Mrs. Ellen Maama Abokoma Hagan (Dr) – Amazing Woman, Sweet Mother!
Today is my mother’s birthday, and I just want to take a moment to lay down some accolades!!!
My mother has been so many different things to me in different seasons in my life, and I cannot imagine how I would have turned out if she had not been there all my life.
I can hardly remember anything from my childhood – once in a while family album trigger a few memories, but most of the time, everything is a blur. But the first memory I have of my mother was when she had had a bad dream concerning me. She called me and prayed over me. Later that day, when I had to go and have my hair braided for school, she sat me and my sister down and lectured us on why we need to be very careful on the road. She wasn’t going to take any chances of her dream coming true. Then, when we left to go up the street, she stood at the house gate watching us until we got into the salon
She’s a very caring and loving person and shows it in many different ways. A lot of times we have even accused her of being over-protective and whenever we do, she calmly says “Wu b3 nyin ab3 tu” which is Fante for “You will also grow up to meet it”
Here’s a little rundown of who she is;
A Woman Who Fears God
My mom spent this morning in a few hours of worship and praise and for as long as I can remember, she is a firm believer in walking in faith and letting your love for God inspire everything you do. She LOVES hymns and corporate worship. She enjoys organising events just for people to come together and sing songs of worship and praise. On her 50th (I think), there was a praise jam celebration in her church hall.
A literature Genius
Some time before I was born, my mom was a playwright. She was an English major and even lectured English at some point in her life. Her speeches are always juicy, and she has authored some books and through them has changed lives!
A Fashion Bossu
She is always stepping clean… I needn’t talk too much – watch these images:
An Entrepreneur Extraordinaire!
In the year I was born, my mom set up a Human Resource Organisation. She was driven by passion to help people find the right jobs and stay relevant and successful in those jobs. I remember how shocked I was when I heard how it started. She had a full time job somewhere (I forget where) – but every night, she will hold training programs/sessions for people. Through that, she put enough money together to actually set up L’AINE Services and it has been growing steadily for 25 years to the Glory of God. To mom, her business is Ministry work. She has positioned herself as an instrument to connect people to their pre-destined careers and help them find where they fit right. We all see her as a labourer in God’s vineyard, as we KNOW that her business will not be where it is if it hadn’t been for God.
Through this business, she has become a mother-figure to uncountable people, she has received so many accolades, so many rewards, an honorary degree – as a Doctor of Philosophy in Humanities, just to name a few. Hard work pays, and God gets every credit for who she is to everyone else, and especially who she is to me!
Momma Bear, Grandma Bombastic!
My mom is a nurturer… she’s churned so many talents, and gifts out of my siblings and I. She is so good at mothering, that she was able to deal with all my craziness and unexpected drama – trust me, she is solid gold! I already mentioned how caring she is, and how she looks out for me. Here’s another story…
I remember a time when as a child, I was so sad that she won’t allow me to go to a party. I remember asking myself, “Does this woman love me at all? Why doesn’t she just want me to be happy and enjoy life?” EL-O-EL! 😂 Today, I cannot say enough thank yous to her for preserving me from a whole different world that I didn’t need to know 😂😂😂. But I watch as she is a grandmother to my nieces and nephews, and it fills me with wonder. I can tangibly see the love. and it is beautiful to watch.
A Women Worthy to be praised!
“Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.
The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil All the days of her life.
She seeks wool and flax, And willingly works with her hands. She is like the merchant ships, She brings her food from afar. She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household, And a portion for her maidservants. She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard. [THIS!!! THISS!!]
She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms. She perceives that her merchandise is good, And her lamp does not go out by night. She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hand holds the spindle.
She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet. She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies sashes for the merchants.
Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness. She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her: “Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all.” Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates.” Proverbs 31:10-31 NKJV Truly I say to you, this passage is really a summary of who she’s grown to be to so many people!
Mother, You are blessed, as you are a blessing. I am grateful I have you on my team, in my life and in my heart. I cannot thank you enough for all that you have allowed God to do through you.
Happy Happy Birthday, Mom! We Love You!