic deformities can have significant emotional and psychological effects on individuals, including:
1. Low self-esteem: Cosmetic deformities can lead to feelings of insecurity, self-consciousness, and low self-esteem.
2. Social anxiety: Individuals with cosmetic deformities may experience social anxiety, avoiding social interactions or feeling embarrassed in public.
3. Emotional distress: Cosmetic deformities can cause emotional distress, including depression, anxiety, or stress.
4. Impact on quality of life: Cosmetic deformities can affect an individual’s quality of life, impacting their relationships, career, or overall well-being.
Treatment options for cosmetic deformities
Various treatment options are available to address cosmetic deformities, including:
1. Surgical procedures: Surgical procedures, such as reconstructive surgery, cosmetic surgery, or dermatological surgery, can correct or improve cosmetic deformities.
2. Non-surgical treatments: Non-surgical treatments, such as laser therapy, chemical peels, or microdermabrasion, can address cosmetic concerns, such as skin texture, tone, or appearance.
3. Medical treatments: Medical treatments, such as topical creams, oral medications, or injectable treatments, can address cosmetic concerns, such as acne, hair loss, or nail deformities.
4. Prosthetic and orthotic devices: Prosthetic and orthotic devices, such as wigs, hairpieces, or dental prosthetics, can help individuals with cosmetic deformities.
5. Counselling and therapy: Counselling and therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy, can help individuals cope with the emotional and psychological effects of cosmetic deformities.
Conclusion
Cosmetic deformities can have significant emotional and psychological effects on individuals, impacting their quality of life and overall well-being.
Understanding the types, causes, and effects of cosmetic deformities is crucial in addressing these concerns.
Various treatment options are available, ranging from surgical procedures to non-surgical treatments, medical treatments, prosthetic and orthotic devices, and counselling and therapy.
By seeking professional help and support, individuals with cosmetic deformities can improve their appearance, boost their self-esteem, and enhance their overall quality of life.
Reference
1. “Cosmetic Deformities” by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons