Wall Builders

It’s before 430 B.C, the Jews had just returned to their homelands after years of captivity in Babylon, to the ruins of a once magnificent and indomitable city of splendid temples, palaces, gardens and fortifications.

Weary and exhausted from the consequences of past negligence yet faced with the challenge of rebuilding their ghost towns – remnants of days gone by, a roost for screeching owls and a lair for wild beasts

The broken walls of defence needs to be rebuilt to chronicle their return from exile, while the ‘down in the dumps’ spirit made some cynical and contrary, it geared others to see a possibility of restoration.

And so in the face of cynicism and bleakness, only a communal spirit by those who will not faint can get the enormous endeavor done.

The strategy is to form a building chain; every man to repair the section of the wall that falls into his territory until the city wall is built round.

Shallum, ruler of one of the districts, with a large compound that meant a large section of the wall to build, seemed to be at a disadvantage having no sons to build, he had daughters.

They were the crème de la crème of their emerging and recovering society, their father was probably one of the few that flourished in captivity and had returned to his native soil in good loyalty.

Coupled with the tradition that would not recognize women’s participation in such a huge community project, they should rather watch from their windows and talk about the new turns in the project rather than carry bricks of re-establishment like the men would.

But then, Shallum’s daughters saw the worth and urgency of the project and acknowledging their ability to be a part of it they rose up undaunted to contribute their own quota.

First to clear the rubbles, to sweep clean and then to build.

Not minding their ‘manicured fingers’ or their society’s definition of their roles, in drizzles and in trickles, from a heap of rubble, as much as their strength could afford, they brought out stones, one after the other.

They built the walls around their dwelling; a significant part of the wall of defense around their homeland, to restore its dignity and significance.

We all know the disheartening issues in our society today, they have definitely increased the profit margins of the media this year; corruption, insecurity, child abuse, sexual pervasions, outbreak of diseases, breakdown of family, disasters, economical instability..................................

It’s easy to analyze, scrutinize and talk about all of this decadence, of problems of the world and how they affect us, but as women we really need to start doing more than to talk about them.

Taking a stand starts from being responsive to the situation, making up our minds not to alienate ourselves or draw margins of comfort around us alone.

Irresponsibility and complacency will lead to further downfall and the truth is no matter how isolated we seem to be from or unenthusiastic about these issues, they will always come back to affect a loved one somewhere, someday.

We all need to join the ranks of the builders taking a part to play in rebuilding the present dilapidated state of our nation, in our own little and consistent way.

In the present state of our leadership, the Yoruba proverb is fulfilled, ‘the one we trusted to scratch our itching backs have adorned his fingers with thorns’

Then for how long are we going to keep waiting for them to make life better for us

Let’s do what we can, when we can, everywhere we can.

Be an advocate for something; be known to be a voice for at least one right act towards human and community development, wherever you are, in your own community and in your circle of influence.

Work hard at what you believe and into making it happen, don’t say one thing and do another.

Above the deafening noise of the various wars around us, a voice, even when it’s a whisper is heard when it’s saying the truth.

Be the one who refuses to cheat.
Be the one who refuses to litter the streets making the environment unhealthy.
Be the one who pays your bills.
Be the one having dealings with others in integrity.
Be the one who acts neighbourly and respect the right of others.
Be informed and pay attention to public issues.
Be the faithful spouse.
Be the diligent parent who works toward protective boundaries in your homes.
Be the selfless and considerate employer/employee treating others like you would they treat you

Being drivers of positive changes simply starts from doing your own part of the whole lot.