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WHEN LIFE THROWS STONES AT YOU
Life has a peculiar way of testing us. It is like a master potter, moulding us into shape through the furnace of trials. Often, its challenges come unannounced, like a storm that darkens the brightest skies. Yet, as the Yoruba say, “The strength of the ocean is no match for the person determined to cross it.”
The world has never been a level playing field, especially for us. For every step forward, it seems society places two obstacles in our path. Yet, time and time again, women have shown the tenacity of the baobab tree, standing tall despite harsh winds. Whether it is the single mother striving to put food on the table, the widow fighting for her children’s future, or the girl child defying cultural norms to get an education, women continue to rewrite the script of endurance.
And what is the secret behind such feats? This, dear readers, is what is known as resilience—that unyielding strength to rise after every fall, to face life’s adversities with a bold heart, and to carve success out of failure. Resilience is the antidote to despair, the courage to rebuild after a storm, and the wisdom to turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones.
Let us look at the life of Wangari Maathai, the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Despite ridicule and opposition, she stood her ground, planting millions of trees to combat deforestation in Kenya. Out of her passion and perseverance was born the Green Belt Movement, an environmental and human rights organisation that empowered rural women to plant trees while earning a living. Wangari’s journey reminds us of the saying, “A tree does not grow in a day.” Resilience requires patience, determination, and belief in the value of small beginnings.
Take the story of Malala Yousafzai. As a young girl, she faced a barrage of bullets for daring to go to school. Her crime? Believing in her right to an education. But Malala didn’t let fear win. She turned her pain into purpose and became a global advocate for girls’ education. This is resilience.
Or consider Oprah Winfrey, born into poverty and scarred by abuse, whose childhood was a tapestry of unimaginable hardship. Yet, she rose from those ashes to become one of the world’s most influential women. Her journey reminds us that life’s stones can either crush us or be used to build a fortress.
Here in Nigeria, stories of resilience abound. The late Dr Stella Ameyo Adadevoh stood as a bulwark against the deadly Ebola virus, sacrificing her life to save millions. Her unwavering courage in the face of danger reminds us that true resilience is not just about self-preservation but about leaving a lasting legacy.
There’s also the tale of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, the fearless activist who stood toe-to-toe with colonial powers and fought for women’s rights. Despite being dismissed and derided, she refused to back down. As the Igbo saying goes, “He who holds the rope tightly controls the goat.” Funmilayo held on to her convictions, and in doing so, she changed the course of history.
Another inspiring story is that of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, a literary powerhouse who has faced criticism, stereotypes, and societal expectations. Through her works, she has carved out a space for African literature on the global stage, addressing issues of gender, race, and identity. Chimamanda’s journey shows us that resilience is not only about enduring challenges but also about owning your voice and using it to spark change.
What can we learn from these women? First, adversity is a part of life, but it doesn’t define us. As the old saying goes, “Smooth seas do not make skilled sailors.” Every challenge is an opportunity to grow, to strengthen our resolve, and to emerge stronger.
Second, resilience is not a solo journey. It is built on a foundation of faith, community, and hope. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, who remind you that no mountain is too high to climb. Remember, “It takes a village to raise a child,” and sometimes, it takes a village to rebuild a broken spirit.
Finally, resilience is contagious. When one woman rises, she lights the way for others to follow. Every woman who defies the odds and breaks barriers becomes a beacon of hope, a symbol of what is possible when courage meets determination.
So, my dear readers, life will throw stones at you. But like the master mason, you have the power to use those stones to build something extraordinary. And to the women reading this, remember that you carry within you the strength of generations. When life knocks you down, rise again. Let your scars be your badges of honour, your struggles the foundation of your strength.
Let us celebrate these stories of resilience and be inspired to write our own. For as another African proverb reminds us, “When the lion tells its story, the hunter is silenced.” It is time for women to tell their stories, to own their narratives, and to show the world that resilience is their second name.
Falilat Oreoluwa Dikko.
A feminist/ public affairs analyst writes from Lagos Nigeria
Email address
Kehindedikko@gmail.com
Tel- 07034484445
