A thunderous applause greeted those words. Loud cheers followed, in immense admiration of the woman who stood before them. If anyone had doubted her suitability to be honoured, they certainly weren’t in doubt now. Selorm Logan deserved every bit of honour bestowed upon her that evening.
“So, before I finally take my seat, I want to share a lesson that all this has taught me in the most profound way,” Selorm stated, her voice resonating with authority. “Being slow to anger, slow to speak, and quick to forgive is not just a mantra; it’s a guiding principle, powerful words from the Bible that can transform our lives and the lives of those around us if we follow it.”
She looked out at the diverse faces in the audience, each person watching her with the utmost attention.
“We live in a world where emotions often run high, where words are more powerful than we think, and forgiveness can sometimes feel like a daunting task. But I’ve come to understand the profound impact of these three simple principles, in light of all I have experienced,” Selorm continued, her words gaining momentum.
“Being slow to anger allows us the space to think before we act, and to approach situations with a clear mind and a calm heart. It’s an act of self-control that is essential if we want to live lives of understanding and empathy.
“Equally important is being slow to speak. Words have the power to build or destroy, to heal or wound. By taking the time to choose our words wisely, we can create a world where communication is thoughtful, intentional, and kind, eschewing harsh words and poisonous rhetoric that only tears down and destroys lives.”
A hushed silence falls over the audience as Selorm paused, the weight of her message sinking in.
“And last but not least, the essence of being quick to forgive,” Selorm completed. “Forgiveness is not a sign of weakness as some may insinuate, but rather, it’s an act of strength and resilience. It liberates us from the chains of resentment, allowing us to embrace a future free from the burdens of the past. My prayer is that we will all learn from my life story and apply these principles to our lives, for in doing so, we will no doubt make this world a better place.”
Taking up her plaque, she smiled brightly. “As I end this extremely long speech of mine, I want to say that I’m extremely grateful for this recognition, and I don’t take it lightly at all. And now that I have shared my story with you all, you’ll appreciate the depth of my gratitude. This is not just for me, it’s for everyone that’s played a part in my story. My late mother, my late brother, Aunty Martha, Chief Superintendent and Madam Raquel, Mercy, Brother Stonewall, my lovely fiancé standing by me, Abeiku… everyone involved in my life coming this far… this is yours as much as it is mine.
“Had things gone my way in my lowest valley, this would never have been a reality. But, God weaves our stories in ways that only make sense at the end, and as I stand there, I couldn’t be more grateful for what He chose to do with me. I am a living testament of His grace and mercies.
“To finally conclude this, there is a quote that aptly fits my story, and I duly have it framed in my living room: ‘In the hands of our God, tragedy is molded into triumph.’ Thank you once again for this honour, and God bless you all.”
The hall erupted in applause, everyone rising to their feet as Selorm and Abeiku made their way back to their seats. For about five minutes, everyone clapped on, inspired not only by her accomplishments, but at her triumph over so much pain, and the wisdom she had just imparted to them.
As she took her seat, basking in the glow of the prestigious award, the MC stepped forward, the wonder more than evident in his voice.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I don’t think there’s much to be said. This was powerful, this was intense, this was heart-wrenching… this was one of the most emotional rollercoasters I have ever been taken on. Miss Logan, you truly are a symbol of strength. Thank you. Not many people would have the strength to tell their story like this. Some would have stayed away entirely. Others would have chosen not to continue. But you soldiered through the pain of all those memories and told us a life story for the ages. Indeed, you have proven that no matter how awful life may be, there is always hope. Thank you, Selorm. Thank you!”
The applause that followed made it evident nobody was tired of clapping just yet.
“Anyways, we have a delightful surprise for our esteemed awardee tonight! Two wonderful young ladies from YOMM have a special announcement for her. Please welcome Raila and Daphne to the stage!”
The applause continued as Raila and Daphne gracefully made their way to the spotlight. The room hummed with anticipation, and Selorm had a look of surprise on her face, as the two girls exchanged a quick smile and stepped forward to address the audience.
“Good evening, everyone! We are beyond thrilled to be here tonight to celebrate Madam Selorm’s incredible achievements,” Daphne announced with enthusiasm. “If there’s anyone who deserves this accolade, it’s her. She’s such a wonderful leader and mother figure to us, and we’re absolutely excited to do this for her.”
She turned to Raila, who continued. “So, Madam Selorm has shared with us the love her late brother had for Karl Jenkins’ music. So, with Sister Mercy, Brother Stonewall and a special symphony orchestra, in honor of him and to show our appreciation for Madam Selorm, we’ve prepared a special rendition of the timeless piece ‘Adiemus’. As we sing this, Madam Selorm, we hope this serves as a reminder that you have properly honoured our mother and brother’s legacy. We hope you all enjoy it!”
Cheers and applause echoed throughout the hall as the choir took their place on the stage. The curtains lifted to reveal the members of the orchestra, all in place with their instruments.
The hall went silent, in expectation of a spellbinding performance.
The choir began to sing, filling the hall with the hauntingly beautiful notes of ‘Adiemus.’
Ariadiamus la-te ariadiamus da
Ari a natus la-te adua
The ethereal sounds resonated, wrapping the audience in a powerful embrace. The blend of voices created an atmosphere that transcended the walls of the hall, leaving everyone in awe and chills.
Selorm, caught off guard by the unexpected tribute, was nothing short of visibly moved. She watched the performance with a mix of astonishment and delight, her heart swelling with emotion. As the familiar melody unfolded, memories of her brother humming the song came flooding back.
A-na-ma-na-coo-le-ra-we
A-na-ma-na-coo-le-ra
A-na-ma-na-coo-le-ra-we-a-ka-la
Tears streamed down Selorm’s face as she laid her head on Abeiku’s shoulder, feeling the presence of her mother and brother in the music. Deep down in her soul, she could hear a voice whisper to her.
You’ve done them proud, Selorm. You’ve done them proud.
From the orchestra’s perfect rhythm to the choir’s near-perfect harmonies, this was a performance so poignant that goosebumps rippled through the audience. Some closed their eyes, lost in the transcendent beauty of the music, while others watched with rapt attention, captivated by the sheer power and precision of YOMM’s performance.
As the song reached its crescendo, an undeniable energy pulsed through the room, engulfing the audience in its embrace. Tears welled in the eyes of many, moved by its otherworldly magnificence. Selorm was one of them, basking in the glory of it all.
What a moment it was. What a moment.
The performance concluded, leaving a profound silence in its wake. The hall immediately erupted into a thunderous applause. The standing ovation reverberated through the room, with each and every soul simply astounded and delighted to have witnessed this once-in-a-lifetime performance from undoubtedly the best choir in Ghana.
Amidst the applause, the spotlight shifted back to Selorm, who was overwhelmed with gratitude. Wiping away the tears of joy, her heart was overflowing with a mix of emotions.
Joy. Relief. Gratitude. Happiness. Euphoria.
This couldn’t have been a better way to honour her and give her that assurance that the two loved ones she let down in the past had been properly honoured by her exploits. Everything about this night made it clear that yes, this had been totally worth it.
She blew kisses to the choir, whispering, “I love you! I love you all! Thank you so much!”
A sentiment that, at that moment, truly transcended words. She truly meant it. From the bottom of her heart.
The applause continued, everyone showing their appreciation for the choir’s amazing performance, and for the strong, amazing woman who had battled tragedy to gift them this magnificent gift.
It was a beautiful moment. A moment she knew she would never forget. A moment nobody in that hall would ever forget.
For as long as they would live.
THE END
What a gloriously beautiful ending! No less than she deserves, rising from the absolute pits of tragedy and despair to honour her fallen family and make an impact on society.
Thanks for reading, and as always, continue to enjoy yourself around the State!
