Kotahi te aho ka whati, ki te kāpuia e kore e whati
One strand of flax is easy to break, but many strands together will stand strong
This week I’ve been reflecting on the whakatauki that Kaaren shared with us from the barstool on Sunday. Our daughter Hannah turned 17 this week, and I’ve been feeling grateful for the relationships that she has with others in our Ilam faith community- grateful for the support of others, and grateful to know that it doesn’t all depend on me! Hannah has recently enjoyed linking up with the ‘Plants for All’ What’s App group that Esther Sanson set up over the holidays; getting inspiration for plant-based meals and answers to some of her questions about this. So, where my own knowledge is lacking and falls short, the faith community provides.
The proverb/whakatauki talks about harakeke or flax. When gathering flax, Maori would gather the outer leaves but ensure that they left enough protection for the young shoots(he rito) in the centre of plant. I see this happening in our Ilam community- with the support, care and connection offered to our young people and this brings me encouragement and hope.
