Shan and Tam... Sisters Breaking Barriers

  There are so many things I remember from my childhood. Everyday simple things that were a part of the picture of my life. I remember the Croton plant on the verandah of my childhood home, and the first dog my family had, a huge black German Shepherd named Flip. I also remember quite fondly the days I ran reckless outside with my neighbours, who I considered my sisters and brothers.  I played dandy shandy, cricket and doll house with dolls made from soda bottles and grass for the hair. Children programs on Television came on for 1 hour weekdays between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m. and Saturday mornings between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. This was when the only TV station we had in the island started their broadcast on weekdays at 4:00 p.m. and ran only for 12 hours at a time before signing off. There was no Internet, no video games, no tablet or computer, at least I did not have them. The only tablets we knew were the ones you took for a headache or other ailments. The other memories I ha...

  “Now His betrayer had given them a sign, saying whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him.” Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. But Jesus said to him, “Friend why have you come?” Matthew 26 vs 48-50.  I had to sit with this scripture for a few days to truly process it. The level of humility that Jesus exercised in this entire chapter is astounding. Personally, I could not have gotten through dinner without emotions all over my face, knowing that one of my friends would eventually betray me. Forgiveness is not always easy but the more I rest in Jesus I see it truly takes a level of humility and selflessness.  People will hurt us, and sadly oftentimes the worst pain comes from the ones closest to us.  I have experienced a lot of hurt and betrayal in my life but I have come to the realization that for me to be free, there are certain things and certain people that I have to release from my system.  I’ve battled with the c...

  How many gaping holes are in the fence guarding your heart and life? Inevitably, over the course of living, there are people who have smashed through that fence, leaving areas of it in pieces, in the wake of their involvement in your life. I’ve stood speechless and heartbroken looking at those holes, shattered, as a result of lies, jealousy, unchecked speeches, and just plain ‘bad mindedness’ (as my fellow Jamaicans would say). I can hold a grudge. I have held many over the years.   Some I’ve held because of those very instances where people plummeted through the fence that guards my heart, while others, I don’t even remember the root cause. Yet, even after coming to the realization that I could no longer remember why I was upset with someone, I still felt the need to not talk to the person. Silly isn’t it? The fallible beings that we are have a natural tendency to judge, even when we can glimpse parts of us in the story of others.   Again, today I am saying, don’...

  "  Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning" Psalm 30 vs 5.    This has been one of my favourite  verses to repeat in my mind each time I am faced with  a difficult situation .    In one of my earlier  blogs,  I spoke briefly of a situation that had occurred with the other parent and King during parenting time. I remember the day quite vividly; I sat in bed with King that night holding on to him so tightly and praying that his bruises would go away. My heart further broke as I assessed the emotional impact this would have on him as I tried to navigate his own process of healing with him.   That experience took me back to my own experience as a child where I was so  badly beaten  to the point where my face was unrecognizable. I challenged God and had some serious conversation with  Him.  Why me? Why my  son?  How can I  possibly help  him throu...

  How many times have you wanted to just cover your head with your blanket and stay in bed, crying, sighing or sleeping while facing challenges in your life? I have to admit that I have experienced this numerous times. Different situations have caused me to want to roll into the fetal position and stay under the covers, praying that I can come out when the situation has passed. While there have been a few instances where I actually stayed in bed, I have otherwise pushed myself to take the covers off, throw my feet over the side of the bed, stand up and take a step. In every instance when I had to push through whatever it was that I was feeling, my motivation to overcome the feelings I had was my family, in particular my children. After all, they did not ask to be caught up in whatever crises I was experiencing, but they would inevitably suffer if I did not find a way to simply move. For me, catering to my children’s physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing has always been my prima...

  This week someone asked me the question: What does service ministry mean to me?  After careful thought and reflection, I believe service ministry is essentially being the hands and feet of Jesus. I have been given the privilege of not only demonstrating this within my church community but also with those with whom I interact daily within my role as a child protection worker. The profession of social work requires people with a level of passion, dedication, commitment, and the heart of being a servant.  Several weeks ago, after a twelve-hour workday, I sat in my car and cried. I was overwhelmed and exhausted but at the same time felt relieved as I had supported a mother and her children who were in an abusive situation. Similarly, I have had to be an advocate for estranged fathers and for those clients who have been marginalized and ostracized from society. Working within the shelter environment as well and serving breakfast to clients is a humbling and fulfilling experi...

  This post is dedicated to Glenda Miller – my mother, my role model, a humanitarian, and warrior for her family and the children of this world. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace. - 1 Peter 4:10   There are many life lessons that can be learned from a mother. One of the most important lessons that I have been taught by my own mom is that of service. Serving your community and fellow human beings, in whatever capacity you can, provides you one of the greatest opportunities to serve God.   About 25 years ago I saw my mother join an internationally founded service organization, The Kiwanis Club. Being in my early adult years and possessing very self-absorbed tendencies, I couldn’t understand her desire to give up so much of her time and energy doing one project after another. Weekdays, weeknights, weekends, and even holidays, she would attend meetings or participate in multiple projects. All with one go...