By Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew
Columnist
I have been working with a holistic practitioner. I am beyond excited because she has been changing my life. I marvel at her ability to look at a person and identify what is wrong. When I saw my physician, he agreed with her diagnosis and wanted to even learn more about what she has used to improve my health.
During our visit this week, I asked QC and her team to help me understand how they can look at someone and tell the state of their health.
The response was not unfamiliar— “We just know. We’ve been doing this a long time.” What she meant was that her 30-plus years of experience has taught her so much. Despite her continuous quest to learn more, her effectiveness is a result of practice and wisdom.
When I was younger, I was on this quest to get so much done. It was as if an invisible force was at work pushing me to achieve. I realized as I have gotten older that there are many invisible voices around us that coax us into believing that we don’t have time or that we must keep up with everyone else.
The voices now not only come from those around us, but social media can create a tension of trying to set standards with others that are unrealistic.
When I was a child, I remember my grandmother always saying to me “keep living”. If you live long enough, there are some things that you will learn not because of degrees or reading books but because of life experience and it requires having some time in the world to develop skills, habits, and even character.
We tend to dismiss age but there is something to be said about living and the experience and wisdom gained from it. It isn’t that as we age, we know everything, but it is recognizing the power in wisdom which can accelerate you much further.
I was fortunate to spend time at the feet of individuals who were great but not by the world standards. They were great because of their lived experience. I loved listening to the elders in my family and in my community growing up because so many things I was able to avoid because I listened.
My mother would say a “hard head makes for a soft behind” meaning that it is easier to listen than to be difficult and allow life to beat you down. I know I was politically correct in my statement, but you understand the value of this cliché that we don’t hear as often.
Even in my life today, I surround myself with individuals who are wise, that can guide me and have been places that I seek to go.
The word wisdom is mentioned 222 times in the Bible. It along with justice and kindness are important virtues that I think we don’t focus on enough in our lives:
- Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:15-16)
- How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver! (Proverbs 16:16)
- Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. (Proverbs 13:10)
- The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper. (Proverbs 19:8)
- Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. (1 Corinthians 3:18)
It is more than obtaining information on how to become successful in your career. It is identifying those who have lived a good life, that walk with God and know the power of prayer. It is making sure that in your life, there are individuals you are surrounded by who know how to take care of their mind, body, emotions, and spirit.
If I surround myself with individuals who are just like me and see the world the same way that I do, I am only rehashing similar information and I’m not stretched.
My life reflects the wisdom that has been poured into me and I continue to sit at the feet of those who can guide me and direct me, whose lived experience can add value to my own.
“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” (James 3:13)
Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew is an author of three books and the host of The Tapestry podcast. To listen to episodes of the podcast, visit https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-tapestry_1 and to learn more about her work, go to https://drfroswa.com/
