In the first part of this series, we saw Tradition being defined as:
Individuals are expected to be Poly-Traditional really. Tapping into the principles and practices that fit or suit a specific need, time or place.
It is as if earthly wisdom is figuring out when to be either ethnic or modern. Bound or free. Obedient or pioneering. Especially within black families. Generalization is not advisable, so I tread with some caution.
I for one have experienced this dichotomy many times growing up. Raised in a black community. Schooled in multi national schools. Worked away from the hometown. The works. Like many of my peers. We grew in the time of cultural integration.
Anyway. Late twenties, I became pregnant. Peak of my youth. A carefully considered decision. Intentional and very much discussed, prior to the conception. A concerted effort at navigating and merging Tradition, situation, independence and belonging.
A story involving gynecologist, diagnosis and the works.
The Bible says: In a multitude of counselors there is safety. Hence involving my elders at the time.
Well, that balancing attempt didn't go so well. Nothing regular about hear say regulations for when pregnant and unmarried. It's emoyeni rules to be quite honest. Never intentionally imparted but implied at best.
Either way, how did our parents ignore talks about virginity, to preserve it or not. Then when they know you are sexually active, look the other way. They know who your partner is or not. Then when you get pregnant, hurl all sorts of ugly words at you. Well in my case, go as far as disown you as the shameful delinquent.
How do professionals not mention when unsure or not really have a handle on certain topics?
It's bizzare. Delusional. Intentional in its confusion. Aiming at leading you down the wrong path.
It is lying against the truth, as found in Ephesians 4. It is a mission of intentionally tossing you to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting. SIC of Ephesians 4:16
Well, it ended in a lonely afternoon at an termination clinic. All counsel absent. Disowned. A blog for another day. The end.
The enemy rejoiced. Older rights position restored.
Was order really restored? You decide.
Family traditions... Or is it being caught up in the convoluted traditional conundrums?
Could it be spiritual? Aimed at oppressing others while others walk free? Punitive measures from which others are exempt?
The hate spitting was just ugly, unnecessary and wrong. A display of UnGodliness and hearts needing the touch of God and a deliverance like no other.
The initial diagnosis and many talks? Invalid justifications for receiving love.
Is it still a question of obeying traditional activities and rules or a question of the heart's intention?
"There are those who curse their fathers
and do not bless their mothers;
those who are pure in their own eyes
and yet are not cleansed of their filth;
those whose eyes are ever so haughty,
whose glances are so disdainful;
those whose teeth are swords
and whose jaws are set with knives
to devour the poor from the earth
and the needy from among mankind." Proverbs 30.
There has been other instances where
loyalty to Tradition proved; for me; to be quite fickle with no consistency in its applications and returns policy.
Over a decade later, the said abominations have become acceptable ways of life for the younger generations. Tradition... Is what's supposedly done and accepted, only for a time. Remember that.
Perhaps that is the progression of change. How it actually is meant to happen? If that is the case, reflections must be standard. To allow for audits, repentance, restoration or reconciliation.
World business systems allow for this process. Why not then in human relationships?
Pride? Self righteousness? Vindictiveness? Apathy?
Are any reasons enough for perpetuating unnecessary divisions over generations to come? UnGodliness?
Traditional practices are only for a time.
Love. Servanthood. Ubuntu. Sincerity. All these know no era or window of opportunity.
To be disowned in perfect English. For an ethnic violation. By a non English delegation; living a fairly non traditional lifestyle anyway.
Amazing.
Can this be looked deeper into?
Language is a means of communicating beliefs and what's in the hearts.
Luke 6:45 says - A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
If you are good, you are good in any language. The same goes for evil.
Ever met people who spew malice in one language but become absolutely eloquent and diplomatic in another? Proud in one language but humbled in another?
Interesting. Isn't it?
If language limitations are eliminated, would there be consistent character exhibiting?
It is good practice to do timeline audits. Reflections. They provide insight. Good for learning, healing or growing. Great for revealing the hand of God over seasons, so as to glorify Him.
Short or long term, the will of God keeps prevailing.
So, what and when exactly do we use Tradition; when its application and results remain inconsistent.
Should we wonder?
I recently watched a show where Gordon and a South African chef were cooking traditional food for a Traditional Chief and his family. This was on YouTube.
Is the dress code not interesting?
What do we use Tradition for? Individually, what is it a tool for? Does the principle or belief change depending on who you are dealing with?
These questions must be extended to the church, workplace and organisations where Tradition is experienced.
Once again....
Tradition is a noun. a belief, principle, or way of acting that people in a particular society or group have continued to follow for a longtime, or all of these beliefs, etc. in a particular society or group:
Anyway... It seems that Tradition might be also a tool for endorsing while punishing. Accommodating while excluding. A safety net with many holes. A gentle breeze as well as a skirt lifting gale.
What do you use Tradition for?
I end this part 2 with the quote below.
Food for thought...
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