by T. Semakula
This is my first post of the New Year. I thought that it should be inspirational. This is as close to inspiration as I am gonna get. I decided to focus on the subject of pigs otherwise known as swine and or the pork swathed portly creatures that wallow in the mud and oink on occasion. Their snouts give them a peculiar look. Their parts are used for consumption and their hooves are parted in fours.
For the vegetarian, they are a non issue, for the Muslim, an aberration; however, for a future entrepreneur, minister, community activist, or a way maker, they very well may be the very thing that has caused a project to stall, a community to crumble, or a ministry to fall by the wayside.
You may ask, what is she talking about? I am talking about human pigs…the ones that are referred to in the good book, as it relates to who we should not pass our pearls onto. Matthew 7:6 goes on to state…Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.
Pigs are omnivores and are highly social and intelligent animals(i). You will usually find them wallowing around at social functions, associating themselves with folk who are usually considered influential or prominent. So, if you consider yourself a leader, a minister, or an activist, beware, a pig may be trying their best to befriend you. You may have to rely on the power of discernment, as they are highly intelligent animals who have a gift for gab and possess a certain degree of knowledge.
“Feral” pigs …are major drivers of extinction and ecosystem change… have been introduced into many parts of the world, and will damage crops and home gardens as well as potentially [spread] disease. They uproot large areas of land, eliminating native vegetation and spreading weeds(ii) . Pigs destroy the landscape and everything along their paths. They destroy homes, reputations, visions, and plans. They feed off of other folk’s ideas and dreams and can suck the life out of a ministry that was once considered viable to a group of parishioners. They leave nothing but destruction.
Pigs can harbor a range of parasites and diseases that can be transmitted to humans(iii). Watch your associations, as we often take on the character of those we hang around. If we are not careful, other folks’ actions, thoughts and beliefs may become our own. We may find ourselves developing piglike qualities, if we allow these creatures to take up space in our lives. As Victor Sweatt, a talented visual artist, stated in his recent Facebook post…If you have nine broke friends, guess what, you are the tenth one .
How can I uncover a pig? Check the landscape. Pigs often return to the mud that they love to slough in. They abhor things such as cleanliness, discipline, order, stability, and harmony. After a while they will hunger for some discord, become hostile toward peace and start to rebel or retreat, let’s face it, it’s their nature.
How much damage can a pig really do? A conservative estimate of the cost of wild pig damage to agriculture and the environment in the United States currently stands at $1.5 billion annually(iv) . Pigs come in all forms and have stifled the progress of some of our urban communities. For example, a gang leader is a pig that seduces others to assist in wrecking havoc inside a selected neighborhood. The results of gang activity include; drive by shootings, murders, drug trafficking, petty crime, lawlessness, and civil unrest. The amount of crime one gang can produce is staggering. Seven percent of youth, mostly gang members, are responsible for 70 percent of juvenile crimes(v).
I understand how important it is to start the year off with a fresh view on how the year will bring promise, hope, and life to a new project, business venture, or ministry; however it is important to proceed carefully, as one moves on to better things. So with this in mind, I say, beware of the pigs that snort about in your life. They are real, and they do exist. If you are worth your weight in gold, they will seek after you, your pearls, and your ideas. Proceed toward the New Year with hope and expectation, but proceed with caution.
Article References
iWikipedia/Pigs
iiWikipedia/Pigs
iiiWikipedia/Pigs
ivMississippi State University/Wild Info
vThe National Center For Victims of Crime
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