Courage in the Face of a Machete!

Is it the end of January already?

Some things will always be a part of the human experience—like human suffering, thriving, love and adversity. Following a recent family gathering, I was reminded of a story. A story that will no doubt be passed down through generations, illustrating the enduring power of resilience, bravery, and quiet leadership.

Years ago, our family faced a terrifying ordeal. A group of attackers, armed with machetes, stormed into our family compound, creating an atmosphere thick with fear. My cousin Betty was first to the post and they battered her senseless. She recovered from her injuries, but I was never to see her again after this.

And then, they turned their menacing attention towards my grandmother, demanding to know where her son, my uncle, was. With machetes in hand, anger but maybe fear and an unimaginable force, the soldiers confronted her with an ultimatum. "Where is xxx?" XXX being her loving son and my fun spirited cool Uncle.

With her indomitable spirit, my Grandmother stood her ground. She looked the attackers in the eye and asked them a question that pierced.

Quietly she asked, "Do your mothers know what you are doing to me?"

"He who is not everyday conquering some fear has not learned the secret of life." - Ralph Waldo Emerson        

This is what I think happened. That this simple yet powerful question struck a chord within the attackers. It must have reminded them of their own humanity and the love of their mothers, so I think and hope. With their tails between their legs, the soldiers, taken aback, retreated, still hurling insults but they left following my Grandmother's question and words.

"In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you." - Deepak Chopra        

With this moment of utter bravery, what profound lessons can we learn:

1. No Fear: My grandmother's fearless stance in the face of imminent danger not only protected her family but also made the aggressors reconsider their actions. Her courage turned the tide in that perilous situation.
2. Avoid Judgment: She did not judge or provoke the attackers; instead, she appealed to their humanity. This act of empathy prevented the situation from escalating further and demonstrated the power of understanding.
3. Handle Tense Situations with Poise: Amidst the chaos, my grandmother remained calm and composed. Her ability to stay poised under pressure defused the potential for greater harm and showed the importance of maintaining composure in difficult times.
4. Show Maturity and Wisdom: Her question reflected a deep understanding of human nature and the power of maternal love. This maturity and wisdom were instrumental in navigating the crisis and ensuring the safety of her family.
5. Quiet Leadership: My grandmother's quiet leadership was evident in her calm, composed, and empathetic approach. She demonstrated that true strength does not need to be loud or aggressive; sometimes, the most impactful leaders are those who lead with quiet strength and unwavering resolve.

Applying These Lessons in Our Lives

As we reflect on this story, we can draw valuable insights for our own lives and leadership journeys:

• Face Challenges with Courage: Life will present us with difficult situations. Facing them with courage and determination can turn potential defeat into victory.
• Cultivate Empathy: Understanding and empathizing with others, even in the face of adversity, can lead to peaceful resolutions and stronger connections.
• Maintain Composure: Keeping a cool head in stressful situations allows us to think clearly and make better decisions.
• Seek Wisdom: In moments of crisis, wisdom and maturity are our greatest allies. They guide us to actions that reflect our highest values and principles.
• Embrace Quiet Leadership: Leadership is not always about loud declarations and aggressive actions. Sometimes, the most impactful leaders are those who lead with quiet strength and unwavering resolve.

My reflection is the similarity in the quiet resolve and knowing that I share with my Grandmother. A matriarch and great healer that many sought when she was amongst us, my continuing resolve digging deeper into the well of innate wisdom and helping others find this.

As I carry forward the lessons from my grandmother's bravery, I am reminded that we all have the power to face our challenges with courage, empathy, composure, wisdom, and quiet leadership. Her legacy lives on in me, and I hope to inspire others to find their own strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

Let's have a fireside chat or moment of 'connection' if you are up for it.

Honouring the quiet heroes

By embodying our predecessors values and passing down their stories, we not only preserve their memory but also empower ourselves and future generations to thrive in the face of struggle.

Thank you for your readership.