By: Austin S Fallah- A True Son of the Planet Earth Soil:
Happy Thanksgiving to all of those in the land of Uncle Sam, and prayer for all of humanity:
In the grand tapestry of history, the narratives we craft through our actions define our legacy, painting the picture that will be remembered long after we have departed from this life.
Contemplating what the history books will say about us invites a profound reflection on our values, choices, and, ultimately, our souls.
The duality of good and bad defines much of our existence.
Yet, at the heart of these narratives lies the critical question.
What do we prioritize, earthly riches and power or the enduring significance of a soulful existence?
As we delve into the lives of critical Biblical figures Abraham, Moses, Saul (later Paul), and King David, a common thread emerges the mercy and grace of the Creator, Elohim-God Almighty, as mediated through the Savior, Yeshua Christ.
Their stories are not merely tales of virtue and success but also chronicle immense failures, illustrating that redemption is possible regardless of our missteps.
This is especially poignant in Liberia, a nation marred by conflict and strife. The legacies of warlords and political leaders remind us of the choices that lead to both devastation and hope.
The Dilemma of Earthly Wealth vs. Spiritual Fulfillment:
Those who seek power, riches, and fame often find themselves at a crossroads between the fleeting pleasures of this world and the deep, abiding joy of a life lived in service to others.
The Bible’s teachings stress this dichotomy, suggesting that “What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul?” (Mark 8:36).
This verse encapsulates the unsettling truth that pursuing material success risks the spiritual fulfillment that gives life its true meaning.
Take, for example, the story of King David, a man described as “after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14), who experienced both glorious triumphs and grievous sins.
Extraordinary accomplishments marked his reign, yet it was also marred by his moral failures, notably the sin with Bathsheba. David’s life reminds us that even the most revered figures are not exempt from errors, and their legacies are shaped by their successes and capacity for repentance and growth.
This duality should encourage us to strive for goodness while acknowledging that our imperfections do not define our ultimate fate.
The Importance of Repentance and Redemption:
The stories of Abraham and Moses further illustrate the theme of redemption.
Abraham, revered as the patriarch of faith, initially faltered when he doubted God’s promises.
His journey from doubt to faith underscores the incredible potential for transformation within each of us.
Similarly, Moses, who led his people out of slavery(Egypt), wrestled with his insecurities and failures but ultimately fulfilled a divine purpose far beyond his lifetime.
This concept of repentance is particularly relevant in Liberia’s context, where the scars of civil war and the legacies of warlords are etched into the collective psyche.
The history of Liberia is fraught with examples of leaders who, in their quest for power, betrayed their people and ushered in darkness.
Yet, the nation stands at a crossroads, and it can choose a different path that embraces hope, reconciliation, and a deeper appreciation for the sanctity of life.
For true healing, Liberians must call upon their leaders to lead with accountability and compassion to break the cycles of corruption that have historically plagued their nation.
Hope in the Face of Despair:
It is crucial for individuals, especially those in positions of influence, to reflect on the messages they send through their actions.
What will future generations inherit?
Will it be a legacy of greed, turmoil, and disillusionment, or will it be one of rejuvenation, kindness, and hope?
The answer rests in our collective choices today.
Liberians, like all people, must recognize their power to reshape their destinies and inspire hope in those who are disenfranchised and suffering.
In leadership, one must ask the vital question.
Are we leading for the people or power?
The distinction here is paramount.
Authentic leadership reaches beyond the self, understanding that the measure of one’s life will stem from how they have uplifted others.
Each act of kindness, every moment spent serving those in need, adds to the fabric of one’s legacy, fostering a brighter and more just future.
The Eternal Perspective:
As we reflect on our choices and their implications for our souls, embracing the reality that our earthly existence is fleeting is essential.
The material possessions and accolades (education) we amass will ultimately fade away, leaving only our impact on others and our relationship with the divine.
Indeed, the day will come when our souls depart this body, a day no one can escape; my late mother (T.S. Kardu Fallah) and father (N.Taylor Fallah, the son of Conor Fallah of Foya Kama, Lofa County, Liberia) used to say to me in my native Kissi language.
This realization should compel us toward kindness, generosity, and the cessation of harmful behaviors.
Every warlord’s story in Liberia echoes the fundamental reality of human existence.
We are all flawed, yet we have the capacity for immense goodness, as my big sister Fatu Fallah always reminded me as a little brother in Liberia.
The world may remember us for our mistakes, but the grace with which we navigate those mistakes holds the power to redeem us.
True justice, as written in the heavens, is not merely punitive but profoundly restorative.
A Call to Action:
I want to remind all of us that the legacies we leave behind and the narratives that history will preserve hinge not upon our material accomplishments but on the love, kindness, and justice we extend to those around us.
In the lives of Biblical figures, we find reflections of our potential for greatness and failure.
It is a stark reminder that mercy is not just a concept but a calling to act against the backdrop of human suffering.
For the people of Liberia and beyond, embracing hope and striving for reconciliation is a path illuminated by faith and the pursuit of justice.
By choosing lives of integrity over greed, compassion over indifference, and humility over pride, we carve our names into the annals of history as individuals and as part of a collective striving toward a better world.
What will the history books say about you when you depart this life?
The answer to this question is in our hands.
Let us choose wisely, with the awareness that our legacies extend far beyond personal achievements and instead rest firmly on the impact we have on the lives of others.
It is time for reckoning, a return to righteousness, and a revival of hope that resonates throughout Liberia and the world.
