Adaora Egwuonwu: Sister’s Keeper

“You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you” This quote by John Bunyan deeply reflects on our ultimate purpose here on earth.

Several women out there go through a lot of pain, agony and struggles yet lack the courage to speak up because they are either afraid of what the society might think of them. Sometimes, they’re worried about the negative impact of the feedback they might receive. As a result of this, they bottle up these traumatic emotional experiences and decide to deal with them alone.

In 2011, right before I began my National Youth Service Corps program, a fellow sister in church walked up to me after service finding it difficult to speak out. I sensed she needed help. I didn’t know why she came to me but I believe she had the urge to do so. After much stuttering, she finally opened up asking for a thousand Naira (NI, 000). She was going to use it to start up a small-scale business that would enable her fend for herself and her baby. Within me, I was in total awe wondering how a thousand Naira could possibly be enough for one to execute a business venture. I asked her how she has been coping knowing fully well from her story she had no one to support her.

She replied saying she usually goes to construction sites to help fetch water for laborers undergoing construction work and at the end of each day she gets paid. Oh my God! I couldn’t imagine how difficult this must have been for her and her child. Different thoughts kept running through my mind. I began imagining the risk involved doing that kind of job especially when surrounded with different calibers of men. What if she gets molested or abused? What if she gets robbed? What if her child gets bitten by a snake when she goes to fetch water? Who will take care of the bills?

A lot of unanswered questions kept sprouting but what more do you expect? A mother has to go through thick and thin to feed her suckling child; put a roof over their head and fight in order to make ends meet. She didn’t even have a cell phone so I was concerned about how to reach her. We agreed to meet at the “peace entrance” after the next church service. I was able to raise 5% of more than what she asked for and prayed along with her and to God be the glory, she was doing fine. A couple of months later, I received several calls and text messages from her appreciating God for using me to meet her at the point of her needs. What more could possibly bring me joy? A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal.

The purpose of this story is not to show-off but to enable us realize that at some point in our lives, we as ladies need to erase bitterness, strife, hate, and discord amongst ourselves and learn to extend a loving heart to one another. We should come to a point in life where we should learn to grow and realize that it’s really just the “very tiny little things” that do matter. Never underestimate the impact you can make in the life of others. A hug, a smile or kind words is more than enough to make that huge difference. Step forward, reach out and help.

Have you been in a position where you could have offered a penny or a helping hand that could possibly change the life of a dear sister? Are you one who would rather live to impress and oppress your fellow woman with your possessions rather than being a vessel unto honor? When last did you compliment a sister on a job well done? Can one individual genuinely look up to you as a great potential to emulate? Always remember, a sister is out there is looking for a big sister like you for a shoulder to lean on.

Are you your sister’s keeper?
Let’s join hands and support each other. By so doing, this world will be a beautiful and better place.
I hope this helped someone out there.
God bless…
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Adaora is a strong, energetic young lady with an educational and professional background in Economics and Project Management. A strong supporter of non-profit organizations that help fight against poverty, hunger, health challenges, harassment or any form of abuse. Aspiring to create more positive impact the best way she can to the society and be a source of encouragement to youths and young adults on how to succeed in life if only they believe.