Perseverance

"Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘ The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?"

Matthew 21:42 (NKJV)

Invariably Christmas is a time of mixed emotions, depending on how one feels about the Season. For example, it can be a period of regret caused by physical excess and strained resources or one of spiritual renewal and affirmation. It can also be one of seeing the beauty of the Divine, radiant in other people’s lives. The birth stories of Jesus are shrouded in Church traditions that may or may not be confirmed by traditional readings of the Bible, depending on one’s understanding of particular ‘eye’ witness accounts. Perhaps for some, is ceases to be relevant whether those from afar, were Three Kings from the East or Magicians from Persia, modern day Iran. What matters perhaps, is the metaphor or symbolism used to illustrate the point? Just as Christ asks – Isn’t it marvellous that God places in a prominent position, those rejected by society? – the question points to the need to ask and not to assume that people understand the meaning of the text.

Over the holiday season, I had the unexpected opportunity to watch a recording of the television programme on the Jamaican heroine, Mrs Mary Seacole. Aired in June, 2005, on Channel 4, it documented her determination not to be thwarted by racism, but to follow her convictions in attending to the sick and dying during the Crimean War in the mid nineteenth century. Rejected by Florence Nightingale, Mother Seacole, as she became known to the soldiers, independently and with dedication, overcame insurmountable obstacles to achieve her dreams. She did not allow the bigotry and short sightedness of others, to hold her back from achieving her potential or her vision. In a national poll in 2004, she was selected as the most famous of all black Britons and the following year – the Mary Seacole Bicentenary 2005 – saw the celebratory marking of the 200th anniversary of her birth. She died in 1881 and is buried in a Catholic cemetery in London. Her autobiography –‘Wonderful Adventures of Mrs Seacole in Many Lands – is a testimony to the greatness that often lies within rejection. She would have been stifled working under the formalised and strictly controlled leadership of Miss Nightingale. Her enthusiasm and passion for life, needed freedom to breathe and to be able to explore more appropriate ways to be of service to those in need.

Inevitably, her behaviour and methods were criticised by her detractors. There are commentators today, who question her supposed over identification with the British and her alleged condescending attitude as a person of mixed parentage towards fellow black Jamaicans. However, these perceptions are open to debate and deny the historical & cultural realities and the difficulties faced by a black woman accomplishing the degree of independence and achievements, that she did. Scripture tells us that all who we place on pedestals, are idols with clay feet. Christ also warned about the need to be realistic about each other. We are to call no one ‘morally good’ but God. Christ, in his humanity made mistakes, changed his mind, was frustrated and at times grew very angry with others. He even cursed a poor fig tree albeit as a lesson to aid in his disciples understanding. He did not see himself as perfect, that is, without fault. Yet he provided us with an example on how to persevere with our dreams and not to become wearied and disillusioned on the Way.

By now New Year resolutions may have been made – kept or broken. Perhaps we need to revisit our hearts’ desires within our journey with God and hold these fast. That is, reaffirm our purpose within our hopes and enjoy the moment that reconnection brings.

"Do not, therefore, fling away your fearless confidence, for it carries a great and glorious compensation of reward. For you have need of steadfast patience and endurance, so that you may perform and fully accomplish the will of God, and thus receive and carry away [and enjoy to the full] what is promise" - Hebrews 10:35-36 (Ampl)

May the Holy Spirit of God rekindle your dreams and make this a Year of Wonder.

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