Imagine this: Your father is a Muslim. Your mother is a Christian, but she becomes a Muslim because of your father. You and several of your brothers and sisters become Christians, which makes your father so angry that he says you have to leave the house. You are 11 years old at the time.
What would you do???
“And whoever doesn’t take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me. Anyone finding his life will lose it, and anyone losing his life because of Me will find it.”
-Matthew 10:38-39
Mary was this 11 year old girl, and she could have made several choices. But, she chose to leave her family and her home and her comfort. She chose to have faith in God, faith that He would care for her and provide for her. She had some money, but eventually that ran out. One day, at the age of 12, she found herself under a balcony, hungry and alone. A piece of bread fell from above, which Mary could have eaten. But she felt like she should return the bread to its owner. She wrestled with this decision, but eventually listened to the voice in her head. To her surprise, the bread belonged to a woman from her old village. She took Mary in in her time of need. God showed up!
Unfortunately, the woman’s husband wanted this 12-year-old girl for himself, so the woman asked her to leave. She did tell her of another woman who Mary could live with. While staying with this woman, Mary sold bread to earn money. She later went to live with another woman, and this woman taught Mary the valuable skill of sewing. Mary had always dreamed of being a nurse, but she knew that it was very unlikely that her dream would ever come true. So, she chose to embrace the life of a seamstress. Mary lived with this woman for almost 20 years. God had a plan for her from the very beginning.
Fast forward to the present:
Mary is married and has two children, Joseph and Abraham. Three years ago, she forgave her dad and made amends with him. She said that this is the point in her life when she truly devoted her life to Christ. She currently works as a house mother at the ministry home where I am staying for the month. She doesn’t really sew anymore, but she made an exception for my team and made us the most beautiful skirts and dresses. She is a soft-spoken, humble woman of God who I have been blessed to know during my time in Ghana. Her faith in God and her hard-working spirit are an inspiration to me. I will never forget Mary or her story of boldness and faith.
“In the same way, let your life shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in Heaven.” -Matthew 5:16
