Hopemongers

Episode 15: What’s Hope Got To Do With It?

“… I recognized, that we needed to change our focus from the size of the storm, to the size of our God…”
 - Aba Cato Andah, “Testimony of an Irmagee” from “Reflections of a Hopemonger”

 
In this bonus episode, I was interviewed by Ama Duncan, founder of “The Fabulous Woman Network”. We spoke about my essay “Testimony of an Irmagee”, from my book “Reflections of a Hopemonger”.  

“Testimony of an Irmagee” is a true story from my life about the power of Hope and Faith in the face of discouraging and scary circumstances. “Testimony of an Irmagee” details how God miraculously came through for my family, in the face of a dangerous Category 5 hurricane!

Later in the interview, I go on to share why Hope MUST be the foundation for every successful endeavor that we undertake in life!

Get my book “Reflections of a Hopemonger” on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Reflections-Hopemonger-Aba-Cato-Andah/dp/9988902301

Download my FREE document “A Powerful Strategy to (Re)build Hope in Challenging Times”:
https://mailchi.mp/b1b7ab9b9829/powerfulstrategytorebuildhopefreebie

LIVING A LEGACY

 “[The event] shook me to my very core. And then I realized that I needed to understand Who had created me, and then live my life to fulfill His purpose.”

“What kind of legacy are you leaving? Leaving a legacy is a choice. If you are intentional in deciding what you want to have as your legacy, then you can know what to put in.”

 “That legacy must be… fashioned in excellence. We serve a God of excellence and therefore everything that we do must be excellent.”

 “Legacy is not built in a day, it is built consistently.”

 “We build our legacy every single day, whether we like it or not”

 “I can assure you, that no matter what will come your way… be Hopeful, because God is alive. And because He lives, you can face another tomorrow”
~ Comfort Ocran
 

Author, Speaker and Training Consultant Comfort Ocran’s life and career has been purpose-driven and legacy-focused. Sharing stories and lessons from her remarkable life, Comfort compels us to also be intentional every day in “living a legacy” so that we can leave a legacy. 

In this inspiring conversation, as Comfort shares gems on Purpose, Legacy and Hope:

• How an event changed the trajectory of her life 
• The clues in our lives that serve as guides to discovering our purpose - Comfort’s strengths, talents, training and even her preference of geographical location in which to live, all came together to chart a path for her purpose 
• Understanding that there are Micro legacies (to our family and friends) and Macro Legacies (to society). We are called to leave both types of these legacies. 
• The importance of daily living our lives with intention, because every action we take is building our legacy
• How developing Resilience is necessary to sustain us on this journey
• Her exhortation on Hope

 
Get my book “Reflections of a Hopemonger” on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Reflections-Hopemonger-Aba-Cato-Andah/dp/9988902301 

Download my FREE document “A Powerful Strategy to (Re)build Hope in Challenging Times”:
https://mailchi.mp/b1b7ab9b9829/powerfulstrategytorebuildhopefreebie

Episode 13: Not This Widow

“I’ve become so determined to protect my peace and fight for my happiness.”

 “I wrote the book for two reasons; one, because I felt that people needed to know… and to talk about practical things; like you need to have life insurance, you need to have a will…”

 “I employed the services of a counselor, [even though] I’m a qualified coach. Too many people try to walk the grief journey on their own, as if they have so much experience. You do not. Get help.”
-       Dilys Sillah

 
After unexpectedly becoming widowed, Dilys Sillah found that the pressures that her culture places on widows made her grieving process even more challenging. Dilys shares candidly about her experience and provides practical advice for anyone who has suffered loss. Dilys’ story is a remarkable story of resilience, determination and Hope.

Dilys Sillah is a Transformational Life Coach specializing in grief, emotional independence, marriage and relationship coaching. She is a TedEx Speaker and Minister at New Glory Chapel, UK. Dilys’ best-selling book, “Not This Widow”, details her journey of grief, love, loss, strength and survival. Connect with Dilys Sillah on her website at: www.dilyssillah.com

 Get my book “Reflections of a Hopemonger” on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Reflections-Hopemonger-Aba-Cato-Andah/dp/9988902301

 Download my FREE document “A Powerful Strategy to (Re)build Hope in Challenging Times”:
https://mailchi.mp/b1b7ab9b9829/powerfulstrategytorebuildhopefreebie

Episode 12: Blossom at Any Age 

“Many people, by their 50’s, have lost their passion and zest for life, partly due to their health decline, burnout from life's overwhelming difficulties and battle scars such as death, divorce, disease, and deception.”

“Getting older should not make us shrink; rather, it is an opportunity to play a Higher role and serve a Higher purpose. But you have to prepare your body for that purpose…”

“We are here for a reason… Ask [yourself], what did God save you to do with this time that you’ve been blessed with on earth? Get in the business of actually doing it.”

“Keep doing. Don't be idle. Keep using the brain that God gave you. Keep using your skills to add value to someone. And I think that the more you do that, the better you will develop the resilience to keep going.”
-       Dr. Nicoline Ambe
 

Following the traumatic loss of her husband, Dr. Nicoline Ambe found herself in what she describes as “sickness purgatory”; suffering from high blood pressure and heart disease. Faced with the startling realization that her body would “give way” if she didn’t make a change, Nicoline decided to embrace a new healthy way of living. Several years later, and now in her 50’s, Nicoline is reaping the benefits of great health and vitality. Her mission now is to inspire individuals to optimize their health so that they too, can blossom at any age. She believes that no matter what you may have been through in life, you can overcome difficulties, and you can step into a better version of yourself. 

 Hopemonger Dr. Nicoline Ambe’s mission is to bring hope; to restore health, wellness and passion in her clients. In this episode, Nicoline shares her “10 Keys to Blossom at Any Age” where she inspires us to adopt healthy habits – physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually

Connect with Dr. Nicoline Ambe on her website at: www.nicolineambe.com

 Get my book “Reflections of a Hopemonger” on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Reflections-Hopemonger-Aba-Cato-Andah/dp/9988902301

 Download my FREE document “A Powerful Strategy to (Re)build Hope in Challenging Times”: https://mailchi.mp/b1b7ab9b9829/powerfulstrategytorebuildhopefreebie 

Episode 11: Iconic Womanhood

“And for women, we have to understand that… we were created as a solution. We do ourselves a disservice when we refuse to be all that we are called to be, so that the world can rise to the level that it is meant to rise.” –  Ekene Onu

Mindset & Transformation Coach Ekene Onu presents compelling reasons for women to celebrate their femininity, and to rise into the fullness of the womanhood they were created to be. In creating mankind, Ekene teaches, God had a separate purpose for creating the woman. According to Genesis 2: 22-23, God pulled Eve out of Adam for a full manifestation of the feminine, because He recognized that the feminine needed a full manifestation. 

It is important for a woman to get to know herself, Ekene asserts. Inklings from our natural affinities, the things we are naturally drawn to, our passions, our skills, our talents, our worldview, etc., provide valuable clues in this endeavor. Ekene encourages women to delve deeper to allow themselves to discover who they are. This process takes courage, she says. Like a beautiful flower begins to wilt when it is not receiving optimal care, so too, will a woman ‘wilt’ if she doesn’t take the time to understand what she needs to live authentically and thrive. 

Ekene Onu’s mission of “Iconic Womanhood” encourages women to identify those experiences that have caused them to not show up as themselves in life, and then to reclaim and manifest the full expression of the women we were created to be. 

(Mindset & Transformation Coach Ekene Onu can be reached at her website www.iconicwomanhood.com or on Instagram @iconicwomanhood_coach) 

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 Get my book “Reflections of a Hopemonger” on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Reflections-Hopemonger-Aba-Cato-Andah/dp/9988902301

Download my FREE document “A Powerful Strategy to (Re)build Hope in Challenging Times”:
https://mailchi.mp/b1b7ab9b9829/powerfulstrategytorebuildhopefreebie

Episode 10: Forgiving the Unforgivable

“…And the Lord said: "get up, it’s going to be okay. Get up. Let it go". But in letting it go, it wasn’t that just because I heard the Lord speak to me, it went away. It didn’t. There were so many things I had to do in the natural realm; like not following them on the internet and not finding out about things they were doing. Sometimes we think because we have prayed, we can go on and do those things, but healing doesn’t come that way.” 

“…So I shifted all that energy to building my self-esteem and pulling myself up.” 

“And I cried to God: "Just dry my tears, just give me the strength". And He did.”
– Dr. Vivian Yakpo Newton

 How does one heal and go on to thrive after experiencing a hurt that seems too hard to forgive? After she was wronged in a life-altering way, Dr. Vivian Yakpo Newton made the decision to forgive her offender so that she could move on with her life. Dr. Vivian shares some key wisdom nuggets about her process of forgiveness as she traces her life journey from that low point to the triumph of her present day. Listen to the behaviors she had to check, to allow herself to walk in forgiveness. 

And the challenge to you, dear listener, is this: what behaviors do you need to adopt or discard, so that you can free yourself to continue living your life wholeheartedly and effectively? 

Get my book “Reflections of a Hopemonger” on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Reflections-Hopemonger-Aba-Cato-Andah/dp/9988902301

Download my FREE document “A Powerful Strategy to (Re)build Hope in Challenging Times”:
https://mailchi.mp/b1b7ab9b9829/powerfulstrategytorebuildhopefreebie 

Episode 9: Emerging Unscathed (with Tonbra Nwosuagwu)

“…Even in times of your greatest trials, if you will allow yourself, you will be able to birth your greatest victories.” – Tonbra Nwosuagwu

In this episode we have a riveting conversation with Resilience Coach, Gospel Singer and Host of the “The Unscathed Life” podcast Tonbra Nwosuagwu. 

Tracing some of the extreme challenges she experienced right from her earliest life, Tonbra shares vital lessons and resilience strategies that allowed her to not just survive, but thrive. Tonbra compels us to believe that we too, despite the adversities that life throws our way, can adopt a new mindset that will allow us to emerge unscathed and walk in our highest purpose.

Follow Tonbra Nwosuagwu on Social Media:

Instagram: @tonbra.nwosuagwu

Twitter: @Iamtonbra

“The Unscathed Life” podcast, available on major podcast streaming platforms

Get the book “Reflections of a Hopemonger” on Amazon: Reflections of A Hopemonger https://www.amazon.com/dp/9988902301/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_DVG5GCG3VKKC864RZYKE

 Click below to download my FREE document “A Powerful Strategy to (Re)build Hope in Challenging Times”.
https://mailchi.mp/b1b7ab9b9829/powerfulstrategytorebuildhopefreebie

Episode 8: Charlotte Osei: Trailblazer, Hopemonger

“I will… use whatever talents and gifts God gave me. We know that He never gives you talents for your benefit, but for the benefit of all. And so, I will do my best in whatever position I find myself in… I think that it is enough that when I’m gone, they will say that I gave my best. I think that is all God requires from us.” – Charlotte Osei

 Today, on International Women’s Day 2021, our guest is Lawyer, UN International Elections Commissioner, Business Mentor, Life Strategist and Convener of the “Thirsty Woman” tribe, Mrs. Charlotte Osei. 

We get to go beyond Charlotte’s resume to hear about her childhood, how she came to study law, and the things that set her soul on fire. As you listen to Charlotte’s remarkable life story, you will hear how she used difficult experiences from her childhood to spur her on to a life of purpose. She describes those experiences as the “the price behind the prize”. 

 Charlotte also reveals three tenets by which she lives her life: 

• “No man is your enemy. No man is your friend. Every man is your teacher”
• “And it came to pass”
• “Men may have their say, but God always wins in the end”.  

And when the storms of life hit, Charlotte offers this sage advice, from her own experiences:
“You can survive anything with the right perspective... I survived all that, to the glory of God… It taught me that you need to build resilience; you need to build focus; you need to allow yourself not to be distracted by the noise, because there is always a lot of noise… By “noise”, I don’t mean just sound… people throwing all kinds of words at you; what you are listening to… also noise in terms of pettiness; petty little attacks… you need to learn to rise above all that and focus on your assignment and deliver on your assignment... Also knowing that you are human and you will have moments that will knock the wind out of you… when that happens, you stay on your knees and cry to God and then you get up and keep going.” 

 After listening to this compassionate, faith-filled, extraordinary woman you will be more determined than ever, to do better with this gift called life!

 Join Charlotte's "Thirsty Woman" tribe! Follow Charlotte Osei on Social Media:
Instagram & Twitter: char_osei
Facebook: Char Osei
Youtube: Charlotte Osei

 Get the book “Reflections of a Hopemonger” on Amazon: Reflections of A Hopemonger https://www.amazon.com/dp/9988902301/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_DVG5GCG3VKKC864RZYKE

 Click below to download my FREE document “A Powerful Strategy to (Re)build Hope in Challenging Times”.
https://mailchi.mp/b1b7ab9b9829/powerfulstrategytorebuildhopefreebie 

Episode 7: Practicing “Acceptance” as Part of my Faith Walk

“My life is not my own. I have learned to accept that no matter what comes my way, God is not sleeping… It’s about learning to submit to God's final authority… And when you learn to submit and accept His will for you… you are joyful, no matter the storm, because He is right there with you.” – Ps. Annette Dei

In this eye-opening episode, we continue our conversation from Episode 3 on “Acceptance”; this time, from the Christian faith perspective. Our guest, Pastor Annette Dei, shares some vital nuggets on “Acceptance” as part of the Christian faith walk. She quotes the New Oxford American Dictionary definition of acceptance as “the action of consenting to receive or undertake something offered” and she shares that as Christians, the foundation of our belief is that God placed each of us on Earth to be caretakers; with a specific purpose and assignment, ordained by Him. Using biblical examples as well as some of her personal experiences as illustrations, Pastor Annette explains that the role of “Acceptance” in the life of every Christian, is the action of consenting to everything that God has for us - the good, the bad and the ugly - with the hope that the Word of God in Jeremiah 29:11 will manifest in our lives; in His way, according to His process and in His timing. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, “… plans to give you a Hope and a future…” – Jeremiah 29:11 

 Get the book “Reflections of a Hopemonger” on Amazon: Reflections of A Hopemonger https://www.amazon.com/dp/9988902301/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_DVG5GCG3VKKC864RZYKE

 Click below to download my FREE document “A Powerful Strategy to (Re)build Hope in Challenging Times”.
https://mailchi.mp/b1b7ab9b9829/powerfulstrategytorebuildhopefreebie 

Episode 6: Empowered To Do Great Things

“You must be your authentic self. And the balance in that message is... being your authentic self, but also understanding that, you have to constantly work on your weaknesses, constantly seek to improve yourself. So, for me, “authentic” doesn't always mean, just accepting the status quo... It means staying true to yourself, but also recognizing, challenging yourself and allowing the Word of God to shape you as a person.” – Rev. Thomas Brew

 In today’s episode, we spotlight Rev. Thomas Brew, the lead pastor of the South Windsor, CT Mission of Royalhouse Chapel International. Rev. Thomas has a powerful gift of teaching and imparting the word of God and oversees a large congregation and online community. To see him in such a public role might be surprising, given that he is by nature a very private person. So how does he do it? Well, Rev. Thomas shares that God calls a person, not a personality. He points out that the idea that you have to become somebody else, just to accept God's calling upon your life, is a very restrictive way of thinking that probably has prevented a lot of people from doing what God has called them to do. And he stresses the importance of being authentic to who you are, while continuing to challenge yourself to learn and grow as you allow the Word of God to shape you as a person. During this enlightening conversation, Rev. Thomas also candidly talks about the “burden of responsibility” in leadership. 

 Get the book “Reflections of a Hopemonger” on Amazon: Reflections of A Hopemonger https://www.amazon.com/dp/9988902301/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_DVG5GCG3VKKC864RZYKE

 Click below to download my FREE document “A Powerful Strategy to (Re)build Hope in Challenging Times”.
https://mailchi.mp/b1b7ab9b9829/powerfulstrategytorebuildhopefreebie