When in Rome, do as the Romans do which means when you visit or move to a new place follow the customs of those who live in it. The big question is what if you don't know what you're supposed to follow? Okay, maybe you will understand me better when you've read my story.
I was delivered of my first child shortly after I arrived in the UK and as it is the custom health visitors do visit homes to check on the progress of newborn babies. It’s not like back in Africa where you have a lot of experience mothers at your service, I was more or less alone. On one occasion the health visitor asked whether I would require help caring for my baby. I ignorantly said yes to the question and that marked the beginning of my trauma.
I was readmitted to the hospital for extra help. I didn’t know that I was been observed, I obviously didn’t know what not to say or do. While at the hospital, I bath my baby the way I was taught back home in Africa, I shook him just like what I’ve seen in Africa. I even massaged his body just how my aunt had shown me. I thought I was doing the right thing for my baby but I was labeled a danger to him. I was assessed as not fit to be a mother and my baby was taken from me and put in foster care.
I screamed and threatened; when that didn’t work I shouted angrily that I would kill myself unless I have custody of my child. Another mistake! I was transferred to the mental health unit and staff was assigned to watch my every move 24/7. They said I was suicidal because I said that I would kill myself, I told them I didn’t mean it that I only said it because of my desperation but that didn’t change their decision. I told them that I will take my case to God and he would open their eyes to the truth. I refused to eat, take medication or speak to anyone but I prayed and spoke in tongues all day and night. I was again assessed to be hearing and responding to voices thereby compounding the whole case.
Well, that was years ago. I now have custody of my son and I have learned my lessons in a hard way. I observed as a Christian that some of the things we build strong doctrine around like covering of the head, use of Jewries, wearing of trousers etc are also influenced by culture.
I haven’t really gotten my head around these cultural differences. One man’s meat is indeed another man’s poison. Could you help me?
- Is it better for people to stay in their own countries rather than to migrate since it is where God planted them?
- How can we overcome cultural differences that tend to segregate us?
- How will you handle the situation if you're diagnosed as mentally ill because of your total belief in God and prayer life?