The Tribune

By Rev Angela C

Bosfield Palacious

WHAT a time of preparation. There are so many storms in our lives at this time:

1. We are still recovering from a most unwanted visitor, Hurricane Matthew. Just as we have had to batten down our houses to resist deadly winds and rain, so too do we have to secure our spiritual homes, ourselves as the temple of the Lord, from various onslaughts of the enemy. We have to pray for protection and peace to ride out the storm. Put on the armour of peace before your storm.

2. In the United States of America, preparation is being made for their general election in November. This is a very interesting time to observe the proceedings from a distance, but we will all be affected by the results one way or another. What will the foreign policy of the new government be like? What talks will we have, what agreements will we sign, and what effect will all of this have on our small island state economy? Put on the armour of wisdom to discern the best course of action.

3. We are also preparing for a general election next year, and none of us know what the outcome will be. How do we ready ourselves for such an event? First, we have to register, then we have to listen to all candidates, next we have to make up our minds before we vote and go and vote, and finally we have to accept the outcome and be willing to work with the new government as the will of the people. Put on the armour of hope to work toward a brighter future.

4. Preparing our children for school and the whole academic journey from pre-school to college, technical school, or employment after high school, is a serious responsibility as parents, teachers and concerned adults. The projects, course work, examinations, homework, and all the extracurricular activities may feel like a storm of demands on time energy and money, especially if there is more than one child in the family.

Preparing to plan our families, nurture our children to become godly citizens, maintain healthy relationships, finding balance in our lives requires much thought, prayer and discipline. Put on the armour of love to approach anticipated and unexpected situations wisely.

1. To prepare for the whole aging process in this month of celebrating older persons, is to accept that unless we die young we will grow old. How do we ready ourselves for all the seasons of our lives? Find joy in daily living, as you grieve and recover or congratulate yourself and celebrate the past. Let the future unfold with the courage that comes from trusting God to be with us and to guide us. Put on the armour of joy and be grateful for every blessing and be strengthened by every challenge.

If another hurricane threatens once again, my house will be enclosed by shutters, my special flower pots will be brought inside, and I will pray for myself and others to survive the unknown results storm.

I pray that we will all do the best we can always: evacuating when advised to do so, securing our families and property as instructed, and prayerfully dressed in the armour of patience, peace, wisdom, hope, love and joy. May the Lord keep us all safe until every storm of life passes over.