February 9th , 2009

Nkuku iba ema-engwanna, inuen adia ndie’n: When two grasshoppers fight, the bird benefits

Among our people, the idea of preserving the peace and tranquility of the community was taken very seriously. For more than two hundred years, and as a result of the activities of the slave raiders, each village in the Annang society had what was known as Obong Idap or the chief responsible for policing the sleeping hours. It was the duty of the individual to set up neighborhood watches and to report the disturbance of the peace to the village governing authorities. Such watches were encouraged by the understanding that disturbance of public peace affect the community at large. Thus, the saying that the fight of grasshoppers raises the attention of the birds who hunt the insects become relevant in this understanding. Our people were aware that division and squabbling in the group provided openings for enemies to exploit. A breach of the peace where self preservation and survival is at stake benefits no one. Division in situations where cooperation is required, the people agreed, could be counterproductive. Those who were witty speakers of the Annang tongue must have been reminded also that two brothers do not stand to argue with their house on fire. “Isidehge ikang aduk utang, nto eka iba eda etanga”.

The American writer, Hellen Keller, in a play on St. Paul’s quote wrote: “I do not want the peace which passeth understanding, I want the understanding which bringeth peace.” The problem with this epistemological perspective is that we live at a time when what is knowledge is open to debate. But then the simple fact that each one of us is searching for the same thing in life is a good enough understanding that can allow harmony and togetherness. Human brokenness and weakness are often shown when we are most vulnerable. It is easy to fall back on anger and hate than to lean on love. It is easy to scatter than to gather, but because gathering is difficult does not justify it as a choice.

Yet reasons abound to justify some of the based behavior that we often resort to. Individuals often cite “principles” for non cooperation and for failing to listen and to forgive. One of the cardinal rules of the universe is that we have to create room in order to fill it with something else. As the nineteenth century Scottish novelist, George Macdonald reminded his contemporaries, forgiveness is a gift of life that we give ourselves. We give forgiveness to others and in turn we receive life for ourselves. I do not know what hurt you may be feeling and no one knows what is gnawing at your spirit but yourself, yet the wisdom of our forebears is a reminder that hatred and fighting words do not build relationships but instead expose us to danger. Whom do you need to be reconciled to today? Have you promised not to ever speak to someone again? What burdens do you carry around? When two grasshoppers fight, it is possible to attract the attention of the preying bird. As you go about the business of living today, may you be reminded of the words of Hannanh More that forgiveness saves the expense of anger, the cost of hatred and the waste of spirit.

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