Colour is powerful. It has an impact on our moods and emotions and inspires our decision-making. Our frame of reference determines whether a specific colour has a positive or a negative association. Colour also leaves us with question marks when we see something that looks different than expected.

Orange sky in Switzerland

During February, we noticed how the sky here in Switzerland changed from the usual white, blue and grey into the most beautiful orange. The phenomenon kept us guessing and reminded me of the orange desert sunsets in the Kalahari. The newspaper confirmed that sand is also the reason for the orange sky. Desert sand blows from the northern parts of Africa, such as Mauritania, Mali, and Algeria, to Europe. The sand acts as a lens, changing the colour of the sky.

In science, we learn that a prism lens can refract white light in different colours. Truth, just like light, can also be refracted into different colours. My colour of truth, positive or negative, depends on my lens – my perspective.

Easter weekend message about Colours of Truth

One Easter weekend years ago, I received a needed message about colours of truth. Alone and in the middle of a divorce, I went to church. The theme of the sermon was Colours of Truth. The pastor explained how the first four books of the New Testament of the Bible are all about Jesus’ life. He highlighted the different perspectives and focuses of each of the four books and attributed them to the four authors’ views. I walked away that morning, understanding that my lens determines the colour of my truth. It was a valuable lesson.

Perspectives on South African history

Our teenager, shaping his perspectives, recently reminded me of the colours of truth. On 16 December last year, Zander asked why his friends in South Africa celebrate a public holiday. I explained that during the Battle of Blood River, the Voortrekkers made a vow to God that if He gave them victory over the Zulu forces of Dingaan, they would commemorate the day as an annual day of vows. After the 1994 election, this public holiday was renamed the Day of Reconciliation to consider all perspectives.

Recently, Zander had to do a biographical oral about an important person in history. He chose the life of Nelson Mandela. In preparation, Zander read a book providing a good summary of South African history. Emotionally, he shared with me his perspective on the Battle of Blood River.

“The Boers moved through the land of the Zulus and wanted to take some of the Zulus as slaves. This situation caused the conflict. The Zulus tried to defend themselves and had only spears as weapons. The Boers had guns and could hide behind their ox carts. Many Zulus and only a few Boers died that day. It is very unfair and sad. Why do we celebrate this day of vows? Surely the Zulus must have prayed too?”

Zander had a different perspective from the one I learned in school during Apartheid.

My colour of truth, positive or negative, depends on the lens through which I look. My colour of truth has an impact on my mood and my emotions. It inspires my decision-making. Colour is powerful. Situations often remind me of how important it is for me to revisit my lenses before judging or acting.

Kind regards

Emsia