THE PRICE OF ENVY : A LESSON FROM THE STRANGE BIRD

One Lesson Envy Teaches is, "You May Drown If You Swim in the same water you see someone else swim in."

In The Strange Bird, Olajire Olanlokun teaches a powerful lesson about envy, choices, and destiny.

After losing her husband, Ataye worked tirelessly to provide for her baby. With her village, Okotete, suffering from drought, she ventured into the Agudo Forest to fetch firewood to sell.

While gathering wood, a giant bird swooped down and took her baby, offering great wealth in exchange. But Ataye refused. Impressed by her love and selflessness, the bird returned her baby and gifted her gold, diamonds, and riches beyond imagination. With her newfound wealth, Ataye built a mansion, established a thriving textile business, and uplifted her community.

One of her employees, Yiga, admired her success and longed for the same fortune. She, too, got married and had a child. But instead of following her own path, she chose to copy Ataye. Quitting her job, she went to the Agudo Forest, hoping for the same fate.

When the bird appeared and took her baby, Yiga willingly offered her child in exchange for riches. Shocked, the bird asked, "You mean, I can take your baby in return for wealth?" She eagerly said, "Yes!"

Then, with a strange sound echoing through the forest, the bird vanished—this time, for good. What was left behind? A handful of diamonds and gold… which soon turned to dust.

Heartbroken and in despair, Yiga returned to the village, but her mistake could not be undone.

Do you think they ever found her baby? GRAB A COPY TO FIND OUT

What lessons can we and our children learn from this story?

May we all find the courage to walk our own path and fulfil our purpose this March 2024 and always.

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