GIVING AND RECEIVING

The universe operates through a dynamic exchange … giving and receiving are a facet of this flow of energy, and in our willingness to give that which we seek; we can enjoy the abundance of the universe flowing into our lives.
Because our bodies and minds and that of the universe are in a constant dynamic exchange, stopping the circulation of that energy is like stopping a flowing river. A river that stops flowing begins to stagnate, to suffocate and destroy its very own life force. Circulation sustains and maintains its vibrancy. That is why we must give and receive to keep relationships, wealth and affluence – or anything we want to flourish in our lives. When we learn to give that which we seek, we mobilize and choreograph life’s symphony with an exquisite, energetic and vibrant force.
A story of is told of man who had a dream in which he was invited to a banquet. First he saw a magnificent hall in which people were seated at tables laden with the finest, mouth-watering delicacies. Observing the people, he was horrified to see that were eyeing the food hungrily, yet they were starving.
Why weren’t they eating? Upon closer observation, he noticed that their hands were tied to knives and forks which were much too long to bring to their mouths. Their arms were straight, and bending their elbows was completely impossible for them to bring the food to their mouths, even though every pleasurable food was available. It was so close, yet out of reach! There was no alternative but to go hungry. He was then shown another banquet room and to his amazement, the people were jolly and healthy looking – and they were eating – although their hands were also tied to long cutlery. They appeared well fed and content. Upon closer study, he noticed they were reaching across the table and feeding one another so that they didn’t have to bend their arms. Those who merited to sit at these tables were accustomed to giving and benefitting others. By feeding one another from across the table they quickly realized that they would satisfy everyone.
The foundation upon which a relationship stands is a willingness to give, without expecting anything in return. Though our thoughts may sometimes stray and appear valid when we think – ‘What about his side of the bargain?’ or, ‘What is in this for me?’ or ‘Why doesn’t he do the same as I do for him?’ They are actually insidiously destructive; making the basis of a good relationship weaker the longer and stronger they persist.
Every relationship is one of give and take. Giving engenders receiving, and receiving engenders giving. In reality, receiving is that same as giving, because giving and receiving are different aspects of dynamic flow of energy. The more you give, the more you will receive, because you will tap into the abundance of the universe. This precept works equally well for individuals, companies, communities, and nations.
The intention of one’s giving should always be to create happiness for the giver and the receiver. One reason why giving and doing good for others can provide meaning and sustain a pleasurable sensation is that when we give to others, attest to the value, and dignity of the one whom we consider deserving of help. This is of even greater impact when we are non-discriminatory in our willingness to give. The return is directly proportional to the giving when it is unconditional and from the heart.
The gifts of caring, appreciation, attention, affection, love and kindness are some of the most precious gifts one can give.
“GIVING HAS THE POWER TO TRANSFORM THE ETERNAL DANCE OF LIFE”

Leadership, Morals and the African Crisis

We live in a world that is insecure and full of uncertainties. While the western nations are threatened with terrorism, chemical, biological and nuclear weapons, the continent of Africa is bedeviled with poverty, ethnic hatred, tribal wars, diseases, greed, corruption, political instability and moral bankruptcy.

Africa is faced with a plethora of problems, and these problems are not merely economic, social, environmental or even political issues, but the lacking of strong, courageous and progressive-minded leadership. By common understanding, leadership and government is all about plan and purpose, intended to bring about peace and order as well as to provide opportunities for human creativity to discover and fulfil their desires and dreams through those who are placed in positions of authority.

Ironically however, people who occupy leadership positions today in government, business entities, families and even churches and other religious entities seem not to comprehend the obligations of leadership. They tend to forget that the greatest task of the leader is to inspire, motivate and assist those under their influence to become all they can be. They cannot appreciate that fact that the primary goal of leadership must be to inspire people to live rightly to enable them achieve their purposes on earth. Instead those placed to rule and reign are negligent, ungodly and seek only for their own selfish whims. Leadership lapses are the bane of the intractable crisis facing Africa today. Leaders in African contemporary time seem not to embrace the fact that leadership is all about people and that they have the arduous task to mobilize, motivate and inspire people to achieve, succeed and reach their fullest potential that lies within themselves.

To many minds Africa does not lack real men and women who can lead. Africa is also not lacking the manpower, skills, talents, natural and physical resources to turn around deteriorating economic situations, create jobs, provide good health care, sound education for its citizens, develop and build infrastructure, restore order, confidence and hope, which means ingredients for creating a formidable nation exists in Africa.

The trouble with Africa, again, is not economic, political, socio-cultural and even moral per se, but the crisis simply is with leadership. Leadership with the political will and selfless dedication to galvanize a nation is in fact lacking; a strong, courageous and morally upright leadership that is transparent in its private and domestic, public and foreign responsibilities is absolutely missing on the continent of Africa.

Ghana, for instance has not enjoyed any long lasting peace and economic prosperity since independence, despite the huge monies bequeathed unto her and the enormous blessing of natural resources that God has endowed the country with. Ghana after independence started deteriorating following corrupt political leadership and military dictatorships that denied its citizens any sense of security and God given destiny. In short, Ghana’s leadership at all levels has failed the people because they have not fulfilled any of the responsibilities of leadership.

Africa today is ravaged with many problems, such as poverty, religious and ethnic violence, wars, injustice, HIV/AIDS and all is as a result of lack of insight, wisdom, vision and courage on the part of our leaders.

The police cannot be trusted for the personal safety of the people. Despite the enormous and huge houses of worship and churches planted at every corner of our cities and towns, religious conflicts, ignorance, intolerance and armed robbery are rampant.

Perhaps what Africa needs today are leaders who are servants; strong, compassionate and courageous leaders. Like King Solomon, African leaders require wisdom, discernment, character, integrity and vision to lead others.

African leaders must also be men of great vision and mission. They must have the kind of vision that is embraced by all and a mission that’s broad, as well as strategic with a strong value system that will drive their nation’s priorities and not personal priorities.

African leadership must establish core value systems that will dictate every decision and determine the nation’s priorities. More than these, African leaders must have strategy and develop plans with formidable teams to carry out the vision and mission for Africa.