We all can agree the last 2 years has been very devastating for all of us physically and mentally, young and old, rich or poor. It didn’t matter where you stand it was unwelcome. The unfolding crisis made it clear to see how we were deprived of our responsibility to care for our elders in communities.
For a very long time now our leadership has been undermining the symbolic role of elders in our society. Being an old senior doesn’t mean you are useless or unproductive, it is a force of nature as maturity of knowledge and wisdom accumulate and story for life. The symbolism of elders is peace makers guided by a unity of mindsets. What message or example are we sending to our youth?As leaders you can’t know everything even when you do it’s wise to consult with your elders and demonstrate respect for the service and show appreciation.
As someone who grew up in Africa before arriving in the western world your most important education comes from your parents, grand parents, other family and community members. They are your guardians who constantly remind you about who you are and where you come from and what you want to be or where you are going.
Yes, the fracture of division we are seeing in our country is troubling and worrisome . For sometime now going on we have neglected as a nation the foundation on which this country was formed. Family and family trees is the root of a nation.
Seeing this play on many leadership levels in all political parties and communities, the common sense of giving respect and acknowledging elders of the party is ignored and this always brings disaster and incomplete results.
We are all familiar with the like of seeing our teenagers ignore the advice of their parents o grand nothing good comes from it. Do you see how our leadership is struggling in all parties; let all go back to the basics.
Everyone in leadership is talking just because there’s an open microphone. Discipline is needed in governance messages need to come from one source in leadership and organized to the point by a spokesperson.
What we are doing today behind our children is what they will copy . Let’s show more appreciation to our elders in leadership and ask for advice and invite them to show to the nations they are around for good reason. Let’s be wise to use their point of view rather than struggle to figure out the answers or solutions. The rest of the world is watching and will take advantage of us and the bully will always take chance when they know you are weak.
The competition of the world is going to get more complicated as all nations and citizens wake up now. We can hide this truth. All we can do is to prepare and be ready to be smart on all levels of leadership. The answers to our nation’s problems are always in the hands of our citizens who know better. Let’s be wise to listen to the them.
It’s obvious when calling for election everyone is respectful to get the vote after being elected ,they don’t want to listen to anyone saying how we can build better communities when you turn your back to those who vote for you.
A forest which has lost all the old growth trees is not far from becoming a grassland. Let’s love our elders in the nation and take advantage of their wisdom when they are alive.
Remember always each time knowing leadership is behavior not a title or position what you wear will reflect back.
Well we ask the Creator, Lord, King and ruler of nations, be with all your people and their governments, inspire them to pursue the good of all according to your law.
We celebrate Black History Month and remember to praise the works of our forefathers for their sacrifices and contributions to our nations and the world as we continue to learn and inspire the next generation to do better.
Honore Gbedze
