![]() |
Jesus Christ |
Opposition
is the fuel that fires the spirit of an undaunted writer. This is my blazing
belief.
Every
time I take my quill, sorry, bend over my keyboard to give corporeal form to
the agitating thoughts that surge furiously in the grey matter of my brain; I
do so as an act of transparent conscience, selfless devotion, and sedulous
response to a truly unique and priceless call. A redoubtable writer must hear a
celestial sound from above, and give terpsichorean application to such lilting
verses.
Africans
need to rise up, and solve Africa's problems. The santaclausian temperaments of
the West are a mere facade, and until we do something meaningful for ourselves,
we will remain rooted right where we are. A bird that fails to plume its wings
for an artistic flight remains in fruitless inertia.
If
my last piece—The Black Mind: The Core Hindrance To Africa’s Development—
ruffled a few feathers, I wonder what this headline will do? One may ask: Are
you barking mad, Mama Angie? Another will wonder why I offer myself to
blood-thirsty wolves to devour my embonpoint frame—that is if they can see me.
What has black empowerment got to do with Jesus Christ? Is it not an intriguing
case of attempting to mix chalk with cheese?
However,
it would be hypocritical of me not to share my deepest convictions in the light
of other conflicting solutions. I have surveyed the frontiers and assayed our
unyielding problems, and consequently seen what I believe to be the core
issues; and hence, my unbridled passion in hitting a home run. Do I expect to
be feted, and a large meed hung around my supple round neck with
"Kpanlogo" (a Ghanaian music and dance) blaring in the background?
No, I actually expect flagrant phrases to be foisted on my rotund frame—the
very type that inflames passions.
Having
said that, there is a reason why some oppose anything that mentions religious
figures—Jesus included. I have weighed my avowed critics' position, and I
understand their frustrating views. The laws of rigorous intellectual thinking
dictates that I do so. As to whether my seething critics take time to do the
same to equally understand mine is another matter. Without doubt, I know the
deep hole in which my fearless critics are stuck. In truth, we claim to have
tried religion, but we have been disappointed. It is a charitable admission—our
hopes have been dashed! In fact, the excesses perpetrated when there was no
separation between church and state equally justifies this disposition.
Moreover, some who claim to be religious live very questionable lives. However,
the lasting question we may need to ruminate over is this: Must we throw out
the baby with the bath water? Is that the most sensible course of action?
It
is rather puerile and perhaps even infantile to blame a manual when you choose
to skip some steps. In a similar vein, if I offered you an elixir or panacea
for your crushing ailment, and you choose to mix it with water or other strange
substances; are you not likely to see zero effect? What we have on the
continent, and if I may focus my attention on Christians, is a lip service to
the faith. We are engaging in a hotchpotch type of Christianity: part flesh,
part Spirit.
There
are times when I am confronted by the puzzling question: Do we truly have
Christians in government? Go to church on Sunday; and take a bribe on Tuesday,
or give one on Wednesday. And we wonder why the faith is not working for us?
Or, hear preaching about hard work, and yet, fail to apply our best strengths
and skills to develop ourselves and our community. Even more, receive lessons
on stewardship; but lie, mismanage, or embezzle public funds when in office or
power.
Our
hypocrisy is writ large. And if today, people have no respect for Christians,
it is our cup that has duly become full.
How
can we be Christians on Sunday only? What? Jesus becomes a reality only for a
day—we are cheating ourselves. We get into politics and for personal gain we
sear our consciences with hot iron. Yes, we call it the rules of the game. Now,
when the rules of the game conflicts with what Christ expects; who or what do
you follow?
The
practical application of Jesus' principles, and living the way He expects is
where change truly lies. Professing Christ without corresponding action is a
foolhardy and deceptive existence. We have many Christians in Africa; however,
we are intrinsically and extrinsically corrupt. Let's up the ante. Cast the net
wider; we are perhaps among the most religious [every one included] continents
in the world, nonetheless, we rank highly on corruption indices. Now, pause and
ask yourself: Is it the atheist and non-religious folk that contribute to all
the corruption? In all truth, it may very well be the person sitting next to
you at church, or kneeling next to you in the mosque.
Shall
we write more laws; and still pay the judges off? Or, tighten traffic laws; and
still tip the traffic officers? Or, raise port fees to increase revenue; and
still slide envelopes through pigeon holes? Or, cry for more aid; and share it
with our friends and family?
I
remain firm in my view of what I know works. The transforming power of a true
relationship with Jesus, I know, and some others will testify, changes a
person's life more than any threat of punishment or corpus of law. Positive and
negative reinforcement can only go so far. The former suggestion is what
changes a person's nature. Show me a true Christian, and I will show you an
exemplary soul. And if someone knows, or can suggest something else with a
similar or better practical effect, and by which we may solve Africa's moral
problem, let them write on such. Personally, I shall read with overpowering
interest and abiding glee.
There
are some who will place a charge of parochialism at my door. They reject
empirical evidence available to all who are interested. Yes, they will label me
with all kinds of obscenities for what I say. But, it is the terrain for anyone
who beats the activity track. Aristotle was right when he said, "There is
only one way to avoid criticism: Do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing."
Thus, I shall offer my most radical effort and suggestions to a people
interested in real change. They can shoot both the message and the messenger—it
is their inalienable prerogative.
Africa
has an inherent problem, and we must wake up to see where our problem really
springs from. Is it theories or systems that Africa needs? We know much, but we
have 'faulty' hearts. Greed, corruption etc. is a certain palpitation of the
African heart. Yes, it is in the blood, and policies do not have the required alembic
propensities to expunge its every vestige.
On
the other hand, we do not need churches running the nation; experience shows it
does not work. Nevertheless, we need a framework that should set us on course
for true transformation. Call it comical, quixotic, chimerical, naïve, or
whichever word you may; until our core problem—yes, our moral problem—has been
solved, or even improved, we will only build upon porous foundations. And
hence, I offer the suggestion of a lifestyle that follows Jesus' teachings throughout
the week: I call it Everyday Jesus. It will influence the way we live. Carrying
on with the same type of false Christianity will not take us anywhere.
When
this new transition occurs, most of our corrupt politicians and leaders—who are
believers—will amend their selfish ways, and start showing true empathy for the
people that they lead. For the tenets of their faith will have a crystal effect
on how they lead and manage the continent's resources. After all, Africa has
enough resources to see radical development. And if our past poverty was an
imposition, then our failure to change and embrace true prosperity is an even
worse choice.
It
is our unbreakable willingness to embrace change that will surely set us up for
a truly glorious future. But, will we ever accept this fragrant challenge, or
carry on as usual?
Angelina K. Morrison is interested in national development, true religion, and self-improvement. She enjoys thinking, and writes stories only when the muse grips her. Her first short story, Gravellatina is a breathtaking five-part series available now at Amazon. You can email her at angelinakm75@gmail.com, or find her at www.angelinakmorrison.blogspot.com or Facebook page.
Sign up here with your email
ConversionConversion EmoticonEmoticon