There was an incident that happened in the women’s
retreat that has led to this post. The registration fee for AWM annual retreat included
various things that we needed at the retreat such as the print outs, pens, and
a blanket. So when we got to the registration table, the blankets were not
available. We were then told to write a list of our names which was to be used
for the blankets. A few blankets were handed out to the people that were in the
list but they were few. Upon inquiring about when we were going to receive
ours, we were told the following morning. Needless to say, we did not receive
them up to this point (but there’s hope that we will).
The whole experience was really disappointing and frustrating.
The coordinator of the retreat told us something had happened and we would
receive the blankets on a later stage. Unfortunately this led to a lot of
murmuring and a lot of ‘administration talk’ LOL. It was a daily agenda amongst
the women. But we praise God that we received blessings greater than a blanket
could afford us.
But this whole experience has led me to the following
conclusion:
-When dealing with people, transparency is the best
policy regardless of how bad the situation may be, especially when money has
been paid. There’s nothing as frustrating as paying for something and not
receiving it. But it becomes worse when you’re not told the reasons behind it. Of
course in this context it could be that the coordinator wanted to protect
people and I believe she would’ve been able to do so without mentioning names. See,
a lack of transparency has a way of making people suspicious. And sadly, trust
is broken.
- Reflecting is VERY important in life- whether from a
personal space or as a ministry, business, family etc. This is very much
needful or there’ll be no growth whatsoever. This has really helped me and I guess
that’s why I keep reflecting. It helps with keeping track of your progress, to
see what to improve on and so forth. Now, if you are ministry, it’s pivotal to
ask questions so that you can serve better. LOL, now that I think of this
reflection thing, I feel guilty! I’d also like you, dear reader, to tell me if
this blog is adding any value, make suggestions and so forth!
-Voicing concerns to the right people! I’ve noticed
something amongst us black folks- this is general observations. When we’re not
satisfied with something, we don’t complain to the right folks. E.g you buy
something and it’s not exactly how you wanted it to be; instead of going back
to the seller, you keep quiet (or end up badmouthing the seller). How does this
benefit us in anyway? Truth is, it doesn’t. I really hope we can help each
other in this journey of life by being honest. It’s not wrong to say when you’re
not satisfied-‘cause I believe if someone is offering you a service, they want
to please you. I feel like we have misplaced guilt, maybe? How can you feel
guilty for being honest? Something I also need to work on! Not wanting to
offend sometimes really harms!
-Be accountable!
- Be the change you want to see! Everything is two-sided.
As a South African I acknowledge that there are many injustices that we face as
a people. But at some point we must ask ourselves what is our individual
responsibility. Often the focus is heavily on the injustices such that we end
up a bitter and angry people who do not make a difference. Even if you’re
making a difference anger and bitterness are self-destructive. Back to my
point: to a certain degree, the power to help ourselves lies within us (not
negating God’s help). We need to let go of the ‘savior’ mentality. No one is
getting us of this mess-whether it be jobs, poverty, and so forth. The solution
lies in us to equip ourselves and so forth. Look at how Burkina Faso flourished
when Thomas Sankara was alive. Look at the self-help programs in Ethiopia. You
get what I am saying right?
-And writing about our dreams will also not change a
thing. This is a personal rebuke to myself.
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