Cockroach Doh Belong in Fowl Party.

Cockroach Doh Belong in Fowl Party.

The Caribbean proverb “Cockroach doh belong in fowl party” teaches a profound truth: we are all created by God with unique gifts, but our true worth shines only in the right place, among those who value us. Forcing ourselves into spaces where we don’t fit leads to discomfort and rejection. Instead, we must seek environments aligned with our divine purpose.

Two timeless stories—a classic fable and an episode from the Ramayan—illuminate this wisdom, guiding us to find where our God-given value is celebrated so we can fulfil our sacred calling.

The Fable of the Father, the Son, and the Watch.

A father gifted his son a finely crafted watch, a unique heirloom of great worth. Curious about its value, the son showed it to a butcher, who scoffed and with scorn shouted, “This is useless for chopping meat!” He then visited a baker, who mockingly laughed and chased him, “It’s no good for kneading dough.” Disheartened, the son finally brought the watch to a watchmaker, who examined it with awe and declared, “This is a masterpiece, worth a fortune!” Only in the watchmaker’s shop, where the watch’s unique design was understood, was its true value recognized.

This fable teaches that our God-given gifts, like the watch, are precious but only appreciated in the right environment. We must find the spaces where our unique worth is seen and valued.

The Story of Vibhishan and Ravan’s Court.

In the Ramayan, Vibhishan, Ravan’s righteous brother, felt out of place in the demon king’s court in Lanka. Despite his wisdom and devotion to dharma, Vibhishan’s counsel to return Sita to Lord Ram was mocked and rejected by Ravan and his courtiers, who valued power and pride over righteousness. Feeling alienated in a place that clashed with his God-given values, Vibhishan left Lanka and sought refuge with Lord Ram. In Ram’s camp, his wisdom, loyalty, and devotion were embraced, and he found his true purpose, aiding Ram’s victory and fulfilling his divine role as a devotee and advisor.

This story shows that our worth, bestowed by God, flourishes only when we align with those who share our values. Vibhishan’s journey teaches us to seek the right “court” where our unique gifts are honoured.

Finding Your God-Given Place.

The proverb “Cockroach doh belong in fowl party” captures the essence of these stories. Just as a cockroach would disrupt a hen’s gathering, we struggle when we try to fit where our God-given gifts don’t belong. To fulfil our divine purpose, we must seek spaces where our unique worth is celebrated. Here are practical steps to live this wisdom:

1. Embrace Your Divine Design: Reflect on the unique gifts God has given you, like the watch’s craftsmanship, to understand where you’re meant to shine.
2. Seek the Right Company: Find communities that honour your values, as Vibhishan did with Ram, where your worth is recognized.
3. Honour Others’ Spaces: Respect that not every space is meant for you, and value the unique roles others play.
4. Trust God’s Guidance: Have faith that God will lead you to the place where your gifts are celebrated, even if it means leaving where you don’t belong.

Scriptural Insight: Vibhishan’s Divine Calling.

Vibhishan’s journey in the Ramayan reveals the power of finding where our God-given worth is valued. In Ravan’s court, his righteousness was dismissed, but with Lord Ram, his devotion and wisdom found purpose. His choice to align with dharma, despite rejection, shows that our true value shines when we embrace the path God intends for us. Like Vibhishan, we must seek people and places that uplift our divine gifts, anchoring us in our sacred purpose.

Practical Application.

To live with divine purpose, commit to finding the place where your God-given worth is celebrated. Embrace these practices:

• Pursue God-Aligned Goals: Focus on paths that reflect your unique gifts, like the watch in the watchmaker’s shop.
• Build Uplifting Connections: Surround yourself with people who value your divine worth, as Vibhishan found in Ram’s camp.
• Learn from Rejection: If you feel out of place, trust it as a sign to seek where your gifts belong.
• Surrender to God’s Plan: Have faith, like Vibhishan, that God will guide you to the right place to fulfil your purpose.

Conclusion: Shine Where God Places You.

“Cockroach doh belong in fowl party” reminds us that we are all created by God with unique worth, but that worth shines brightest in the right place. Just as the watch found its value with the watchmaker and Vibhishan found his purpose with Lord Ram, we must seek environments where our divine gifts are celebrated. By trusting God’s guidance to find our true place, we fulfil our sacred purpose with clarity, joy, and peace.

A Prayer from Faithful Insights to You: May you walk with the wisdom to find where your God-given worth shines and the courage to follow His path, radiating divine light in your sacred purpose. Jai Shri Ram!