HOPE IS NOT LOST

Hope isn’t lost…………….

Train a child in the way he should grow, and when he is old he will not depart from it Proverbs 22:6
I remember growing up in TG, the days were not as portrayed today. “Volatile”, “Mother of all Garrisons” are phrases that often encapsulate the place I know and still not ashamed to say I grew up in. You see, this one is especially for the bloggers on JMG, as I listened in utter dismay yesterday to the “porn audio” with alleged Marcus Garvey High School students and thought to myself what life would be like for me and my sisters especially my sisters had we not overcome the perceived notion that one is limited and oftentimes incapacitated by where they live and the stigma that is attached once you mention a certain garrison especially “Tivoli”!

You see, my mother had a faith that could move mountains, she lived an exemplary Christian life and invested in her children through hard-work and dedication, I can’t recall a time when my mother was not working! When I reflect on my upbringing, I have come to realize that it was by her example that we adopted our behaviours, I think unconsciously some behaviours are ingrained in us from our parents via their own behaviours and attitude in life. We replicated what was seen and never felt the need to “mix and mingle”, succumb to peer pressure, or let the community influence our behaviour. Moreso, we were not dictated to by her, it would appear that the attitude we displayed to school and life in general was almost autonomous, we just did what we saw her do. We did not let society determine how we would “turn out”. My mother dropped out of high school when she had me, but I cannot recall a day when I had to stay from school or my sisters, she ensured that we were short of nothing. We were poor but didn’t feel poor. We were always encouraged that there is better. I went to a prominent high school in Kingston, and then went on to College where I attained a BSC, with plans to pursue my masters now. My sisters went to Tivoli Garden High, they are now abroad and in college and doing extremely well. I am a blogger and I was revolted yesterday and almost disheartened when one of our own commented that she was afraid to have children, all is not lost!

“If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn . . .
If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight . . .
If a child lives with fear, he learns to be apprehensive . . .
If a child lives with pity, he learns to feel sorry for himself . . .
If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy . . .
If a child lives with jealousy, he learns to feel envy . . .
If a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty …

BUT

If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient . . .
If a child lives with encouragement, he learns to be confident . . .
If a child lives with praise, he learns to be appreciative . . .
If a child lives with acceptance, he learns to love . .
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves..
If a child lives with honesty, he learns what truth is . . .
If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice . . .
If children live with recognition, they learn to have a goal.
If children live with sharing, they learn to be generous.
If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith in himself and those about him . . .
If a child lives with friendliness, he learns the world is a nice place in which to live . . .”
Dorothy Law Nolte, Children Learn What They Live: Parenting to Inspire Values