St Francis of Assisi

I came across your article on humility, serving not being served, loving and not seeking to be loved as marks of successful living a while ago. You also gave examples in history and some clergymen in world history.

I have written to you to add some more spice to that article. Ever heard of St Francis of Assisi? Indeed, these are the attributes that Malawians and, of course, human kind needs to know and practice. Of course, no one will live today exactly like St Francis, but the principles of conduct and thought are priceless gifts.

Keep on writing and inspiring, especially our young educated elite who think material things are our gods.   

Clement Michael Kasense Ndala

 

Ed’s response

Clement;

First of all, let me express my excitement at having my former Leo Club patron write to me! I know you probably do not remember me, having passed through many schools, but I was once a Leo club member at Lilongwe Girls Secondary School. Unfortunately, I lost my certificate and badge somewhere and never grew to become a Lion’s Club member.

That said, thank you very much for your insight and for making me aware of St Francis, who I had previously never heard of. Now that I have read about him, I am amazed at the amount of selflessness he possessed and hope to write of him in one of my Ed’s notes.

I agree with you on the fact that material things are not the be all and end all of life; but being a humble human being that gives of oneself and puts others first is a very remarkable quality that will help us leave a legacy when we are gone.