Psalm 78:3-4 (New International Version)
“things we have heard and known, things our ancestors have told us. We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.”

So some years back a coworker at the time invited my mother and I to her house for dinner.  It was a lovely well spent time.

After dinner, and while still in the dining area, we started to chat about our cultures.  My coworker and her husband are Italians.  They shared some stories about Italy while my mother shared about Nigeria.  I noticed that my mom who was a bit shy at first (it was her first visit to Canada, so I totally understood) began to lighten up.

She was suddenly very excited to share some stories and history about her culture. What made it even more exciting for her was when my coworker’s husband brought an album and began to show us the different currencies from around the world.  I watched as mom sat up and browsed through the album.  Lo and behold, there was the Biafran pound!

For those who do not know about Biafra and Nigeria – read more here.  My mom was now interested in hearing more from these lovely people whom she had never met until now – but who had the actual Biafran pound.  By the time I knew it, she started to have a separate conversation with my coworker’s husband.

You see, this was important to her as she had a younger brother who went to the Biafran war and never came back.  It brought back memories for her.  I could see the excitement in the eyes of this once shy little old lady (smiles) – she is my mom, so I am allowed (smiles again).

My mom often told me about her brother who went missing during the Biafran war.  It was one of those stories among many that were (sadly) never talked about. However, when someone who knew the story and not just that; he even presented proof (in the form of currency); her courage was boosted and perhaps she felt understood.

I remember literarily having to remind my mother a few times that it was getting late and we had to leave.  Mind you, this was the same person when I told her we were going for dinner, she kept on asking how long we were going to spend there and what type of food will be served (laughs).

The picture of the Biafran pound has a lot of history behind it.  I do remember hearing about it, but did not get in too deep as history was not really one of those things that was encouraged while growing up.  We came from a culture were it was better to be silent about a lot of things.  So this was the very first time I was seeing the Biafran pound.

As I write this particular post, I am reminded of what the Bible means for me.  Not only was it inspired by God, it is also filled with history.  I am reminded that in the Bible there are real stories from real people who were inspired by God.  That Jesus was born, did walk this earth, died and rose again.  That He even felt more pain than we could ever feel or imagine – so He understands more than we know.

History should be an important part of learning.  Our children need to hear some of our stories.  The Bible is filled with stories from the past that are shaping the future. Sharing this knowledge from the past, can better prepare the young generation for the future.

My mother felt validated by sharing her story of the Biafran war.  This story helped her connect to someone from a completely different world and background.  This is the wonderful thing about history and knowing who you are.

With this, I am reminded that true validation comes from accepting and knowing Christ.

Be well…

The best is yet to come…