Wisdom Better Than Strength

GLOBAL POSITIONS S haron G ram b y - S o b u k w e

Wisdom Better Than Strength

on the US and the world, especially in human rights, and, as a first step, in the closure of the Guantanamo detention center. At the same time, many fear that Obama will not be able to fulfill all the promises he made during the election campaign.

In the global south, and especially in There was once a small city with only a few people in it.And a powerful king came against Africa, people are excited about Obama it, surrounded it, and built huge siegeworks because he represents them. His multiagainst it. Now there lived in that city a man ethnicity, his upbringing in the US and poor but wise, and he saved the city by his abroad, the story of his persistence and wisdom. But nobody remembered that poor man. “making it” in the face of many chalSo I said, “Wisdom is better than strength.” lenges are all experiences that people But the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and beyond the corridors of power understand and share. For many he represents his words are no longer heeded. somebody who is able to exceed his ethEcclesiastes 9:14-16 nic, racial, geographic, and class status, to

This month, as the United States inau- be shaped by them and proud of them gurates Barack H. Obama as its 44th yet not limited by them.

As a Kenyan scholar and friend reports, president, the world watches with high expectations. More than ever before, it “For Kenyans, Obama’s Kenyan heriseems the election of a US president is tage gives us reason to be proud. But we understood for its global significance as well as its symbolism at the most per- Can we prioritize selflessness, sonal level. Whether in Azerbaijan or Switzerland, Ethiopia or Kenya, the elec- fearlessness, and wisdom rathtion of Obama signals hope for a better world and faith that it is possible for er than self-interest, arrogance, each of us.

In his historic acceptance speech on and domination?

November 4, 2008, Obama said, “And to all those watching tonight from beyond are also humbled by Obama’s choice to our shores, from parliaments and palaces, seek this heritage out. He could have simto those who are huddled around radios ply ignored it; after all, he barely knew in the forgotten corners of the world, his father. Instead he chose to make that our stories are singular, but our destiny journey to Kogelo, a place so remote they is shared, and a new dawn of American had to bring in generators for electricity leadership is at hand.” If indeed this is a so that the village could watch Tuesday new American dawn, how should our night on big screens ... to have ‘one of attitudes and policies differ from those our own’ who is connected to those roots, and who then makes it to the highof the past?

Ultimately, many in the world expect est office in the world, it is tremendous changes in US foreign policy. In India, affirmation of our heritage as Kenyans Obama inspires hope in the poor for and as Africans.”

In South Africa, a friend says, “This policies that will improve their conditions.

In Azerbaijan there is guarded hope that moment resonates with so many of us US policy towards Muslims will change. who connect with, support, endure In Switzerland, 61 percent say they hope patience and long suffering, and facilithat Obama will have a positive influence tate change toward a vision for a better PRISM 2009

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life in South Africa, better USA, better any country for all its citizens.”

At a time when the world is smaller than ever, a common desire for hope and compassion for our world and visions for new global relations are compelling, begging further discussion, exploration, and, yes, prayer. As people of God, are we likewise compelled to envision new global relations? If we dare to dream, in this moment in history, what might be different in our foreign policy?

By the world’s logic we should prioritize our national and individual selfinterest, and our foreign policy should remain pragmatic, focused on a range of choices delimited by existing relationships, resources, and power distributions. The policies that follow from this logic rely upon the strength of our arms, the skill of those who compose our military, and our power to remain not only relevant but in control of the world.

But in the mindset of the “poor but wise” man described in Ecclesiastes 9, we would prioritize selflessness, fearlessness, and wisdom rather than self-interest, arrogance, and domination.The policies that follow from this way of thinking require that we find faith enough to sacrifice self and make serving others our first concern.They require that we deny fear and trust God for our security as we embrace peace before war and focus on wisdom rather than strength to engage and listen to others, especially the poor. A new type of foreign policy would seek wisdom in small places and among the forgotten and stand up against all who would exploit the weak. Will we dare to stand for policies that will signal the kingdom to come rather than empire today and reflect Jesus rather than Caesar? If we do, perhaps others will join us there. n Dr. Sharon Gramby-Sobukwe is department chair of the School of Leadership and Development at Eastern University, where she teaches leadership (NGOLeader.org) and church politics.