Starting Out...part 3

When I received the news I was on my way back to the Salon where I worked at the time.

I did not know what to say. I did not know what to do.

The first thing that came to my mind was that I needed to be strong for my siblings. I didn’t allow myself to be emotional. I didn’t allow myself to cry. And so because I needed inner strength and a word of encouragement the first person I called was my Pastor.

I told him I had just received news that my mother had passed away. She was only 40 years old.

I couldn’t stay at the salon any longer since it was quiet I decided to leave and head straight to the Church. On the bus I tried so hard to fight the tears. I fought so hard for no one to ask me how I was doing because I would have just broke down in front of them. It was a battle with my mind and my broken heart.

Even so I called out to God in my mind, and then I remembered the story about Moses. When he saw the burning bush he decided to investigate it. The closer he got to the bush he realised that the bush was not being burnt by the fire. But God called out to him and said to him remove your sandals because where you stand is holy. You can read the story from the Bible in Exodus chapter 3 verse 1-22 (NKJV)

This was exactly what I did. I went straight to the Church, got myself some tissue – a lot, went towards the Altar, removed my shoes and literally cried my eyes out before God. At the feet of Jesus. I didn’t know where I was going to have the strength from to be strong for all my 5 siblings, to face everyone. I didn’t know anything. But one thing I was sure of. When I got up from before the Altar I felt like I could do anything.

Everything worked out so well. I was broke but friends and family contributed to help with my travel costs, the costs of the funeral, being in Jamaican it was a good turn out. God surpassed all my expectations. Even when things were delayed they all got sorted in the right time.

My dear friends, whatever bad news you may have received recently. Whether it was 6 years ago or 16 years ago, it doesn’t matter. You and I should always look for the lesson in these situations. There is always Someone right there next to you – yearning to comfort you, to be your friend, to listen to you, to be there for you when no one else can. Because it worked for me. I am truly grateful for His mercy and Grace upon my life.

When we want to achieve things in our lives, there will be floods, there will be viruses, there will be wars, there will be catastrophes but keep the peace inside our hearts because that is where true inner happiness stems from. And this come from Faith in Someone bigger, more powerful, more compassionate than ourselves.