What’s Inside the Calabash? A lesson humility, respect, and redemption

What’s Inside the Calabash? A lesson humility, respect, and redemption

“Ohun ti o wa ninu igba kii jẹki a le gbe igba lọ nigba miran” – What’s inside the calabash doesn’t allow it to be taken away sometimes.

One breezy afternoon, as the sun cast golden rays across the compound, my grandmother called me to her side. “Mojisola omo mi,” she said. “Yes, Maami,” I answered, curious about the wisdom she was about to share. She leaned in, her eyes twinkling with a mix of love and sternness.

“Be strong in character,” she began. “Let integrity guide your steps. Never yield to cheap blackmail, but above all, let love and humility reign in your heart. Even the devil can not resist love.”

Puzzled, I asked, “Ah! Maami, kilode?” – What happened? She smiled and said, “Sit, my child, and listen to this story.”

The Tale of the Calabash

There once was a woman, neither wealthy nor poor, who found herself widowed. Alone and vulnerable, she joined a coven to find solace and protection. She had only one child, a daughter who was the epitome of grace – humble, intelligent, and full of love.

In the coven, a time came when every member had to offer their child for atonement. It was now the woman’s turn. But she could not bear to harm her beloved daughter, whose kindness and goodness were unmatched.

Pleading with her coven members, she said, “Please, allow me to prepare my child’s soul in a calabash. I will leave the house, and you can come for it in my absence.” Her colleagues agreed.

On the appointed day, the woman placed her daughter’s soul inside a calabash, instructing the girl not to open it but to hand it over to the visitors. With a heavy heart, she left the house.

The daughter, unaware of the contents of the calabash, awaited the guests. When they arrived, she greeted them warmly, knelt to show respect, and offered them water to drink and wash their feet. She quickly prepared a meal of pounded yam, ensuring they were comfortable and satisfied.

When they finished eating, she brought the calabash, knelt, and handed it to them with the words, “My mother asked me to give this to you.”

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The visitors exchanged knowing glances and said, “Ohun ti o wa ninu igba ko le jẹki a gbe igba lọ – what is inside the calabash does not allow it to be taken away.” They returned the calabash and left.

When her mother returned, she was astonished to find her daughter alive and well. The girl narrated the events, and with tears streaming down her face, the woman said, “Keep doing what you do best. Your goodness has saved you.”

Lessons from the Calabash

The story speaks volumes about the power of character and the virtues of love and humility. Here are a few reflections:

1. Teach Your Children Well: Are we raising respectful, kind, and hospitable children who embody love and integrity?

2. Preserve Your Heritage: Do our children speak their native languages or understand our cultural values?

3. Start the Rescue Mission: If we notice any gaps in these areas, it’s never too late to start correcting them.

The Bible reminds us in Proverbs 16:7, “When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”

So, let us live in a way that inspires even the hardest hearts to bow to the power of love and integrity.

Have a wonderful day, and remember, “What is inside the calabash matters more than the calabash itself.”

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