Miracles happen, just continue praying

THE EDITOR, Madam:

As we reflect on Emancipation and Independence for Jamaica but also on how these terms affect persons globally. In view of those suffering from hunger, and are homeless, particularly in war-torn zones, one can only say that it is a huge divide. Leaders meet in lofty chairs and there is much debate. But, at the end of the day, it is the fragile vulnerable who are hungry and die.

Wilfred Owen, in his poem Dulce et Decorum Est, underscores the point that military pundits can blow their edits but it is the innocent sons of the soil that face the true consequences of war blasts.

... if you could hear, at every jolt, the blood

Come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs,

Obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud

Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues, —

My friend, you would not tell with such high zest

To children ardent for some desperate glory,

The old Lie: Dulce et decorum est

Pro patria mori.

No doubt that faith and undying confidence in leadership of church, state or any other entity is foolhardy. It is never “sweet and fitting to die for one’s native land”.

Choosing life is one’s first priority and responsibility. The solution to any individual problem lies in one’s own finger and hand. Independent action to use that grain of mustard to move a mountain is actually the best modus operandi.

In that movement, the miracles happen, the woman with the issue of blood for over a decade receives that healing. “For I have the touched the hem of his garment and his Blood has made me whole”.

While we appeal for leaderships internationally to cease war, humanity on the ground creates the real bridges of living. Realistic approaches to harshness of hunger and limited health supplies is the best one can do. Any relationship that does not yield fruitful results deserves pruning.

Truth is necessary to solve mysteries. Research findings can be the first point of contact for solutions. This pragmatic approach is vastly different from promoting unnecessary public panic. But you are personally aware of being unable to pay your grocery bill at the cashier and which items are removed. Only you know the depth of the disease you face. Tackle and win your own war. Bravely approach cancer, debt, unemployment or any other vile diagnosis.

There is, however tomorrow, even as we pray for our daily bread. We trust the almighty God’s hand intervening, even as we continue to do and not just pray.

CATHERINE NEIL