So many thoughts have run through my mind this week… leaving me paralyzed for words. What do we do? What can we do? What should we do?
Once again, the world has been captured by a devastating injustice to humankind. This time, involving over 270 secondary school girls who were kidnapped from a school in Borno state, Nigeria. While I’m no longer sure what to believe from the media, the fact remains that over 270 girls have been stripped away from their loved ones and their whereabouts remain uncertain (and Nigeria remains “fluid and unpredictable“). The story of “Nigeria’s lost girls” hits particularly close to home for me for two reasons: 1) I care deeply about the safety of our young people, especially our girls; and 2) I am a Nigerian.
While it’s easy to get sucked into the idea of supporting a movement/cause because it’s trending on Twitter with a popular hashtag, i am taking a moment to pause to reflect on why i care about this situation, and why i am adding my voice to say “Bring Back Our Girls.” Nigeria is a country that is very near and dear to my heart. How do i sit back and read/watch as these tragic unfoldings threaten my motherland – a place that nurtured me for the first 13 years of my life; a place i call home; a place where my mother and majority of my family live; a place in which i have hopes of building a career; a place for which i hold so much hope and dreams of restoring back to unity and dignity?
We’ve waited for over three weeks to act on the Chibok kidnapping. Let’s not dwell on the past – what was and was not done. It’s time for some bold moves. I’m challenging myself to figure out what that bold move means for me. For now, i’m holding on to my Faith and belief in the fact that i serve a God who sees the hurt and pain, and promises to set the captives free and restore hope to broken lands. Boko Haram is making a mockery of my country and our leaders (can you imagine the audacity to make a video announcing their plans to “sell [the girls] in the marketplace?”).
As a sister, daughter, friend, Nigerian, and citizen of the world, my heart remains broken over this devastating injustice and lack of care for human life. I encourage you, if you can pray, please pray for Nigeria. Pray against the forces driving Boko Haram. We are wrestling with some unfathomable forces, and we cannot rely on traditional means alone. Yes, Nigeria’s military (and government) needs to take stronger action(s). Yes, the international community should lend their support to mitigate this crisis. Yes, social media continues to be a powerful tool for advocacy. However, i believe that God’s power is greater than any power – even powers that appear unfathomable to us humans.
Prayer changes things. Don’t underestimate the power of YOUR prayer.
Please continue to seek action on behalf of our sisters, daughters, friends, and children! The world needs more love. The world needs people who speak out and act against injustices. The world needs our girls in schools. You and I have a role to play in restoring our world to order.
BRING BACK OUR GIRLS!
With optimism,
Onyinye