What is the truth if not told in love? What is compassion if not given in love? What is knowledge if not imparted in love? What is forgiveness if not given in love? Everything in love is but an act of divine will and human compassion. If we rise up as a people who still have love in us, many wrongs will be made right and we can begin to heal on all fronts.
All over the world, it’s sorrow, tears and blood. The killing of people has made humanity numb. The world moves on like all is well, but poverty is still a major issue, with women and children helplessly being the most affected. The silence of those who ought to intervene is deafening.
In the month of love, it’s time to take a step back and see the ultimate sacrifice which is, having Jesus, the only begotten Son of God, lay down HIS life for the world on the altar of love so that man may be from free from hate, poverty, hunger and injustice.
On February 14, 2018, it was another Ash Wednesday, a reminder of our mortality and fading time as humans. It was also Valentine’s Day, a time that gives us the special moment to express our love to those we love. What a coincidence that such vital moments should happen on the same day! What do we make of it? Is it the Father asking if it was worth the sacrifice looking at what the world has become? But again HE in HIS omniscient capacity is all knowing and can’t be wrong.
The world today is in dire need of love and forgiveness, and here is an opportunity for us all to start anew. Ash Wednesday on a Valentine’s Day or better still, Valentine’s Day on Ash Wednesday! Wow my guess is as good as yours. I believe LOVE has got everything to do with it, when heaven consciously set this date for the world. It’s a sign. Let’s not miss it. During this month that we commemorate love, offer forgiveness to someone who has hurt you and ask for forgiveness from those you have hurt. As this is also the Lenten season, recall that from dust we came and to dust we must return, amen! Let the chocolates and flowers showered on Valentine’s Day spur you to continue to be thoughtful and considerate of the ones close to you. Whatever you do, please do so in love.
Till I write again, I love you for reading.
Adaobi Alex-Oni is an Honorary Ambassador and a recipient of the Nelson Mandela Leadership Award by the African Youth Parliament. A broadcaster and writer, she is the convener of the ROWEAD conference. A social and women’s rights activist, she is a promoter of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. For more information, visit her website www.rowead.org