ASK WHAT YOU CAN DO!

In 1961, John F Kennedy made a famous speech which majority of us only know by this famous quote.

“ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.”

I would urge you to read the whole speech it’s a hopeful speech. It’s a realistic speech but I think most importantly it’s a proactive speech. Acceptance of the issues at hand while equally empowering the people to spearhead a new prosperous age.

The question essentially is, What can you do for your nation? What can you do for Zambia? Not everyone needs to be president, but we can’t afford to be lazy. Pretending to put in our best, yet complain the nation is rotting. Selective amnesia will have us forgetting we are the nation.

Instead of pointing four fingers at ourselves when we blame others for the ultimate lack. Perhaps it’s time to take a step back, leave our pride outside and be the difference exactly where you see a problem.

Yet I understand, the earth hasn’t shifted beneath your feet, there is no rapture. So regardless of the dawning of realisation there just seems to be no point, no impact.

The reach isn’t reaching and I’ve been at it for so long, and I’m just tired of trying. All these are valid reasons to take a break, rest, seek mentorship, seek similar minds to stimulate your mind during conversation. But whatever you do, YOU do not quit.

You downsize, restrategise, find a new angle to get yourself through the door but you do not quit. Because the truth is, and for some reason no one will tell you, we’ve been waiting for you. We’ve already done the math, the odds of being born is 1 in 200 million. So believe whatever you want to believe but you being born is like winning the lottery more than once in your life time.

The problem is money is valued highly above everything else, sometimes even above life itself. So we pick careers or envy careers we think pay well. Not because we have a gift to fix that particular situation but because the bank statement is important. It is important by the way but never at the expense of sacrificing your gifts.

Your gift could be piercing ears, and body jewelry, you are so dedicated. You love ensuring the hygiene is on point and because you know your people break out with fake metal you go the extra mile to under the types of metal. You get so good at it, the country needs to consult you on our minerals policy and how we can better profit.

Yes, it’s a stretch but think back to your childhood, I always find life in retrospect is so humbling. Because most times in my life I’ve planned and laboured for things. I’ve built big beautiful mansions in my mind of how the situation will go and when I look back. I’m amazed how a majority of the ideal gets tossed out the window and we are faced with reality.

But somehow, the goal still gets attained. I say all this to say, go ahead and be the absolute best you can be.

Research, have the conversations, reach out to those more experienced until someone agrees to help. Write the history books and publish, we are excited to read our own history through our own collective experience. Take the pictures, reimagine our world, show us better is possible.

Rewrite the curriculum, find a balance between allowing students to design our future and teaching them work hard, smart and creatively for the benefit of all.

I honestly can’t even count all the ways in which each of us may be perfectly poised to change our communities. In effect change our towns and eventually our entire nation for the prosperous thriving Jew of Africa we know we truly are deep down.

If your plan is to wait for the government, I’ve got great news. You are part of the largest and most important branch of government. Citizen. Voting every so many years isn’t enough for such an important duty. As such it is with a heavy heart I say, a majority of us are slacking in our governmental positions.

Yet that can’t be helped, not only are we at the back of the line, but we are getting overlapped. That is why I write this because at some point the real question has got to be, What can we do?

Who can I help? Where can my skills, gifts, talents, degrees, and awards be most useful. No one is asking for perfect, all I ask is take the next few days and focus, pay attention to what bothers you in the country. Think about the problem, talk about it, find out why it really bothers you then start to find solutions.

Everything does not need money, this isn’t a quick fix, this is about being intentional with the change we want to see. Thankfully that change is a daily process and that’s all we want to focus day by day. One day it will definitely need money, now trust and believe when that day comes. Let it come because the work was actually put it.

Day by day to put our best foot forward, not for wealth or status. Not because a YouTube video will go viral, not even to be recognised, and certainly not to have every moment change lives right in our presence. We do it because deep down we are burdened to light our candle and be useful to the world.

“Man has never been more capable of achieving great and good things.  But man’s own judgment is the only limit to his future.  Let us swear or affirm not that we will be victorious but that we will deserve victory, because we will put our best foot forward, our energy, our faith, our labor, and line up with those who yearn for an end to the divisions of man and a creative period of worldwide development.”

Let us put our best foot forward, you know what your best is. So instead of feeling shy about it grow the confidence to flaunt it. Then let’s put our hands intentionally together. Let us help each other put our best foot forward not only for us but our children.  Let’s ask the questions, let’s participate in solution making and together, Let’s change our world!

Here are a few thoughts on how we can channel our abilities toward meaningful impact:

Embrace Your Gifts:

We should recognize and embrace our unique abilities. Whether it’s art, technology, writing, or any other skill, our passion and dedication can lead to significant contributions.

Collaborate and Learn:

Seek out mentors and collaborate with others who share your interests. Learning from experienced individuals can accelerate our growth. Conversations and shared experiences can spark new ideas and innovative solutions.

Document and Share:

History is shaped by those who document it. Write, photograph, or create art that captures the essence of your community and its journey. Share your work with others—whether through books, exhibitions, or online platforms. Our stories matter.

Educate and Empower:

Education is a powerful tool. Consider volunteering to teach or mentor others.
Encourage critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills in the next generation. They will carry the torch forward.

Advocate for Change:

Use your voice to advocate for policies and practices that benefit everyone. Attend community meetings, engage with local leaders, and participate in discussions about important issues.

Be an Active Citizen:

Voting is crucial, but active citizenship goes beyond the ballot box. Attend/make town hall meetings, participate in clean-up drives, and support local initiatives. Hold elected officials accountable and demand transparency.

Think Globally, Act Locally:

While we dream big, remember that change often starts at the grassroots level. Focus on improving your immediate surroundings, and ripple effects will follow. Remember, every small action counts. Whether you’re creating art, volunteering, or advocating for change, you’re contributing to a brighter future. Let’s continue to be the change we want to see.