Approximately three years ago I was the author of the article captioned ‘Christmas Reflective Thinking’ published in one of our local journals. The article inspiringly highlighted the naïve interpretation characterized by introversive and excessive show of exuberance misunderstood to be the core motive behind Christmas. However, there is nothing wrong with the attempt to reconnect with loved ones on home ground which is usually marked by cherished pride and euphoria. Nonetheless, the article teased out what was a remarkable epiphany, the probably unnoticed divine influence behind the hustle and bustle around Christmas and I quote: ‘Perhaps, what actually manifests around Christmas is the individual faith, the biblical value attached to the occasion and the level of its universality’.
This reflection has somehow invoked this article that this year’s Christmas would bring that general experience of individuals stretching hands in giving beyond their immediate family members to make a meaningful difference. There are several thousands of fellow Sierra Leoneans who do not have a family to go to during the forthcoming festive season. We must be there for them; and determined we must be to ensure that throughout this Christmas period and thereafter their needs are attended to in a way we would do in service to our siblings and other members of our families. Put a smile on the face of the needy is the plea. That will make a huge difference and bring satisfaction not only to the individual recipients but to the hands that willingly give. Jesus Christ admonished that whatever you do to thy brethren you do it to me.
We as the different communities throughout Sierra Leone are endowed with members from within who are able to help vulnerable members of their communities. One would argue that Freetown has a greater convergence of well to do members to pick up that essential life-saving baton of the modern day Good Samaritan.
On few occasions I have witnessed food distribution to severely disabled individuals who queue mainly around the Freetown Cotton Tree area. This humanitarian gesture deserves commendation but most importantly that act of selflessness conforms and underlines the Christian doctrine of charity something one would desire to see more of. It makes a difference from that traditional inbuilt belief that care is limited to the immediate family members. Whenever I witness acts of generosity and show of love to others, hope is resonated in me that someday in the near future mankind will embrace care for others as imperative amongst other responsibilities. I am optimistic that Sierra Leone will achieve its potential in every sphere of developmental activities.
Apparently, what will bring the light at the end of the tunnel in full glare is when the greater majority of Sierra Leoneans begin to discard introversion to give valid serve to unknown individuals and communities. We must not take our eyes off the fact that it takes a collective responsibility to develop Sierra Leone clearly holding tight to the belief that everyone is important. We must obliterate the mindset of individual empire building which signposts and accentuates Neolithic egoism. I have also seen few examples of individuals taking up responsibilities of reconstructing rough and hazardous feeder roads whilst other capable individuals in tinted air-condition Four Wheel Drive unashamedly and seemingly oblivious of the road condition as drive up and down unprepared to help.
They must be encouraged to think again to recognize that society needs them if we are to develop as a nation. They should conscientiously acknowledge that attempt to help communities could be permanently gratifying. It’s always a comforting reminiscence several years down the line to share a feeling and a sense of belonging that you were part of that adventure that has flourished into indelible history. What is guaranteed is that, the good unparallel feeling compared to personal achievement will never stop coming as long as you live. The act of generosity obviously becomes a gift unconsciously set aside for your family members. Society is likely to treat your loved ones with kindness as a compensation for your good work.
The Creole proverbial saying, ‘good no ba loss’ implies that good work inevitably gets rewarded. We need a strong economy nonetheless we have started to develop the concept of self-reliance and creating safety net for the extremely poor. Developed countries have legitimized this philanthropist concept several decades ago and have established structures to ensure its implementation. It’s through these provisions that we the underdeveloped countries receive help each time there is an outbreak of natural disaster. For example the outbreak of Ebola and the recent pandemic (COVID-19) have seen Sierra Leone benefit from foreign assistance.
Individuals and Governments of Western Nations are accustomed to stretching their hands towards affected countries with what is required to address their situations. We must be encouraged by the Foreign Nations’ exemplary show of generosity to enable us treat vulnerable Sierra Leoneans with empathy. Furthermore, we must learn to share the little we have to help instill love for others and simultaneously love for the nation. The outstanding pledge in our National anthem – ‘Land that we love our Sierra Leone’ can only be actualized when the greater majority of Sierra Leoneans begin to accept that we interchangeably have responsibility towards our fellow Sierra Leoneans.
Sierra Leone is cute and undeniably blessed with God given opportunities; what we need to do more frequently is to share what is available to us and help to contribute towards the development of this great nation we profess to love. Looking ahead with a fresh approach for vulnerable members of our communities goes beyond Christmas. The inspiring new era of nonstop charitable reach out is at our door steps. That enabling extraordinary and transformative years strategically aimed at improving the quality of life for all living within the precincts of Sierra Leone will soon be a dream come true.
Notwithstanding, I will emphasize that not a portion of this dream will come into fruition in the absence of that Granville Sharp and William Wilberforce like humanitarian perception. The barbaric and primitive days of the world produced a group of people wholehearted ready to fight for the emancipation of vulnerable people; what is stopping us from showing love to others especially so when we have a good number of well to do people in our communities? The prevalent national rich tradition of caring for our severely disabled individuals and the aged has refused to die down especially for those living in the provinces.
A small fraction of the city dwelling vulnerable people face the punishment unleashed by nowadays nonchalance and lack of love. This category of vulnerable people could be targeted and conveniently cared for as long as we are willing to do so. We need that relevant community spirit, similar to that in developed countries, which has the potential to bind us for a common purpose so that together we could engage in positive life-changing activities. Blame games are not helpful; Sierra Leone could be described as a non-industrial country this explains why past and present Governments have continued to be overstretched with responsibilities.
Wage packets amongst others relentlessly perforate the nation’s purse. Private sector employment has not changed from the bare minimum. Sierra Leone does not have the luxury or viable alternatives especially so when history could recall that the trumpeted mining industries cannot be absolutely reliable. Consequently we need to stand firm to help our communities and the individual vulnerable people. We remain grateful to the Non Governmental Organisations for their part in providing appropriate help to the needy throughout the country. This Christmas season is an opportunity to show love to fellow citizens and Mama Salone.
God bless Sierra Leone.
Merry Christmas
Augustine Sahr Tutu