What is it to be unique in a world full of conformity?

July 22, 2015 | Boys’ Preparatory

Mr Fredericks, Mr Stewart, Mr Lennox, Mr Fourie, Mr Thomas and Mr Tlhabanyane together with our touring parents hosted a final dinner for our cricket squad, Mr. Lennox motivated the boys with a powerful analogy relating the Investec Zebra (A tour sponsor) and each boy’s individuality and his role in the team

Is it a different hairstyle? Or different clothes? Is it a different way of speaking?

How do we find uniqueness in a team environment? Our team environment, yet maintain the unity we require?

As human-beings these are complex and often unanswered questions that plague us our whole life through.

Interestingly though, one of our most common seen African animals has all the answers we seek. The Zebra.

Just like human fingerprints, a zebra’s stripe pattern is unique to each individual animal. And it is from the zebra that our team can gain that sought after individuality yet maintain the all-important element of team.

Much like our team members, zebras have very caring and protective mothers. All zebras are very close to their mothers, but males also form strong bonds with their fathers.

Zebras are highly social, and prefer to graze together and will groom each other. No doubt some of our boys will need a little daily grooming.

But two important facts about zebras stood out to me above all others;

In Native American shamanism, the zebra is the symbol of balance, agility, clarity without filters, and sureness of path. Also, zebras are brave animals that care deeply about their group members. When a group member is wounded by a predator attack, other zebras will come to its defence, circling the injured individual in an attempt to drive the predator away.

Gentlemen, individuality comes from within and can be easily used to gain great advantage. And it is vital on a tour such as ours, that we maintain our individuality, just as the zebra maintains his, yet still care deeply and protect his brother. You ways, your dealings, your life, your journey depends on all those intrinsic things you have by birth or you have acquired during the process of growing up. It is your individuality.

Boys, I would like to you pack your zebra in your cricket bag, and each time you open it draw strength from this creature of God’s individuality, gain support in its symbolism and calm from its deeply protecting and caring nature.

Mr. Lennox ended off with a strong request for the boys to adopt the following as the official UK Tour Prayer. It is drawn from both Psalm 46 as well as our St Stithians College Prayer;

God is our refuge and strength,

I ask Him to walk beside me,

As I journey from loneliness to solitude

an ever-present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear.

The Lord God Almighty is with us;

Allow me to grow in moral courage so that I may express the truth,

Allow me to find the strength to live a disciplined life.

Towards a discovery of the uniqueness of self,

And a personal knowledge of You as my God.

He is our fortress.

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God.