As Far As the Eyes Can See: Venturing into Liberia’s Future
By: Saa M. McCarthy
The Perspective
Atlanta, Georgia
January 23, 2008
God basically promises great prosperity to be preceded by a period of great want and affliction. Why? Because Israel was not yet ready to take the land that God had promised their fathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Also, God foresaw that Egypt would be the world’s superpower in the future, in so far as calling their king, Pharaoh, God, Ra—the Sun God. God, in his infinite wisdom, used Egypt to be a beachhead for Israel to grow, and increase in number and strength. The Bible states that when the time of their redemption grew near, Israel increased in number to the extent that it caught the Egyptian’s leadership attention. Egypt feared that Israel needed to be contained due to their large number less they join the enemies of the Egyptians in the time of war. So they afflicted them, turning them into slaves. But the more they afflicted them, the more they increased. When Israel entered Egypt, they were only 120 persons, including Jacob, his 12 sons and their family. When they were ready to leave Egypt for the promise land they were nearly 2 million strong, physically prepared to take their promise by force out of the hands of the Canaanites, but spiritually and mentally weak.
God was with them, performing great miracles as they journeyed in the desert. When they came at a dead end at the Red Sea with Pharaoh’s army in pursuit, God parted the sea, creating safe passage to Israel but drowning, completely annihilating the Egyptian Army. When Israel was hungry in the desert, God fed them with bread from Heaven (angel food) called “manna”, meaning “what is this?” since Israel had not known of such food. After a three days journey into the dessert of Shur, Israel arrived at Marah where the water was poisoned. Yet again, they complained that the water was bitter, and God made the water sweet. Of all the complaining they did, what was perhaps the most ridiculous is they complained about not having meat as they did in Egypt, “If only we had died by the LORD’S hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death." (Exodus 16:3). Footnote: This reminds me of some Liberians who keep talking about restoring Liberia to “prewar status”, as if prewar was any better.
When Israel arrived at the edge of their promise, Israel hesitated and decided to send 12 spies (one from each tribe) to measure the strength of their adversaries and to peak into their future. Moses agreed after consulting with God. The 12 spies journeyed and made a safe return, but unfortunate 10 of 12 spies gave a discouraging report. The 12 spies confirmed that the land was good and indeed flowing with milk and honey as the Lord had promised. They even described seeing giant size grapes and a fertile land. But 10 of the spies said that the land was crawling with giants and the people of Canaan seemed mighty and powerful, a battle that was lost before it started. However, Joshua and Caleb, 2 of the 12 spies, gave a positive report, reminding Israel how they’ve survive in a harsh desert so far. They reminded Israel that regardless of the challenges that lay ahead, they should rest on the fact that God promised them the land, and that promise was sufficient to rest upon and launch an attack, seizing their promised. Unfortunately, the people grew discouraged and harkened unto the voice of the 10 spies, even suggesting that they return to Egypt, the land of their slavery and affliction [Numbers 14:4]. Because of their lack of faith, God punished Israel by decreeing that Israel will wonder in the desert for 40 yrs [4 years for each of the 10 spies], until that generation of the faithless parish—and their children instead will enter the land promised.
I liken Liberia unto Israel, a land that has been afflicted with so much hate, death, suffering and pain all because we became faithless and started looking inward for our success rather that look towards the heavens at the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. In Liberia today, there are people who still worship mountains and rivers across the counties. Some snatch our children in the midnight hour and offer them as sacrifices to idol gods. This is nothing new—these demonic practices have been going on for well over a century—the Leopard, Snake and Alligator societies. Due to this hatred for God, our nation slid into complete darkness in From1980 to 2003, where brothers turned against brothers, mindlessly killing one another. During this period, we lost so many friends, so many things that we once held dear and near to us. Nearly 300,000 lives were lost, and we still have nothing to justify the deaths of so many. Amidst all of this confusion and lack of direction, I see a forgiven God, who is waiting with open arms to receive Liberia and heal our Land, if only we are willing to turn from our wicked ways and seek His face. When we do turn to God, and look to Him for forgiveness and direction, I see endless possibilities.
Can you see it too? Like Caleb and Joshua, I chose to see the good amid the challenges and obstacles we currently face. I refuse to believe that Liberia will always represent mediocrity and a land of sorrow, great want and despair. I see a Liberia where the men are a symbol of respect and protection for the women and children, as opposed to abusing our children. A Liberia where the women are no longer stereotyped as house wives only fit for bearing children, but are strong contributors to our economy, actively involved in every role that are traditionally set aside for men. I see a Liberia where the middle class is healthy and thriving, with an unemployment rate of 5%; where families sit together in the comfort of their homes in the cities, towns and villages and eat dinner with peace and tranquility.
Can you see it too? I see a Liberia where our children will be able to safely play in city parks, go to the beaches for a walk or a swim. I see a Liberia where the gifts and talents of our children are maximized in the sciences and in sports, to compete with the best in the world. I see a few Liberian teenagers (boys and girls) who are top players in the world in soccer, tennis, and perhaps golf. I even see Liberia women’s and men’s national soccer teams competing at the world cup’s finals. I see Liberian engineers, doctors and scientist making breakthroughs that changes the world we live in. I see well equipped medical facilities with adequate capacities to treat the illnesses of our people. I see major universities and technical institutes across the country that are recognized and compete with the best in the world.
Can you see it too? I see a completely functioning Judiciary, filled with men and women of utmost integrity, restoring our hopes in the laws of the land, complimented by a highly competent police force. I see hundreds of police cars and motor bikes roaming the length the breath of Liberia protecting our citizens. I see police officers who are educated, using modern technology to communicate and track criminals. I see them parked by streets with traffic lights, and cities beaming with electricity night and day. I see Liberians frowning against financial crimes, isolating those who commit them. I see corruption not as the norm, but the exception.
Can you see it too? I see 4 major super highways (8 lanes) that go across from west to east and north to south. I see 4 major airports, each with modern facilities connecting near the sea. I see major international airlines, landing and taking off in regularity, bringing visitors for business and pleasure; and Liberians traveling to Europe and the United States without needing a visa stamped in their passport. And Oh yes, I do see AIR LIBERIA, 10 jumbo jets flying the globe, servicing Africa and the rest of the world. I see sky rise buildings in Monrovia, occupied by major banking institutions, and local Liberian businesses. I see computers, automobiles, building materials and furniture being manufactured in Liberia for local use and export. And there is something else I see—a new capital city. The new capital becomes host to the government and citizens—a residential capital if you will.
Of course there are a few giants in what I do see, waiting in the wings to stand in our way, but never mind the giants. God will handle the giants! God will subdue and destroy them for us! We only need to play our part and believe once again, standing strong and being courageous to face the giants that are holding Liberia back. We cannot enter the new Liberia without a fight, and neither can we win this battle from afar off. If we are to receive the promises of God, we must take the fight to Liberia, standing up for what we believe and selecting new leaders who would take us there. I do not speak of a physical fight, but a battle of wills. We must not be afraid of the political atmosphere, nor should we measure our strength in our financial capacity. We only need to believe and stand together! When we do, we will receive as far as our eyes can see.
About the Author: Mr. Saa M. McCarthy is a Certified Management Accountant (CMA), a Certified Financial Manager (CFM), and a Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) residing in Texas. He is married, and a father of four children. Prior to coming to the United States, Mr. McCarthy lived as a refugee in several refugee camps in the republic of Sierra Leone from 1989 to 1992 as a result of the Liberian civil war. He currently serves as Chairman of the Finance and Recruiting Committees of the Liberian Contemp-UPS. He may be reached at saa_mccarthy@msn.com
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