BUY YOUR OWN NECKLACE

WORK FOR YOUR OWN NECKLACE:

Beloved brethren, today I woke up remembering some great wisdom nuggets I picked from my mum. 

My mother taught me a lot: sometimes casually, sometimes lovingly and sometimes forcefully. 

All in all, mum's contributions towards my discipline, character and personality is enormous. 

This morning I remembered her favourite proverb, which she so much personalised as though it was meant for me and me alone.

Mum had a unique gift of personalising proverbs and Scriptures to fix anyone, anywhere and anytime.

She once told me:

"Mugathi wene unogagia ngingo."

This is literally means: "A necklace that does not belong to you, is just a weight on your neck"

No matter how beautiful that necklace is, it is still an unnecessary burden on you.

This proverb speaks to the discomfort and strain of constantly depending on other people.

While receiving help from other people is a blessing, you should never live on the generosity of others. 

Living on other people's generosity can make you feel indebted, weighed down, and even hopeless. 

It can easily make you lose your sense of independence and dignity. 

Your neck will soon get tired of bending down to thank other people for things you can easily provide for yourself. 

It also means, your neck can get tired of bowing down your head with shame, because of your inability to stand on your own feet. 

This proverb is a gentle reminder of the importance of hard work, self-reliance, and the sweet satisfaction of earning your own necklaces. 

There is joy and freedom in knowing that your success in life come from your own labour and effort.

Paul, in his letter to the Thessalonians, encourages a similar principle. 

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 KJV says:

"And that ye study to be quiet,

and to do your own business, 

and to work with your own hands,

as we commanded you; 

That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, 

and that ye may have lack of nothing."

May we all be encouraged to find joy in our work, dignity in our efforts, and confidence in our independence. 

There is dignity in wearing your "own necklace".

Your own necklace cannot tire your neck.

Boniface Amani Gichina (CPM)