Enoch lived 365 years, walking in close fellowship with God. Then one day he disappeared, because God took him.
Genesis 5:23-24 NLT
In this part of the world, there’s a tradition that baffles me, mostly because I do not see the logical or Scriptural sense in it. The passage of time offers nothing of itself except the effort that you put in to acquire wisdom that works, as well as the deliberate implementation of this wisdom in your life.
But somehow, over here, there seems to be a general disposition that older people are always right, and if a person is handed a position of authority today, their flaws somehow disappear as others lose the right to point out the gaps in their words and actions (even to the detriment of the people that they lead).
While it is important to note that respect for authority (the office), and honour for elders and forerunners are integral points of character, we need to be careful to open the portals for constructive feedback, collaborative wor, and the reminder that we are first of all called to serve. To state it unequivocally,
Old age does not make you right
Authority/office does not make you right
These two things/attributes do not absolve you of the responsibility to be a decent human who respects other people, their experiences, journeys and giftings, and they do not relieve you of the need to do right by others. Your actions are what put you in the right/wrong of a decision/action; and regardless of your age, position or other people’s perception, it is possible to walk so closely with God that (the work that He does) He shines through you to help you make better decisions, grow character and competence, as well as keep you in check.
That process is underguarded by your relationship with the Holy Spirit, does not take your humanity or failings away and is not subject to socio-cultural expectations of who should be right/wrong in certain situations or contexts.
For further thought and consideration, Enoch’s father Jared and his grandfather Mahalaleel were alive in the same period when Enoch walked with God so closely that God took him. Noah’s father Lamech was still alive when the mandate to build the ark came, yet none of God’s instructions to Noah referenced him in the redemption plan that saved the sons of Noah.
So before you shut others down because of age or position (or shut yourself down), ask yourself again: who is your validator on right/wrong? Man? Your ego? God?
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Jane Oluwadare
Jane solves hard problems so you don't stay stuck
Jane (Hadassah) OLUWADARE is an autistic, dyslexic multi-dimensional woman who uses her different dimensions to amplify one another, and is committed to showing other neurodivergent people how to replicate working wisdom in their respective contexts. In the PKH Network, she brings her various facets, strengths and skills to work together in viable business models, creating solutions for other visionaries, and providing platforms for young people to grow into their own strengths, develop experience and expertise
As a data analyst, strategist and business development consultant in PKH Consulting, she sits with business structures to help them identify the gaps in their processes, build the blueprints, strategy, process flows and structures that will get them from where they are to where they want to be.
As a productivity and execution coach in PHRONESIS Lighthouse, she works with neurodivergent people to get more productive, and do more with less effort, with particular attention to autistic people and people with ADHD.
As a fashion consultant in HSFH, she styles, illustrates, and brings 15+ years of sewing experience to bear as she works to produce and sell stylish clothing that meets sensory, functional and fashionable needs.
She teaches creative and trade skills in CriArt Skill Academy, working with neurodivergent children (with particular attention to autism, dyslexia and ADHD) to show them how their natural talents and tendencies can be an advantage inside and outside of the classroom and school curriculum. Utilising games and play as tools, as well as drawing from her own personal experience as a designer, chef and writer she helps them transfer the skills from the creative arts into school subjects and real life.
She writes extensively, sharing her thoughts in books, articles and through her various enterprises as creative stories and non-fiction think-pieces available in Books By Hadassah.
An International Youth Council member and former Global Youth Ambassador, she sits on the boards of several youth-led organisations in an advisory capacity; and continues to work with others to help develop children and young adults to create a life of impact.
At the very core of her being, Hadassah keeps chasing after The One who keeps her balanced and finds the ultimate fulfilment in her fellowship with the Holy Spirit. She quips that He is the real super power that keeps her functioning as an autistic, dyslexic person with ADHD, and often shares the insights He teaches her on Personal Development, Business Development and mindset reorientation according to the Word with Deborah's Court (her ministry expression)
