Day 2 of Kwanzaa - Kujichagulia

Pronounced: koo-jee-chah-GOO-lee-ah

12. Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13. Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14. I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. 15. Let those of us then who are mature be of the same mind; and if you think differently about anything, this too God will reveal to you. 16. Only let us hold fast to what we have attained. 17. Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us.

Philippians 3:12-17 NRSV

In “Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture” Dr. Maulana Karenga (the creator of Kwanzaa) describes self-determination (kujichagulia) as “a right and responsibility to exist as a people and make our own unique contribution to the forward flow of human history”.  He states that it is both a commitment and practice of defining, defending and developing ourselves instead of allowing or encouraging others to do it.

What is the prize that God offers? Do you think having a goal in life is important? Why or why not? What goals are you setting for yourself going into this new decade? What happens when you reach your goal?