By Oluwole Solanke (Phd, FCIB)
The Guiding Light of Our Elders: Honoring Their Roles and Responsibilities
In every community, across every culture, elders hold a sacred place as the keepers of wisdom, the storytellers of history, and the architects of values that shape generations. They are the roots that ground us, the compass that guides us, and the light that inspires us to move forward with purpose. The proverb “Better to light a candle than curse the darkness” beautifully captures the essence of their role—elders don’t just point out the shadows of life; they illuminate the path ahead with their experience, resilience, and love. Their responsibilities are profound, their contributions immeasurable, and their presence a gift we must cherish and learn from.
The Role of the Elder: A Beacon of Wisdom
Elders are the living libraries of our communities. They carry stories of triumph and struggle, lessons learned through decades of navigating life’s unpredictable tides. Their role is not just to recount the past but to distill its meaning, offering insights that help us make sense of the present and prepare for the future. When a young person faces a crossroads—be it a career choice, a moral dilemma, or a personal challenge—an elder’s perspective can be the candle that lights the way, revealing possibilities that youth alone might overlook.
This responsibility to share wisdom is no small task. It requires patience, discernment, and a deep commitment to the growth of others. Elders listen with empathy, offering guidance that is not prescriptive but empowering, encouraging the next generation to find their own strength while standing on the foundation of ancestral knowledge. In a world that often prioritizes speed and novelty, elders remind us to pause, reflect, and draw from the timeless truths that endure.
The Responsibility to Preserve and Pass Down Culture
Elders are the custodians of culture, the ones who ensure that traditions, languages, and values are not lost to time. Through their stories, songs, and rituals, they weave the threads of identity that connect us to our heritage. Whether it’s teaching a grandchild to cook a family recipe, sharing the significance of a cultural festival, or passing down a native language, elders keep the heartbeat of a community alive.
This role is both a privilege and a duty. In a rapidly changing world, where globalization and technology can erode cultural roots, elders stand as guardians, lighting candles of pride and belonging. Their efforts ensure that younger generations grow up with a sense of who they are and where they come from, fostering resilience and unity in the face of uncertainty.
The Duty to Model Resilience and Grace
Life is not without its darkness, and elders, having weathered countless storms, embody the art of resilience. They have faced wars, economic hardship, personal loss, and societal shifts, yet they stand as testaments to the human spirit’s capacity to endure and thrive. Their responsibility is to model this strength—not by boasting of their struggles but by living with grace, humility, and hope.
When an elder shares a story of overcoming adversity, they are not just reminiscing; they are teaching. They show us that cursing the darkness achieves nothing, but lighting a candle—through perseverance, kindness, or forgiveness—can transform even the bleakest moments. Their lives inspire us to act with courage, to find solutions rather than dwell on problems, and to approach life’s challenges with a steady heart.
The Call to Mentor and Unite
Elders are natural mentors, bridging the gap between generations. Their role is to nurture, not just their own families, but entire communities. They offer counsel to the young, support to the middle-aged, and companionship to their peers. In doing so, they weave a tapestry of connection, reminding us that no one walks alone.
This responsibility to unite is especially vital in times of division. Elders, with their long view of history, can see beyond fleeting conflicts to the values that bind us. They encourage dialogue, foster understanding, and remind us of our shared humanity. Like candles in a storm, their presence offers warmth and stability, guiding us back to common ground.
Our Role: Honoring and Supporting Our Elders
As much as elders give, they also deserve our respect, care, and gratitude. Their roles come with challenges—physical limitations, societal shifts that can marginalize their voices, or the emotional weight of watching the world change. It is our responsibility to ensure they are not left in the shadows. We must listen to their stories, seek their counsel, and create spaces where their wisdom is valued. We must also provide practical support, ensuring their health, comfort, and dignity are upheld.
A Call to Action
The roles and responsibilities of our elders are a call to all of us to light our own candles. Let us learn from their wisdom, preserve their teachings, and honor their resilience by building a world that reflects their highest values. Let us be the generation that not only receives their light but carries it forward, illuminating the future with the same grace and strength they have shown us.
Our elders are not just the past; they are the spark that ignites our potential. Today, reach out to an elder in your life. Listen to their story. Share a moment. Light a candle together. For in their presence, we find not just guidance, but the inspiration to become the best versions of ourselves.
