I’m sure every heart bleeds as we recall the tragic self-inflicted death of two of our precious youths and attempted suicide of yet another. Youths have been described as ‘the wave of the future’, so what does the future hold when our rising waves are dashed on the shores of time.

And I pause to reflect on my days as a youth. Those were happy days; happy, not because we were wealthy. Far from it! Being the last of eight siblings, I knew what it was to receive clothing that my sisters had outgrown, yet I was happy. I remember my brothers working hard, grinding dried plantains to make plantain flour so that my father could supply shops on the East Coast, but I was happy, not the happiness that made me giggle but one that rested in a sense of security, a sense of belonging. Oh sure we had our fights, and when dad came home I would announce: “Daddy. Fighting.” and without waiting for too many explanations the (wild) cane would fly but I was happy.

Sunday school and family devotions were not optional. I was taught the fear of God long before I knew the fear of man. This was reinforced in school as Scripture was on the syllabus, which included the life and teaching of Jesus Christ, so I opted to write three subjects in my fourth-form year in secondary school – French, Spanish and Scripture. I failed the first two and passed Scripture. (Incidentally I passed the other two and a few others one year later).

Forgive my ramblings, but the point I am trying to make is that this is a wake up call. This nation needs the overshadowing of the Fear of God. Scripture admonishes us with regard to God’s laws, “You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”(Deut.6:7).We also need to listen to the unspoken cries of our children (Lord help me!) and make time in our busy schedules to build and nurture relationships as we open up ourselves and encourage family members to open up to each other!

We must look out for each other! I am usually encouraged when someone loves me enough to tell me of some lack in me or in my child when I might not have noticed…

Finally, let’s help each other in the quest for faith, hope, love and the fear of God while heeding the call of the One who says: “I am the way, the truth and the life…”

Heartfelt sympathy to all the bereaved.
CLAUDIA HEYWOOD