Rock Cant but Sand Can; an Oceanic Approach for Unity

By Siosifa Pole in Articles

thinking about new metaphors for Gods unconditional love, inclusiveness and unity

I am writing this article with due respect to the Tangata Whenua (people of the land) and also those who later resided in the land, the Manuhiri (the settlers), if I would ever cross over any boundary and violate anyone's privacy. As a native of Oceania it is a right protocol to acknowledge the presence of the people who first inhabited this place, where I am working and practice my ministry. Hence, their efforts laid the foundation on which I begin my ministry. It is indeed an honour to be asked to contribute to this column of the 'Connection.' There is a Tongan saying, 'potopoto a niu mui pe', which means, 'just a wisdom of a young coconut tree.' It is a humble reminder in advance that if I will make a mistake, remember that I am only a young coconut in the paddock.

Rock and sand are two important natural resources in Oceania. (I am intent to use the word 'Oceania' in this article instead of 'Pacific'. The word 'Pacific' is a word that the colonial empire imposed on the people of Oceania without consultation. It is a word that portrays the smallness of the island nations in the Pacific Ocean. On one hand, the term 'Pacific' identifies derogatory and powerlessness. 'Oceania' on the other hand depicts the notion of wholeness and equality. Oceania is actually the combination of the land space and the ocean. Land + ocean + underground = Oceania. Therefore, Oceania is not small as it has been claimed. Oceania is big and vast if compares to any of the world continents, c.f. 'Epeli Hau'ofa, "Sea of Islands," in Inside Out, 24-52). Most of the island nations in Oceania have these two unique resources (sand and rock) in their own make up. Aotearoa - New Zealand is part of Oceania and possesses rich natural resources of rock and sand. My family and I live at St. Clair, which is very close to the beach. Quite often I take a walk to the beach and enjoy watching the beauty of nature. At the beach I have been astounded by the elegance of sand and rocks. The sound of the wind and the coming of sea breezes create an atmosphere that is so natural and harmonious. In addition, the splendour of the open sea and it big waves rolling from the deep towards the land creates a wonderfully diverse melody of sounds.

As the waves roll toward the land some of them arrive on the sandy beach and produce quiet and peaceful sounds of harmony but the waves that arrive on the rocks not only produce a roaring sound but with such a commotion that is uncontrollable. As I keep on watching these lively experiences on nature I am reminded about human relationships and their complexity. Some are quite friendly and others are quite hostile. Then I ask some critical questions which lead me into some further questions. How can we deal constructively with confrontational issues? Can we live in harmony in the midst of our diversity? What is the appropriate way of dealing with our differences? These questions might not lead us to a final answer but at least can encourage further conversations on how to be more tolerant in our relationships with others who have different points of views from ours. In order to lead us to a possible solution I see sand as a metaphor or symbol for building good relationships, in contrast to rock.

The Bible portrays a negative image of sand as inferior to rock. Jesus specifically told his disciples the story of the two builders (Matthew 7:24-25). The wise builder built his house on the rock for it is more stable and also able to confront the cruelty of nature, but the foolish builder built his house on the sand, which symbolises weakness and powerlessness. Some of the Psalms speak of rock as a metaphor for the mighty hands of God. For example Psalm 18:2, "The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge." For those who are in the Middle East, rocks can become shelters in a sandy storm and fortresses for when enemies attack. Using rock as a metaphor for God is pertinent for their context but for us in Oceania it is the antithesis, especially after the recent Christchurch earthquakes. It opens our eyes to know that rocks do not always protect houses but can also destroy houses and threaten lives.

Therefore, sand from an Oceanic perspective symbolises flexibility, openness, tolerance, and acceptance. The Dictionary defines 'sand' as 'small loose grains of worn or disintegrated rock.' Although this definition still links sand to rock, it is in a different fashion. The nature of sand is losing and opening. These grains are not lying individually but collectively with open spaces. Their strength comes from their connectedness and their openness. When the big waves roll down onto the sands they sink quietly because they find spaces to enter, but when they reach the rock they produce violent noises and cruel confrontations.

I believe If Jesus was growing up in Oceania he would use 'sand' in one of his parables as a metaphor for God's unconditional love and acceptance, rather than rock. Rock can't stop the waves but sand can, because it gives spaces. It is a reminder for us that in order to build strong relationships we must work collectively and allow spaces for others to function and to grow. The Season of Pentecost reminds us as well of the success of the early followers of Jesus because of their collective effort and their openness for others in the power of God's Spirit. Rock can't, but sand can.