Celebrating Heritage Day

UMUNTU NGUMUNTU NGABANTU By Claudene Sebolai

“I am, because you are”

As Africans our heritage is deeply rooted in the African philosophy of Ubuntu. The title of this article is a Zulu phrase which means a person is a person through other people. One of the main proponents of Ubuntu is Archbishop Desmond Tutu who describes a person with Ubuntu as someone who is “open and available to others, affirming of others ... has a proper self-assurance.”

This idea of Ubuntu reminds me of our Christian heritage which is rooted and grounded in love. When Jesus was asked about the greatest commandment, His response was; “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” These two are totally inseparable. Someone cannot say “I love God” but dislike one’s neighbour nor have anything to do with one’s neighbour. Since God is love, and so we will love as Christ loves us.

Paul teaches us in 1 Corinthians 13. Love does not lend itself to rivalry but to peace, not to pride but to

humility. Love binds where there has been division, heals where there has been hate, and believes the best of others instead of the worst. Love enables the ministry of others rather than selfish interests. Without love there can be no unity. Love does not harm others by its inappropriate actions. Love does not satisfy its own needs while ignoring that of others. Love does not easily take offence. As we prepare our outfits and meat for heritage day celebrations, let us also reflect on our words and actions. Let us strive always to love our neighbour as ourselves. Happy Heritage Day! Umuntu Ngumuntu Ngabantu!

#FAITHOVERFEAR

During this time of collective trauma, the enormity of this pandemic and the global shutdown over it weighs heavy on us all. Our sense of normality has been turned upside down and there is a great deal of uncertainty and anxiety of what the near future holds. God is a Promise Keeper! He cannot leave or forsake us; He sealed that promise when He send the Holy Spirit. We can therefore stand on and hold fast to that promise. Here are a few inspiring nuggets to encourage us as we try to navigate through this challenging time.

ARUNDHATI ROY, INDIA

Historically, pandemics have forced humans to break with the past and imagine their world anew. This one is no different; it is a portal, a gateway between one world and the next. We can choose to walk through it, dragging the carcasses of our prejudice and hatred, our avarice, our data banks and dead ideas, our dead rivers and smoky skies behind us. Or we can walk through it lightly, with little luggage, ready to imagine another world.

@JoyceMeyer

The Word of God is the most powerful thing in the universe! The Word is packed with life-changing power. When the Word is preached miracles are available to change lives, to save, to heal physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. We serve a mighty, powerful, miracle-working God!

@StevenFurtick

The goal is not to just get through this. The goal is for God to show you something in it that makes you better on the other side.

@ChristineCaine

If there is one thing that this season has shown us, our sense of control isn’t as real as it seems. What we do know is that we have a God who is in complete control. He is sovereign, He is good, and He is faithful! He gives us faith that says “even if” I don’t understand, you are in control, God, and I trust You.

@PaulaMichelleWhite

God has you…spiritually, emotionally, relationally and financially. TRUST HIM!

THE THREADS

It’s boots, coats, layers and knits. Keeping warm this winter is pretty easy with great deals all over and the best buys for this season are at times, found in your local thrift store. So, what’s needed for looking gorgeous this winter? A good coat is a must have, be it a Trench, Fur or even a Golden Oldie Knit that’s been handed down from your Gran. Layers are also a good option to have. Boots! Choose yours - long, short, military, high or flat. Wear them with a pretty dress or even denims and a crisp shirt. The choices are endless. A warm scarf is always a win to complete your look. They come in a range colours such as jade green, deep red oxtail or even a pretty blush pink to match your favourite lip colour. So with icy tips and cold air MOISTURIZE! approaching…layer up, be colourful and keep warm. MOISTURIZE!

MOISTURIZE!

Ah! It’s cold…Our skin is prone to going dry and ashy. Now is not the time to stop moisturising.

HER CROWN

It’s needed now more than in summer. Butter, oils, rich and creamy. Your skin will thank you Don’t we all just love our hair when it’s clean and later. With lots of brands on the market, you styled the way we want?But with cold air it might might find the best ingredients in your own be difficult to sport our tresses. Not to worry, we’ve pantry. Honey, oats, sugar, coffee and even got you covered. Like your skin that needs to stay spices. Keep skin hydrated as much as possible. hydrated, so does your hair. Keep it looking luxurious Keep showers to medium heat as hot water by applying your fav moisturiser, hair butter, oils or dries the skin. home made spritzer daily. And for all the natural queens protective styling is your best friend! Again… water for the win. Drink lots of it.