STAND FOR SOMETHING

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Our Father, we yearn for a better understanding of spiritual things, that we may know surely what Thy will is for us and for our Nation. Give to us clear vision that we may know where to stand and what to stand for—because unless we stand for something, we shall fall for anything.

- At the start of legislative sessions in the U.S. Senate a daily prayer is typically offered by the Senate Chaplain. On April 18, 1947 Chaplain Peter Marshall spoke the  words above.

In the world we live today, it is practically becoming difficult and daunting to stand for something. In our everyday lives, as we go about our daily duties and lives, we are constantly faced with the need to be socially compliance and inclined.

Suffice to say, living by principle, dedication and commitment to a cause is fast becoming a taboo; but time and time, has proven that those whose names have resonated for eternity are men and women who stand for something, who will not be swayed by bad wagon effects.

I must say, taking such an unpopular decision may not be easy; and to be sure they maybe riveted, rejected and sometimes ostracized for standing for something that is right; yet the fact remains that those who have held on to their beliefs have been vindicated in the long run.

Time may fail me to mention them all, but we remembered Martin Luther for human rights and fight against white domination in USA, Nelson Mandela for fight against white apartheid in South Africa, Mahatma Gandhi for fight against colonialism in India, Mother Theresa for feeding the poor, Awolowo for fight against colonialism, just to mention a few.

Today, as I watched the UK parliamentarians paying glowing tribute to Jo Cox (a former UK parliamentarian from Batley) for her dedication, commitment and principle; the need for one to stand for what he believes in and work for the common cause of humanity became more clear to me and necessary for us all. Indeed, her famous quote of- "... we are far more united and have far more in common with each other than things that divide us" will resonate for sometime to come. This not less of her dedication to duty, passion for humanity, humane disposition and her commitment to her family. 


Friends, whatever we do today will one day become a testimony for generations yet to come, and in this vein, we must give our best in the service of humanity knowing fully well that we will one day depart the shore of this world, and before then we must labour in love for the born and unborn generations.

More importantly, we must be resolutely committed to the cause we believe in, stand for truth in the pursuit of life, never become downcast in the face of opposition and criticism, be responsible to our callings and call of duty; and one day somebody somewhere will sing our praises to high heaven.

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