I reached for the stuff in my pocket as I got down and the man instantly freaked out at the sight of it. Someone watching from afar will think I pulled a python out of my pocket.
“Oga I no get this your change oh!” the bike man yelled. I didn’t have any other money asides the 1000 Naira note and I was already running late. Just as the drama was about to unfold, a young man in black walked up to us. “Uzochukwu, how are you?” he asked calmly as he simultaneously made to pay for my trip. I had never seen man in black before, but in that moment, he did not only lend me a hand…he cut the whole damn thing for me!
I’ve gotten help from someone just because we both support Chelsea FC, similarly, a stranger at a restaurant once offered to pay for my meal because we both attended Covenant University. This time man in black helped me because I was a fellow church member. My mum was once stranded at an airport and got help from a woman she had never met before, just because the woman found out they’re from the same tribe.
What do all these scenarios have in common?A sense of belonging — Community.
What is a community?
Family outside your home.
It could be as small as a whatsapp group, or as large as a church but never underestimate the power of a community. Community breeds collaboration and collaboration enhances progression.
For that to happen though, you have to be an active member. Don’t join so many communities and be a ghost member. It’s better to join 1 and have impact, than join 20 and be abstract. It’s a depth game not a width game. It’s about how deep your roots are, not how wide you spread them.
“Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much” – Helen Keller.
Remember buns was just 10 Naira until it linked up with samosa and spring roll and became small chops.
G.
