Victim vs Opportunity

This was the basis of my question to you on Saturday and I thought to expatiate on that.

The African story told a lot is that of a continent so dejected that it always needs a saviour. That's one of the prominent things about us. And it is not entirely wrong. In fact, we play to that especially because we realise that there are lots of people looking to assuage their guilt by giving a token to "save" Africa.

And we appreciate that. Those contributions have gone a long way to move the needle in providing basic amenities here.

Here is my point.

Not only have we embraced the victim mentality as Africans. We have also made it an identity. As individuals, it almost feels natural to accept defeat and absorb oneself of all responsibilities, other than to get up and take the bull by the horn.

While we are not living in the best of situations in this current climate, I see several people passing the baton of responsibility of many issues that could easily be resolved them to someone else. Or better still, to the government.

Women complain about being shut out of important conversations or not being taken seriously. Yet, we constantly refuse to equip ourselves with the skills, expertise and knowledge that would make our voice actually count when the time comes.

One thing I try never to be is powerless. While I know that I can never resolve all of my issues by myself. I take on my role in whatever predicament I am in while I trust God to help me out of it. I know he will send people to help, but while I wait, I try not to wallow.

I have heard it said somewhere that, "every opportunity present itself as a problem that takes only the discerning to see". I do hope that we are discerning enough to see the door in every seemingly locked room so that we can find our way out.

Please do not stay down. Turn that situation into your way out.