Let’s all become corner stones of our nation

THE EDITOR: Today, sensing the urgent need for a return to peaceful co-existence, harmonious compromising and the true brotherhood in this blessed land of ours, I draw attention to the neglect with regards to attaching “true value” to the various aspects and subjects with which we interact daily and indeed; from moment to moment.

Today’s society in comparison to memories of “yesteryears”, reflects the misplaced attachment of value and in most cases, the absence thereof; A most distressing development! Too often, men, women, children and other segments of creation have sounded their individual and collective voices, seeking recognition in the terms; “I am somebody too!” —  “Allow me the mileage to arrive!” “I have the potential to amount to much more than is now visible!” “Don’t condemn me, I have worth too!” etc.

There is a biblical saying that’s quite often heard:- “The stone rejected by the builder often becomes the head corner stone.” It seems that indeed the rejected and under-valued in our society have been elevated to positions of criminal gratification; the Devil’s Corner. Happy and less aggravating were the days when the women in our society were treated with deserved respect. They were sought after as “gems of beauty”, worthy of fine and courteous treatment. Now, many of them parade themselves and succumb to demoralising labelling of their body parts and genetic roles. Their preferred dress code may attract the eyes of men and even other women but, to the ungrounded mind, they invite one and all to feast and plunder, often to their own destruction. If women think more of whom they are and the importance of their existence to society, they would allow their inborn grace and charisma to blossom; being one of the most prized assets afforded man, throughout his existence on planet earth.

Having thus said, I lend no excuse to greedy, ruthless males (or otherwise) who seek out their ‘prey’ in pursuit of personal gratification or ‘sub-conscious vengeance.’ Such actions divulge/suggest a lack of confidence regarding their individual ability to face life’s challenges and amount to ‘something’ (someone of prominence); for them, criminal pursuits and fugitive escapades seem to be the alternative to the routines of civilised co-existence. Yet, the simple solution lies in the spoken word of God. Though rejected or over-looked, everyone of us has the potential to become a chief ‘corner stone’ or ‘a one-of-a-kind gem’ in the eyes of all creation.

It is also written that “God chooses the simple things of this world to confound the mighty” — therefore, seeing that this message is to all humankind and accepting that we are all children of the most High, (all things were made by Him and without Him was not anything made, that was made!) it is a reasonable conclusion to suggest that we live in the hope and confidence of victorious living. That hope will encourage each person to see added value in all with which he/she is surrounded. Even the youths and babes who are often caught in the midst of all these scenarios, seem to be confused with regards to acceptable standards and the attachment of value. They have often been instructed to behave and perform in prescribed manners while their instructors display/utilise quite conflicting “modus operandi.” The increase in disturbing incidents and behaviour by the youthful citizens in our society, surely suggest a lack of exemplary counsel on the part of their parents and in part, their teachers, elders and leaders (church and state) and their friends. As we take a stand against crime and immorality let’s restore value to our lives and our nation!

ANTHONY JOSEPH
Maraval