Life Is God's Best Gift: Wisdom from the Ancestors on Finding Peace and Joy in Today's World

Following the success of the megabestselling Black Pearls, a collection of 365 African proverbs that illuminate the secret to peace and joy; and inspire the words of Cudjo Lewis in Zora Neale Hurston’s Barracoon.

In Africa, grandparents traditionally share their wisdom about life and culture with their grandchildren, using proverbs and stories that have been passed down from generation to generation. This beautiful keepsake volume includes 365 proverbs—one for each day of the year—partnered with brief, yet profound lessons and knowledge covering all facets of life.

Collected from countries across the African continent, these wise proverbs encourage children to treasure community over material items; show kindness to others; love from the heart and not the mind; exercise empathy; and strive for a global education. These thoughtful proverbs include insights such as:

Proverb: “Love, like rain, does not choose the grass on which it falls.” (South Africa)
Insight: True love is blind. True love is not based on wealth, family, position, education, tribe, religion or class. Love can bind together a most unlikely couple, as the heart has reasons that reason does not understand.

Proverb: “When an old man dies, a library burns to the ground.” (Gambia)
Insight: The elders of the community hold the wisdom of the world.

Devoting a little time, day by day for a full year, this holistic, enriching gift book can lead to inner peace and happiness.

Sam Chege was born and raised in Kenya. In his thirties he immigrated to the United States, where he has lived for 20 years. He is an Associate Professor of Journalism and Mass Communications at Kansas State University.