The Tribune

By Rev. Angela C. Bosfield Palacious

In this season of Independence celebrations, we are led to ponder our pathways as a people. It is a time to consider some questions of national interest:

1. How does each nation decide on a national identity and adopt policies to implement this dream?

2. Is there such a thing as one national identity?

3. Do the citizens shape the identity by their behaviour or does a government determine the direction?

4. Do we in The Bahamas share a common direction?

5. Just who are we?

6. Does the face of a people change to some degree by the addition of every nationality?

7. Does each generation influence this identity?

8. What part does gender play?

9. How important is the role of religion?

10. How do we measure change?

It seems to be the general conclusion that a child’s ability to be attached and affectionate is directly related to the form of nurturing received in the formative years of childhood. Parents (or other adult caregivers), who are unable to provide a stable loving environment because of a variety of reasons, but particularly because of their own inadequate socialization, are frequently frustrated by the realization that they cannot teach what they themselves have not yet learnt.

How do we reverse certain trends? How do we break ongoing cycles? How do we nurture a nation?

Firstly, we have to begin by recognizing our need. What do you think we need most in this country at present? How would you reorganize the following list of possible priorities?

1. Resources: We need more resources to address issues of poverty.

2. Religion: We need more consistent adherence to Christian principles.

3. Respect: We need an attitude that seeks to acknowledge the value of each person as a person (not to be exploited or abused).

4. Responsible leaders: We need persons in every area of leadership (e.g. home, job, school, church, government, civic and other organizations) to lead with integrity.

Secondly, we have to decide how best to meet our needs as a people and as individuals.

Thirdly, we have to make a priority that we succeed.

Unless the Lord builds the house, controls unruly wills, and saves us from ourselves, we will resort to selfish and self-centred actions. If we are sot spiritually socialized by the Holy Spirit how can we understand the level of love and committed sacrifice that it will take to nurture a nation to fuller maturity of the majority?