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.

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 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