As we gather to observe the solar eclipse, or stay indoors, I was inspired to delve into the perspectives of our ancient Dogon and Hebrew ancestors on the universe and cosmos. What I found was a profound connection between the creation stories of the Dogon and the Bible, emphasizing the potent role of words in shaping our reality.
The Dogon people of Mali recount a world cloaked in water, shaped by the divine Amma and his resonant word, "nomo." This word, infused with the force of sound and vibration, brought order and structure to the cosmos. Similarly, the Christian narrative of Genesis unfolds with the Earth emerging from waters, crafted by the divine utterances of God. His voice, a harbinger of creation, delineated light from darkness, land from water, and bestowed life upon the world.
These stories, originating from different spheres of Africa and its Diaspora, share remarkable parallels. And solid earth emerging from flowing waters and reality springing from divine word and sound is a revelation that resonates deeply with me. Our ancestors comprehended the connection between the waves of water and sound, recognizing them as the very essence of life itself. And today, amidst the cosmic spectacle, I find myself thrilled to be reminded of this timeless wisdom.
In our modern families, we grapple with numerous challenges and distractions as we struggle to create a nurturing, vibrant world for our children. It's a task made complex by the deluge of video games, entertainment, and digital content bombarding our kids. Many schools, especially those that are under-resourced, might find it too difficult or simply too exhausting to cultivate life from the waters of love.
Yet, on this extraordinary day of cosmic magnificence, we are reminded of our inherent power to co-create our reality through the spoken word, attentive listening, and alignment with a divine vision.
Our words, akin to the echoes of Amma and the divine Creator in the Bible, possess immense potency. They hold the ability to mold our reality, to sculpt a world of love, empathy, and understanding for our children. Drawing inspiration from our ancient forebears, let us attune ourselves to the divine sounds reverberating through the voices of our children.
In nurturing this space of co-creation within our families and communities, we honor the timeless wisdom of God and our ancestors. As we stand witness to the eclipse's cosmic dance, may we also embrace our role as co-creators of a world filled with compassion, wisdom, and boundless possibilities.
With love,
