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Many sisters have expressed trepidation over the idea of repatriating without a mate. Though women imagine themselves to be more vulnerable to the pit falls, they are often better fit to withstand the most trying conditions. Repatriation is unbelievably difficult for anyone, female or male, single or paired. Though it might seem like a trod that requires a partner, it can be argued that that partner should be the Most High. That is, if one isn’t already in union with his or her mate who shares the same values and convictions, with equal or greater resolve. Anything else is like dragging an anchor ashore. In my observation, female Repatriates are less encumbered by a sense of maintaining status and/or appearances. (I am writing about traditional African women, who have weathered the storms of the West, yet preserved themselves.) Such women are far more frugal, more adaptive and more practical. They are also naturally more humble, patient and longsuffering. All these characteristics are required traits for anyone that is going to make the journey, beyond the initial journey. Many of the same attributes, most men have to learn at a dear price. Women are also less likely prone to distractions. It seems, when a woman is in transitory mode, she simply buckles down and focuses. Men, on the other hand, have been known to take in more than the sites. This in itself, has been the downfall of many men and many relationships. Unless a man is matured, he simply has to get it out of his system and if a relationship is immature, this could lead to its calamitous demise. Another common mistake is to repatriate, unequally yoked. Many have brought their mate simply because they were the father or mother of their children, knowing very well that their mates didn’t have any real comprehension, or conviction for repatriation. Noble and good might be your intentions, but you will have still brought the shovel that will dig your grave. Furthermore, conditions have existed on the continent, consistent with the original Way of our people that provide women with the means to assume their natural advantages. African women, like no other women, can inspire their men to war or diffuse eminent confrontation. It is an African proverb that says, ‘the hand that rocks the cradle, rules the world.’ She has learned the art of ruling by influence as opposed to assaulting her counterpart’s ego to her own demise. What’s more, she controls the food! The African woman feeds the nation and there is no getting around that. Unlike the West, where chain stores provide the staples for every household, in Africa, the farmer-woman and the market-woman control the food, which goes a long way in creating an inter-dependency between the sexes that foster real balance and order, maat, not mere legislated equal rights. I strongly encourage all, male and female to answer the call unconditionally. Trod forward, in perfect faith, alone if that is your present station in life, and consider that a blessing. This is not to suggest that we, men or women, should aspire towards living independent of each other, instead it is noted that we have always gone through our respective initiations, independent of each other, only to meet on the other side, victorious and worthy. Repatriation is a very thorough induction into a new reality, a new world and a new you. The lighter your baggage the easier you will find the learning process. A woman’s place is, no doubt, in this struggle! |
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