HEALING TOGETHER: RAPED, LOST A PARENT AND MORE BUT GOD’S MERCY ABOUNDS!

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 I share two-fold major events about how God’s mercy has kept me from pain and shame. Here is my story…

In the early 1990’s, my parents had been together for a couple of years, one pregnancy or two came and got aborted early. However, when they finally got married, pregnancy became a prayer topic. By the Mercy of God, my mum got pregnant. I was born and they named me Gifty, meaning Gift of God. My second name which is in Ewe means, Thanks be to God. My happy and pampered childhood was so short lived that I don’t remember much of it. My dad, who eventually married two wives, lived more with the second one. While I was the beloved daughter, I would usually live with him and the second family because he was a teacher and I was enrolled in the school he taught in -  one of the most expensive schools in Ghana at the time. I would see my mum on weekends. During the weekdays, of course I would go everywhere with my dad, that includes the little outings with side chicks and all…I was too young to notice.

The fun was about to come to an end. In early 2005, my dad fell sick and he eventually died (hours after my visit to see him in the hospital). I was in primary six (6). How were my fees going to be paid? Then came a big blow. Just the day before I would begin my final exams for High school, I met someone. To cut the story short, I was hypnotized and raped (mercilessly! A virgin in her menses!!) This period of my life was my worst. I could not tell a soul. How was I going to explain what had just happened to me? I was even on my way to school that day to study! Broad daylight!! It messed me up and what hurt the most was that, I had a boyfriend then. He had been trying his best to help me keep my virginity till the right time.

Quickly, I became the poor girl who attended a rich school as my mother was not working at the time of my dad’s passing.  My junior and senior high school days were not so rosy. Apparently, my mother had given birth to a beautiful one. There were times when some of the male friends of my dad who were benevolent would try to take advantage of me. I was young enough to be their child. In fact, they had children my age. I can recall at least three (3) of such experiences but well, I managed to get out of them.

The rape incident took a toll on my mental health but I pulled through. I had to gather courage to inform my boyfriend about the rape despite the fear of not knowing how he would take it. To my surprise, he accepted me and continued to protect the dignity I had left.

I didn’t have to do anything by myself because the God of Mercy showed up for me endlessly. After my dad’s passing. the school decided to let me continue my education free of charge to the High School level! Some of the teacher friends of my dad were generous and always gave me money, lifts on my way home and all. Just when I would complete High school, the God of Mercy presented another Helper. She paid all my school fees, provided me with up keep money and everything I needed during my University days. I eventually, graduated and got married to the very boyfriend who stood with me to keep my virginity back then.

The God of Mercy wouldn’t give up on me. He set before me many open doors and constantly restored all I ever lost. Indeed, my story is not a fairy tale but a story of a girl constantly trusting God. I am the girl who God has shown Mercy.

  • As humans, we are constantly fighting battles but we need to keep our trust in God alone.
  •  Sometimes, we will be faced with challenges we think are beyond us but we need to still hold on to God.
  • When we get to crossroads and wonder if we can find the correct path to walk on, the God of Mercy will show up and lead us through.
  • I encourage you that Mercy is available for you too. Keep trusting Him and keep moving.

- Afia

 

 

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