Statement of courage: Salt and Light.

 

Hello everybody! Eku deede iwoyi o!

When you think about it at its most basic, salt has a powerful, distinctive and at times overwhelming taste to it. In this trying time, we are to be a community defined by self-sacrificial love. A great comedian once said; “One of the things I learned the hard way was that it doesn't pay to get discouraged. Keeping busy and making optimism a way of life can restore your faith in yourself.”

A great teacher also once said “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.”

So, when people ask, ‘When will the Coronavirus end?’ ‘What will happen to me?’ It is our responsibility to give hope to people in our lives that we will be fine, we will come out of this, even when we don`t know. Be an encourager. Imagine the sublime power of a single candle piercing, shattering the darkness of a pitch-black room. It is imperative for us to tear down the walls, to cross the barriers, and to be present and active in our neighborhoods, communities, and cities. Let people say of you at the end of the day; ”You did your best”.“You left an outstanding heritage which is difficult to match. You stand tall and we are deeply proud of you.” History which, you deeply respected will be kind to you and your legacy. To be the light of the world is to actively pursue the dark places, to willingly enter into places of pain, poverty, injustice, sickness, and violence. Let your light shine before others. Our salt, therefore, stays salty only so long as we practice the good deeds we do in imitation and shining the light of God within us in and among our communities and before the watching world. 

We rejoice with you if you were born in October. Count your life by smiles, not tears. Count your age by friends, not years. Happy birthday!”

Have a wonderful month everybody! Stay safe, stay strong, and stay healthy!

Eric Olusegun Thompson

YAJ.