Recently, a question had been consistently nagging my thoughts on a sub-conscious level, so I extracted it out to the surface – “Why is it so difficult to wholeheartedly value the living, while it is unequivocally easy to glorify the dead?” I believe no-one can deny the fact that many a time, an ordinary person, provided he is dead, receives much more recognition and appreciation than a living person who has already achieved the extraordinary. Though this holds true on a global level, I would like to make a special reference to what occurs in our beloved state.
There are scores of Nagas – both young and old – who are brimming with talent, intellect and character. However, if we construct a careful analysis, we will discover that many of them are discouraged by their own people. It is so easy to find even a ‘speck of dust’ in our neighbor’s eye, is it not? The destructive criticism often overshadows the scanty appreciation. On countless occasions, I have witnessed such gifted Nagas being abused and mocked on social networking sites such as whatsapp and facebook the moment they commit even a shadow of unintentional error.
These updates are then downloaded and reposted over and over until the victim loses all trace of self-confidence whatsoever. They are slowly overcome by doubt and refuse to exercise the gifts that the Almighty has bestowed on them due to fear of rejection; thus another flame which would have brought glory to the Nagas is subdued.
The sudden demise of one of the Naga leaders recently proved this point. While he was still alive, I was only aware of his work as a faction leader. However, after his death, the newspapers were flooded on account of his contribution as a missionary. Honestly, I was stunned because I had never heard about this aspect of his character; it completely changed my view on him and I began to see him in a different light. I’m sure there are many who echo my sentiments regarding this matter.
Today, there is a dire need for Nagas to propel each other towards greatness instead of trying to hinder progress, or even stand by passively when our fellow brothers and sisters require our support and motivation. We also need to learn to encourage each other by appreciating someone when they do or say something noteworthy. We need to consciously make an effort to subdue the green-eyed monster and be genuinely happy for others’ accomplishments. This world is a big enough place to handle the good fortune and success of every Naga.
Keeping in line with these thoughts, we also need to remind ourselves that a dead person cannot see the beauty, nor smell the fragrance of the flowers we leave at their grave. Why should we let the time pass idly by and refrain from bringing joy to someone when they are alive and whole? Why cannot we talk and write good about others before they pass on to our eternal home? To me, a biography of the living makes much more sense than that of the dead. An act of kindness will surely bring us only blessing, as it is one of the gift of the Holy Spirit.
There is a passage of Scripture in Exodus 17 that talks about how the Amalekites attacked the Israelites. Moses was on top the hill and as long as he held up the staff that God had given him, the Israelites were winning the battle. But Moses’ arms began to tire and when he was not holding up the staff, the Israelites began to lose. Aaron and Hur made Moses sit on a rock and each of them held up one of his arms for him so that the staff remained up and the Israelites won the battle.
This story speaks volumes on how we as the body of Christ are called to help lift each other up – spiritually, physically and emotionally by our prayers, deeds and sound words for each other. I encourage us all not be miserly with our praise and appreciation towards others so that we may all be channels of blessings. We need positive leaders today who encourage and appreciate others. Let us build heaven on earth by practicing the twin virtues of acknowledgement and encouragement.
May the good Lord bless all the cheerful readers abundantly!
Husezo Rhakho, Kohima
