I used to listen to fairytale stories about a servant girl and her wicked stepmother and stepsisters. The moment I begin a story with this opening premise, kindergartners and children of early grades look transfixed and enchanted with their gleeful eyes in anticipation of a story they've heard over a million times. They are tempted to scream at the top of their lungs C-I-N-D-E-R-E-L-L-A but somehow manage to keep their cool hoping for a different version of the Cinderella story they can't afford to miss. Then my amazement and curiosity set in like a lighted spark in a full moon.
Despite her unpalatable experiences, Cinderella was still pronounced as beautiful and she ended up marrying the prince. We may be quick to forget that the experiences that make us bitter are the experiences that make us better; the experiences that leave us battered are the same that make us beautiful. Life is challenging, it could even be unbearable. It doesn’t promise us a smooth sail, notwithstanding the caravan we convey. Life is adamant like a taskmaster, unapologetically concerned only with our task completions without taking into consideration our feelings. In contrast to our fairytales where a happily-ever-after is guaranteed, in reality, there’s no guarantee of marrying the prince, let alone having an invitation to a ball. As creatures of hope swerving on the hinges of faith and trust, we can only look forward to a bright future and an expected end.
My friend, when you are battered and it looks like your prayers seem to go no further than your head, it is your night season. When it appears like the walls of life’s building are caving in on you, and the winter is unusually long keeping summer at bay, it’s your night season. When it rains on your parade, and the sun refuses to rise above your head, despite being called Sunny, it is your night season. When you’re experiencing the metaphorical dark night of the soul as you trudge in life’s drudgery, it is your night season. When you undergo a repeated cycle of physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual blows in any form that leaves you worn out, it is your night season; you are battered.
Have you been battered before? Do you know someone who has been battered before? Look no further. Standing before you is a battered human species that refuses to remain a specimen of pity by embracing the sordid aspect of victimization. I’ve had to wrestle with academic failures, shame, low self-esteem, and lengthy unemployment. I’ve also had to put up with verbal abuse and emotional blackmail in stride with the knowledge that even though I am battered, am still beautiful. Ever heard anything like a beautiful boy? Here’s a prototype and a vintage version speaking candidly to you, ladies and gentlemen.
My advice to you amigos is, no matter what life or situation throws at you, don’t remain ugly. Refuse to stay down and become an object of pity. Everything that happens to you happens to the entire human race. In all your dealings and experiences, never forget that you are beautiful nevertheless. I am rooting for you.
Over to you Toastmaster of the Day.