Dearest Mama,
I heard that there is revolution going on in our Village. How come? Is it true the women are saying that the men refused to share the cake when they (the men) headed the revolution? Eh! Is this pay back? I hope this act of "pay back" doesn't turn into a kind of circus, or a circle. When it becomes a circle, it then connects all of us, like receiving and giving. When it becomes a circus, what do I say about this..., you are familiar with that charade. I mean the circus charade that we have witnessed in our Village. Not the Britney Spears' circus; far from the Circus we have seen across the ocean, (the kwee people's place) when clowns and animals perform.
Well, please ask Kartomo to send me pictures depicting the latest strike so that I can use my microscope to dissect the images and information for my next letter.
Wow, wow. This issue of Giving and Receiving has a long history. In politics, countries give aid for what… say it, don’t be afraid…. Ok. Countries do give aid for several reasons. Some countries give aid for humanitarian purpose, but many aid are given for different political, economic and calculated reasons that benefit the donor countries.
Giving and Receiving is a way to prosperity, and can be established or verified in Science, Politics, Marital homes, and the list goes on. Recently, I jotted down notes on Giving and Receiving in Religion, Science and other subjects. It was hilarious; it was interesting, and a real performance in church. Bishop Darlingston Johnson again took the stage, delving in the topic, Giving and Receiving, a subtopic of the general theme he has been discussing. In his sermon, Bishop Johnson quoted few verses, including Proverbs, 3: 9-10, and Malachi 1:11,
Bishop encouraged members of the audience to consider tithing an important aspect of growing spiritually, and opening the vessel of God’s blessings. That is, when we obey the Law of Tithing we are blessed. The Law of tithing requires obedience in paying it faithfully. This means that we shouldn't resent paying our tithe, and be;ievers must desist from murmuring and grumbling about paying tithe.
As Bishop Johnson progressed in his sermon, he started drawing from other subjects on Giving and Receiving. As I reflected on tithing and receiving God’s blessings, I was anxious to have the subject at my finger tip. In my own life, and from spiritual point of view, tithing is a healthy practice. As Bishop said, we get blessings from God, it is therefore important to demonstrate our faith by paying our tithe to allow God’s blessings to continue to flow. As Bishop said, God is not going to stop blessing us if we disobey him, but we receive God’s blessings by obeying His laws and when we obey His laws there are blessings that go with it. We must also remember that God’s blessings are not always what we expect; they can be worldly materials, and also spiritual blessings or both.
Drawing from science and other core subjects, Bishop illustrated his teaching on tithing by correlated tithing with our bodies. He said if our bodies do not release waste, we can not adequately take in food. Moreover, when we are constipated, we become unhealthy, and toxic. Do you want to visualize that? Go ahead!
Bishop went on in other areas to exemplify the importance of tithing. “Do I have to tithe,” he asked? “No,” he responded, adding, “Tithing is a privilege, it is not a liability.” In the same way, he continued, “You don’t have to drive on the right side of the street,” but there is a consequence for doing the opposite. As the audience burst into laughters, Bishop Johnson explained that there are many things we don’t have to do, but if we refuse to do those things, we live with the consequences: “You don’t have to pay taxes, you don’t have to brush your teeth, you don’t have to wear clothes, you don’t have to do any of the those things if you are willing to bear the consequences.”
He then underscored some of the ramifications for neglecting to adhere to basic hygiene rules: If you don’t brush your teeth, or take bath, your chances of getting job are slim. And if you come to church, people will find a way to sit far from you. People are not judgmental when they stay far from you. That is just the consequence of your action- your refusal to take bath, and refusal to brush your teeth. In the same vein, “You don’t have to tithe, you get to tithe,” he added. When you tithe, you steer God to control, and what God controls, God blesses, and what God bless, multiply. Wow, isn’t that great.
Bishop Johnson said, “I [pointing to himself] am not willing to live with the consequences of loving God less.” He said, if we refuse to pay their tithe, God will not love them less, God will remain big, but they we will remain small.
He said that the more he [Bishop] learned of God’s faithfulness, he recognized the importance of tithing. He said without tithing can inhibit one’s faith, and result to increase in struggles, in almost all areas of one’s life.
Bishop Johnson explained that tithing helps believers develop the discipline to rise above selfishness, to become rich in faith, and experience personal blessings.
As I read about Tithing, I was moved by the personal stories and testimonies on the subject.
Permit me to share one of my favorite songs, the prayer of St. Francis, which also speaks about tithing: Giving and Receiving in its third stanza:
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Mama, I want to continue tithing so that God can be in control of my everything. I know when he is in control, he blesses, and what he blesses, multiply.
I wait to hear from you and the folks in the village.
always,
musue
Thursday, July 29, 2010
The Science of “Giving and Receiving”
Dearest Mama,
I heard that there is revolution going on in our Village. How come? Is it true the women are accusing the women of holding back, and not giving them their portions of desks when they (the men) headed the revolution?
Well, please ask Kartomo to send me pictures depicting the latest strike so that I can use my microscope to dissect the images and information for my next letter.
Wow, wow. This issue of Giving and Receiving has a long history. In politics, countries give aid for what… say it, don’t be afraid…. Ok. Countries do give aid for several reasons. Some countries give aid for humanitarian purpose, but many aid are given for different political, economic and calculated reasons that benefit the donor countries.
Giving and Receiving is a way to prosperity, and can be established or verified in Science, Politics, Marital homes, and the list goes on. Recently, I jotted down notes on the Giving and Receiving in Religious and Science. It was hilarious; it was interesting, and a real performance in church. Bishop Darlingston Johnson again took the stage, delving in the topic, Giving and Receiving, a subtopic of the general theme he has been discussing. In his sermon, Bishop Johnson quoted few verses, including Proverbs, 3: 9-10, and Malachi 1:11,
Bishop encouraged members of the audience to consider tithing an important aspect of growing spiritually, and opening the vessel of God’s blessings. That is, when we obey the Law of Tithing we are blessed. The Law of tithing requires obedience in paying it faithfully. This means that we shouldn't resent paying our tithe, and be;ievers must desist from murmuring and grumbling about paying tithe.
As Bishop Johnson progressed in his sermon, he started drawing from other subjects on Giving and Receiving. As I reflected on tithing and receiving God’s blessings, I was anxious to have the subject at my finger tip. In my own life, and from spiritual point of view, tithing is a healthy practice. As Bishop said, we get blessings from God, it is therefore important to demonstrate our faith by paying our tithe to allow God’s blessings to continue to flow. As Bishop said, God is not going to stop blessing us if we disobey him, but we receive God’s blessings by obeying His laws and when we obey His laws there are blessings that go with it. We must also remember that God’s blessings are not always what we expect; they can be worldly materials, and also spiritual blessings or both.
Drawing from science and other core subjects, Bishop illustrated his teaching on tithing by correlated tithing with our bodies. He said if our bodies do not release waste, we can not adequately take in food. Moreover, when we are constipated, we become unhealthy, and toxic. Do you want to visualize that? Go ahead!
Bishop went on in other areas to exemplify the importance of tithing. “Do I have to tithe,” he asked? “No,” he responded, adding, “Tithing is a privilege, it is not a liability.” In the same way, he continued, “You don’t have to drive on the right side of the street,” but there is a consequence for doing the opposite. As the audience burst into laughters, Bishop Johnson explained that there are many things we don’t have to do, but if we refuse to do those things, we live with the consequences: “You don’t have to pay taxes, you don’t have to brush your teeth, you don’t have to wear clothes, you don’t have to do any of the those things if you are willing to bear the consequences.”
He then underscored some of the ramifications for neglecting to adhere to basic hygiene rules: If you don’t brush your teeth, or take bath, your chances of getting job are slim. And if you come to church, people will find a way to sit far from you. People are not judgmental when they stay far from you. That is just the consequence of your action- your refusal to take bath, and refusal to brush your teeth. In the same vein, “You don’t have to tithe, you get to tithe,” he added. When you tithe, you steer God to control, and what God controls, God blesses, and what God bless, multiply. Wow, isn’t that great.
Bishop Johnson said, “I [pointing to him self] am not willing to live with the consequences of loving God less.” He said, if we refuse to pay their tithe, God will not love them less, God will remain big, but they we will remain small.
He said that the more he [Bishop] learned of God’s faithfulness, he recognized the importance of tithing. He said without tithing can inhibit one’s faith, and result to increase in struggles, in almost all areas of one’s life.
Bishop Johnson explained that tithing helps believers develop the discipline to rise above selfishness, to become rich in faith, and experience personal blessings.
As I read about Tithing, I was moved by the personal stories and testimonies on the subject.
Permit me to share one of my favorite songs, the prayer of St. Francis, which also speaks about tithing: Giving and Receiving in its third stanza:
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Mama, I want to continue tithing so that God can be in control of my everything. I know when he is in control, he blesses, and what he blesses, multiply.
I wait to hear from you and the folks in the village.
always,
musue
I heard that there is revolution going on in our Village. How come? Is it true the women are accusing the women of holding back, and not giving them their portions of desks when they (the men) headed the revolution?
Well, please ask Kartomo to send me pictures depicting the latest strike so that I can use my microscope to dissect the images and information for my next letter.
Wow, wow. This issue of Giving and Receiving has a long history. In politics, countries give aid for what… say it, don’t be afraid…. Ok. Countries do give aid for several reasons. Some countries give aid for humanitarian purpose, but many aid are given for different political, economic and calculated reasons that benefit the donor countries.
Giving and Receiving is a way to prosperity, and can be established or verified in Science, Politics, Marital homes, and the list goes on. Recently, I jotted down notes on the Giving and Receiving in Religious and Science. It was hilarious; it was interesting, and a real performance in church. Bishop Darlingston Johnson again took the stage, delving in the topic, Giving and Receiving, a subtopic of the general theme he has been discussing. In his sermon, Bishop Johnson quoted few verses, including Proverbs, 3: 9-10, and Malachi 1:11,
Bishop encouraged members of the audience to consider tithing an important aspect of growing spiritually, and opening the vessel of God’s blessings. That is, when we obey the Law of Tithing we are blessed. The Law of tithing requires obedience in paying it faithfully. This means that we shouldn't resent paying our tithe, and be;ievers must desist from murmuring and grumbling about paying tithe.
As Bishop Johnson progressed in his sermon, he started drawing from other subjects on Giving and Receiving. As I reflected on tithing and receiving God’s blessings, I was anxious to have the subject at my finger tip. In my own life, and from spiritual point of view, tithing is a healthy practice. As Bishop said, we get blessings from God, it is therefore important to demonstrate our faith by paying our tithe to allow God’s blessings to continue to flow. As Bishop said, God is not going to stop blessing us if we disobey him, but we receive God’s blessings by obeying His laws and when we obey His laws there are blessings that go with it. We must also remember that God’s blessings are not always what we expect; they can be worldly materials, and also spiritual blessings or both.
Drawing from science and other core subjects, Bishop illustrated his teaching on tithing by correlated tithing with our bodies. He said if our bodies do not release waste, we can not adequately take in food. Moreover, when we are constipated, we become unhealthy, and toxic. Do you want to visualize that? Go ahead!
Bishop went on in other areas to exemplify the importance of tithing. “Do I have to tithe,” he asked? “No,” he responded, adding, “Tithing is a privilege, it is not a liability.” In the same way, he continued, “You don’t have to drive on the right side of the street,” but there is a consequence for doing the opposite. As the audience burst into laughters, Bishop Johnson explained that there are many things we don’t have to do, but if we refuse to do those things, we live with the consequences: “You don’t have to pay taxes, you don’t have to brush your teeth, you don’t have to wear clothes, you don’t have to do any of the those things if you are willing to bear the consequences.”
He then underscored some of the ramifications for neglecting to adhere to basic hygiene rules: If you don’t brush your teeth, or take bath, your chances of getting job are slim. And if you come to church, people will find a way to sit far from you. People are not judgmental when they stay far from you. That is just the consequence of your action- your refusal to take bath, and refusal to brush your teeth. In the same vein, “You don’t have to tithe, you get to tithe,” he added. When you tithe, you steer God to control, and what God controls, God blesses, and what God bless, multiply. Wow, isn’t that great.
Bishop Johnson said, “I [pointing to him self] am not willing to live with the consequences of loving God less.” He said, if we refuse to pay their tithe, God will not love them less, God will remain big, but they we will remain small.
He said that the more he [Bishop] learned of God’s faithfulness, he recognized the importance of tithing. He said without tithing can inhibit one’s faith, and result to increase in struggles, in almost all areas of one’s life.
Bishop Johnson explained that tithing helps believers develop the discipline to rise above selfishness, to become rich in faith, and experience personal blessings.
As I read about Tithing, I was moved by the personal stories and testimonies on the subject.
Permit me to share one of my favorite songs, the prayer of St. Francis, which also speaks about tithing: Giving and Receiving in its third stanza:
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Mama, I want to continue tithing so that God can be in control of my everything. I know when he is in control, he blesses, and what he blesses, multiply.
I wait to hear from you and the folks in the village.
always,
musue
Sunday, July 25, 2010
The Race for Prosperity: What’s Your Goal?
Dearest Mama,
Thanks for the pre-independence Day picture. The picture brings back fond memories of the Village, and our people. In this picture, I see almost all the houses- big and small, and the little huts all flying or painted red, white and blue. Was there any competition or race for flying the "Red, White and Blue Colors." To my eyes, the picture of the Village is overwhelming - almost everything: houses, palm trees, banana trees, plum trees, Calabashes, buckets, drums, faces of children are painted in national colors. Let me use the Bassa phrase, "Ah kay nay!" One of my "T-High" comrades, Matthew Gbesee used the phrased whenever he lacked words to describe a situation.
This Independence Day, I close my eyes to reflect on past July 26 celebrations, and visualize what’s happening in the Village, my homeland. I picture today’s inhabitants in their celebrity mood. I draw images from folk stories (oral and written) of our grandparents, our great-grand parents, and our ancestors who walked and toiled our homeland.
Last night, I heard the town crier announce that the Village soccer team, the Lone Star beat our neighbor Syli National of Guinea 1-0 during the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Unity Tournament in commemoration of Independence Day.
The people from our village here are engage in a lot of activities. Independent day parties are going on in several states here: Staten Island, Philadephia, Maryland, Washington, DC, among other places.
Our Village's Embassy here had a big party. At the party, I heard people had all the Liberian food: roast meat, roast fish, roast chicken, fufu and soup, Kpassajama, and just about everything you can see and smell while walking the streets in the village. At some of these parties, people dress to kill. Sometimes, it is almost like a race for who’s the best dress; who's the best cook; who has the best car; who has the best hairdo; who wore the most expensive shirt, who wore the beautiful pants; who made it first at the party....? Emm. I heard that the race and placing things in various category didn't begin with thse attending the part, I mean outside guest, the organizers also (knowingly/unknowingly) too part in the race. You can imagine the rest.
Mama, writing about the Independence Day, and talking about race, reminds me of one of Bishop Darlingston Johnson's sermons on partaking in a race, and winning lasting glories. The sermon was drawn from several passages including, 1 Corinthians 9: 24 – 27, which reads:
“ 24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”
In that sermon, Bishop Johnson said there is a race going on, we can decide to join the race, or be by standers. However, every believer is a part of the race.
As soon as Bishop Johnson mentioned the word "race," my mind manipulating the word, and providing different images. I started picturing people: some people running while others standing and curiously asking question to no one in particular: “Why are those people running? As the race goes on in my mind, there there are others, who see people running, they immediately jump in, without asking what the race is all about. Yea, yea, we have seen that one. Then there are those who jumped in line, and register for any category, without information about the race, the categpries, or trophies. Doesn’t that sound familiar?
But what did Bishop say in his teaching? In his usual teaching and preaching methodology, Bishop presented the goal selecting the theme and topic, outlining the whys, bullet pointing the whats, and illustrating how (individual) members of the congregation can partake in the race and win the highest trophy. So when Bishop Johnson stood before the audience to speak on 'Racing for Gold,' he urged the congregation to aim for the highest category. Bishop associated the race for prosperity to the World Soccer game, where teams compete for trophies in the highest categories, and some fell alongside the way side. He said, though some teams dropped out of the competition, being a part of the championship was an opportunity, an effort and an act that earned even the losing team credit just for participating in the race. In essence, Bishop said that as believers, (unbelievers are not in the race) we are already in the race. Bishop then posed the following questions to the congregation:
What’s our standing in the race for prosperity. How well are we in the race for God’s glory? How much do we as individuals want to win God’s prosperity? Will we go for the Gold crown in every category?
He asked the audience, “Isn’t there something more lasting, more enduring, that we can get excited about than World Cups, big houses, fancy cars.” Bishop Johnson then paused momentarily, leaving the congregation to crave for the formula that would enable them attain a lasting prosperity. He then took a quick look at the audience, and his voice broke the silence, “Yes there is. There is a glory and prosperity that is lasting.”
Bishop Johnson named four Crowns that provides glories and prosperity that are lasting: The Crown of Righteousness, The Crown of Life, The Crown of Rejoicing, and The Crown of Glory. The Crowns, Bishop Johnson said, signifies God’s glory, honor and power.
Bishop said the Crown of Life is a trophy that requires us to remain faithful, even when things are hard. He referred to James 1:12, which states, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him."
He said the Crown of Rejoicing is given to those who win souls. The Crown of Rejoicing is mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20, which affirms that souls won for Jesus will make us worthy of this crown of Rejoicing.
The Crown of Glory seems to be a reward for those who help the Chief Shepherd to teach, care for, and nurture God’s people so that they grow. This reward is for devoted Pastors, who willingly feed his flock. 1 Peter 5:2-4, talks about this Crown:
"Be Shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve, not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that never will fade away."
Bishop Johnson urged the congregation to desist from feeling themselves so much negative. He admonished the congregation to learn from the Apostle Paul, who was not motivated by men’s values. Bishop said, "Run with purpose, passion and perseverance, so that you can win the Crown.”
He added, “Live for what Christ died for- souls, and be willing to die for what Christ lived for-truth,” so that truth may be established, and truth may live in the hearts of men and women.
Bishop Johnson closed his teaching, informing the audience that he is going for Gold in every category of the race. He challenged the congregation to join the race, and pressed even further, “I don’t want to see you with a Crownless head.”
As the Sermon came to a close, I was wondering what our village would be like if we had ten persons willing to join such a race- a race that would challenge us to set aside our pettiness, and work for the development of "our neighbor." Such a venture would teach us to loving, selfless; it would strip us of selfishness, and help us forgo the bad for the good.
Mama, what a sermon. Isn't it more of a teach-preach? I hope our people will gather around the fire when the sun goes down to listen to this letter.
Let me know how it goes.
always,
musue
Thanks for the pre-independence Day picture. The picture brings back fond memories of the Village, and our people. In this picture, I see almost all the houses- big and small, and the little huts all flying or painted red, white and blue. Was there any competition or race for flying the "Red, White and Blue Colors." To my eyes, the picture of the Village is overwhelming - almost everything: houses, palm trees, banana trees, plum trees, Calabashes, buckets, drums, faces of children are painted in national colors. Let me use the Bassa phrase, "Ah kay nay!" One of my "T-High" comrades, Matthew Gbesee used the phrased whenever he lacked words to describe a situation.
This Independence Day, I close my eyes to reflect on past July 26 celebrations, and visualize what’s happening in the Village, my homeland. I picture today’s inhabitants in their celebrity mood. I draw images from folk stories (oral and written) of our grandparents, our great-grand parents, and our ancestors who walked and toiled our homeland.
Last night, I heard the town crier announce that the Village soccer team, the Lone Star beat our neighbor Syli National of Guinea 1-0 during the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Unity Tournament in commemoration of Independence Day.
The people from our village here are engage in a lot of activities. Independent day parties are going on in several states here: Staten Island, Philadephia, Maryland, Washington, DC, among other places.
Our Village's Embassy here had a big party. At the party, I heard people had all the Liberian food: roast meat, roast fish, roast chicken, fufu and soup, Kpassajama, and just about everything you can see and smell while walking the streets in the village. At some of these parties, people dress to kill. Sometimes, it is almost like a race for who’s the best dress; who's the best cook; who has the best car; who has the best hairdo; who wore the most expensive shirt, who wore the beautiful pants; who made it first at the party....? Emm. I heard that the race and placing things in various category didn't begin with thse attending the part, I mean outside guest, the organizers also (knowingly/unknowingly) too part in the race. You can imagine the rest.
Mama, writing about the Independence Day, and talking about race, reminds me of one of Bishop Darlingston Johnson's sermons on partaking in a race, and winning lasting glories. The sermon was drawn from several passages including, 1 Corinthians 9: 24 – 27, which reads:
“ 24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”
In that sermon, Bishop Johnson said there is a race going on, we can decide to join the race, or be by standers. However, every believer is a part of the race.
As soon as Bishop Johnson mentioned the word "race," my mind manipulating the word, and providing different images. I started picturing people: some people running while others standing and curiously asking question to no one in particular: “Why are those people running? As the race goes on in my mind, there there are others, who see people running, they immediately jump in, without asking what the race is all about. Yea, yea, we have seen that one. Then there are those who jumped in line, and register for any category, without information about the race, the categpries, or trophies. Doesn’t that sound familiar?
But what did Bishop say in his teaching? In his usual teaching and preaching methodology, Bishop presented the goal selecting the theme and topic, outlining the whys, bullet pointing the whats, and illustrating how (individual) members of the congregation can partake in the race and win the highest trophy. So when Bishop Johnson stood before the audience to speak on 'Racing for Gold,' he urged the congregation to aim for the highest category. Bishop associated the race for prosperity to the World Soccer game, where teams compete for trophies in the highest categories, and some fell alongside the way side. He said, though some teams dropped out of the competition, being a part of the championship was an opportunity, an effort and an act that earned even the losing team credit just for participating in the race. In essence, Bishop said that as believers, (unbelievers are not in the race) we are already in the race. Bishop then posed the following questions to the congregation:
What’s our standing in the race for prosperity. How well are we in the race for God’s glory? How much do we as individuals want to win God’s prosperity? Will we go for the Gold crown in every category?
He asked the audience, “Isn’t there something more lasting, more enduring, that we can get excited about than World Cups, big houses, fancy cars.” Bishop Johnson then paused momentarily, leaving the congregation to crave for the formula that would enable them attain a lasting prosperity. He then took a quick look at the audience, and his voice broke the silence, “Yes there is. There is a glory and prosperity that is lasting.”
Bishop Johnson named four Crowns that provides glories and prosperity that are lasting: The Crown of Righteousness, The Crown of Life, The Crown of Rejoicing, and The Crown of Glory. The Crowns, Bishop Johnson said, signifies God’s glory, honor and power.
Bishop said the Crown of Life is a trophy that requires us to remain faithful, even when things are hard. He referred to James 1:12, which states, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him."
He said the Crown of Rejoicing is given to those who win souls. The Crown of Rejoicing is mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20, which affirms that souls won for Jesus will make us worthy of this crown of Rejoicing.
The Crown of Glory seems to be a reward for those who help the Chief Shepherd to teach, care for, and nurture God’s people so that they grow. This reward is for devoted Pastors, who willingly feed his flock. 1 Peter 5:2-4, talks about this Crown:
"Be Shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve, not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that never will fade away."
Bishop Johnson urged the congregation to desist from feeling themselves so much negative. He admonished the congregation to learn from the Apostle Paul, who was not motivated by men’s values. Bishop said, "Run with purpose, passion and perseverance, so that you can win the Crown.”
He added, “Live for what Christ died for- souls, and be willing to die for what Christ lived for-truth,” so that truth may be established, and truth may live in the hearts of men and women.
Bishop Johnson closed his teaching, informing the audience that he is going for Gold in every category of the race. He challenged the congregation to join the race, and pressed even further, “I don’t want to see you with a Crownless head.”
As the Sermon came to a close, I was wondering what our village would be like if we had ten persons willing to join such a race- a race that would challenge us to set aside our pettiness, and work for the development of "our neighbor." Such a venture would teach us to loving, selfless; it would strip us of selfishness, and help us forgo the bad for the good.
Mama, what a sermon. Isn't it more of a teach-preach? I hope our people will gather around the fire when the sun goes down to listen to this letter.
Let me know how it goes.
always,
musue
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Random Thoughts: Breeding Bullies.....?
Dearest Mama,
Consider this letter a diversion from our usual communication. I am writing to inform you and the town’s folks, the villagers, our ancestors and our elders about one of the major challenges of raising kids in this part of the world. It may be impossible to give you a “blow- by- blow” of the bullying your grandchild is facing, but before I can give you a summary, let me take this moment to express my regret to Pastor Darlingston Johnson, Rev. Julius Laggah, and Pastor Zangai for the delay in finalizing and posting articles from the past teachings and orations. I also take this time to ask editors of my manuscripts to bear with me as I deal with this grave situation. Thank You.
Mama, the latest bullying situation occured recently. On July 13th, my son went on a field trip. When I went to pick him up, he said his head was hurting. I thought he was just playing baby. However, after reaching home, my son again raised the issue, this time, mentioning the names of two kids and demonstrating how the kids (children whose bullying behavior is nothing new and resulted to our staying away from the family.) slapped repeatedly and violently on his head. My son then started crying. I then recognized the magnitude of the intentional tormenting, the physical, verbal, and psychological abuse my son suffered that day at the hands of these two children.
At that moment, I was torn. I called your grandson other grandma. My son, your grandchild, using his limited speech to communicate explained via telephone to his grandma what had happened. He also called the names of the two kids, and then started sobbing.
Mama, I know you got my message that day, and might have heard my son sobbing in the backgroun. I tried calling, but the satellite to the village was dimmed. I am sure you always see us, and hear our messages, and are aware of our attempts to reach out to you. But from this end, it is difficult to see or hear you. Sometimes, in the middle of the night, the satellite is a bit clearer to see your face. However, with my son still sobbing, and holding ice cubes on his head that day, I called on the Highest authority and petitioned him to intervene.
This is not the first time these kid(s) have physically and verbally tormented my son, Mama. In the past, the little girl openly pushed your grandchild; she also used both legs to kick and push my son in the presence of her mother. On each of those occasions, the girl’s mother just looked on, as if it was a normal or an acceptable behavior. Let me say it again, she looked on without any form of action to stop her daughter. It appeared that they enjoyed watching my son’s reactions, and my own reaction. You know Mama, at one time, I assumed that the little girl’s behavior was just a temporary phase, and that she would change her behavior at some point in time. Contrary to what I had assumed, the situation worsened, resulting to a marginalization of my son, and his growing timidity. Rather than find means to resolve the situation, the girl's mother defended her daughter’s behavior and threaten us. I still have that e-mail. Since then, and after seeking advice from colleagues and other professionals, I have avoided the family and vowed that if they ever came near my son, I will make use of every available option within the confines of the law to protect my son from any form, and or acts of abuse and bully.
So it came as quite a surprise that these kids saw my son with his classmates, and t they had the audacity to invade my son’s territory, just to pound on his head and demean him. Mama, ask the villagers to tell me … for what??? Wow, these people are brave? How dare these kids and their parents to consider my son their punching bag?
Mama, what really scared me about this whole scenario was a comment the boy once made. Guess what he said! One day he told me during a casual conversation that if my son ever visited them, they would use him [my son] for an experiment.
I asked, ‘what kind of experiment?”
The boy responded, “To see how long he can breathe.”
I was shock, but went on, “Do you want to kill my son.”
The boy’s response, ‘We have “antidote” in case anything happens to bring him back to life.”
When I informed the boy’s mom, she brushed it aside.
Can you picture such experiment with your grandson? Imagine the images that appeared in my mind that day, and other days whenever the thought of ever accepting the offfer to baby sit my son. I know that people from our village and surrounding clans will not allow their eight years old to toy with the idea of using a child for experiment, let alone express such. In this place, you have to be careful and on constant alert when it comes to raising kids. You see people, you interact with people, but you can assume to know them, or their thoughts. As parents here, we meet a lot of people at programs for kids: playgrounds, after school programs, etc. We meet at these places and try to mingle, setting aside our cultural and other backgrounds. But now I understand the dangers in mingling with people who are ignoramus, and cantankerous. Moreover, in a society where family values, love and nurturing kids are on the back seat, one has cautious about what children see, hear and live everyday, and everywhere.
Back to the situation on hand. It is too big to go under the carpet. Please Mama, don’t even start the little parables, and don’t even talk about kola nuts and white fowls. Most of the people here will eat our food with smiles that shows their jawbone teeth, but that is where it ends when it comes to tolerance.
Mama, I have forgiven them, but right now, I must be a parent to my son. This is about fulfilling my responsibilities, a duty and responsibility that I cherish, and fully embrace with my heart, soul and mind. If I neglect any part or aspects of this responsibility, then my entire life (my past and present, and perhaps my future) is a waste.
Mama, do you remember once when you took the rattan chair, share kola-nuts and ask me whether I didn’t like President Charles Taylor that was why I vigorously pursue highlighting human rights situation during his regime. What was my response? I said, “I don’t hate President Taylor, but like many others, I was a victim of the war; moreover, President Taylor’s policies and practices were not in the interest of the people and society.” Wait Mama, I know you may want to ask why I jumped from bullying to discussing ex President Charles Taylor. I am laying a premise to point out the degree at which I am pursuing this issue. The point here is this, Taylor was at the helm of power, what he was doing at that time affected me and my compatriots, thou not in the same direct manner that this lady have [directly] allowed her children to bully and brutalized my son. So if I could put my life on the line and vigorously pursue an issue that was somehow considered nationally “taboo” under President Taylor’s administration, then imagine the effort I am putting into an issue that has my child, a child divinely placed in my care, my biological child, my “only begotten son." Eh! Tell them, even raccoon knows what tree to clean his buttock on.
Mama, in this place, bully is a crime, however like all crimes, there must be investigations. So while the investigation is being carried out, we will continue to call on our elders to guide us in this situation. I have faith ‘as small as a custard seed,” that means mountains will move for us. God does not like ugly, God does not like evil. This situation is both evil and ugly. Bullying is evil; someone who bullies is a bully. A bully, according to The Free Dictionary is “a person who is habitually cruel or overbearing, especially to smaller or weaker people.” Imagine that!
You know Mama, there is no way, let me emphasize, NO WAY, [I put my finger on the ground, kiss it and put it upward] this thing will be disregarded, ignore, and ceased; therefore, we must reach the bottom of this situation. The law will take its course, nature will take its course, our elders in the remote part of the village are also sitting on the mat and breaking kola nuts on this situation, and every agents of the Shepherd from all corners of the earth and the Universe - North, South, West And East are implementing the relief the Shepherd has ordered, and adjudged regarding my petition on this issue. As I complete this section, I am reminded of this popular parable, "He who pursues an innocent chicken always stumbles." As simple as it may sound, perhaps they may need interpretation. Who knows, they might have to suck up their prejudice to ask some of our people to interprete this proverb.
Mama, thank you for all the night tales. I learn and apppreciate that our Shepherd loves little children, and I know that anyone who does wrong to a child puts their hands in the eyes of the God, the Shepherd.
Mama, that being said, this letter serves as part of the documentation of facts surrounding the bullying of my son by these children with the acquiesce of their parents. Along with other professionals, this issue will only find closure after the necessary measures are put in place to put a halt to this cruel and inhumane treatment, the binding of all such and similar acts by the perpetrators against my son, and full restitution, not money or material things, [I want nothing from them, and want nothing to do with them. I rub my heel in the dirt on that.] but the full weight of ALL the law for the acts deliberately and calculatedly carried out by this family against my son. There are laws against bully; however in this case, it is not only about bully, but also a case of physical, verbal abuse, among other cruelty, and I may even add stalking.
Mama, bullies hurt and sometimes kill their victims. Some victims have remained permanently damaged from being bullied. But Mama, do you know that bullies are also harmed in the process. You see, Mama, children learn what they live. There is a poem written by an author, Dr, Dorothy Law Nolte. Parts of the poem goes like this, "If children live with sharing, they learn generosity, If children live with fairness, they learn justice. If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.” Some people fail to understand that children pick on our ways of life, the way we regard others, the way we view others, and how we relate to our own kids. Along the way in life, we sometimes make mistakes, but we can learn to recognize our shortcomings, and do the right thing. In the same vein, we can take a stand against bully within our own life, by modeling anti bullying behaviors. If bullies are allowed to continue their behavior, the behavior becomes habitual. In the process, they do not develop a mature sense of justice. Besides, they tend to intimidate others to cover up their own insecurities, which make their own anxiety level to increase.
Doesn’t this sound like the song the old man used to sing: you do good, you do it for yourself, if you do bad, you do it to yourself.
Dr. Carol E. Watkins in an article, “Dealing with Bullies and How Not to be One,” said, “There are a number of reasons that a child or adolescent becomes a bully. He or she may need to cover his own feelings of inadequacy. He may lack good adult role models. If he sees parents bullying him or each other, he may regard this type of behavior as simply the way one should act.” That really sums it up.
Sometimes I say, “Yes, being a single parent is one challenging job, but it is one I will prefer to the alternative that was on the table.” You see, children can learn everything; it is just a matter of how we teach them, or what we exposed them to, or what they hear and see. Once children are expose to bullying, intolerance, greed, they are learning those attitudes and behaviors, and therefore will "live what they learn." In the same vein, if you want your five years old to learn 100 hundred sight words within a given period, you can teach them in one or more ways: motivate the child, expose them to the words,(which is letting them live the sight words, and they will learn them),teach them by identifying their intelligence(s) and using their learning styles. Let your child live love, they will learn learn to love, let your child live hate, they will learn hatred. It's like, you reap what you sow in children.
Mama, say hi to Karworlorwu, Dobarzee, Olman Poe, MaTete, and all the family, friends and villagers. I'm still waiting for the country soda.
In the main time, I am working with my son, and have consulted other family members who are providing us support to help my son overcome the situation, and also help me to remain focus.
I miss you dearly.
always,
musue
Consider this letter a diversion from our usual communication. I am writing to inform you and the town’s folks, the villagers, our ancestors and our elders about one of the major challenges of raising kids in this part of the world. It may be impossible to give you a “blow- by- blow” of the bullying your grandchild is facing, but before I can give you a summary, let me take this moment to express my regret to Pastor Darlingston Johnson, Rev. Julius Laggah, and Pastor Zangai for the delay in finalizing and posting articles from the past teachings and orations. I also take this time to ask editors of my manuscripts to bear with me as I deal with this grave situation. Thank You.
Mama, the latest bullying situation occured recently. On July 13th, my son went on a field trip. When I went to pick him up, he said his head was hurting. I thought he was just playing baby. However, after reaching home, my son again raised the issue, this time, mentioning the names of two kids and demonstrating how the kids (children whose bullying behavior is nothing new and resulted to our staying away from the family.) slapped repeatedly and violently on his head. My son then started crying. I then recognized the magnitude of the intentional tormenting, the physical, verbal, and psychological abuse my son suffered that day at the hands of these two children.
At that moment, I was torn. I called your grandson other grandma. My son, your grandchild, using his limited speech to communicate explained via telephone to his grandma what had happened. He also called the names of the two kids, and then started sobbing.
Mama, I know you got my message that day, and might have heard my son sobbing in the backgroun. I tried calling, but the satellite to the village was dimmed. I am sure you always see us, and hear our messages, and are aware of our attempts to reach out to you. But from this end, it is difficult to see or hear you. Sometimes, in the middle of the night, the satellite is a bit clearer to see your face. However, with my son still sobbing, and holding ice cubes on his head that day, I called on the Highest authority and petitioned him to intervene.
This is not the first time these kid(s) have physically and verbally tormented my son, Mama. In the past, the little girl openly pushed your grandchild; she also used both legs to kick and push my son in the presence of her mother. On each of those occasions, the girl’s mother just looked on, as if it was a normal or an acceptable behavior. Let me say it again, she looked on without any form of action to stop her daughter. It appeared that they enjoyed watching my son’s reactions, and my own reaction. You know Mama, at one time, I assumed that the little girl’s behavior was just a temporary phase, and that she would change her behavior at some point in time. Contrary to what I had assumed, the situation worsened, resulting to a marginalization of my son, and his growing timidity. Rather than find means to resolve the situation, the girl's mother defended her daughter’s behavior and threaten us. I still have that e-mail. Since then, and after seeking advice from colleagues and other professionals, I have avoided the family and vowed that if they ever came near my son, I will make use of every available option within the confines of the law to protect my son from any form, and or acts of abuse and bully.
So it came as quite a surprise that these kids saw my son with his classmates, and t they had the audacity to invade my son’s territory, just to pound on his head and demean him. Mama, ask the villagers to tell me … for what??? Wow, these people are brave? How dare these kids and their parents to consider my son their punching bag?
Mama, what really scared me about this whole scenario was a comment the boy once made. Guess what he said! One day he told me during a casual conversation that if my son ever visited them, they would use him [my son] for an experiment.
I asked, ‘what kind of experiment?”
The boy responded, “To see how long he can breathe.”
I was shock, but went on, “Do you want to kill my son.”
The boy’s response, ‘We have “antidote” in case anything happens to bring him back to life.”
When I informed the boy’s mom, she brushed it aside.
Can you picture such experiment with your grandson? Imagine the images that appeared in my mind that day, and other days whenever the thought of ever accepting the offfer to baby sit my son. I know that people from our village and surrounding clans will not allow their eight years old to toy with the idea of using a child for experiment, let alone express such. In this place, you have to be careful and on constant alert when it comes to raising kids. You see people, you interact with people, but you can assume to know them, or their thoughts. As parents here, we meet a lot of people at programs for kids: playgrounds, after school programs, etc. We meet at these places and try to mingle, setting aside our cultural and other backgrounds. But now I understand the dangers in mingling with people who are ignoramus, and cantankerous. Moreover, in a society where family values, love and nurturing kids are on the back seat, one has cautious about what children see, hear and live everyday, and everywhere.
Back to the situation on hand. It is too big to go under the carpet. Please Mama, don’t even start the little parables, and don’t even talk about kola nuts and white fowls. Most of the people here will eat our food with smiles that shows their jawbone teeth, but that is where it ends when it comes to tolerance.
Mama, I have forgiven them, but right now, I must be a parent to my son. This is about fulfilling my responsibilities, a duty and responsibility that I cherish, and fully embrace with my heart, soul and mind. If I neglect any part or aspects of this responsibility, then my entire life (my past and present, and perhaps my future) is a waste.
Mama, do you remember once when you took the rattan chair, share kola-nuts and ask me whether I didn’t like President Charles Taylor that was why I vigorously pursue highlighting human rights situation during his regime. What was my response? I said, “I don’t hate President Taylor, but like many others, I was a victim of the war; moreover, President Taylor’s policies and practices were not in the interest of the people and society.” Wait Mama, I know you may want to ask why I jumped from bullying to discussing ex President Charles Taylor. I am laying a premise to point out the degree at which I am pursuing this issue. The point here is this, Taylor was at the helm of power, what he was doing at that time affected me and my compatriots, thou not in the same direct manner that this lady have [directly] allowed her children to bully and brutalized my son. So if I could put my life on the line and vigorously pursue an issue that was somehow considered nationally “taboo” under President Taylor’s administration, then imagine the effort I am putting into an issue that has my child, a child divinely placed in my care, my biological child, my “only begotten son." Eh! Tell them, even raccoon knows what tree to clean his buttock on.
Mama, in this place, bully is a crime, however like all crimes, there must be investigations. So while the investigation is being carried out, we will continue to call on our elders to guide us in this situation. I have faith ‘as small as a custard seed,” that means mountains will move for us. God does not like ugly, God does not like evil. This situation is both evil and ugly. Bullying is evil; someone who bullies is a bully. A bully, according to The Free Dictionary is “a person who is habitually cruel or overbearing, especially to smaller or weaker people.” Imagine that!
You know Mama, there is no way, let me emphasize, NO WAY, [I put my finger on the ground, kiss it and put it upward] this thing will be disregarded, ignore, and ceased; therefore, we must reach the bottom of this situation. The law will take its course, nature will take its course, our elders in the remote part of the village are also sitting on the mat and breaking kola nuts on this situation, and every agents of the Shepherd from all corners of the earth and the Universe - North, South, West And East are implementing the relief the Shepherd has ordered, and adjudged regarding my petition on this issue. As I complete this section, I am reminded of this popular parable, "He who pursues an innocent chicken always stumbles." As simple as it may sound, perhaps they may need interpretation. Who knows, they might have to suck up their prejudice to ask some of our people to interprete this proverb.
Mama, thank you for all the night tales. I learn and apppreciate that our Shepherd loves little children, and I know that anyone who does wrong to a child puts their hands in the eyes of the God, the Shepherd.
Mama, that being said, this letter serves as part of the documentation of facts surrounding the bullying of my son by these children with the acquiesce of their parents. Along with other professionals, this issue will only find closure after the necessary measures are put in place to put a halt to this cruel and inhumane treatment, the binding of all such and similar acts by the perpetrators against my son, and full restitution, not money or material things, [I want nothing from them, and want nothing to do with them. I rub my heel in the dirt on that.] but the full weight of ALL the law for the acts deliberately and calculatedly carried out by this family against my son. There are laws against bully; however in this case, it is not only about bully, but also a case of physical, verbal abuse, among other cruelty, and I may even add stalking.
Mama, bullies hurt and sometimes kill their victims. Some victims have remained permanently damaged from being bullied. But Mama, do you know that bullies are also harmed in the process. You see, Mama, children learn what they live. There is a poem written by an author, Dr, Dorothy Law Nolte. Parts of the poem goes like this, "If children live with sharing, they learn generosity, If children live with fairness, they learn justice. If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.” Some people fail to understand that children pick on our ways of life, the way we regard others, the way we view others, and how we relate to our own kids. Along the way in life, we sometimes make mistakes, but we can learn to recognize our shortcomings, and do the right thing. In the same vein, we can take a stand against bully within our own life, by modeling anti bullying behaviors. If bullies are allowed to continue their behavior, the behavior becomes habitual. In the process, they do not develop a mature sense of justice. Besides, they tend to intimidate others to cover up their own insecurities, which make their own anxiety level to increase.
Doesn’t this sound like the song the old man used to sing: you do good, you do it for yourself, if you do bad, you do it to yourself.
Dr. Carol E. Watkins in an article, “Dealing with Bullies and How Not to be One,” said, “There are a number of reasons that a child or adolescent becomes a bully. He or she may need to cover his own feelings of inadequacy. He may lack good adult role models. If he sees parents bullying him or each other, he may regard this type of behavior as simply the way one should act.” That really sums it up.
Sometimes I say, “Yes, being a single parent is one challenging job, but it is one I will prefer to the alternative that was on the table.” You see, children can learn everything; it is just a matter of how we teach them, or what we exposed them to, or what they hear and see. Once children are expose to bullying, intolerance, greed, they are learning those attitudes and behaviors, and therefore will "live what they learn." In the same vein, if you want your five years old to learn 100 hundred sight words within a given period, you can teach them in one or more ways: motivate the child, expose them to the words,(which is letting them live the sight words, and they will learn them),teach them by identifying their intelligence(s) and using their learning styles. Let your child live love, they will learn learn to love, let your child live hate, they will learn hatred. It's like, you reap what you sow in children.
Mama, say hi to Karworlorwu, Dobarzee, Olman Poe, MaTete, and all the family, friends and villagers. I'm still waiting for the country soda.
In the main time, I am working with my son, and have consulted other family members who are providing us support to help my son overcome the situation, and also help me to remain focus.
I miss you dearly.
always,
musue
Friday, June 18, 2010
Random Thoughts: Giving - God is Not a Mob Boss
Dearest Mama,
Thanks for your response to my last letter, “Prayers for Sale.” Yea, yea, I know some folks had problems with the little true story. It is not a “They say story, it is something I saw with my own eyes, not once, not twice, but many times. I am not against street preaching, but I get discourage when I see people take advantage of others.
I do appreciate feedback from everyone, particularly those from the village. Thanks to Sikuno for her letter. I could tell from the manner it was packaged that she didn’t find my letter to you and the villagers favorable. I hope she is not one of those who is paying for prayers and blessings. If she is one of the victims of such schemes, I want her to know that God loves her, and his love and blessings are not for sale.
I also want to share with my sister Sikuno some captivating comments from a sermon at one of the churches here. Bishop Darlington Johnson of Bethel World Outreach, in his preaching on tithing said, “ tithing is one of the ways God allow us [a choice he wants us to make] to create and protect our wealth and finances. In order to protect our finances from Satan, we must bring our tithe [10%] of our wealth into God’s store house.”
Bishop Johnson said, though God wants us to tithe, “God is not a Mob Boss, who will stick a gun to our heads demanding 10% of our income. Unlike the Mob Boss who will harass you to buy protection by giving, or threaten you and your families, the purpose of tithing is to show faith in God, that he [God] will take care of your needs and you will not have to rely on material things.”
I know, some people are already hissing their teeth at the mention of 10%. It is not necessary to get a lawyer to defend you in this matter, because in the Bible, it says, [Psalm 24:1] "The earth belongs to God! Everything in all the world is His!" and honor him by giving our tithe.” Ah, let me quickly make a simple correction here. Yes, the earth belongs to God, and everything on this earth belongs to God. But that doesn’t mean we have to make the 10% payment of our income in the same manner we make our credit card payments, or the way we turn our heads when we pay our rent. We shouldn’t angrily or reluctantly pull out our check books, or tear money out our purses and wallets to buy money orders, and sign off the ten percent [in the same manner we make minimum payment to credit card companies] and turn our backs. This is not about law, it is about love.
Bishop said giving with love [God’s way] and giving according to the law [the Mob Boss’ way] are two contrasting issues. In his words, ‘Law is external, and not from the heart. Law can get people to conform externally, but cannot capture the heart. God wants us to give with love and faith. God wants us to believe him, he wants us to have faith, and he wants us to have a heart filled with love and faith – a place that better serves him.”
Bishop Johnson said, give with joy, be hilarious in your giving because you want to please God. In the Bible, 2 Corinthians 9:7, "Each man should give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Also remember in 2 Corinthians 9: 6-8, Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
Bishop added, “Giving to God hilariously makes our lives to come alive because the spirit of God’s grace can work through our prayers and all that we do.” [When I hear this I wanted to blow whistle.]
So, whatever you are thinking, please don’t think Aunty Margborlu can pay your tithe. PaGono can buy a gift for you, but he cannot pay your tithe. Leave Mr. PayZeh out of this too, he cannot pay your tithe. This is like a bundle we all have to carry on our own, and we must learn to do it with our hearts.
With love and faith in God, I will have to pay my tithe, and you will have to pay your tithe. As Bishop Johnson said, giving voluntarily, and giving hilariously to God is a way of “honoring him, it make us bigger, it make us rich in faith, and it is a way of activating God’s promises in our lives.”
I understand, and we all know that things are tough – the harvest is not very good this year. Even here, in the kwee people’s land, most offices have closed down, leaving many of us without jobs. But think about it this way, would you hold back on your 10% tithe so that you can have the 100% of your income without God’s blessings on your finances, or have 90% of your income with God’s blessings?
If you are still struggling with letting go of the 10%, look at these verses:
Deuteronomy 8:18 tells us “Remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.”
Malachi 3:10-12: “‘Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food [tithing in God’s house is the food, which provides the ability and finances for the church to reach out to others] in My house, and try Me now in this’ says the LORD of hosts, ‘If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field’ says the LORD of hosts; ‘And all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a delightful land’ says the LORD of hosts.”
I know that by God’s grace, soon I will begin going on the farm again. Even in these rough times, I am seeing and appreciating God’s blessings when I tithe.
Mama, let me stop here. I must run to pick up your grandson. I missed the 3:00pm bus. Geez! The post guy said he wants you to send some country soda.
Always
musue
Thanks for your response to my last letter, “Prayers for Sale.” Yea, yea, I know some folks had problems with the little true story. It is not a “They say story, it is something I saw with my own eyes, not once, not twice, but many times. I am not against street preaching, but I get discourage when I see people take advantage of others.
I do appreciate feedback from everyone, particularly those from the village. Thanks to Sikuno for her letter. I could tell from the manner it was packaged that she didn’t find my letter to you and the villagers favorable. I hope she is not one of those who is paying for prayers and blessings. If she is one of the victims of such schemes, I want her to know that God loves her, and his love and blessings are not for sale.
I also want to share with my sister Sikuno some captivating comments from a sermon at one of the churches here. Bishop Darlington Johnson of Bethel World Outreach, in his preaching on tithing said, “ tithing is one of the ways God allow us [a choice he wants us to make] to create and protect our wealth and finances. In order to protect our finances from Satan, we must bring our tithe [10%] of our wealth into God’s store house.”
Bishop Johnson said, though God wants us to tithe, “God is not a Mob Boss, who will stick a gun to our heads demanding 10% of our income. Unlike the Mob Boss who will harass you to buy protection by giving, or threaten you and your families, the purpose of tithing is to show faith in God, that he [God] will take care of your needs and you will not have to rely on material things.”
I know, some people are already hissing their teeth at the mention of 10%. It is not necessary to get a lawyer to defend you in this matter, because in the Bible, it says, [Psalm 24:1] "The earth belongs to God! Everything in all the world is His!" and honor him by giving our tithe.” Ah, let me quickly make a simple correction here. Yes, the earth belongs to God, and everything on this earth belongs to God. But that doesn’t mean we have to make the 10% payment of our income in the same manner we make our credit card payments, or the way we turn our heads when we pay our rent. We shouldn’t angrily or reluctantly pull out our check books, or tear money out our purses and wallets to buy money orders, and sign off the ten percent [in the same manner we make minimum payment to credit card companies] and turn our backs. This is not about law, it is about love.
Bishop said giving with love [God’s way] and giving according to the law [the Mob Boss’ way] are two contrasting issues. In his words, ‘Law is external, and not from the heart. Law can get people to conform externally, but cannot capture the heart. God wants us to give with love and faith. God wants us to believe him, he wants us to have faith, and he wants us to have a heart filled with love and faith – a place that better serves him.”
Bishop Johnson said, give with joy, be hilarious in your giving because you want to please God. In the Bible, 2 Corinthians 9:7, "Each man should give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Also remember in 2 Corinthians 9: 6-8, Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
Bishop added, “Giving to God hilariously makes our lives to come alive because the spirit of God’s grace can work through our prayers and all that we do.” [When I hear this I wanted to blow whistle.]
So, whatever you are thinking, please don’t think Aunty Margborlu can pay your tithe. PaGono can buy a gift for you, but he cannot pay your tithe. Leave Mr. PayZeh out of this too, he cannot pay your tithe. This is like a bundle we all have to carry on our own, and we must learn to do it with our hearts.
With love and faith in God, I will have to pay my tithe, and you will have to pay your tithe. As Bishop Johnson said, giving voluntarily, and giving hilariously to God is a way of “honoring him, it make us bigger, it make us rich in faith, and it is a way of activating God’s promises in our lives.”
I understand, and we all know that things are tough – the harvest is not very good this year. Even here, in the kwee people’s land, most offices have closed down, leaving many of us without jobs. But think about it this way, would you hold back on your 10% tithe so that you can have the 100% of your income without God’s blessings on your finances, or have 90% of your income with God’s blessings?
If you are still struggling with letting go of the 10%, look at these verses:
Deuteronomy 8:18 tells us “Remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.”
Malachi 3:10-12: “‘Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food [tithing in God’s house is the food, which provides the ability and finances for the church to reach out to others] in My house, and try Me now in this’ says the LORD of hosts, ‘If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field’ says the LORD of hosts; ‘And all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a delightful land’ says the LORD of hosts.”
I know that by God’s grace, soon I will begin going on the farm again. Even in these rough times, I am seeing and appreciating God’s blessings when I tithe.
Mama, let me stop here. I must run to pick up your grandson. I missed the 3:00pm bus. Geez! The post guy said he wants you to send some country soda.
Always
musue
Monday, June 14, 2010
Random Thoughts: Prayers and God's Blessings For Sale
Dearest Mama,
It’s been a long time since we used this medium to communicate. It’s great to be back here. Do you find this http://musuehaddad-poems.blogspot.com/; the conduit we used during the last few months interesting? I’m certain we can use boths outlets to continue our communication. By his grace, during my next communication, I will try to look at the allegations that Former President Charles Taylor gave supermodel Naomi Campbell uncut “blood diamonds” while the two attended a dinner at the home of Nelson Mandela in 1997.
Well, how are the folks out there? Whether one is interested in gossip from the village, or not, it is almost impossible not to hear some of the phrases:
The town chief said one thing, but did the opposite; Kortoe Kpolo jumped through a window the night before his wedding; Seletah wedding dress was not “fine;” the minister said rat ate the tithe from the altar; Taplah trouser burst; … blah, blah, blah.
Not once did I hear from the mongers that a certain so and so decided to pay full arrears of their tithe; or that someone willing helped a child, or offered help without seeking publicity, or something in return.
What a world!
From this end, the kwee people’s place, (America), it is all about jobs, economics, jobs, economics, then politics, then jobs, economics, and the rest follow. It seems like almost every thing here has to do with economics.
Reflecting on the economic situations and increasing unemployment here reminds me of the period when the “war just ended” back in the village. Hunger was on the rise, unemployment high, everyone was desperate; people stepped on one another to reach the top. It didn’t matter who was at the bottom – the elderly, a child, children, pregnant women, or a widow, or widower. It was all about survival. If you think I am lying, go and take a look at the monument at the pavilion. I really don’t know where Late President Doe got the idea that a statue depicting half naked, desperate people battling one another to climb a totem pole has any relationship to freedom, liberty or human rights.
Now back to the era when actual fighting on the streets has ceased, it appeared that the fighting hopped into homes, the minds and bellies of our visibly weary folks who were clearly desperate for survival.
During that period, street preachers placed prayers, and what they claimed was God’s blessings in categories. After making the distinctive categories of the “prayers and blessings,” they then placed a price tag on the different levels of prayers, and the blessings it provided. Price tags at the top were heavy because according to the street preachers, such fees provided immediate blessings, and positive answers to their prayer requests. Lower fees did not provide full response to prayer requests. For lower fees, or dollars, our folks were told, they would receive tiny winy blessings. Sometimes, they claimed the price tag was actually tithe associated with each of the prayer and blessings. The more , and higher (tithe)a person give, the street preacher promised that God would give them a greater blessing. Phewwwwww!
As I watched one of these settings in the middle of Broad Street, opposite the Immigration Offices, I was perplexed. The street preachers easily persuaded many of our desperate town’s people that they could pay for prayers, and receive blessings. Or did our folk feel intimidated, or did they feared the wrath of God, or the curse of the “preachers?” I can’t say, but something was amiss. As the collection basket was brought forth, it quickly filled with money: bundles, single notes, wrinkle notes, etc. Interestingly, as the “preachers” continued to sell their messages, people kept going back and forth to put more “tithe” in the basket.
Several questions came to mind as I watched our impoverished folks emptied their pockets, and unfolded the knots at the edge of their lappas; many quickly opened the money bag they carried underneath their lappas; the guys hurriedly opened their wallets; the women their purses, believing that the street preacher had a direct contact with God, and that he, the street preacher “was the way, the truth and the light” to their blessings.
Tithe is a complex, and yet a simple practice. Tithe is practice in several religions. In Islam, tithe, or almsgiving is called Zakat. Zakat is one of the "Five Pillars of Islam," and is an important religious obligation that requires Muslims to gave certain percentage of their wealth as zakat.
In Buddhism, alms or almsgiving is also practiced as a ymbolic connection to the spiritual, and to show humbleness and respect. In addition, Buddhism believe in the concept of Karma, which basically says whatever we do, whatever we say, or intend comes back to us.
What does the Bible tell us about Tithe?
Bishop Darlington Johnson of Bethel World Outreach Church has been discussing Tithing. He made references to several Bible verses, including Deuteronomy 14:22-29, which states "one-tenth of all that comes into your [our] possession, belongs to God."
He explained that God is blessed by our tithe, and tithing is an expression of our love and obedience to Him. Bishop added that tithing is for our own benefit, it is a way for God to bless us. To further elaborate on the importance of tithing, Bishop said, "Tithing/giving honors God, it makes us bigger inside, and things become better outside, tithing makes us rich in faith, and it activates God's promises."
Bishop Johnspon then made reference to the law of sowing and reaping, which is illustrated in verse, Gal. 6: 7, Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. [are you sowing loving and faithfully] The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”
The Bible verse, Gal. 6: 7 takes us back to the street preaching. Were our folks sowing lovingly and faithfully? Were the street preachers sowing lovingly and faithfully to God? Were they truly serving God, or their own interest? Were they robbing God, or using the name of God to rob our impoverished town folks?
What does the Bible say about robbing God?
Malachi 3:8 states:
"Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. "But you ask, 'How do we rob you?' "In tithes and offerings."
After reading that verse, doesn’t it sound like it would be better to rob a place than to rob the bank of Heaven?
Malachi 3: 8 – 10 discusses tithing and giving:
Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me.
"But you ask, 'How do we rob you?'
"In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—the whole nation of you—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.
Tithing allows God’s grace to work on our behalf, as I have understood it. My parents were very heavy on Tithing, and the Bible is clear about tithing. Bishop Johnson simplified the tithing principle: He [God] gives unto us, we give back to Him[God} one-tenth of all that He has blessed us with.”
Bishop added, 'Grace works through faith. Grace shows through our work/actions, and obedience. Faith moves us to get in position to receive what grace has already provided.
He then illustrated the idea of faith, and grace, using the scenario of a mail man who comes to deliver a package. He said, by giving loving, and faithfully, we are present when the mailman comes to deliver the package[blessings], otherwise, we are not present, therefore the package in undelivered, and returned to sender. Do you want to be absent when the mail man comes to deliver a package that contains a much desired gift?
Doesn’t it sound beautiful, Mama. Tithing has nothing to do with how much tithe one offered, or how big or little our one tenth tithe is. It has to do with our faith and love in tithing. Bishop Johnson said that tithing has to be given voluntarily, willingly, and cheerfully, adding, “Be hilarious in your giving.”
Midway during his sermon, Bishop Johnson created a mental scenario of God and the Mob Boss to simplified the importance of tithing, and the contrast between giving to the Mob Boss and giving to God. That scenario was hilarious!
Mama, I never imagined God and a Mob Boss being in the same sentence. Have you??? Well, in my next mail, I will be looking at what motivates us to give to the Mob Boss, and giving to God. Watch Out!!
Always,
musue
When bellies are empty; when bills are outstanding; when school fees and rent are piling up, it takes a lot of guts, love, and faith to pay tithe. However when bills keep piling, and job is hard to come by, it is easy to find ourselves on the street with a "street preacher."
It’s been a long time since we used this medium to communicate. It’s great to be back here. Do you find this http://musuehaddad-poems.blogspot.com/; the conduit we used during the last few months interesting? I’m certain we can use boths outlets to continue our communication. By his grace, during my next communication, I will try to look at the allegations that Former President Charles Taylor gave supermodel Naomi Campbell uncut “blood diamonds” while the two attended a dinner at the home of Nelson Mandela in 1997.
Well, how are the folks out there? Whether one is interested in gossip from the village, or not, it is almost impossible not to hear some of the phrases:
The town chief said one thing, but did the opposite; Kortoe Kpolo jumped through a window the night before his wedding; Seletah wedding dress was not “fine;” the minister said rat ate the tithe from the altar; Taplah trouser burst; … blah, blah, blah.
Not once did I hear from the mongers that a certain so and so decided to pay full arrears of their tithe; or that someone willing helped a child, or offered help without seeking publicity, or something in return.
What a world!
From this end, the kwee people’s place, (America), it is all about jobs, economics, jobs, economics, then politics, then jobs, economics, and the rest follow. It seems like almost every thing here has to do with economics.
Reflecting on the economic situations and increasing unemployment here reminds me of the period when the “war just ended” back in the village. Hunger was on the rise, unemployment high, everyone was desperate; people stepped on one another to reach the top. It didn’t matter who was at the bottom – the elderly, a child, children, pregnant women, or a widow, or widower. It was all about survival. If you think I am lying, go and take a look at the monument at the pavilion. I really don’t know where Late President Doe got the idea that a statue depicting half naked, desperate people battling one another to climb a totem pole has any relationship to freedom, liberty or human rights.
Now back to the era when actual fighting on the streets has ceased, it appeared that the fighting hopped into homes, the minds and bellies of our visibly weary folks who were clearly desperate for survival.
During that period, street preachers placed prayers, and what they claimed was God’s blessings in categories. After making the distinctive categories of the “prayers and blessings,” they then placed a price tag on the different levels of prayers, and the blessings it provided. Price tags at the top were heavy because according to the street preachers, such fees provided immediate blessings, and positive answers to their prayer requests. Lower fees did not provide full response to prayer requests. For lower fees, or dollars, our folks were told, they would receive tiny winy blessings. Sometimes, they claimed the price tag was actually tithe associated with each of the prayer and blessings. The more , and higher (tithe)a person give, the street preacher promised that God would give them a greater blessing. Phewwwwww!
As I watched one of these settings in the middle of Broad Street, opposite the Immigration Offices, I was perplexed. The street preachers easily persuaded many of our desperate town’s people that they could pay for prayers, and receive blessings. Or did our folk feel intimidated, or did they feared the wrath of God, or the curse of the “preachers?” I can’t say, but something was amiss. As the collection basket was brought forth, it quickly filled with money: bundles, single notes, wrinkle notes, etc. Interestingly, as the “preachers” continued to sell their messages, people kept going back and forth to put more “tithe” in the basket.
Several questions came to mind as I watched our impoverished folks emptied their pockets, and unfolded the knots at the edge of their lappas; many quickly opened the money bag they carried underneath their lappas; the guys hurriedly opened their wallets; the women their purses, believing that the street preacher had a direct contact with God, and that he, the street preacher “was the way, the truth and the light” to their blessings.
Tithe is a complex, and yet a simple practice. Tithe is practice in several religions. In Islam, tithe, or almsgiving is called Zakat. Zakat is one of the "Five Pillars of Islam," and is an important religious obligation that requires Muslims to gave certain percentage of their wealth as zakat.
In Buddhism, alms or almsgiving is also practiced as a ymbolic connection to the spiritual, and to show humbleness and respect. In addition, Buddhism believe in the concept of Karma, which basically says whatever we do, whatever we say, or intend comes back to us.
What does the Bible tell us about Tithe?
Bishop Darlington Johnson of Bethel World Outreach Church has been discussing Tithing. He made references to several Bible verses, including Deuteronomy 14:22-29, which states "one-tenth of all that comes into your [our] possession, belongs to God."
He explained that God is blessed by our tithe, and tithing is an expression of our love and obedience to Him. Bishop added that tithing is for our own benefit, it is a way for God to bless us. To further elaborate on the importance of tithing, Bishop said, "Tithing/giving honors God, it makes us bigger inside, and things become better outside, tithing makes us rich in faith, and it activates God's promises."
Bishop Johnspon then made reference to the law of sowing and reaping, which is illustrated in verse, Gal. 6: 7, Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. [are you sowing loving and faithfully] The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”
The Bible verse, Gal. 6: 7 takes us back to the street preaching. Were our folks sowing lovingly and faithfully? Were the street preachers sowing lovingly and faithfully to God? Were they truly serving God, or their own interest? Were they robbing God, or using the name of God to rob our impoverished town folks?
What does the Bible say about robbing God?
Malachi 3:8 states:
"Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. "But you ask, 'How do we rob you?' "In tithes and offerings."
After reading that verse, doesn’t it sound like it would be better to rob a place than to rob the bank of Heaven?
Malachi 3: 8 – 10 discusses tithing and giving:
Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me.
"But you ask, 'How do we rob you?'
"In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—the whole nation of you—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.
Tithing allows God’s grace to work on our behalf, as I have understood it. My parents were very heavy on Tithing, and the Bible is clear about tithing. Bishop Johnson simplified the tithing principle: He [God] gives unto us, we give back to Him[God} one-tenth of all that He has blessed us with.”
Bishop added, 'Grace works through faith. Grace shows through our work/actions, and obedience. Faith moves us to get in position to receive what grace has already provided.
He then illustrated the idea of faith, and grace, using the scenario of a mail man who comes to deliver a package. He said, by giving loving, and faithfully, we are present when the mailman comes to deliver the package[blessings], otherwise, we are not present, therefore the package in undelivered, and returned to sender. Do you want to be absent when the mail man comes to deliver a package that contains a much desired gift?
Doesn’t it sound beautiful, Mama. Tithing has nothing to do with how much tithe one offered, or how big or little our one tenth tithe is. It has to do with our faith and love in tithing. Bishop Johnson said that tithing has to be given voluntarily, willingly, and cheerfully, adding, “Be hilarious in your giving.”
Midway during his sermon, Bishop Johnson created a mental scenario of God and the Mob Boss to simplified the importance of tithing, and the contrast between giving to the Mob Boss and giving to God. That scenario was hilarious!
Mama, I never imagined God and a Mob Boss being in the same sentence. Have you??? Well, in my next mail, I will be looking at what motivates us to give to the Mob Boss, and giving to God. Watch Out!!
Always,
musue
When bellies are empty; when bills are outstanding; when school fees and rent are piling up, it takes a lot of guts, love, and faith to pay tithe. However when bills keep piling, and job is hard to come by, it is easy to find ourselves on the street with a "street preacher."
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Random Thoughts: On 61st Birthday, Charles Taylor Hears Prosecution’s last Witnesses in his Case
Dearest Mama,
Hope all is well at your end. Thanks for your note reminding me about Pappay’s (Charles Taylor’s) birthday, and the inauguration of Obama as U.S. President. Before discussing Pappay’s birthday, I really want to say that from where I sit, Obama’s elections and inauguration have left me pondering over two things: Obama Democratic Convention Speech was held on the night 45 years after Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his "I have a Dream Speech," and Obama’s inauguration took place a day after Martin Luther King's Day in the U.S.A. In the U.S. Martin Luther King’s Day is observed on the third Monday of January, and this year it fell on January 19th, ushering the inauguration of Obama.
Regarding Pappay's birthday, it’s partly because of the birthday I travelled to The Hague to watch the last parts of the prosecution’s witnesses and also see what Taylor was doing for his birthday. The last few days of the prosecution’s presentation was tensed: A man who had both hands hacked off during Sierra Leone's civil war testified, A rape victim testifying against Taylor described her unbearable pain, and journalist Hassan Bility testified against Charles Taylor.
Mama, unlike in the past where Taylor’s birthday was celebrated with pomp and pageantry, this time I got the feeling that Pappay almost forgot his birthday. In fact, when he was reminded about his birthday, Pappay stopped momentarily in his track, stared briefly at what seemed to be the tip of his foot wear, and then he quickly lifted his head and looked far ahead. Mama, before I could read his expressions or connect his actions to facial countenance, Pappay had become aware of his environment and taken on his mode- easy strides and expressionless face as he was being taken to the courtroom.
Mama, while Pappay was in the court room, I found out in my own fashion that the tradition of celebrating birthhdays with showiness doesn't exist at The Hague; at least not in the part of The Hague where Taylor is held. Unlike in the past where Taylor’s birthday was celebrated with pomp and pageantry: songs/music written and sung in his honor; events organized to celebrate his natal day; government offices closed to celebrate his birthday, this time, Pappay spend his day facing victims of atrocities carried out by rebel group and during his administration.
It was awkward to see Pappay- a man who once summoned authority, now without status or authority. As I stood there looking at Pappay, I reflected on the degree of power he once held and wielded as rebel leader and during his years as President of Liberia. You’ll recall that during those days, when Pappay stood up, it seemed the World around him trembled; and when he walked, everything stood still. I can tell you that things are quite different at The Hague. On January 28, 2009, Pappay spend his 61st birthday in prison, reminiscing days of old when his birthday was a national events celebrated with showiness and splendor.
Actually, while en-route to The Hague, I had anticipated that Pappay would have stack of mails containing birthday cards and photographs from some of those we considered his “close’ friends, including the “queens” and “missuses.” Mama, Pappay had only a few pieces of mails in his room – none from his ‘circle of friends.”
When I had the opportunity, I seized the opportunity to ask Pappay about his birthday and his days at The Hague – was he in communication with his friends and families? Pappay paced back and forth, and then briefly held his chin. He responded to my inquiry by giving me a brief lecture: “Betrayal brings about …..anger. That’s because people remember their friends and the happy times they have spent together, and then the idea of betrayal…. At the end of the day, when we sit back, people remember friends who might have hurt them or betrayed them at some point of time.” At that end, Pappay became silent. I then knew that it was time to return home.
Mama, during my trip home, I thought about home- Liberia and the ritual of celebrating presidents’ birthdays as holidays, which over the years became an obsession. Before becoming president of Liberia, Taylor who was still head of his rebel group, together with his supporters converged on Monrovia in January, 1996, and celebrated his 48th birthday in grand style, while those he professed to be liberating were going to bed hungry daily. That tradition of celebrating his birthday in pomp and Pageantry continued throughout his administration.
President William V.S Tubman birthday which was a national holiday was celebrated November 29 of every year. When William R. Tolbert succeeded President Tubman, Tolbert’s birthday on May 13th was also a national holiday. President Samuel Doe continued the legacy; his birthday was May 6 of every year. And so, Charles Taylor’s birthday, January 28 was added to the calendar.
Mama was there any “Happy Birthday” announcement in the newspapers for Charles Taylor? How big was the advert? Was it a full page? Oh, if you see any advert, kindly let me know the size and the sponsor. I am just curious.
Talk to you later.
always, musue
Hope all is well at your end. Thanks for your note reminding me about Pappay’s (Charles Taylor’s) birthday, and the inauguration of Obama as U.S. President. Before discussing Pappay’s birthday, I really want to say that from where I sit, Obama’s elections and inauguration have left me pondering over two things: Obama Democratic Convention Speech was held on the night 45 years after Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his "I have a Dream Speech," and Obama’s inauguration took place a day after Martin Luther King's Day in the U.S.A. In the U.S. Martin Luther King’s Day is observed on the third Monday of January, and this year it fell on January 19th, ushering the inauguration of Obama.
Regarding Pappay's birthday, it’s partly because of the birthday I travelled to The Hague to watch the last parts of the prosecution’s witnesses and also see what Taylor was doing for his birthday. The last few days of the prosecution’s presentation was tensed: A man who had both hands hacked off during Sierra Leone's civil war testified, A rape victim testifying against Taylor described her unbearable pain, and journalist Hassan Bility testified against Charles Taylor.
Mama, unlike in the past where Taylor’s birthday was celebrated with pomp and pageantry, this time I got the feeling that Pappay almost forgot his birthday. In fact, when he was reminded about his birthday, Pappay stopped momentarily in his track, stared briefly at what seemed to be the tip of his foot wear, and then he quickly lifted his head and looked far ahead. Mama, before I could read his expressions or connect his actions to facial countenance, Pappay had become aware of his environment and taken on his mode- easy strides and expressionless face as he was being taken to the courtroom.
Mama, while Pappay was in the court room, I found out in my own fashion that the tradition of celebrating birthhdays with showiness doesn't exist at The Hague; at least not in the part of The Hague where Taylor is held. Unlike in the past where Taylor’s birthday was celebrated with pomp and pageantry: songs/music written and sung in his honor; events organized to celebrate his natal day; government offices closed to celebrate his birthday, this time, Pappay spend his day facing victims of atrocities carried out by rebel group and during his administration.
It was awkward to see Pappay- a man who once summoned authority, now without status or authority. As I stood there looking at Pappay, I reflected on the degree of power he once held and wielded as rebel leader and during his years as President of Liberia. You’ll recall that during those days, when Pappay stood up, it seemed the World around him trembled; and when he walked, everything stood still. I can tell you that things are quite different at The Hague. On January 28, 2009, Pappay spend his 61st birthday in prison, reminiscing days of old when his birthday was a national events celebrated with showiness and splendor.
Actually, while en-route to The Hague, I had anticipated that Pappay would have stack of mails containing birthday cards and photographs from some of those we considered his “close’ friends, including the “queens” and “missuses.” Mama, Pappay had only a few pieces of mails in his room – none from his ‘circle of friends.”
When I had the opportunity, I seized the opportunity to ask Pappay about his birthday and his days at The Hague – was he in communication with his friends and families? Pappay paced back and forth, and then briefly held his chin. He responded to my inquiry by giving me a brief lecture: “Betrayal brings about …..anger. That’s because people remember their friends and the happy times they have spent together, and then the idea of betrayal…. At the end of the day, when we sit back, people remember friends who might have hurt them or betrayed them at some point of time.” At that end, Pappay became silent. I then knew that it was time to return home.
Mama, during my trip home, I thought about home- Liberia and the ritual of celebrating presidents’ birthdays as holidays, which over the years became an obsession. Before becoming president of Liberia, Taylor who was still head of his rebel group, together with his supporters converged on Monrovia in January, 1996, and celebrated his 48th birthday in grand style, while those he professed to be liberating were going to bed hungry daily. That tradition of celebrating his birthday in pomp and Pageantry continued throughout his administration.
President William V.S Tubman birthday which was a national holiday was celebrated November 29 of every year. When William R. Tolbert succeeded President Tubman, Tolbert’s birthday on May 13th was also a national holiday. President Samuel Doe continued the legacy; his birthday was May 6 of every year. And so, Charles Taylor’s birthday, January 28 was added to the calendar.
Mama was there any “Happy Birthday” announcement in the newspapers for Charles Taylor? How big was the advert? Was it a full page? Oh, if you see any advert, kindly let me know the size and the sponsor. I am just curious.
Talk to you later.
always, musue
Random Thoughts: Dependency Syndrome - A Society of Predators and Sycophants
Dearest Mama,
I understand your interest in hearing my views on the implications of predators or predation and sycophants on our society. I also received several communications from our compatriots requesting a short discussion on these issues. Personally, I wanted to write on the topic few months ago, but have been preoccupied with getting the claws of predators from my flesh. At the moment, I have large wounds that may take several months to heal.
Mama, let me forewarn you that this is a broad topic, and this communication may not touch on all facets of the issues, but I will attempt to set the premise for future discussions.
“Predator” is mostly associated with conservationism, which is a process where one animal attacks and feeds on another. Sometimes, the predators may or may not kill their prey before feeding on them, but the act or practice of plundering or marauding; or the act of attacking a prey as a means of maintaining life almost always results in the death of that prey. The word sycophant refers to a person who, acting in his or her own self-interest, tries to win favor by flattering people in positions of power, at the cost of his or her own personal pride and in most instances, at the expense of his or her peers.
Mama, when a society has a powerful human (political) predator, life becomes difficult for others, particularly the those that are helpless or unable to fight back. Most human predators are even more cunning than animal predators. Like animals, human predators may hunt actively for prey, or sit and wait for prey to approach within striking distance, and then they pound on them. Most preys are innocent, and struggling to live a simple life. What makes this more challenging for human being prey is that when greed and power comes into play for human predators, their minds operate like animals, and even below the thinking capacity and reasoning of low class animals.
Mama, you will begin to imagine that living in the midst of predator is difficult. I will then add that, if living in the midst of predators is difficult, then imagine what’s happening in our society where predators and sycophants are rubbing shoulders?
Mama, I have experienced the handy works of predators and sycophants. Believe me, when it comes to greed and power, predators and sycophants put aside common sense and reasoning; they move head on without any consideration for the implications of their actions on other human beings, including innocent children. It’s kind of scary looking at some of the consequences of sycophancy, and victims of the predators and sycophants in our society.
Mama, it is sad to see that of all the beautiful things in our world, people can select and become exceptionally good at the art of sycophancy. Imagine the time, resources and efforts they devout to not developing their God given skills and talent that could be used to contribute meaningfully society. No! They spent all the time trying to flatter, and undermine others. It is sad to know that sycophants deliberately prey on colleagues or co-workers who simply desire to uphold and maintain their dignity, rather than engage in flattery. In a world where competition is much more encouraged, while collaboration and coordination is gradually being pushed under the carpet, sycophancy and predation are gradually becoming acceptable norms and practices within some institutions, and communities.
To beef up the practice of sycophancy, almost all acts carried out by sycophants in the world of sycophancy are considered "right," and any attempt by non-sycophants to question such unfair practices will ultimately result to isolation and or intimidation. Quite funny ehn! But the goal here is to protect their territory, and also claim other territories with complete disregard for the implications their actions will have on society, and the generations ahead.
Sycophancy is almost everywhere, and when sycophancy strikes, predator are the 'cleaner." Sycophancy is no longer carried out in subtle manner, we see it when subordinates praise their bosses’ second-rate performance. Even in schools, students pay unnecessary compliments to their teachers in order to secure better grades. I see it when the helpless pay needless respect to their phony “experts” and hierarchs. Look at the way a person, or politicians praise their so-called leaders in spite their unprofessional conducts and corrupt practices; that’s sycophancy. I see it, and you can see it in the advertisements sponsored by an unknown official of some unsuccessful organization applauding someone's unworthy appointment to a position.
Foolishly, sycophancy is grossly displayed when suddenly ‘social justice persons and groups’ start to sing their own praises, trying to draw the attention of some groups and take credit for the hard work of others. It is even cheaply visible when those imprisoned for wrongful deeds try to claim that they are heroes or heroines. And when true heroes or persons who have worked hard to maintain their reputation, or when an independent minded person question unfair practices, sycophants and predators feel challenged, the immediately start pounding. They hurriedly set in place some of their syco- behaviors and preda-tragies to destroy that person’s accomplishments, or the hard earned efforts of such groups.
Mama, I don’t know when sycophancy emerged, but when sycophancy was born, it came with its twin - the predator. And ever since their birth, sycophancy and predation have been walking side by side. Call them the destructive two!
It may be difficult to say exactly the roots of sycophancy, but perhaps, it has to do with the injustices, and the manner our ancestors were forcibly programmed or trained to take on their ‘masters” point of view; their bosses way of thinking; and the concept that "you must always worship the powerful." I say Ah-kay to that! Mama, this “dependency syndrome” is an attitude and way of life that is rapidly becoming embedded in our society.
Mama, when a person engages in sycophancy, they corrupt two major qualities for leading a successful life: their integrity and self-respect. And the self-corruption of a person's integrity, and and that person's dependence on another groups of persons with like mind set in place a cycle, that grows, and grows.
The cycle of sycophancy continues to exist in our society because after a sycophant becomes a leader, he or she is surrounded with sycophants, and there is a birth of more and more sycophants. In that process, predators prey on non sycophants. The elimination of non sycophants and the continual promotion of sycophancy destroys efforts for progress. Moreover, when sycophancy becomes a recurrent practice, it creates a system where ineffective persons are placed, or find themselves as heads of institutions, thereby obstructing development at the institutional and national levels.
Most importantly, upcoming sycophants, or new breeds of sycophants desperate to prove their loyalties and committments to the profession of sycophancy begin to vigorously hunt down non sycophant and independent minded persons as a way of impressing their bosses. Look around you, you will see some of these practices.
The question then becomes, how do we rid our society of sycophancy; how do we discourage the birth of human predation? We must first begin by doing the following:
1) Believing in ourselves by acknowledging and valuing our competence, and ability to progress in life, instead of feeding on another person’s weakness for sweet talk.
2) Recognizing that as human beings, we are entitled to certain inalienable rights. Some of these rights, precisely articulated by United States President Franklin Roosevelt known as the Four Freedoms that humans "everywhere in the world" ought to enjoy: Freedom of speech and expression, Freedom of religion, Freedom from want , Freedom from fear.
Whenever you have an opinion, or want to ask a question, and you are beginning to feel intimidated, remember two things: Believe in yourself, and recognize that by nature of being a human being, you have the right to life, and that includes the four freedoms.
Mama, one last point, which in any case is not the least point is to resist becoming a member of the cheering squad of ineffective leaders and systems. Let us learn to leave our own trails, rather than follow the cataclysm trails of others.
In whatever you do, ask yourself: Am I a [supporter of] sycophant, a predator or a professional seeking to promote good practices, or am I selling my soul to the devil and destroying the lives of others? Let's always remember that, "To every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction," it may take some time to see the consequences of your action, but it does come, and at the appropriate time.
always,
musue
I understand your interest in hearing my views on the implications of predators or predation and sycophants on our society. I also received several communications from our compatriots requesting a short discussion on these issues. Personally, I wanted to write on the topic few months ago, but have been preoccupied with getting the claws of predators from my flesh. At the moment, I have large wounds that may take several months to heal.
Mama, let me forewarn you that this is a broad topic, and this communication may not touch on all facets of the issues, but I will attempt to set the premise for future discussions.
“Predator” is mostly associated with conservationism, which is a process where one animal attacks and feeds on another. Sometimes, the predators may or may not kill their prey before feeding on them, but the act or practice of plundering or marauding; or the act of attacking a prey as a means of maintaining life almost always results in the death of that prey. The word sycophant refers to a person who, acting in his or her own self-interest, tries to win favor by flattering people in positions of power, at the cost of his or her own personal pride and in most instances, at the expense of his or her peers.
Mama, when a society has a powerful human (political) predator, life becomes difficult for others, particularly the those that are helpless or unable to fight back. Most human predators are even more cunning than animal predators. Like animals, human predators may hunt actively for prey, or sit and wait for prey to approach within striking distance, and then they pound on them. Most preys are innocent, and struggling to live a simple life. What makes this more challenging for human being prey is that when greed and power comes into play for human predators, their minds operate like animals, and even below the thinking capacity and reasoning of low class animals.
Mama, you will begin to imagine that living in the midst of predator is difficult. I will then add that, if living in the midst of predators is difficult, then imagine what’s happening in our society where predators and sycophants are rubbing shoulders?
Mama, I have experienced the handy works of predators and sycophants. Believe me, when it comes to greed and power, predators and sycophants put aside common sense and reasoning; they move head on without any consideration for the implications of their actions on other human beings, including innocent children. It’s kind of scary looking at some of the consequences of sycophancy, and victims of the predators and sycophants in our society.
Mama, it is sad to see that of all the beautiful things in our world, people can select and become exceptionally good at the art of sycophancy. Imagine the time, resources and efforts they devout to not developing their God given skills and talent that could be used to contribute meaningfully society. No! They spent all the time trying to flatter, and undermine others. It is sad to know that sycophants deliberately prey on colleagues or co-workers who simply desire to uphold and maintain their dignity, rather than engage in flattery. In a world where competition is much more encouraged, while collaboration and coordination is gradually being pushed under the carpet, sycophancy and predation are gradually becoming acceptable norms and practices within some institutions, and communities.
To beef up the practice of sycophancy, almost all acts carried out by sycophants in the world of sycophancy are considered "right," and any attempt by non-sycophants to question such unfair practices will ultimately result to isolation and or intimidation. Quite funny ehn! But the goal here is to protect their territory, and also claim other territories with complete disregard for the implications their actions will have on society, and the generations ahead.
Sycophancy is almost everywhere, and when sycophancy strikes, predator are the 'cleaner." Sycophancy is no longer carried out in subtle manner, we see it when subordinates praise their bosses’ second-rate performance. Even in schools, students pay unnecessary compliments to their teachers in order to secure better grades. I see it when the helpless pay needless respect to their phony “experts” and hierarchs. Look at the way a person, or politicians praise their so-called leaders in spite their unprofessional conducts and corrupt practices; that’s sycophancy. I see it, and you can see it in the advertisements sponsored by an unknown official of some unsuccessful organization applauding someone's unworthy appointment to a position.
Foolishly, sycophancy is grossly displayed when suddenly ‘social justice persons and groups’ start to sing their own praises, trying to draw the attention of some groups and take credit for the hard work of others. It is even cheaply visible when those imprisoned for wrongful deeds try to claim that they are heroes or heroines. And when true heroes or persons who have worked hard to maintain their reputation, or when an independent minded person question unfair practices, sycophants and predators feel challenged, the immediately start pounding. They hurriedly set in place some of their syco- behaviors and preda-tragies to destroy that person’s accomplishments, or the hard earned efforts of such groups.
Mama, I don’t know when sycophancy emerged, but when sycophancy was born, it came with its twin - the predator. And ever since their birth, sycophancy and predation have been walking side by side. Call them the destructive two!
It may be difficult to say exactly the roots of sycophancy, but perhaps, it has to do with the injustices, and the manner our ancestors were forcibly programmed or trained to take on their ‘masters” point of view; their bosses way of thinking; and the concept that "you must always worship the powerful." I say Ah-kay to that! Mama, this “dependency syndrome” is an attitude and way of life that is rapidly becoming embedded in our society.
Mama, when a person engages in sycophancy, they corrupt two major qualities for leading a successful life: their integrity and self-respect. And the self-corruption of a person's integrity, and and that person's dependence on another groups of persons with like mind set in place a cycle, that grows, and grows.
The cycle of sycophancy continues to exist in our society because after a sycophant becomes a leader, he or she is surrounded with sycophants, and there is a birth of more and more sycophants. In that process, predators prey on non sycophants. The elimination of non sycophants and the continual promotion of sycophancy destroys efforts for progress. Moreover, when sycophancy becomes a recurrent practice, it creates a system where ineffective persons are placed, or find themselves as heads of institutions, thereby obstructing development at the institutional and national levels.
Most importantly, upcoming sycophants, or new breeds of sycophants desperate to prove their loyalties and committments to the profession of sycophancy begin to vigorously hunt down non sycophant and independent minded persons as a way of impressing their bosses. Look around you, you will see some of these practices.
The question then becomes, how do we rid our society of sycophancy; how do we discourage the birth of human predation? We must first begin by doing the following:
1) Believing in ourselves by acknowledging and valuing our competence, and ability to progress in life, instead of feeding on another person’s weakness for sweet talk.
2) Recognizing that as human beings, we are entitled to certain inalienable rights. Some of these rights, precisely articulated by United States President Franklin Roosevelt known as the Four Freedoms that humans "everywhere in the world" ought to enjoy: Freedom of speech and expression, Freedom of religion, Freedom from want , Freedom from fear.
Whenever you have an opinion, or want to ask a question, and you are beginning to feel intimidated, remember two things: Believe in yourself, and recognize that by nature of being a human being, you have the right to life, and that includes the four freedoms.
Mama, one last point, which in any case is not the least point is to resist becoming a member of the cheering squad of ineffective leaders and systems. Let us learn to leave our own trails, rather than follow the cataclysm trails of others.
In whatever you do, ask yourself: Am I a [supporter of] sycophant, a predator or a professional seeking to promote good practices, or am I selling my soul to the devil and destroying the lives of others? Let's always remember that, "To every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction," it may take some time to see the consequences of your action, but it does come, and at the appropriate time.
always,
musue
Random Thoughts: You Have the Power - Be an Agent of Positive Change
Dearest Mama,
Thank you for the wonderful letter. I also received some letters from those at the fireside when you read my New Year’s note. Some of our kinsmen reacted positively to my note. For example, Mr. Sandy in a comment regarding my Random Thoughts letter said, “I like the piece and the creativity used in bringing to fore Liberia's unbridled corruption. I strongly agree with you that corruption in Liberia is a norm or way of life.”
Well, among the respondents expressing alternative views, Mr. Guano, apparently troubled about my comments on corruption said, “I will recommend that since you want to use your dearest mama as a shield to cover up your political reportage, you should not publish it on FrontPage Africa.” Wow! I didn’t realize that Guano was the CZAR Of Journalism, and the regulator of how corruption and other political issues should be reported. When I received Mr. Guano’s letter, unlike his three paragraphs, I wrote a single sentence: “This communication is to acknowledge that your e-mail was received.” As to what I am doing regarding his letter of ultimatum, this is exactly what I am doing: writing!
Mama, you can only imagine what would have happened if Mr. Goaho had the final say about my communication to you and others. It’s kind of scary how some people use their power, but then it’s even terrifying when those who don’t have power begin sending out clues depicting how they will use power. Mama, how do you describe such forceful and uncontrollable feelings that manifest in such manner – just simple letter to you on New Year’s resolution and corruption that provokes such feeling? Is it embedded rage, anger, wrath or something else?
Wrath almost the same as rage and anger falls almost within the same category, and they have the same, or almost the same meaning. They are feelings that can manifest as a result of rejection of the truth and also the desire to settle scores outside of the confines of the law. In most cases, someone with such rage or anger can show displaced aggression – that is the rage or anger is vented against someone or a group of people who are not directly a cause of the person’s anger.
Mama, an example of such wrath was displayed during the war in Liberia. You remembered how people were killed – some randomly and others targeted. In both cases some of those engaged in such acts were enacting their own form of justice, because they believed that the authorities didn’t or wouldn’t respond to the cause of their rage.
Another recent display of such wrath or rage occurring in Monrovia is the stance taken by citizens against “armed robbers”. We read recently that citizens are beating and physically assaulting and sometimes killing “thieves” and “armed robbers.” According to reports from Monrovia, citizens are ignoring the law and have decided to take on their form of justice because of what they consider insufficient response by authorities in curtailing robberies in Monrovia. The reaction by citizens falls within the category of rage and anger.
Mama, as we move from one point to the next in life, we will meet people who will push our last button; we will also find ourselves in situations where we will not be judged by our capabilities, but by our looks or other factors; we may even meet people who will despise us just because of who we are.
How we respond to such situations? The manner in which we handle our feelings during such situations or afterwards determines who we are. Ask yourself how will you treat a waitress, an unattractive person, an innocent child, someone outside your (political, racial, social, etc) circle, a bus driver, or a homeless person after you've been treated unfairly by others? Do you hold grudge and display anger or rage later?
Mama, I quite remembered you telling me that my response to others after such experiences determines my ability to control the development and growth of hatred and anger that lie dormant in all of us. I have seen it, and I have felt it Mama, and I know it - our everyday actions determine our character. We all make mistakes along the way, but what is our general pattern? That is the question we should ask ourselves as individually and as a people. At home, our partner, children, and family members will do something that upsets us at some point. It is how we respond to what our partner, our friends and colleagues do that defines what type of colleagues or partners we are.
I have also seen people (forcibly) influencing others into accepting and supporting their idea and beliefs. This force of will is almost always temporary, because people do mature, or sometimes they will someday have a taste of freedom, after which they will realize that they have been manipulated. This realization of how they have been exploited tend to create confusion and friction. Mama, we have seen this in Liberia and other societies- many people blindly accept what they are told by others, including those in positions of authority, be it in political, religious and educational positions. I believe that we should always use our mind, our intelligence, our reasoning and intellect to analyze and dissect situations, theories, and the ideas shared by others to determine whether or not something is true. This position can be challenging, it has been for me – I am not a conformist, believe me, it has been difficult for me, and it is still challenging. I rather think for myself and question others than swallow everything, which ultimately breeds hate, anger and wrath inside of us after recognizing how others manipulate and suppress our abilities to use our basic senses.
Mama, kindly inform all of our people out there that they should not believe that they "don’t know who they are" and therefore must wear the identity of others. No, No! We should remember that it is the authorities - the political, the religious, the educational authorities who educated our forefathers and mothers by giving them orders, rules, regulations, informing, forming in their minds their view of reality. It is this forced view of reality that shut the minds of our forefathers, pushing them in a state of dormancy, and ignorance, and when that little light flickered, rage and anger set in.
Let’s remember that an idle mind is a fertile ground for rage and hate. Let’s nurture our creativity so that we can become agents of positive change!
Always,
Musue
Thank you for the wonderful letter. I also received some letters from those at the fireside when you read my New Year’s note. Some of our kinsmen reacted positively to my note. For example, Mr. Sandy in a comment regarding my Random Thoughts letter said, “I like the piece and the creativity used in bringing to fore Liberia's unbridled corruption. I strongly agree with you that corruption in Liberia is a norm or way of life.”
Well, among the respondents expressing alternative views, Mr. Guano, apparently troubled about my comments on corruption said, “I will recommend that since you want to use your dearest mama as a shield to cover up your political reportage, you should not publish it on FrontPage Africa.” Wow! I didn’t realize that Guano was the CZAR Of Journalism, and the regulator of how corruption and other political issues should be reported. When I received Mr. Guano’s letter, unlike his three paragraphs, I wrote a single sentence: “This communication is to acknowledge that your e-mail was received.” As to what I am doing regarding his letter of ultimatum, this is exactly what I am doing: writing!
Mama, you can only imagine what would have happened if Mr. Goaho had the final say about my communication to you and others. It’s kind of scary how some people use their power, but then it’s even terrifying when those who don’t have power begin sending out clues depicting how they will use power. Mama, how do you describe such forceful and uncontrollable feelings that manifest in such manner – just simple letter to you on New Year’s resolution and corruption that provokes such feeling? Is it embedded rage, anger, wrath or something else?
Wrath almost the same as rage and anger falls almost within the same category, and they have the same, or almost the same meaning. They are feelings that can manifest as a result of rejection of the truth and also the desire to settle scores outside of the confines of the law. In most cases, someone with such rage or anger can show displaced aggression – that is the rage or anger is vented against someone or a group of people who are not directly a cause of the person’s anger.
Mama, an example of such wrath was displayed during the war in Liberia. You remembered how people were killed – some randomly and others targeted. In both cases some of those engaged in such acts were enacting their own form of justice, because they believed that the authorities didn’t or wouldn’t respond to the cause of their rage.
Another recent display of such wrath or rage occurring in Monrovia is the stance taken by citizens against “armed robbers”. We read recently that citizens are beating and physically assaulting and sometimes killing “thieves” and “armed robbers.” According to reports from Monrovia, citizens are ignoring the law and have decided to take on their form of justice because of what they consider insufficient response by authorities in curtailing robberies in Monrovia. The reaction by citizens falls within the category of rage and anger.
Mama, as we move from one point to the next in life, we will meet people who will push our last button; we will also find ourselves in situations where we will not be judged by our capabilities, but by our looks or other factors; we may even meet people who will despise us just because of who we are.
How we respond to such situations? The manner in which we handle our feelings during such situations or afterwards determines who we are. Ask yourself how will you treat a waitress, an unattractive person, an innocent child, someone outside your (political, racial, social, etc) circle, a bus driver, or a homeless person after you've been treated unfairly by others? Do you hold grudge and display anger or rage later?
Mama, I quite remembered you telling me that my response to others after such experiences determines my ability to control the development and growth of hatred and anger that lie dormant in all of us. I have seen it, and I have felt it Mama, and I know it - our everyday actions determine our character. We all make mistakes along the way, but what is our general pattern? That is the question we should ask ourselves as individually and as a people. At home, our partner, children, and family members will do something that upsets us at some point. It is how we respond to what our partner, our friends and colleagues do that defines what type of colleagues or partners we are.
I have also seen people (forcibly) influencing others into accepting and supporting their idea and beliefs. This force of will is almost always temporary, because people do mature, or sometimes they will someday have a taste of freedom, after which they will realize that they have been manipulated. This realization of how they have been exploited tend to create confusion and friction. Mama, we have seen this in Liberia and other societies- many people blindly accept what they are told by others, including those in positions of authority, be it in political, religious and educational positions. I believe that we should always use our mind, our intelligence, our reasoning and intellect to analyze and dissect situations, theories, and the ideas shared by others to determine whether or not something is true. This position can be challenging, it has been for me – I am not a conformist, believe me, it has been difficult for me, and it is still challenging. I rather think for myself and question others than swallow everything, which ultimately breeds hate, anger and wrath inside of us after recognizing how others manipulate and suppress our abilities to use our basic senses.
Mama, kindly inform all of our people out there that they should not believe that they "don’t know who they are" and therefore must wear the identity of others. No, No! We should remember that it is the authorities - the political, the religious, the educational authorities who educated our forefathers and mothers by giving them orders, rules, regulations, informing, forming in their minds their view of reality. It is this forced view of reality that shut the minds of our forefathers, pushing them in a state of dormancy, and ignorance, and when that little light flickered, rage and anger set in.
Let’s remember that an idle mind is a fertile ground for rage and hate. Let’s nurture our creativity so that we can become agents of positive change!
Always,
Musue
Random Thought: Reflecting on '09 Resolutions: Are They Within Our Range?
Dearest Mama,
Hello, hello, hello. The spirit of the New Year is already in me.
Are you feeling it already? I hope so. Well, in the U.S.A, people are saying that that the spirit of 09 started with the political change that resulted to the elections of Barack Obama as President of the United States. Well, it’s New Year, and most people are making resolutions for 2009. I just gathered that some people are mixing small and large wishes for the New Year.
Some people’s resolutions are that Obama will overturn the financial crisis in the U.S.A, and polish the image of the U.S.A abroad. A Liberian on the East Coast in the United States wishes to complete his studies with flying colors; another wishes to find a “soul mate;” while one man sitting cozily near his wife wishes for three things this year: Peace in the Middle East, take his wife on a cruise to the Caribbean, and an end to Corruption in Liberia. I almost wanted to ask this man; why of all the other romantic places in the World he is keen on taking his wife to the Caribbean.
My interest in knowing why he wants a cruise to the Caribbean isn’t because I am inquisitive, (maybe just tiny winy curious), but after he mentioned an end to corruption in Liberia, I stood up, used my hands to stroke the imaginary dust off my ‘behind’ and walked away. I couldn’t help thinking, “end to corruption in Liberia.” Does this man even understand how long corruption has existed in Liberia? Does he understand that corruption is deeply entrenched in that society? As I began playing the mind game with myself- picturing the different corrupt practices, and how people have come to see those practices as a way of life, I wanted to make a U turn to this man’s home. My intention was to just explain some of the corrupt practices and why it may be impossible that that particular wish- end to corruption was almost impossible in 2009.
As I stood there contemplating whether I should make that U turn, I started giggling. I quickly looked around, hoping that passersby don’t see me. If people saw me standing there alone and laughing, they would begin making ugly assumptions. I didn’t want that. So I pulled out my cell phone, held it to my ear, pretending that I was on the phone. And I laughed to my delight. It was fun laughing, and being able to successfully con the nosy passersby. Mama, you want to know why I was laughing. I was laughing at all the trickery attitudes of some of our people back home. You know, during those days, I mean before I crossed the ocean, I heard many stories of how some government officials had to back down on promises to weed out corruption from certain institutions, or withdraw their intention to take stance on certain undemocratic practices. These officials would announce that they would get rid of people engaged in corrupt practices.
Sometimes these officials would be almost specific about areas where they would focus on tackling corrupt or unfair practices. But guess what, after making those big announcements, at night they would then be reminded about their own direct and indirect roles in fueling those corrupt practices. Take for example, Mr. Man, or Madam Woman is the Boss of a certain institution. This Boss sends a note to the Port, directing that a certain item or a container is released without going through appropriate inspection. Tax is also waived on this item. After some time, Director of Port also goes to Mr. /Madam Boss to “assist” with passing certain papers through the system. No question asked; the paper goes through the system quickly. Then one day, this Boss wants to take action against the Director of the Port for being inefficient. Is it possible for Mr. or Madam Boss to take punitive action against the Director of the Port? If you are the Director of the Port, what will you do? This act of ‘looking out for one another,” also called, “you wash my back and I scrub your back,” is just one of the practices that fuels corrupt practices, allowing it to become a part of the norms within institutions. So, when people are making New Year wishes, perhaps we should start asking ourselves whether our resolutions and wishes for the year are within our range.
If we are making wishes for corruption to end in Liberia, can we be sure that the officials are also making resolutions to stop dispensing funds from the national coffers for their personal use? Picture this: Mr. or Mrs. Boss is sitting in Liberia, strategizing how much to steal from the national coffers, while you are sitting at another end of the World, wishing that corruption ends in Liberia for 2009. Who is closer to your target: You, or the Boss who is not only closer to the target, but already alert and waiting to pound on the target, as always, and again and again.
Well, to get rid of corruption, government will have to institute measures that will curb and remove some of the conditions that nurture and breed corruption within the Liberian society. The preventive measures against corruption will have to be concurrently initiated, and simultaneously carried out in various public institutions; they must be accompanied by stern actions against those who flout regulations aimed at curbing corrupt practices. Curtailing corruption in Liberia will definitely take a lot of work. Measures will have to be put in place to clamp down on the existence of ‘network' where certain self- interested persons continue to use their connections through this network to preserve their status without merit. Let’s ask ourselves whether that is possible within 2009. Is it? Can that really happen when even at this moment, people are floating gifts from one parts of the city to the next for the New Year to give government official. Just listen keenly, you will hear goats bleating because they are being dragged against their will, chickens chuckling, sheep baaing, ignitions of large small, and all colors of vehicles scurried across the city of Monrovia.
Well, Mama, for me, you already know my most important wish and resolution for 2009. Second to that is to do more writing. I know I had the same resolution last year - to write more than ever, but I wasn't able to, but I am hopeful this year, maybe because I can stand, beat my chest and say that I witnessed the beginning of a new era. Oh, by the way, I heard that Mr. Putor’s resolution is to increase his income for the New Year so that he can sustain his lifestyle – take care of his official family at his home, and also maintain his “lil” girlfriend.
Mr. Man lil girlfriend has threatened to leave him if he doesn’t buy her gold set, (necklace, earrings, and bracelet), in addition to releasing her suits from Mr. Abu, the tailor. Mr. Man said last year, he also made a resolution to live a decent life; that is to stop the infidelity, but he said he cannot resist the “lil girl.” “Every time I see her, he said, “My heart beats kutu, kutu, kuuutu, kuuutuuu.” Poor man, hope he doesn’t get heart attack. Mama, so what’s your resolution?
Resolution is all about admitting whatever mistakes we made and completing the old year with a promise, which is the resolution to change or do things differently during the New Year. To that end, with my precious jewel at my side, I’ll say: Any where the new year finds you, and whatever you are doing during the New Year, I hope the beautiful star that bring in the New Year fills your heart and your home with happiness. Happy New Year!
Always,
musue
Hello, hello, hello. The spirit of the New Year is already in me.
Are you feeling it already? I hope so. Well, in the U.S.A, people are saying that that the spirit of 09 started with the political change that resulted to the elections of Barack Obama as President of the United States. Well, it’s New Year, and most people are making resolutions for 2009. I just gathered that some people are mixing small and large wishes for the New Year.
Some people’s resolutions are that Obama will overturn the financial crisis in the U.S.A, and polish the image of the U.S.A abroad. A Liberian on the East Coast in the United States wishes to complete his studies with flying colors; another wishes to find a “soul mate;” while one man sitting cozily near his wife wishes for three things this year: Peace in the Middle East, take his wife on a cruise to the Caribbean, and an end to Corruption in Liberia. I almost wanted to ask this man; why of all the other romantic places in the World he is keen on taking his wife to the Caribbean.
My interest in knowing why he wants a cruise to the Caribbean isn’t because I am inquisitive, (maybe just tiny winy curious), but after he mentioned an end to corruption in Liberia, I stood up, used my hands to stroke the imaginary dust off my ‘behind’ and walked away. I couldn’t help thinking, “end to corruption in Liberia.” Does this man even understand how long corruption has existed in Liberia? Does he understand that corruption is deeply entrenched in that society? As I began playing the mind game with myself- picturing the different corrupt practices, and how people have come to see those practices as a way of life, I wanted to make a U turn to this man’s home. My intention was to just explain some of the corrupt practices and why it may be impossible that that particular wish- end to corruption was almost impossible in 2009.
As I stood there contemplating whether I should make that U turn, I started giggling. I quickly looked around, hoping that passersby don’t see me. If people saw me standing there alone and laughing, they would begin making ugly assumptions. I didn’t want that. So I pulled out my cell phone, held it to my ear, pretending that I was on the phone. And I laughed to my delight. It was fun laughing, and being able to successfully con the nosy passersby. Mama, you want to know why I was laughing. I was laughing at all the trickery attitudes of some of our people back home. You know, during those days, I mean before I crossed the ocean, I heard many stories of how some government officials had to back down on promises to weed out corruption from certain institutions, or withdraw their intention to take stance on certain undemocratic practices. These officials would announce that they would get rid of people engaged in corrupt practices.
Sometimes these officials would be almost specific about areas where they would focus on tackling corrupt or unfair practices. But guess what, after making those big announcements, at night they would then be reminded about their own direct and indirect roles in fueling those corrupt practices. Take for example, Mr. Man, or Madam Woman is the Boss of a certain institution. This Boss sends a note to the Port, directing that a certain item or a container is released without going through appropriate inspection. Tax is also waived on this item. After some time, Director of Port also goes to Mr. /Madam Boss to “assist” with passing certain papers through the system. No question asked; the paper goes through the system quickly. Then one day, this Boss wants to take action against the Director of the Port for being inefficient. Is it possible for Mr. or Madam Boss to take punitive action against the Director of the Port? If you are the Director of the Port, what will you do? This act of ‘looking out for one another,” also called, “you wash my back and I scrub your back,” is just one of the practices that fuels corrupt practices, allowing it to become a part of the norms within institutions. So, when people are making New Year wishes, perhaps we should start asking ourselves whether our resolutions and wishes for the year are within our range.
If we are making wishes for corruption to end in Liberia, can we be sure that the officials are also making resolutions to stop dispensing funds from the national coffers for their personal use? Picture this: Mr. or Mrs. Boss is sitting in Liberia, strategizing how much to steal from the national coffers, while you are sitting at another end of the World, wishing that corruption ends in Liberia for 2009. Who is closer to your target: You, or the Boss who is not only closer to the target, but already alert and waiting to pound on the target, as always, and again and again.
Well, to get rid of corruption, government will have to institute measures that will curb and remove some of the conditions that nurture and breed corruption within the Liberian society. The preventive measures against corruption will have to be concurrently initiated, and simultaneously carried out in various public institutions; they must be accompanied by stern actions against those who flout regulations aimed at curbing corrupt practices. Curtailing corruption in Liberia will definitely take a lot of work. Measures will have to be put in place to clamp down on the existence of ‘network' where certain self- interested persons continue to use their connections through this network to preserve their status without merit. Let’s ask ourselves whether that is possible within 2009. Is it? Can that really happen when even at this moment, people are floating gifts from one parts of the city to the next for the New Year to give government official. Just listen keenly, you will hear goats bleating because they are being dragged against their will, chickens chuckling, sheep baaing, ignitions of large small, and all colors of vehicles scurried across the city of Monrovia.
Well, Mama, for me, you already know my most important wish and resolution for 2009. Second to that is to do more writing. I know I had the same resolution last year - to write more than ever, but I wasn't able to, but I am hopeful this year, maybe because I can stand, beat my chest and say that I witnessed the beginning of a new era. Oh, by the way, I heard that Mr. Putor’s resolution is to increase his income for the New Year so that he can sustain his lifestyle – take care of his official family at his home, and also maintain his “lil” girlfriend.
Mr. Man lil girlfriend has threatened to leave him if he doesn’t buy her gold set, (necklace, earrings, and bracelet), in addition to releasing her suits from Mr. Abu, the tailor. Mr. Man said last year, he also made a resolution to live a decent life; that is to stop the infidelity, but he said he cannot resist the “lil girl.” “Every time I see her, he said, “My heart beats kutu, kutu, kuuutu, kuuutuuu.” Poor man, hope he doesn’t get heart attack. Mama, so what’s your resolution?
Resolution is all about admitting whatever mistakes we made and completing the old year with a promise, which is the resolution to change or do things differently during the New Year. To that end, with my precious jewel at my side, I’ll say: Any where the new year finds you, and whatever you are doing during the New Year, I hope the beautiful star that bring in the New Year fills your heart and your home with happiness. Happy New Year!
Always,
musue
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