One day, she stood up to give the story of her life. She was born and brought up by peasant parents. She grew up with a harsh alcoholic father who left the family without a single meal. Her mother was voiceless. Her father disliked her, and this made her childhood very difficult. Every morning, she would walk at least five kilometres to get to school. That was after fetching water and carrying a load of firewood that early morning. From time to time her father would shout from outside the house saying how he wouldn’t waste his money educating a woman. This would prick her heart. She finished her primary education and performed well. The milestone came when her strict father forced her to undergo ‘the cut’ as was the culture of the people, and then get married off to that famous retired chief as his 11th wife so that he could receive a huge dowry payment. That was impossible! She thought to herself. Her dreams could not be cut off by anyone. She had to go to high school, she had to become the star of the village. Oh she had to save other girls from her village. She had to arise…and be bold…and change the current situation in her community.
Finally she falls into rescuers’ arms and is taken to high school. In high school, life is all different. She is from the village. Her outward appearance was very plain and she could not afford fancy clothing, makeup, or expensive hairstyles. She had a very hard time to socialise because she couldn’t even communicate fluently in English or Kiswahili. But something great happened at this sensitive period of her life, she knew the Lord. Instead of feeling bitter over the rejection she had experienced or frustration over her lack of material possessions, she trusted God to take care of her. She developed a strong prayer life and asked God to make her beautiful. She worked hard and grew strong in faith, believing that God would provide all she needed. Life happened. School ended. A job came…and a spouse as well as three children. She runs an organisation for rescuing girls and sending them to school. Her house is always full of girls she is sponsoring, she is now a mother of nations. Many girls have found life through her. She is truly a heroine.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD), I am proud to celebrate women who in their capacity are involved in activities that empower and inspire nations. It could range all the way from having big companies to being a responsible mother, wife or sister in the house. I also celebrate women who have an irresistible character and inner beauty. I celebrate those who are fully dependent on God, seeking Him first and who are committed to becoming the lady God wants them to become. I celebrate those who are selfless, always seeking the best interest of others, who give friendship whole heartedly and who build positive qualities in others. I celebrate those who despite of going through hard and tough times have trusted in God and have learnt to patiently wait for a sunshine. I celebrate women who have laid down their lives for their families and friends.
As a woman you might not have achieved much so far, you might be feeling like your progress is delayed. You might have had major frustrations from life experiences that left you broken, but today I want you to arise. If the world can find a reason to celebrate you, you have a reason to celebrate yourself. Realise that God has created something beautiful in you. The Bible says “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. The Lord wants you to be a Lady of Virtue – a costly, beautiful pearl for all to admire.
I celebrate you. Happy International Women’s Day!!!
Much Love,
Fidi.
Unto Him 