Written by Shane Gloria Sekaziga Mugenga
A few days ago, I was reminded by Mother Earth of the awesome Architect. I gazed upon His beautiful sun rays piercing through the endless blue ocean waters as I drove to the Red Mouth Territory Meeting. The agenda for discussion was ‘The rising fuel prices.’
As I parked my car at Pearl Avenue and entered the meeting room, I noticed that the She Tongues were ably represented by Justice Advocates. The Oil Tongues drove their black luxury SUVs into the VIP parking lot right in front of the meeting room, and they brought along their crisp-looking lawyers, Conceited Advocates.
Mr. Complacent, the Chair, opened the meeting, and immediately, the She Tongues advocated for fuel prices to be decreased. They argued that world prices had decreased, and so, the Oil Tongues should reflect the same by adjusting the prices downwards. The She Tongues stated that it was against the regulations for the Oil Tongues Company to still have a monopoly and hoard fuel to keep the prices high. However, Anger Tongue, the advocate for the Oil Tongues Company, argued that there was no monopoly. All fuel companies were pricing fuel based on demand and supply. In their opinion, the Oil Tongues Company should not be targeted for its success.
The Oil Tongues reminded the She Tongues that fuel was not their area of expertise and, therefore, they should stay out of the fuel industry lest one of them fall prey to a giant with limitless resources and power. Mr. Complacent, filled with fear that discussions could end with violence and loss of life, ordered that the meeting be closed and postponed to the following week. Mr. Complacent informed all the Tongues present that it was in the best interest of the Red Mouth Territory if all their representatives cooled down and picked up these discussions on another date.
The meeting closed, and the Tongues left the meeting room. I picked up my documents, having had no chance to put across my arguments. I found Anger Tongue, the advocate for the Oil Tongues, and Tongue Lee waiting for me. As I approached them, they were quick to remind me that it was very sad that I had chosen the pursuit of justice over “big bucks.” Anger quickly extended his invitation for me to join the Big Boy league and thrive with the Oil Tongues instead of consulting for the She Tongues. Noticing that I was not about to stop supporting the She Tongues, Anger, and Tongue Lee ridiculed me by stating that my reward for the pursuit of justice was more poverty for Red Mouth Territory. They added that misery loves company.
Boy, was I ready for a fight with the Big Boys!
However, now was not the time, and I was forced to restrain my tongue from conforming to the patterns of my learned friends. It was not the season of fury for injustice.
As I turned to walk away, I was joined by Intrigue Tongue, who requested Wise Tongue to share words of encouragement and wisdom. Could anyone see this fury? Was smoke coming out of my nostrils? I thought, Is my soul on fire? I thought?
Who needs wisdom right now? This is the time for justice against these Big Oil Tongues.
Wise Tongue saw the fire in my eyes and began to tell us a story that called upon all the Tongues to realize that life is a gift and, as such, it is important that we always see it through different pairs of eyes.
He added that life is simple. Justice is meant to make life simple for all.
Yes, you shall know the Tongues by their deeds and words. To those Tongues that show love, much peace, grace, and mercy they shall receive from the Author of life. Unfortunately, some Tongues have convinced their hearts that there is no God and, therefore, they are lawless. We Tongues from Red Mouth Territory must always strive to protect and maintain order as we live and work.
Therefore, do not be deceived, whatsoever a Tongue shall sow, he shall surely reap. To the Tongue that sows justice, he shall reap righteousness. To the one who sows greed, he shall surely reap corruption and destruction. It was not surprising that Anger Tongue was eavesdropping on our conversation. In a loud and confident voice, Anger shouted, ‘A smart Tongue pursues riches and material gain for self-preservation. There is no reward for communal good.’
Wise Tongue paused and stared intently at Anger Tongue. We all wondered what kind of comeback Wise Tongue would utter. To our shock, Wise Tongue simply inquired how Anger’s brothers Greed and Lust were doing. Anger was shocked, as we were, and hesitated to respond. After a moment’s silence, Anger, in a calm voice, told Wise Tongue that his brothers were hospitalized after suffering mental breakdowns. Wise Tongue expressed concern and also asked about their younger sister Discord, who had recently got married. Anger Tongue replied that Discord divorced her husband after six months. She moved to Broken Heart Town in pursuit of a new love. Oh dear! Wise Tongue replied.
Anger Tongue, having nothing more to boast about, proceeded to the VIP parking. As the car doors were opened, we were all greeted with sweet-smelling colognes and cool air conditioning. Wise Tongues waved goodbye to Anger Tongue and Tongue Lee as they drove off with their clients, the Oil Tongues.
Wise Tongue reminded us to always pursue justice. All things belong to God; he said even this very fuel belongs to the Author of life. God is still in charge of His earth, and we are all creation before Him. She Tongues agreed to pursue justice as a way of life for Red Mouth Territory. We promised to be the best versions of ourselves; they encouraged themselves.
We parted ways, and I entered my car. As I drove towards my office, the fuel light came on with a bright orange smile. I took in a deep breath and smiled, contemplating how I was going to prepare for the next meeting. Justice must be seen as bright as my fuel light!