The Reason
Yoruba, like many languages, is complex and wonderful.
One word can have multiple meanings in both mother and adopted tongues.
OMO ... ọmọ ... ò mọ
An acronym in English, a whole new ball game (or two) in the vernacular.
A couple of diacritics and a colonial conversation about the merits of using blue washing powder in the war against dust suddenly becomes a heartfelt proclamation on the benefits of children, virtues of motherhood, and the importance of legacy.
In the blink of an eye - or stroke of the pen - everything changes!
Though at times bordering on the heretical, the Yoruba worldview itself is actually quite profound. Take, for instance, the words that are uttered in greeting when a child is born.
"Ę ku eewu ọmọ!"
In one fell swoop they capture the very meaning of life, and in essence, this season.
It is a greeting that acknowledges with reverence and awe the danger and fragility of the manner in which man enters the world. It is one so many take for granted, but in which life is just a kiss away from death.
Were I the offspring of God, would I have chosen this uncomfortable, uncertain and unbecoming way to enter the world?
I don't think so!
I defo see myself robed in silk, reclining on soft pillowy clouds, refreshments to hand and a bevy of angels tending to my every need...
Yet Jesus - rightful Son and Heir - chose everyman's perilous journey of growth and delivery instead in order to identify with we He came to save. And being one that continues throughout our lives, He is quietly saying, "Been there. Done that. Got the scars. Got you."
There is a cleansing because the Child knows that without this mankind cannot and will not make it through the trials and tribulation.
Deliverance and redemption all wrapped up in a big bow of love from a baby wrapped in strips of cloth lying on a bed of straw.
Glory Hallelujah 🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿
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📖 For unto us a yeled is born, unto us ben is given; and the misrah (dominion) shall be upon his shoulder; and Shmo shall be called Peleh (Wonderful), Yoetz (Counsellor), El Gibbor (Mighty G-d), Avi Ad (Possessor of Eternity), Sar Shalom (Prince of Peace).
Yeshayah 9:6 (Isaiah 9:6)
Orthodox Jewish Bible (YouVersion)
🦉 OMO - England's oldest laundry powder, once known as 'Old Mother Owl'
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