Features
Easter: A hopeful season
It was an early spring morning. Grieving women made their way to a garden sepulchre. They had prepared spices and ointments to anoint the lifeless body of their Master. But arriving at an empty tomb, they heard angels proclaiming: “Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen.”
They remembered Jesus had said, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” Now they knew it was true, and the women proclaimed the glorious news: Christ had risen. There was, as He had promised, life after death.
But the Easter story is not complete with an empty tomb and a vision of what lies after death. In Jesus we can find a new life now, a new life before the grave. For Christ said, “He that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.” The Easter story continues so long as men and women find a new life by losing their lives in service to the Master.
So, the Easter story continues when we break our bread and share it with those who hunger. It continues when we spend time with someone lonely or ill, or when we are generous with our praise and encouragement. The Easter story continues when we take the first step to end a quarrel or find it in our hearts to forgive.
The coming of another Easter stirs our thoughts anew to the issues of life, and death, and immortality. We think much at this season of those we cherish who have already departed from us; where are they, and when shall we again behold them? For answer, there are many who cry out from the depths of their hearts.
There are some who feel they have the answer. Others steadfastly deny all possibility of immortality, and there are still others who accept it with many qualifications. Those who profess the greatest doubts are often most inclined to talking about the subject. Those who have a quiet assurance of their own personal continuance seem little disposed to raise the issue. Thoughtful men are not given to much talk about things they know so well.
We don’t quibble as to whether or not spring will come again, yet that we shall come forth from death to life is more certain than spring’s return. “If it were not so, I would have told you.” Is the assurance that came from the Saviour of the world, and for Him, and for His followers—and for all men—the question was settled there. “If it were not so, I would have told you.” The fact that we may not understand the process by which all this will be brought about, does not cast doubt upon its reality. Truth, fortunately, is not limited by the present understanding of men. In the years that brought his more mature convictions, Ralph Waldo Emerson said simply: “All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen.” That so many other great minds have spoken in this same vein is comforting and reassuring, but no matter who chooses to believe or disbelieve it, the facts remain, as the Lord, Himself, has spoken directly and through His servants, the prophets, one of whom said: “Behold, there is a time appointed that all shall come forth from the dead. Now, when this time cometh, no man knoweth—but God knoweth * * * that all shall rise from the dead.” (Book of Mormon, Alma 4:4,5).
This glorious certainty rises above all the uncertainties of our troubled generation. And so, while those who disbelieve still quibble, those who believe find abiding peace in the assurance that we and all those we love and all men of all time shall continue beyond the present, beyond death, unto life everlasting. Of such is the message of Easter, if there be those who doubt it, let them doubt no more. If there be those who mourn, let them take comfort. If there be those who love life, let them prepare to live it, forever.
It’s been said that God rewrites the book of Genesis every Easter spring season. “In the beginning” takes on special meaning each year as we witness the renewed life, the rebirth, and the new beginnings that seem to be built in to earth’s cycle of seasons. It’s as if nature itself is trying to tell us that whatever we are going through, things can change—things can get better. No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow. The days will become a little brighter, the weather a little warmer, and life will be restored. Ultimately, it’s a reminder of the hope expressed by Robert Browning: “God’s in his heaven—all’s right with the world!”
We need that reassurance from time to time, especially in moments when life gets hard and all doesn’t seem right with the world. When the fire of truth and faith has been extinguished, we need to know that it can be rekindled and burn again in our souls. When hearts have been broken and dreams shattered, we need to be reminded that they can be mended and rebuilt over time. Just as surely as brown grass, battered shrubs, and leafless trees can become green and blooming once again, we can believe in the promise of new life and renewed beginnings.
That is the hope of this season. It is the assurance that nothing is ever permanently lost, that no one is forever gone. Indeed, heartbreak, discouragement—even death itself is not final, as long as we have hope in that “resurrection day in spring.” This is why we sing, “Hail the day that sees us rise”—from doubt to devotion, from fear to faith, from death to life!
For, on this Easter season we speak not only of death, but also of life, of eons of it, of whole eternities of it, eternal life flowing endlessly, without limits or boundaries, eternal lives of laughing, loving, learning.
This then is our true thesis season, as we celebrate the morning of all mornings when a stone was rolled away from a sepulchre near Jerusalem to reveal an empty tomb—empty of death, empty of fear, empty forever. As all tombs, sepulchres, and graves will be forever empty—their contents born again into the everlasting life which will know no corruption.
Thanks be to God for death which frees us from this imperfection. Thanks be to God for a knowledge of the resurrection which fills us with visions of eternal life.
By Samuel Enos Eghan
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
