So, you think you know it all......


Today’s my second month as a missionary in this African village. I have been trained in spirituality, medicine, culture at an NGO that has been sending out missionaries like me across third-world countries to uplift living conditions!

So why do I fumble for an answer when the old village chief asked, “So, you think you know it all! How can you tell us that going to a church, adapting modern medicines, speaking English are hallmarks of civilization while we have been content and self-sufficient for generations speaking our native language, worshipping nature - relying on her for our food, medicines?”

This fictitious post is in response to Write Tribe's 100 words on Saturday for the Prompt “So, you think you know it all".

PS: This post is highly influenced by the book "The Color Purple" by Alice Walker. A book I have immensely enjoyed but will not even attempt to review cause the story has multiple layers running in parallel. Enjoyed it immensely and a book I will highly recommend.

18 comments:

  1. It is wonderful, how what we read inspires us to write something in that essence

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  2. Lovely.. the best I have come across in this prompt writing so far ya

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  3. I agree with village chieftain that just be adapting to '"civilisation', one does not become content and happy. a very strong message thru only 100 words.

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  4. Fiction is fact - who is to say what "knowing all" is. Very nice - loved your take.

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  5. Love your response to the prompt, Meena! The Color Purple is a classic!

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  6. Echoing Ash's comment. The Colour Purple was read during my days in College. Quite a poignant one, that book. It's interesting how you packed so much truth and wisdom in just few lines. Bravo!

    My first time here.

    Joy always,
    Susan

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  7. A very relevant question by the chief. Food for thought.. and a great message in 100 words.. nice :)

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  8. I have downloaded the book and will be reading as soon as I finish my present one.

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  9. ooh! That was a fabulous take!!
    I have placed the book on hold in the Library and can't wait to get my hands on it!

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  10. Loved this! Well said in so few words. ♥

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  11. Meena I was reading the whole thing and all the time thinking that I will comment "this reminded me of Color purple" and bam! There it was already written :D :D

    Richa

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  12. I so agree with the village chief! A fab message and a super one for the prompt!! Good one, Meena :)

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  13. I haven't read the book. This post makes me want to. Thanks for sharing. :)

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  14. Wow Meena, beautifully put in 100 words! A strong message there! The book has been on my to-read list for long, you've reminded me!

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  15. Wonderful! I will try to read a book.

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  16. Original story. The chief is right and what we receive as education is western one but who says traditional education is wrong? Well done:)
    www.vishalbheeroo.wordpress.com

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