Femmixx.com Wisdom Or Gold

WISDOM OR GOLD?

By Tachelle Shamash Wilkes

Long ago in Uriah, a joyous African village nestled by the sea lived three brothers who wanted to become men, marry and take on wives. This village was special. It shined bright with God's spirit and there the people followed ancient ways. The oldest son, Onan, was strong. David the middle son was smart and the youngest, Samson, was fast. Even though the brothers looked like grown men they were still considered boys because they had not completed the rites of passage.

The twelve elders uttered mysteriously in sacred tongues, "the time has come, you must prove your worth before marrying our daughters for they are gifts from the heavens and are pure. Only true men with good hearts and good intentions can enter upon their gates. Therefore a journey of self worth you must take. Tomorrow meet us at the sacred circle when the moon and the sun first meets."

Finally the dawning of a new day arrived and the birds awoke with laughter. The three brothers hugged Abidah, their father and mother, Keturah, one by one with the eldest being first knowing that they would not see them for a long time. "My sons you must choose wisely on this journey for it will be a reflection of who you are and your life's fate will be revealed," Abidah uttered in a powerful voice which sounded like rolling waves. “I have waited so long for this day. At the end of this journey you will find if you will become a good man or remain a boy." The brothers kissed their father and mother and then disappeared into the thickness of the grey woods. Fear arose in their minds, but they remembered to be brave and have faith as their parents had instilled in them.

Smoke rose from the sacred circle into the deep lavender sky. This sign let the whole village know that the journey of manhood would soon begin. The sweet smell of spices, frankincense & myrrh and sage filled the air, spreading a calm upon the land.

"Come closer my darlings," said a mysterious woman who wore a flowing purple gown and had long white hair which felt like sheep's wool. "Closer,” she said in a soft enchanting voice. "Don't be afraid come closer," she begged. Last night I had a vision that one of you will choose wisely and at the end of this faithful journey a secret will unravel and one life will be changed forever. Who shall it be? Which one of you shall choose wisely?" The three brothers said simultaneously, "It shall be me."

Magically, an old man with a wooden staff appeared from thin air. His skin was the color of mahogany wood and he had a long black beard which touched the ground. He hit the ground with his staff and said in a thunderous voice, let the test of manhood begin." Thunder and lightening soon filled the sky as the brothers looked up in amazement. The eldest brother was called forward first. "My son choose with your spiritual mind and not with your flesh. In my hand I hold ancient wisdom and in the three chests which the three elders hold contains riches - silver, diamonds and gold. My son will you take this wisdom that I hold in my hand or will you choose one of the boxes filled with riches from our land?" "Honored one I have no need for wisdom," he said proudly, " I am young and I want to be a rich man, so therefore I will choose the box where the first elder stands."

The box opened slowly. It glistened, gleamed and shined with bars of gold. The eldest took his chest filled with gold and sat back down in the circle. He wore a huge smile, yet vanity began to grow in his heart. The eldest took his place in the circle and David stood up, "My son choose with your spirit and not your flesh will you take this wisdom that I hold in my hand or you choose one of the two boxes left?" "Honorable one I want to one day be as wise as you so I will take the wisdom which glows brightly in your hand." The elder said "rise,' and a supernatural blue ball of light lifted from the his hand, floated in mid air and the bright God-like light fell upon David's head." The light radiated through his brown skin. He could feel something strange happening to his body. It was as if a thousand years of ancestral wisdom filled up his insides! Humbly he sat back in the circle.

The youngest brother then stepped forward. "My son, choose with your spirit and not your flesh for your brothers have already chosen for this test. Will you take this wisdom which I hold in my hand or will you choose one of the two boxes left." “My dearest elder I am no fool so therefore I choose box number two." The box opened and gleamed brilliantly with beautiful blue, black, yellow white and green diamonds of all shapes and sizes, which looked like a shimmering rainbow. Samson smiled a great smile after seeing what treasures he had chose and vanity too began to grow in his heart.

An elder who possessed eyes of fire said, "Your test shall be long and enduring. You must visit our sister village Medeba found on the other side of the sea, past the rain forest and the great rocks. "When you get there you will encounter a woman and she will offer you three keys. You shall choose one of the three keys and return to our village. With that key you shall find your manhood," he explained. "Now my sons," uttered another elder who had a golden medallion shaped like a lion's head with eyes made of rubies upon his neck "The time has come where we must depart from you. Here are maps for each of you. May God be with you upon your journey and may his sea carry you safely to your destination. Peace and blessings unto all."
The sun covered the sky guiding the three brothers on their faithful journey.

"My brothers we must work fast our manhood is at hand. Let us build a row boat with our bare hands as our father has taught us," David said. "Ha," laughed the eldest brother, "I will not build a boat with my hands. Are you mad? I have plenty of gold to buy more than a hundred boats," he said with arrogance. "Brothers this is where I part I shall be on my way," the eldest brother exclaimed. He fled into the darkness of the woods until his brothers could see him no more. Sadness set into the David's heart. The brothers had never been separated before.

"My youngest brother we must work quickly to gather wood and twine to build a strong boat." Brother, are you out of your mind? I am young and fast and have plenty of diamonds to spare. I will not build a boat with my hands instead I will pay someone to carry me across the sea. This is where I depart from thee," and he too fled into the woods. The eldest brother was saddened even more by his younger brother's departure and knelled to GOD in prayer.

With a pierced heart, tears began to fall, but deep inside he knew that he must go on because the future of his destiny was in his hands. It was now that the wisdom that the elders bestowed upon him grew even stronger. A huge body of light surrounded his body glowing brighter and brighter until the tears stopped. Knowing that he was kind and loving towards his brothers he knew that God would not desert him. Looking across the moving waters under the radiant sky he whispered in a low voice, "dear God I pray for my brothers' safe return for they know not what they do."

Seven days had passed and the boat was complete. David looked at his handy work and thanked God for the wisdom that he had given him. The boat was made big enough for four passengers. He quickly loaded his fishing pole that he made from sticks, a leather bag and the rest of his belongings and set sail across the placid turquoise waters. Nearly seven miles away bickering filled the air. The youngest brother paid a sailor to take him across the sea, yet the unexpected happened. "Are we there yet." Samson screamed. "We have been riding for seven days and it seems as if we are going around in circles. " Knowing that the youngest brother had diamonds of all shapes and sizes the sailor said. "Dear young man the trip is further than I had anticipated,” as he let out a laugh.

With a smirk on his face he said in a deep deceiving voice "you must pay me more diamonds if you want to get to the other side of the sea." "More diamonds the youngest brother argued," you have taken nearly all of my wealth." "Take it," Samson said as he opened his box and unwillingly tossed the sailor three diamonds." "Lord what have I done to deserve such a bad fate," he muttered under his breath.

The night fell like a fallen star and an inner voice urged David to find shelter. He found a small island to camp on. There he made a fire to keep warm, pitched a tent, and cooked fish over burning flames. Gazing at the sky he admires its blackness and beauty and on bended knees with all of his soul he rejoices and praises the All Mighty, "Oh mighty God I thank you a million times over for giving me wisdom. Though this journey has been difficult I am so blessed to know that you will be forever with me." He then laid down, drifted into sleep and it began to rain uncontrollably.

Back in the village of Uriah, David’s mother was worried and cried to her husband,"I pray that our sons are safe." Abidah caressed her cheek gently and said, “don't worry Keturah, God will keep our sons safe. It is important that they find out the true meaning of manhood and learn the true worth of spiritual goodness." They must understand that becoming a man does not just come with age. It is making the right decisions in life. It is about being responsible. If our sons make the right choices during their journey then I trust that they are ready raise their own families." "Keturah stepped outside and picked the biggest and brightest star she could find. She named the star, bowed her head and said a silent prayer to God for the safe return of her sons - hoping that the star will guide them back home safely.

The moon fell asleep and soon the sun awoke out of her sleep, stretching its arms long and wide welcoming a new day. On the other side of the sea the eldest brother was spending his gold frivolously on expensive garments and strong drink. He just wanted to have a good time. In the back of his mind he was a king and the purpose of his journey grew further and further away from his mind until it no longer existed. Little did he know that consequences would soon follow.
David finally reached the sister village after seven days at sea. Even though he was sore tired, his spirit jumped inside of him like a leaping frog. With the bright red sun high in the sky he knew that night would soon come. Kicking the dust with his brown leather sandals, David noticed footprints in the canary colored sand. He followed the footprints to a near by cave. When he entered the cave he noticed that there were old writings etched on the wall. It read, "ancient souls have been waiting for the one with true wisdom to come." As he pondered upon the meaning, he turned around and suddenly a woman was standing behind him. He jumped out of fear. "Don't be afraid she beckoned." The woman had deep black hair like a lion's mane and her skin was the color of almonds.

"We have been waiting so long for you." David said, "what do you mean?" Your heart is pure and it was prophesied long ago that a child with a special purpose would be born with a pure heart and that child is you. My name is Darde and I am your guide. She reached out her hand and in her palm laid three golden keys. Pick one my son for your life will be changed forever.

David chose the third key. Follow me for you shall take your rest. You have had a long journey and a bed has been prepared for you. When David entered the tent a beautiful young maiden preparing his bed was humming a song. She had honey colored skin that was likened to the beauty of the stars and her scent of black coconut lingered in the air. It was obvious that she was fit to be a queen. What is your name? My name is Ruth she said with a great smile. I am the daughter of Jeremiah, the King of Medeba. I must go now. It was nice meeting you, she said. As she left she continue to hum the angelic song.

"Oh my, the daughter of the King preparing my bed, he thought." Many questions began to flutter through his mind. Intrigued by her beauty he hoped that he would see her again. He laid down on the bed and drifted into the world of dreams, questions danced in his head.

Morning broke and his guide, Darde, escorted him back to his boat. She gave him a kiss on his forehead. "This is a kiss of hope. You have a long journey ahead of you. Be strong and God shall forever be with you." “Thank you for your kindness," he said and soon David was on his way home. He was so happy because he had not seen his father and mother in weeks. Having sailed for hours the young maiden stayed on his mind and unknowingly as he was daydreaming his boat hit a large rock and slowly began to fill with water.

He trembled, not knowing what to do. Quickly, David looked up and there was an island not too far away. He placed the key inside of his mouth and began to swim towards the island. He looked back one last time at the boat. In his mind he asked God why did he have to lose everything, for he was a loyal and a faithful servant. Yet a voice said inside of him. "Be faithful for you shall be restored - he that carries his cross shall be blessed." "What does this all mean he thought?"

Exhausted from the long swim David fell asleep as soon as he touched the black sand on the silver shore. Hours passed and the beaming sun shined in his eyes greeting him to a new day. With no money, food or change of clothes he had to do something, so he decided to search for work.

Walking along a dirt road surrounded by weeping willow trees he crossed paths with a middle aged man and asked him for work. The man said "I just hired a boy to find my lost sheep yesterday, so I have no more work at the time." David who was still eager walked unto he came upon two women who had a huge garden. "Pardon me I am in search of work he said." "Sorry," the two women said, "we just hired a young girl to help us with the garden today."

David traveled far and wide in search of day work and was disappointed until he heard a wise voice inside of him to follow the footprints in the road. He listened and followed the footprints in the road and it lead him to extraordinary palace that almost reached the sky. It was taller than the Egyptian pyramids. It had bricks of gold and the pathways were gold with rubies, emeralds and diamonds. What a sight to behold he thought. He came across two gigantic golden gates where he came across two guards. Without fear he said, "pardon me I am in search of day work. I am a carpenter and have many skills."

‘Uhhmmmm," said the one of the guards. The prince has been looking for a carpenter. He wants to surprise his new wife with a beautiful statue. It was if the guards could sense that he was good and that his energy was benign.

The guards opened the royal gates so he could enter. Engaged in the beauty which surrounded him he was in awe and his eyes were opened. He saw beautiful gardens where all kinds of flowers perfumed the air with the smell of sweet nectar and brought beauty to the land with vivid colors of reds, blues, pinks and every color in the rainbow. There were roses the color of the sun, plum colored violets, lilies the color of white sea pearls, all of the flowers that God had ever created were in this garden. His almond shaped eyes grew wide with amazement as he indulged in his surroundings. He was in an earthy paradise. He felt at peace as a dove and concentrated very hard on being close to God. He closed his eyes and breathed gently until he felt one with the Most High.

A young man with golden copper skin approached him, He must be the prince he thought. "I see that you are enjoying our garden." "Yes it is quite wonderful here. Good energy surrounds its gates. "I understand that you are a carpenter with great talents. There is something special about you indeed and you seem so wise to be so young and you are special my spirit tells me," the prince said. I trust your talents and have work for you. I want to create a statue for my wife. Her birthday is coming soon and she has a sister who looks just like her who can pose for you. It took him fourteen days to complete the statue and when he looked upon it his heart was overjoyed. Word had spread through the village about the beautiful statue and he was known though out the village of Tarah.

I must leave you now and head back to my village. The prince looked sad. "I understand my little brother - family is indeed the most important gift in this life. Your parents must be proud to have such a great young man in their midst." That was the first time that anyone had called him a man. The prince gave him two big chests and ordered his helper to give him one of his best boats. "Do not open these chests until you are home and please my brother do visit us again. The prince saw him to his boat, gave him a loving hug and he was soon on his way home. You are no longer to be called David your new name is Micah, which means one who is like God.

It was as if the waters were expecting his return. The wind was cool and the waves were a gentle blanket carrying him back to his homeland. As he looked out to the sea he saw his future flash before his eyes and it was bright and good. Once he touched land he fell down on his knees to give God thanks.

He was the first to return and entered the sacred circle holding the key next to his heart. There was a box left on the sandy ground. He opened it and found a scroll inside -it reads, "you are the one with the pure heart. You shall be King - take camp here until our return." King he thought. Me a king? He did as the scroll said and fell asleep with even more questions dancing in his head. Awakened with sprinkles of water on his face - he jumped up and noticed a beautiful maiden with a basin of water. It was the same woman who he met at the sister island, Ruth. He sat up in awe and before words could leave his mouth she said, " I am to be your wife." The elders stood in the background as the young people took a stroll in the woods.

The day for the wedding had come. The oldest and youngest brothers had finally returned home. Both wasted their money and were very sad. They came to realize that wisdom was worth more than their treasures. It would be another seven years before they could take the test of manhood again. They pleaded with their brother for their forgiveness and bowed to him for that he was to be the king of the village. It was as if heaven fell from the sky. The bride walked down the aisle with all eyes on her. She had a golden crown and a long white dress trimmed with gold with diamonds. The groom's eyes shined bright and true love sprang from his heart. His parents held each other tightly and cried tears of joy, as they were so happy for their son.

Their loved shined bright as the sun and the townspeople know that he would be a honest and loyal king. David now Micah and his queen were showered with gifts of gold, diamonds and rubies. When he finally opened the chests that the prince had given him, a scroll inside read, "welcome to your new life as king," Inside was a gold crown filled with sapphires and diamonds. Micah knew that God had chosen him for this position before birth and by choosing wisdom over gold, Micah found his destiny.

Please e-mail Tachelle with any feedback at Tachelle@femmixx.com