Dear Old African People👴👵

Our “culture”, says during a disagreement between an adult and a child, the adult is always right. I hope the flaw in this reasoning is realized whenever you boast about it – boast because that is the go-to phrase in an effort to pull rank.

The past generation is a lot different from the present so when references are made to how things were done, I can’t relate. Keep in mind that life is dynamic and change is inevitable. The most dangerous phrase in the language is, “We’ve always done it this way.” Now, that was said by Grace Hopper, who is from generations before you.

I have heard many elders go on and on about how children of this generation are disrespectful. Do you know the meaning of disrespect? Do you really? Disrespect:- IMPOLITE, OFFENSIVE, INSULTING. My father taught me all about respect but he also taught me to stand up for myself. He didn’t raise me to be timid. On the contrary, he raised me to be assertive. Assertiveness never equates rudeness. Oh! I failed to mention, he is from your generation. I have grown to learn that respect is earned, not demanded. I choose to live by this knowledge while realising that respect is a 2-way street.

So, with all due respect, the next time you reference the child-adult boundary, remember: technically, I am the child of my biological parents only. Legally, I have been an adult for a number of years. Granted, the Bible admonishes us, “Honour your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise)” – Ephesians 6:2. The same chapter goes on to say in verse 4, “Fathers, do not provoke/anger/exasperate/irritate your children, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Since we are still on  “child-adult” relationships, let me conclude with these final words of wisdom about temptation and the bearers of such: “It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble” – Luke 17:2.

Equality in Diversity (We are One)🌍

We all have some stereotype about particular groups/sects of people, but when we meet or hear about someone, let’s strive to recognise them as persons first, just normal human beings having similar features as us. Take the time to know someone as opposed to forming your own opinions of them based on past experiences or gossip you have read/heard. When you have taken the opportunity to really know someone and they ascribe to your stereotype, then you can choose to accept them as they are or cut them out completely and you shouldn’t feel guilty about that because we choose our friends and the people we associate with.
It is unfortunate that we live in a world that thinks it is okay to fear or hate the unknown. If someone acts differently from us or shares a different opinion or believes in something different then they are the enemy. I live to see a day when this becomes false but then again that would be too ideal and with the powers we are battling with that is almost impossible. Christian, Muslim, Traditionalist, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, Black, White, Latino, Hispanic; what does it matter?  We are all one people made in the image and likeness of God.

Now, writing this post has made me think about one of my favourite songs from the Lion King, let me Google the lyrics and paste that right here:

As you go through life, you’ll see

There is so much that we

Don’t understand

And the only thing we know

Is things don’t always go

The way we planned

But you’ll see every day

That we’ll never turn away

When it seems all your dreams come undone

We will stand by your side

Filled with hope and filled with pride

We are more than we are

We are one

 

If there’s so much I must be,

Can I still just be me,

The way I am?

Can I trust in my own heart

Or am I just one part

Of some big plan?

 

Even those who are gone

Are with us as we go on

Your journey has only begun

Tears of pain, tears of joy

One thing nothing can destroy

Is our pride, deep inside

We are one

We are one, you and I

We are like the earth and sky

One family under the sun

All the wisdom to lead

All the courage that you need

You will find when you see

We are one

Lyrics: We are one

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