Schools in Ghana Monday, August 20, 2007

Many of us ladies fight the battle of cutting our hair. This sister from Ghana also fought the same battle. However, her story is a little different than most of ours. In this day and age, we all take so much for granted. This is truly something that we, as believers, should join together and pray for these young believers in Africa. The following is a testimony from a faithful sister in Ghana:

Female students in all schools in Ghana are supposed to always keep their hair cut very low until they complete high school, and this is a real test for the sisters in this glorious message. In my experience, I was the odd one in my class in junior high and was often ostracized for my beliefs which were different from every one else.

There isn't much trouble in junior high, but in the high schools it is probably the first rule you encounter when you enter the gates. I could not attend the best schools because you wouldn’t be admitted once they knew you were not going to cut your hair.

I was admitted to my first school with some of the sisters and was excited. Little did I know what was in store for me. First, the head teacher tried to convince us that it was no big deal, and when she realized she could not, we were told to never attend class until we had it cut, and they made sure of that. Every day they would come to our classes when we had lessons, and insult and disgrace us. This was done every day until we could no longer come to school, because we would very easily be identified and dealt with.

We all left and ended up in different schools. By God’s grace, I was admitted in a private school were I could keep my hair, but had to keep in one style only. With time the school’s laws began to change, and those with their hair would have to hide because we would be sacked if we were found. After one year with the Lords help, I was able to leave the previous school and be admitted in another high school where the head allowed me to keep my hair as long as I kept it in a pony tail. So I started all over from my first year again.

Here the problem wasn't the head of the school but from female teachers. I always had to hide or faced their torment and insults during their class period. One very significant happening was when I was late for the assembly of all students. There were many others with me, and we were all supposed to be punished, but every one was spared because the girl with hair on her head was around. This time I was insulted to a point where one of the teacher exclaimed, "People like you send others to hell!" When she said that, I knew she wasn't the one speaking, and I forgave her in my heart.

After that incident, I always avoided her. Months later on one lovely day, I met her. This time I couldn't avoid her, because she called me to send me on an errand. I never left my ponytail hanging but for some reason, my hair had come out and was hanging without my knowledge. So as I ran toward her, I realized it was swinging, and I was in trouble. She told me what she wanted me to do, and I was afraid if I turned my back to go she would clearly see what was behind me. I turned and there was no sound. I went and came back to see her, and she didn't mention anything about my hair. I was shocked. But I knew it was God on the scene.

I am now out of high school, and I truly thank the Lord. But our younger sisters are going through so much more. Some cannot stand the pressure and eventually take off their glory, while others fight the good fight of faith. I thank God and am glad I'll have a story to tell the old warriors of faith one great day; how I made it over when we talk it over in the by and by. God richly bless you all.