Nowadays, we speak of service as if people ought to be rewarded for the things that they do. Yet, truly helping others is about giving without expectation of reward, acknowledgement, thanks or recognition. There are so many individuals, both in Anguilla and across the globe, who give of themselves selflessly and are never honoured for what they have done.
My parents taught me from a young age about assisting others, volunteering and being an advocate for the underrepresented and the underserved members of our communities. As the eldest of three daughters, it is in my nature to be giving. I believe wholeheartedly in assisting family, friends, neighbours, colleagues, and even strangers.
Like the story of the good Samaritan in the Bible, we must all learn to give a lending hand whenever possible. Not so much that people take advantage of our kindness and generosity, but in order to aid folks on their life journeys. For many of us, we do these kind deeds in the background. We are not given medals, certificates or public recognition for what we have done. Nevertheless, we continue to exhibit such positive attributes because we know this is what we were appointed to do.
Lately, I have had deep contemplations of what is going on in the Anguilla community and wondering what has happened to us as a Caribbean society. Sometimes I even query what would the late Honourable James Ronald Webster think of how we are behaving. Did we lose our moral compass? Have we forgotten how to utilise ethics and integrity? Are we caught up in the emotions of anger, fear, retribution or some other negativity?
I am not one to quickly judge others for I have learnt that we all make mistakes in life and need some compassionate understanding along with guidance and training to steer us onto God’s divine path. The recent incident that occurred in a public setting, which involved three Ministers of the Government of Anguilla, has people in the community talking. But rather than talk with compassion and without judgement of the persons who engaged in this unpleasant altercation, I find that everyone is gossiping and presuming to know exactly what happened.
Other than the individuals present, none of us knows precisely what went on, neither before the person who video recorded this situation nor afterwards. Do we even know the state of mind of those who were there and got upset over words spoken? Even I, who generally has a very calm and soft-spoken demeanour, can occasionally burst into a cloud of anger when provoked or I am overwhelmed and exhausted from caring for family, and very tired of coping with other people’s stuff, mess, chaos and confusion.
So least we think that we are gods and capable of judging humans’ actions, we must allow people to have second and third, sometimes fourth and fifth chances, to learn, correct themselves and develop better ways of handling controversial matters. The escalation of gun violence that we are witnessing in Anguilla and elsewhere comes from individuals who have not been taught to peacefully resolve conflicts, but rather to react violently. How do we respond calmly to differences of opinion, differing lifestyles, wrongdoings, and grievances?
As the adults, we must teach the children and youths how to be responsible for the consequences of our own individual and collective actions. In fact, some of the younger people are much wiser than the older generations and could instruct us in a thing or two. Each one, teach one.
We need to forgive ourselves and be forgiven for our transgressions. Live and learn. Be cognisant of the words we speak, our thoughts and intentions. Train young, middle aged and old to be unflappable in calamity. Seek counsel. Give guidance. Share wisdom. Cease pointing fingers at others. Self-examine. Reflect on ourselves.
From the heads of state to the newest born babes, we can make a shift in our perspectives that will help our nation and community grow to greater heights of self-awareness, respect, love, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, and help all a’ we to develop into the profound human beings whom God created us to be. For if not, we will become like larger developed countries that are battling all kinds of down-pressing conditions.
Let us lead lives of greatness. Let our life’s works be exemplary and of service for forthcoming generations.
_____________
Ms Kay M Ferguson is a contributing columnist who writes on diverse topics impacting the Anguilla community. She encourages everyone to evolve and positively transform our world. Link with Kay at anguillawriter@gmail.com
