Independence... ok then!

Every year on August 6, Jamaica celebrates Independence... and every year on August 6, I get a feeling of apathy all over again.

Based on my understanding of independence, it is the state or quality of being independent; freedom from the control, influence, support, aid, or the like, of others. Now, think about it, is Jamaica really free from the control or influence of others?

Let's look at our state of independence:
- We are currently under a four-year loan agreement with the International Monetary Fund
- Our debt to GDP ratio is somewhere in the region of 140%
- Each child born in this country inherits a debt of over J$600,000; which means that we owe our international partners almost $2 trillion dollars!!!
- All our major assets; sugar, airline, tourism... even the beloved music that Bob Marley created and gave us is owned by someone else... (the number one reggae song in the world today, Independence Day, according to iTunes is 'Easier' by Anuhea & J Boog)
- Our rate of productivity is woefully low because of the high energy cost, high cost of security and high cost of labour
Man, I could go on but am going to save myself further depression.

So, what are we really celebrating? I will be the first to admit that Jamaica has a colourful history. Our ability to entertain is second to none. Our food; finger licking good, and we certainly know how to move to the beat of the drum and the bass. But at the end of the day, Jamaicans continue to struggle... it's like having a party tonight to celebrate our struggle tomorrow.

I have often said, Jamaica should never have received independence and I have often been berated for my opinion! Thankfully, this is my blog, and these are my thoughts on this thing called independence.

Like many Jamaicans, I enjoy the glory of our athletes, I gushed with pride when Chronixx represented on the Jimmy Fallon show and I was toe-to-toe with TVJ when Tessanne competed in and won the Voice... but what else?

It's been a while... I cut my hair!

Man it's been a while since I made my last post... two years in fact! As you would imagine, a magnitude of things have happened, but instead of bombarding you with everything all at once, let's take it one thing at a time. Since my last post, I cut off my hair. Yes! All of it... looked like a boy for a little while. My son looked at me in dismay on the first occasion. In his words, 'he could not believe that a girl would go into the barber's chair and allow the barber to cut off all her hair.' Then he said, "somebody slap me before I slap my self". LOL! That's my little drama king... expressive and extremely opinionated. But back to the hair story... so when I cut my hair, I didn't know it was an emerging fad. Imagine my surprise when about one week after my first hair cut, an old friend mine congratulated me on 'my big chop'. I was like 'my what?'... she then proceeded to tell me that many women were cutting off their processed hair to reveal and wear their new natural hair. Of course, as that was not my intention, I just continued to cut my hair... looking like a dude, and enduring the constant (loving) berating of my little dramatist. When I could take no more, I decided to allow my hair to grow. That was another experience because it was at about that point that there was an explosion of 'natural' hair products. Like many persons who had 'big chopped' at that time, I became a 'natural hair products junkie', suffice it to say, wasted money!!! One product in particular left my hair looking exceptionally dry and bereft of any type of moisture! To my new natural converts, allow me to give some advice, do not allow anyone to tell you what is good for your natural hair. Do some research and find out what is best for your hair type. Based on the research, use the available samples to guide your buying process. If you decide to keep your hair natural, do what works for you! No one should force you to buying $4,000-5,000 worth of products! Today, I am still uncertain as to whether or not I am going to remain a 'natural sista' but my hair works now... on whim, I found a hairdresser who grooms my hair bi-monthly. My hair care regimen includes a bi-monthly co-wash with Tressemme Naturals Conditioner (shampoo occasionally) and an oil-based moisturizer (Optimum). My hair is twisted or cornrowed using good old beeswax with Let's Jam used to tame the fly-aways. My total monthly hair care is $3000, except in those months when I have to purchase the products I mentioned before. In those months, the cost tops out at $6,000. Happy hair, natural sistas!

Olympics 2012 Predictions

So before the bell tolls, I want to make sure that I put in my predictions for what promises to be an exciting Olympics 2012. Before I begin my predictions, I believe it will be largely a Jamaica vs. USA games particularly as it relates to the short distances, so those are really the areas that I will focus on. I do not want to be labeled a 'wagonist' so here goes:

Mens 100M
This will be the blue riband event of all times. A friend and I were discussing last week that Usain should just dip below 9 secs and then the IOC would just retire the 100m! lol! But seriously to make it to the finals will be one task. However I am going to put my neck on the line and give a final 7 (with an open lane). In no particular order:
- Usain Bolt (Jam)
- Yohan Blake (Jam)
- Asafa Powell (Jam)
- Tyson Gay (USA)
- Justin Gatlin (USA)
- Christophe Lemaitre (Fra)
- Churandy Martina (Neth)
- Open

In terms of Medals:
Gold - Usain Bolt
Silver - Yohan Blake
Bronze - Asafa Powell OR Tyson Gay

Men's 200M
Again, this will be another nail-biter but I am sticking with my guys again.
Medals:
- Usain Bolt (Jam)
- Yohan Blake (Jam)


Women's 100M
Veronica Campbell- Brown & Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has the capacity to topple the apple cart of the entire US team of Carmelita Jeter, Tianna Madison & Allyson Felix.
I have been watching and I must say Tianna looks good... given the chance, she can do some damage but I believe that her inexperience will show up and therefore she will not make it to the finals.

The medals will therefore come from the premiere ladies mentioned before. My predictions are:
Gold - Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce
Silver - Carmelita Jeter
Bronze - Veronica Campbell-Brown
and, yes I am not giving a medal to Allyson Felix! lol!

Women's 200M
This is going to be very interesting because the same set of ladies that meet in the 100 will compete against each other again with the addition of Sanya Richards-Ross. However, here are the predictions:
Gold - Veronica Campbell-Brown (Jam)
Silver - Shelly-Ann Fraser- Pryce (Jam)
Bronze - Sanya Richards-Ross (USA)
and, yes I am still leaving Allyson Felix out of it... along with Carmelita Jeter!!!

Men's 110H

While I believe that Hansle Parchment (JAM) looks okay, the big guns such as Liu Xiang (CHN), Dayron Robles (CUB) and the hotttttttttttt Jason Richardson (USA), will run circles around him. He will not make to the finals. My predictions are:
Gold - Liu Xiang (CHN)
Silver - Jason Richardson (USA)
Bronze - Dayron Robles (CUB)

Women's 110H

Our home girl Bridgette Foster-Hylton is soooo hungry for this gold medal and I do believe she has the capacity to get it. But other hungry competitors are there such as Lolo Jones (USA), Priscilla Lopes-Schlep (CAN) and the timeless Sally Pearson (AUS). It's gonna be hard, but if Bridgette believes, I will with her. My predictions are:
Gold - Sally Pearson (Aus)
Silver - Lolo Jones (USA)
Bronze - Bridgette Foster-Hylton (JAM)

Women's 400H
I believe this will be the coming out party for one my favourite girls, Kaliese Spencer. Kaliese has done most things right except win an Olympic or World medal. She will however have to be mindful of her compatriot Melaine Walker (another of my favourites) and Lashinda Demus (USA). The medals will be among this said trio:
Gold - Melaine Walker (JAM)
Silver - Lashinda Demus (USA)
Bronze - Kaliese Spencer (JAM)

Men's 400m
I am praying for Jermaine Gonzales because I seriously want him to get a medal. However, Kirani James (Gre), Lashawn Merritt (USA), this guy from South Africa who's name I can't remember, Javier Coulson (PR)... whooooo! I am praying! No predictions here.

Women's 400m
This is fast becoming an exciting event for me. Novlene Williams-Mills wants it so bad. But then there is Amantle Montsho (Bot), Sanya Richards-Ross (USA) and this new girl, Francena McRory (USA). Now Francena doesn't really have the experience but she can run. I think it will come down to who wants it more on the day. The medals will come from: Williams-Mills (JAM), Montsho (BOT) and Richards-Ross (USA)

The all-important relays:

4x100m
Now I am not bragging but I believe its a given that this is a medal already in the bag. The only way to lose this gold medal would be to physically open the bag, take it out and hand it to another team. So aside from the gold, I am also predicting a world record!!!!

4x100w
Getting the stick around has been a challenge in the past. I am speaking with confidence because I want to believe that it is a thing of the past. With two of the fastest women in the world (Shelly-Ann & VCB), I fail to see why Jamaica can't conquer this event. The inclusion of Kerron Stewart and Sherone Simpson/Shellonie Calvert should make the event a gold medal winning performance.

The ladies will have to keep their egos in check and watch out for Team USA which always fields a favourable team as well as show-stoppers, Bahamas and possibly Great Britain. The US team will be very strong. Here is where Tianna Madison will definitely get her medal.
My predictions are:
Gold - Jamaica (if all egos are in check)
USA - Silver
Bronze - Open

4x400 m
Gold - USA (no competition here, they usually have a strong all round team)
Silver - Germany, South Africa, Jamaica
Bronze - Open

4x400w
For the first time, I believe Jamaica has the depth to really compete in this event. The team of Williams-Mills, Rosemarie Whyte, Shericka Williams and Dominique Blake can do it. I believe that if Jamaica can run some good strong legs... only the US Team with Richards-Ross, McCory and company could topple us.
Realistic predictions though:
Gold - USA
Silver - Jamaica
Bronze - Open

Final medal standings for Jamaica:
7 Gold
5 Silver
3 Bronze

GRAND TOTAL: 15

You know, I would truly love to hear your feedback!

OF ELECTIONS, WINNING AND LOSING & JAMAICAN UNITY

So the silly season is over and the Peoples National Party has prevailed.
The bawling and despondence on the labourite's faces were evident... my concern at the end of the day however is, 'has Jamaica won'?

Now that the election is over, the overarching responsibility of the newly elected government is to provide the framework for growth and success not just for their individual constituents and followers but for those of the opposition party as well. The new Prime Minister and her government must as a matter of urgency begin to address those pressing issues which face us as a nation.

If nothing, this past election has proved that Jamaicans are maturing electorally. No longer can any party claim to have 'safe seats'. MPs must work for their keep. Responsibility and accountability is key. At the same time however, I agree with some electoral historians who say that a separate vote must be done for the Prime Minister, this thing of the party with the most seats ruling is archaic at best.

The following are my thoughts on Election 2011:

THE AD CAMPAIGN

The 2011 advertising campaign in my opinion faded in comparison to the 2007 campaign. I find it hard to believe that the comrades could not find more dirt on the Labourites, after all, they made some serious blunders i.e. the Manatt Dudus affair, the blunder with the police and teachers regarding salary negotiations, Bobby Montague tracing off the nurse at that council meeting and last but not least, Bruce Golding fleeing in a cloud of suspicion!

I found that the comrade's ad campaign suffered from execution. The one ad I thought would have nailed the JLP would have been 'One minute of Labour' instead all we got was 15 seconds! Talk about being shortchanged! There was just so that could have been placed in that one minute: the PNP berates the JLP daily about 'Who paid Manatt?’ the multi-million dollar Christiana Road and yet, none of that was mentioned. It seemed as if they were only interested in coming up with an idea, producing it as fast as possible and getting it on air.

Notwithstanding, the PNP campaign picked up in the last week or so, the production of that fast-paced jingle 'Vote out the Green Man' was a plus. Jamaicans love to gyrate and so that production would have been a winner from the start. Another problem I had overall with the PNP was that they complained too much. When you are in competition, people will step on your corn, once the comment is not libelous, relax and take your blows. All they should have done in those cases was to counteract and do so strongly and pointedly.

On to the JLP's campaign... that hit a good note from the start, all the children in my community knew 'Vote for Labour' word for word. Once you can get a child's attention, his parent will either listen or tell him to shut up. A fundamental problem for me though was those ads which attacked the Hon. Portia Simpson-Miller. We know Mrs. Simpson-Miller's shortcomings, they were fully ventilated in the 2007 campaign (think, ‘We found money! lol) and so I didn't think it wasn't important to highlight those again. Admittedly however, the ads were funny, especially the one where the papers blew off the lectern.

The second criticism of the JLP campaign was the constant promotion of Andrew Holness. I know he is new and so people needed a chance to get to know him but I thought that it would have been good to interject a Christopher Tufton in there somewhere because he did a great job in Agriculture so much so that he was voted the Gleaner's Man of the Year some time ago. I also thought that with the youth factor they should have done an ad with a Collin Virgo, Kamina Johnson & Warren Newby just to highlight the influence of the youth.

Nevertheless, I thought they ran a tight campaign. It is obvious that professionals were used in the production and execution of their ads.

THE DEBATES
I for one think the name should be changed from debates to something else... maybe a ‘discussion’ as there was no debating.

A quick (unscientific poll) of the debates would suggest that the Youth debate was by far the most 'fiery'. One thing I took away from the youth encounter is that political tribalism is still alive. To borrow a phrase from the Hon. PSM, these young people were willing to 'fight to the death' in defending their individual parties whether what they are saying was true or not. I thought that if there was a Best speaker prize it would have naturally gone to the PNP's Lisa Hanna. She was by far the most articulate, composed and confident; her years as a presenter on ‘Rappin’ were very advantageous.

From the JLP side, I would have given that title to Warren Newby. To be honest, when I heard he would be part of the debate team, I was very concerned for the JLP because I have never found Warren to be articulate or knowledgeable (after all I've seen him buck, buck through some interviews before) but Warren came out with all guns blazing. He was knowledgeable, confident and vociferous... i'm proud of you Newby; you proved that you are no ‘newbie’.

My biggest disappointment from the youth debates would definitely be Marlene Malahoo-Forte, she appeared too sensitive for politics. On the other hand, if there was a rude award, it would have gone to Raymond Pryce. I found his comments disrespectful, rude and rooted in gutter politics. I hope he realizes that Jamaica is changing and the majority of Jamaicans are willing to talk it out and not fight it out. As far as Dayton Campbell goes, I honestly cannot recall anything he said and Dr. Longmore, while she made some points, her inexperience was evident for all to see.

Debate #2 between Audley Shaw and Dr. Peter Phillips addressed far more issues, however as I said before the format took away from both men making their points. Importantly, I must say I was pleased with 'Man a Yaad's' performance. He had a good grasp of the portfolio and it showed that although successfully running the gas station eluded him, he was well on board with what the economy needed in order to succeed. Equally Dr. Peter Phillips in such a short time showed a good grasp of the issues; he showed that he does have what it takes to run the Ministry. The challenge however remains with the format... the opening and closing comments as well as the one question to each other were the only parts that showed any sign of a debate.

Debate #3 was billed as the big one, there were expected to be fireworks and in the words of someone from Facebook, Andrew Holness was expected to annihilate Portia Simpson-Miller. Needless to say that was not to be. It turned out to be the most boring debate of the season. PM Holness as expected was articulate, pointed and confident; however much to the surprise of many Portia Simpson-Miller held her own and held it properly. There were no winners or losers but God was it boring!

POLLSTERS

Pollsters and polling is a feature of elections. However, like many of my friends and even persons that I don’t know, we’ve never been polled. I don’t know, maybe we just hanging with the wrong crowd.
This election featured three pollsters, Professor Boxill, Don Anderson and Bill Johnson. Man, were they put through the ringer… especially Don Anderson, when he called it for the PNP everybody and their parent’s hit out against him… guess he was right!

THE BUGGERY ISSUE

Following on from Debate #3 the biggest issue that arose was the review of the buggery law. In response to the question posed by Journalist Deon Jackson-Miller 'Would you allow gays in your cabinet?' PM Holness played it safe and said (not verbatim) 'my leaning would be whatever the Jamaican people say'. A number of persons have complained that this is not an answer, but in the context of the Jamaican situation, it is the safest answer that he could have given. The same question was posed to PSM, instead of stopping at 'yes and I will not go into anyone's bedroom' she went on to talk about a review of the buggery law. Now there is where the big debate has been since Dec. 20... I have noted that a lot of politicians tend to overspeak. Particularly on an issue such as this PSM should just have answered the question that she was asked. Had she not gone overboard, we would not have had this furore.

While we are becoming more liberal, Jamaica is still a Christian country at no other time does this Christian principle show more than when the issue of homosexuality arises. Personally, I don’t believe that it is a conversation that we as a people are seriously ready to have.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Although there were little issues here and there, I believe that we have had the most peaceful election campaign (to date). I witnessed camaraderie between supporters like I’ve never seen before; I witnessed an incumbent Prime Minister pray for the nation and brilliance in thinking and planning from both sides of the fence. I’m proud of my Jamaican family for the peace that has held so far and my prayer is that it continues. As I questioned in the preamble, I only hope that Jamaica has truly won this time round!

My World Championships Review

Last week was a great week for me because track and field is my thing! I love the adrenaline, drive and determination associated with reaching the finish line. So I was up before the birds every morning, struggled to keep awake through the day but bright eyed and bushy-tailed again, for the night sessions... talk about priorities! lol!

I must admit though that it started a bit slowly for Jamaica but I'm a die-heart when it comes to track; so win, lose or draw, JAMAICA ALL THE WAY and I stuck with them. I had to; they were, are and will always be my team :)

Here are my highlights of the weeks unfolding:

USAIN'S 'JOOK'-START
The false-start (or jook-start as I like to call it) of Usain Bolt in the 100m Men's final has been talked about and analyzed to death! Like most Jamaicans and by extension Bolt-fans; I was disappointed with the false-start. To be perfectly honest I thought of it when they went into the blocks but dared not utter the words for fear it would become reality! I guess thoughts do become reality for no sooner had I thought it did it happen. The sheer anguish that was written over Bolt's face and posture said it all, 'I messed up, big time'. But what struck me most in the analysis following this mess up was the reaction of my fellow Jamaicans.... people actually thought Usain and Yohan came to some agreement so that Yohan would win. In other words Usain agreed to give Yohan a 'bligh' by embarrassing himself on the world's biggest stage!!! That is by far the biggest load of crock I've ever heard.. all I could say was wow! Are people really that dense????


Y0HAN'S GOLD MEDAL PERFORMANCE
Yohan Blake must be feeling really proud of himself today. He's how old again? Youngest man to ever win the 100m Men and a 4x100 gold medal to boot with an extra US$20,000 for being part of the record breaking team... wow! What a championships!!!
I am happy that Yohan took the 100m in Bolt's absence, I would have been worst disappointed if a certain WD representing you-know-where had won!!! The unfortunate thing however is that Yohan will forever live in the shadow of 'it's-because-Bolt-false-started-why-you-won'. He however went on to prove his mettle in the 4x100... the announcers commented that it was his blistering leg of the race that cause such a topple of teams... talk about earth shattering!

MELAINE'S HEART
Just before the start of the World Championship, I learnt of Melaine's injuries and uncertainty at the games. I learnt that there were points at which she could not even train, so imagine when Melaine takes the track and brings home a silver medal for Jamaica. For me this was just one of the most fulfilling moments of the Games, it showed heart, determination, drive and a zeal to win... i hope that her injuries will soon be healed and that she will return to defend her Olympic title in London 2012.

WELCOME JERMAINE
Jermaine Gonzales has been "labouring in the field" for some time now. I remember when he came on the scene at the same time with Usain at that World Junior Champs which was held in Kingston, Jamaica. I am not disappointed in Jermaine's placement in the 400m Men, in fact, I'm encouraged and I am looking forward to seeing him on the podium in London 2012. Good job Jermaine.

JETER, FELIX, PEARSON
In the midst of what was another great Jamaican performance, I also have to highlight the performances of Carmelita Jeter (USA), Allison Felix (USA) and Sally Pearson (Australia). Contrary to how many Jamaicans may feel, I like Jeter, she's a fighter and her win in the 100m women was the icing on the cake for what had been consistently good performances throughout her season. Unlike for Jeter, I'm not a big fan of Allison Felix, not because she doesn't have drive but because I don't follow her event much but that girl ran with HEART... 5 medals: 2 gold, 1 silver, 2 bronze... hopefully she's happy cuz I hear she's a hard girl to please. Finally, Sally Pearson (formerly McLelland) - what a run in the 100m sprint hurdles... sheesh! She has been in top shape all season - she looks like someone who has done her homework and studied her competitors. Even though the event was lacking some of the bigger names like Lolo Jones (USA) and Priscilla Lope-Schleep (Canada), Sally's gold medal and world leading times were well worth watching.

THE INVINCIBLE VCB
No good analysis can been written and not mention Veronica Campbell-Brown a.k.a VCB! Currently, she is Jamaica's most accomplished female athlete. One gold and two silvers, in her own words '... these championships have been good for me". And, Ms. VCB, they've been good for me too!

FIREWORKS
The 4x100 men's relay was poised to be great. All the powerhouses made it to finals: Jamaica, USA, Great Britain and Trinidad & Tobago. I was certain there would the fireworks but none like what was experienced yesterday... the commentator's comment about Jamaica's 'flying-like' bolt through the race threw everyone off including the mighty USA - that's the part I was saddest about because I wanted my team to "whip dem right".. that sadness was however short lived as I watched what for me what was a flawless race and Usain Bolt blazing across the finish line. The time sealed it for me 37.04 seconds!!!! What would have happened if my sweetie pie, Asafa Powell was there yesterday... sheesh!

THE BEST EVER
My number one moment at the World Championships was surprisingly not in any of the medals that Jamaica took... not even the 4x100 World Record. My most 'favourite-st' moment was the close of the ceremony and the last anthem to be played was 'Eternal Father, bless our land'... wow!!!!! Jamaica set the world alight again!!!!

SPECIAL MENTIONS:
Kim Collins (St. Kitts & Nevis): He had a great championship: 2 bronze medals
Kirani James (Grenada): What a race!!! First gold, first medal ever for Grenada
Kelly Baptiste (T&T): Great bronze in the 100m
Richard Thompson (T&T): I don't know what happened with Richard this time around, it seemed he wasn't even there... I need to hear from you next year Richard :D

All in all, it was great: I enjoyed it.
I miss the World Championships sooo bad :(

STC

PUMA 'FAAS' RUNNING SHOES - COMMERCIAL CRITIQUE

So my foray in the advertising critique world begins. Before I go off though, I must say, this something I've always wanted to do. I love the excitement and creativity that embodies advertisements and making them.

You may be wondering what qualifies me as an ad critic... well I have been exposed to what an excellent ad is supposed to look and feel like. From a professional perspective however, I have extensive experience in the Public Relations Industry. Public Relations with its all encompassing nature exposes its personnel to elements of Publicity, Promotions, Public Affairs and by extension Marketing and of course, Advertising. I therefore believe that I can speak with some level of authority on the subject matter...

COMMERCIAL NAME: PUMA FAAS RUNNING SHOES
This ad started airing recently on local television, I guess in support of the fact that the World Championships is now on. It is essentially promoting the PUMA's new line of 'Faas' Running Shoes. With this ad, PUMA touches things that are inherently Jamaican, music and running. This is something that no one, living or dead, can dispute. Jamaica is the home of Bob Marley, Shaggy, The Wailers and of course, Merlene Ottey, Donald Quarrie, Veronica Campbell-Brown and their (PUMA's) biggest brand, Usain Bolt.

What struck me about this commercial first was the talent... Nomaddz! These guys have been together as a group since school days but each is an artiste in his own right. All together they have a fantastically distinct sound!!!! Their signature sound "pu cu pu cucucu pu pu cucucu pu pu cucu" at the start of the commercial is memorable and definitely grabs attention. If you think about it, I bet you've hummed the tune before... lol!


Copy/script: There isn't much talking in the commercial however, the leader's continuous prompt for the band to 'shut it' meaning pick up the pace while singing and playing instruments places emphasis on the main concept of the ad... to prove how fast the running shoes really are and how immensely talented the band is to run with instruments being played and singing simultanenously... hence, the title 'THE WORLD'S FASTEST BAND'. Watch out for them... Nomaddz's stocks are about to increase!!!!

Talent: PUMA is visionary organization. There are no 'wagonists' there. They do not wait until the talent is well-recognized; they invest in ensuring that they do. PUMA's selection of Nomaddz for this advertisement is a testament not only to their talent but to the fact that PUMA operates on vision. PUMA cannot lose with a group that is as driven and determined as Nomaddz, they have lots of ground to cover in the music industry and the launch of their recent live album 'The Trod' proves this. The interjection of the world's fastest man, the one and only Usain St. Leo Bolt is also a plus. Bolt is a winner!

CONCEPT: A+ - great story line, it sums up both PUMA's and the Jamaican athlete's experience. Something all Jamaicans can identify with.

TALENT: A+ - The Nomaddz are a talented bunch of guys. To run and sing "pu cu pu cucucu pu pu cucucu pu pu cucu" is no easy feat. The sound is flawless. And, as I said before the inclusion of Usain Bolt (PUMA's #1 marketing icon) is a plus in any advertisement.

RATING: A+ - This commercial is a true reflection of Jamaica. It showcases all that is Jamaica from the lush countrysides to our natural talents abilities. The use of authentic Jamaican music and musicians to provide a true sense of what is is to be Jamaican.

STC

No one knoweth ... but the Father alone

St. Matthew 24:36 & 42 - But of that day and hour no one knoweth, no not the Angels of heaven, but the Father alone. Watch ye, therefore, because you know not at what hour your Lord will come.

I will never ever claim to be a biblical scholar or prophet. In fact, I read my bible just about as often as it rains... and as this is Jamaica, unless there is a cold front, trough or some other weather situation, you know it hardly ever rains. Who I am though is a strong believer in God, miracles and everything else that comes along with that belief. I believe that for us to exist in this world, there has to be an unseen hand somewhere guiding, keeping and protecting us daily.

My faith may not be the strongest but the great thing about my God is that He doesn't require strong faith, He requires faith only the size of a mustard seed and He can work with that. His grace has continually kept me. His mercies towards me are new everyday. He provides me with all I need and so much more. For me, God is my comforter, way-maker, bridge over troubled water, more than life to me.

This is why it irks me so much when ordinary people take up onto themselves the responsibility of trying to predict and preempt God. I recognize that there are many among us who are 'called of God' and therefore hold a special place in God's confidence. But not even to them would He reveal His plans --- He said "... no one knoweth, no, not the Angels, but the Father alone." How therefore is so many able to predict via 'clues and hints' the movements of the Father?

My friends, this is why you must know God for yourselves. Know His word and know the 'clues' of deception. The scripture says "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap." What does this mean? It means do not be deceived. God cannot go back on His word! I'm certain you've often heard the saying that God cannot lie. If He said, '... No one knows the day or the hour wherein the Son of Man cometh', how can He now go and reveal it to someone, date, time and all? He would then be proven to be a liar!!! and GOD CANNOT LIE - IT'S NOT IN HIS NATURE!!!

The important lesson to learn now is that the coming of the Lord is imminent. It can happen any day, any time and in any circumstance. The signs are every where: "nation against nation, and kingdom against kingdom" just as He said. Earthquakes in divers (varying) places, wars and rumors of wars just as He said. He called these things "... the beginning of sorrows."

Friends, seeing that we are at "the beginning of sorrows" - let us not miss this important lesson -- give your heart and your life to God today. Serve Him in spirit and in truth. Love your neighbors as yourself and do good to all.