THE DAY TUNDE SAW STARS

 

I was thinking this morning.... All my life the only time I can remember to have ever slapped anyone, I mean slap an adult, was in my second year at University. Being the smallest in my room meant I was the object of oppression for some of my broad shoulder roommates. It got to a head one quiet afternoon after I returned from the lecture theater very hungry. I had looked forward to enjoying my Oxford Cabin biscuit and Blueband butter, only to open the locker to find crumbs, indicating someone else had feasted on my lunch.

I was dazed and angry, not knowing what to think. Stuttering, I asked my broad shoulder roommates what happened. They laughed out loud. I could've buried my tail between my legs and just sleep my anger and hunger away, but Tunde will not let it go. He stood up, walked towards me and laughed in my face. Believe me, some spirit like I have never felt before, possessed me and I gave Tunde a 'Bianca-Will slap' that left him partially blind for a few seconds. How did I summon the courage to land Tunde such a slap knowing fully well that I could easily have been beaten to pulp? I immediately regretted my action but it was too late. I had resorted to violence rather than taking the high road.

As I watched how Bianca Ojukwu and Will Smith lost control and slapped their provocateurs in public, I remembered the effect Tunde had on me. I have seen people do things they never thought they were capable of because they were provoked. Why?

Our brains leap to our defense with a fight, flight or freeze response when faced with a threat, but it is a fine art to remain cool, calm and collected. Most of us have a 'Tunde' around us that will sometimes get our blood boiling. For some, it is their spouse, while for others their boss or colleague. How do you respond?

If you want to respond in a way that you’ll be proud of, in the face of extreme provocation, you need to maintain both physical and emotional distance from the threat. If faced with a 'Tunde', move away and promenade. Self-control is a scarce virtue these days where more and more people are resorting to violence.

Also remember to heed Ephesians 6:4 that says 'And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath.' I beg you to provoke no one, else the 'Bianca-Will Slap' will be your portion.

Stay hopeful. God's got your back.

Happy Sunday.

......Just the thoughts of a certain Wey Mey