How To Manage Disappointment With Power And Grace

When she heard of the evils colonizers had done, she cried. She’d warned the men of her village that their freedom was at stake, cautioning them against the oppressors’ tricks. The men didn’t listen – until the unthinkable happened and the colonizers kidnapped the King – her grandson.

Yet the men refused to fight. 

Jude 1: 21-22b reminds us to “Keep being kind to those who waver in faith. Show mercy to others with fear, despising every garment soiled by the weakness of human flesh.

As Queen Mother, Yaa Asantewaa was rightfully enraged. So instead of enacting violence against the men, she did something that we can always do when those who claim to be on our side show fear or abandon us. 

Yaa Asantewaa raised an army of women.  She led the Ashanti army to battle, refusing to surrender to colonizer rule. Inspired, the men finally joined them and rebelled. 

We must fight oppression at every turn, even when those we expect to have our backs let us down. We are responsible for our liberation, come what may. Our actions can inspire those who are afraid to take action. When was a time you were brave, even when others weren’t? May your example remind you of your power to help others find courage.