Nostalgic Thots

a chronicle of true tales

  • Home
  • Thots
    • Mini-me Thots
    • Midi-me Thots
    • Grad-me Thots
    • Kidspiration
  • Q&A
    • Q&A Archive
    • Ask a Question
  • About Me
    • Contact Me

Dignity when giving

January 3, 2023 by Boluwatiwi Leave a Comment

The past week was torturous with many people traveling to see their loved ones. The combination of fuel scarcity and traffic is a lethal one.

With the number of people traveling you’ll think buses at the garage would fill up quickly. Waiting for buses to fill up can be exhausting, so it is not uncommon to have irate passengers.

There was tangible relief as the last space was taken. The uniform sigh was like the chorus of a song.

After the driver collected our fares and was about to drive off, a man stood beside my window begging for alms. I struggled to reach for my purse which was already well tucked away to avoid any incidences or stories that touch. Finally, I got it, took out a note and wanted to give it to the man but the bus was already moving. He tried to catch up with us while I begged the driver to slow down a little so I could give him the money.

“Throw it on the floor, he’ll pick it up”, one passenger shouted. And then another person said the same thing. I felt uncomfortable throwing money at him, so I asked a street hawker who was making a sale to please help me give him. He collected the money and as I turned around, I saw him give the man the money.

I became the subject of discussion for the next fifteen minutes.

“Madam, na wah for you o. Na begger nah. You for throw-way the money for ground for am.”

“If na me, even if the bus no move, I no go wan make e collect the money from my hand direct since na begger.”

“Shuooooo, you be wan give beggar money with respect again?!”

There were many more statements like these, filled with sarcasm and disdain.

I wish statements like these are not the norm, but sadly they are.

For the longest time, I have observed how we treat those who are perceived to be needy. A conceited person organizes a charity event to give to the underprivileged, and you wonder why they’re treated shabbily. You take aid to an orphanage and are unconcerned with how the items are packaged. We seem to be increasingly concerned with taking pictures and capturing the moment than we are with the dignity of the persons we’re giving to. They have to endure condescending gestures and insulting looks because they are somewhat dependent on us for some of their needs.

It’s true that some of these people can be overbearing, and some even feel entitled. Irrespective of who they are and how they behave, we should do well to preserve their dignity.

Dignity is about self-worth. It is the least humane thing to do. It is the right of a person to be valued. People should be respected for their own sake. Regard should not be tied to status, class, qualifications, or exposure.

This season more than ever is characterized by giving. So yes, giving is great, but in our giving, let us be mindful of, and preserve the dignity of those we’re giving to.

Selah.

 

Filed Under: Adaptive Leadership Tagged With: adaptive leadership, attitude, dignity of persons, dignity when giving, nostalgicthots, story telling

Comments Cancel reply

Avatar of Boluwatiwi
@Boluwatiwi

My name is Boluwatiwi.
I wear many hats, as do a lot of us. I function in several roles; howbeit in varying degrees. I am currently a daughter, sibling, wife, mother, aunt, friend, writer, singer and fashion entrepreneur who has been around for some decades. I had a rather thrilling teenage life...[Read More]

Follow Me

  • E-mail
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

My Thots

  • Thots (93)
    • Adaptive Leadership (1)
    • Grad-me Thots (42)
    • Kidspiration (23)
    • Midi-me Thots (6)
    • Mini-me Thots (1)

Recent Thots

  • Guard your Authenticity

    8 months ago
    “Mummy, I am having scrambled eggs and sausages for breakfast. Do you want some?” Are you wondering what that question has to do with guarding your authenticity? Read on! That …[Read More]
  • PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT – be kind, just because.

    11 months ago
    There’s a lot to love about the world, don’t you think?!   In spite of the disagreements, headiness, ranchors and wars that threaten our humanity, our humaneness, you and I …[Read More]

Got Questions?

Disclaimer

We do not judge. As much as we encourage unhindered sharing and the exchange of ideas, we do not support content or philosophies that are damaging. We seek only to educate, entertain, inspire, motivate and empower.

Thots Archive

  • Adaptive Leadership (1)
  • Grad-me Thots (42)
  • Kidspiration (23)
  • Midi-me Thots (6)
  • Mini-me Thots (1)
  • Thots (91)

Recent Thots

  • Dignity when giving
  • Guard your Authenticity
  • PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT – be kind, just because.
  • REMEMBER NOT TO F̸O̸R̸G̸E̸T̸
  • …And away it flew!

Recent Comments

  • Boluwatiwi on “Are You Okay?!”
  • Boluwatiwi on **** KIDSPIRATION – A shout out to children! ****
  • Yemi on “Are You Okay?!”
  • Stephen on **** KIDSPIRATION – A shout out to children! ****
  • Kenneth on The psychology of praise

Copyright © 2023 · Boluwatiwi · All rights reserved · Log in

 

Loading Comments...
 

    Insert/edit link

    Enter the destination URL

    Or link to existing content

      No search term specified. Showing recent items. Search or use up and down arrow keys to select an item.