Those insects characterized by the use of only one pair of wings for flight and the reduction of the second pair of wings to knobs used for balance.
Those flying things we love to swat and crush.
Spiritually, the Fly warns you that you need to be ready and calm when changes start.
It in some ways represents a warning. If your life is changed, it does not have to mean that the change will be bad.
Two of them particularly catch my fancy today.
*
THE GADFLY
and
THE FIREFLY*
What is a Gadfly?
That annoying fly that bites livestock, especially a horsefly, warble fly, or botfly.
Who is a Gadfly?
A gadfly is a person who interferes with the establishment by posing novel, potentially upsetting questions, usually directed at authorities with the aim of prompting positive changes. The term is originally associated with the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates, in his defense when on trial for his life.
Socrates saw himself as a messenger of the gods sent to act as a gadfly to the Athenian state. He saw the state as “a great and noble steed” which had to be reminded of its proper duties.
Every society needs a Gadfly. Someone who criticises and prods the state with noble intentions. His mission is better governance and not running the government down.
*The Firefly* .
That soft-bodied beetle related to the glow-worm, the winged male and flightless female of which both have luminescent organs. The light is chiefly produced in flashes and typically functions as a signal between the sexes.
Firefly symbolism is logical after-all. Fireflies are so lovely, that they had to be the symbol of some kind. They symbolise light, illumination and the like. The night, the dark hours is when all its symbolic meaning is evident.
As a creature of light, it should come as no surprise that the firefly is a symbol of illumination. The firefly symbolism reminds us that our paths are made lighter if we allow beauty and grace to fill our lives.
The fireflies among us are the ones who always provide guiding light in moments of darkness and trouble. The ones who, in times of well being, keep reminding us that the good of the society is the desired goal. They provide light to the feet of the man in authority so that he does not fumble as he traverses the mine filled field of governance.
Gadflies and Fireflies unlike some others in their ilk are not noise makers.
Despots and demagogues see Gadflies and Fireflies as pests. Attempting to swat them has led to faltering and eventually falling of their governments.
Government should not be peopled by despots and demagogues.
Do not hate but appreciate people’s opinions.
So let the Gadflies and the Fireflies come.
Away with the houseflies and tsetse flies, however. One causes the rot and decay in the system. They look for every and any loophole. A chance to mix lucre with filth is their stock.
The other makes you sleep. It brings in lethargy. They are the ones who mill around and helps the man at the head in doing nothing. With them it’s all motion and no movement.
The man in power must avoid the Houseflies and Tsetse flies and bring on the Gadflies and the Fireflies.
I am Femi Ladapo FEMOLAD
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Twitter:@femolad1
femolad1.blogspot.com
