The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

As the curtain comes down on 2019 and we begin our journey into another decade.

As we embrace each other with agape love. Let us pray that we leave all of the hardship and trials behind.

This year has been the most challenging year we have ever seen. But we held on and God is giving us another opportunity to rebuild, not only structures made of mortar and wood, but the love of family and friends whose unity was frayed because of the burdens we bore under the strain of the unexpected.

When we look back and review our actions of the year, if we were to be honest with each other we would admit that a lot of what we said and did is not who we really are.

Already we are seeing signs of repentance – one need only to look around and see the kindness being shown to others from those least expected. Adversity brings out the best and worst of us.

Sonia Sotomayor, the first Hispanic justice on the United States Supreme Court, author of My Beloved World, wrote the following. “There are uses to adversity, and they don’t reveal themselves until tested. Whether it’s serious illness, financial hardship, or the simple constraint of parents who speak limited English, difficulty can tap unexpected strengths.”

If any country has known adversity America is definitely one of them. Here at home in The Bahamas we are being challenged to tap into that reserve. But we are a resilient people and as long as we are willing to leave the shackles of last year behind with God’s help we will bounce back.

The day Nelson Mandela walked out of prison he said: “As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison.

“Holding grudges only makes one bitter, forgiveness sets you free.”

Prayerfully next year will be our year of release. No more this and no more that – exhale let it go.

2019 reminds me of an old song: “Life is very short, and there’s no time for fussing and fighting, my friend. I have always thought that it’s a crime. So I will ask you once again to see it my way to see it your way. We can work it out”.

In Mathew 15 Jesus said: “Are ye also yet without understanding? Do ye not yet understand that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the sewer? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man”.

Many times out of frustration and anger we say and do things that we later regret – things that can haunt us for the rest of our lives.

Let us not be harnessed with the shortcomings of 2019. And as we share in the joy of renewing old acquaintances and drink a cup of friendship let all we do and say, be filled with kindness and love.

Let 2020 be our year of release and when given the chance to either sit it out or dance, I hope you dance. We can work it out.

March on, Bahamaland!

God bless you and have a wonderful and prosperous New Year.

ANTHONY PRATT

Nassau,

December 26, 2019.