Over the years, I have heard the term “Humanitarian” being used either loosely or in the actual context which represents a holistic overall view to its true meaning, there is a need for us to take a closer look at the term and zoom in on it. In most cases, it is a catch phrase or an inane cliché which for a good while has continue to elude our people. For example, Mr. X gives a bag of rice today and down the road, comes back and asks that you vote for him. Is this the definition of one being a Humanitarian? Well, here is how I see it; A true Humanitarian shares knowledge, not because it may make them profit or metamorphose into votes in the long run, but because it will contribute value and impact the lives of his/her fellow compatriots. Knowledge sharing is one key component of a true Humanitarian. That is, instead of giving handouts, it is best when we share knowledge that would aid others in their attempt to achieve higher potential. As the famous Chinese proverb says “don’t just give me fish, teach me how to fishing instead”…
A true Humanitarian leads by example and carries with him/her fairness, honesty, reliability, selflessness, passion and fortitude. Each of these attribute contributes to the well being of humanity as a whole and they are infinitely renewable resources that are shared on contact. Cardinal of these is Love. Love is the zenith form of humanitarianism and it evokes wealth that is not merely financial or political gains but the development of human and societal enrichment. It [love] declares that we should at all times transcend our abilities to purchase or make financial contributions, it[love] is a form of humanitarianism without which all humanity would suffer no matter how economically endowed we may be. Therefore, love is the essential purpose of giving and NOT because of long term political gains.
In order to fully understand, consider this story: In Liberia, a man somewhere in Bong came upon a large construction site. He saw a worker cementing blocks together. "What do you do" he asked. "I am a mason," the man replied. Then he walked over to another worker, who appeared to be engaged in the same task. "What do you do" he asked. The man replied, "We are building a School." These two men operated with very different perspectives toward their goal or mission. The first one focused exclusively on the task, without reference to his purpose or his love for that purpose. Whether out of choice or out of ignorance, he wasn’t being nourished by the intangible power Humanitarianism. The second worker saw his task in the context of a much larger calling, one that held the power of replenishing his sense of purpose and his love for that purpose. He had chosen to step into the deep boundless ocean of Humanitarianism.
This has led me to ask a few fundamental questions; how do we envision and peruse our humanitarian calling? Do we think primarily in terms of cash flow in, and tithing out or projects? Are we doing what we do selflessly or because we seek long term political gains? Do we measure our success in terms of revenue, and therefore our contribution based on the ruling of the calculator? If so, we have fallen into a deep trap, one that can make our lives devoid of heart and energy. That is the trap of pursuing what we think is good for “us”, instead of what we know is great for “all of us”. Being a true Humanitarian, then, begins with acknowledging the spark of creativity and potential that is our gift to declare and share selflessly too. When we do this, it radiates outward! So then, when you choose to give materially, you will be giving only a “small” expression of infinite love within. Instead, share knowledge, manifest love, be passionate, be selfless, have the fortitude, show honesty, lead by example, and do because you care and NOT because u want…..
“It is not how much we do, but how much love we put in the doing. It is not how much we give, but how much love we put in the giving”….Mother Teresa
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