Men vs Boys

It is often said that adolescence marks the period of maturity. The Webster's Online Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/) further describes it as the “state or process of growing up”. However, on what level are we fully grown? At what point do we become men and women?

Last night, I was amazed at what had taken place during my ride home. Like the other two passengers in the taxi, I was eager to get home. Finally, the driver switched the car engine on and the stop light flickered: green. But then, the driver looks behind and says: “Me a beg unu one minute to pick up two other passengers”. I shook my head not in agreement, but in disappointment.

Anyhow, the driver proceeded towards the pick-up spot, where a couple was seen waiting. I assumed by the innocent look and the physical demeanor of the female’s face that she was the younger of the two. Then out of routine habit, I glanced at the male counterpart to scan his face and the etiquette that followed. 

However, to my surprise he had either forgotten or had no knowledge of what it’s like to be a gentleman. Hopping into the car before the woman without escorting her first into the car does not appear as a gentleman to me. The passengers and driver all snickered as the car drove off. Then like a popped balloon, the driver yelled: “How you stay so bredda; is suh yuh treat the young miss?” The woman then smiled and gazed at the window-embarrassed I guess!

Finally arriving at the couple’s destination, I overheard the man whispering to the woman: “you can pay me fare?” she then nodded yes. Now I am not going to judge the woman, but I know what I’d do if I was in her position. 

Many will argue that the man should’ve been a better escort, while some would say that the woman should’ve known better in the first place. Well, my point here is that men should behave like men; likewise should women or young ladies behave as such. We all are expected to carry ourselves in a certain way, but that is partly dependent upon our own morals. Quite frankly, proper deportment can enhance a woman’s attraction to any man; as well as other factors, but I will not get into that at the moment.   

Currently, I’m attending a class called “Writing for The Electronic Media, “guided by lecturer, Ms Tanya Davies. From this class, I’ve learnt that the “show not tell” technique is quite relevant when writing for any mediums: TV, radio, internet, etc. In my opinion, I think this should also be an adapted principle when it comes to proper etiquette.

Now I’m not saying that after a certain age, real men are developed. No, it takes time and is always an ongoing process, but while on this path, men should not allow the lessons learnt during childhood go to waste. And if it is that they didn’t learn, well it’s never too late.

Anaïs Nin  says: “We do not grow absolutely, chronologically. We grow sometimes in one dimension, and not in another; unevenly. We grow partially. We are relative. We are mature in one realm, childish in another. The past, present, and future mingle and pull us backward, forward, or fix us in the present”. 

Surfing The Wave of Life

Honestly, it’s been a long…time since I’ve blogged. You maybe nodding in agreement, but it’s never too late. So, after reading this blog, you may want to relive that experience and for all first timers, do a test-run-You’ll never know until you try!

Have you ever sat and thought to yourself, “I wish… or in Jamaican terms: if me did know?” You may not admit it now, but eventually as life throws those curve-balls at you, you will. Certainly, I have! Everyone may have a different story, but all are linked to the same statement.

We can never be sure that our lives will always take the smoothe road. There may be potholes filled with disaster, but that’s what makes life both interesting and sadly, unfair.

There’s a song that says “we are human” and quite frankly it’s inevitable to tell one that life will constantly be ok. Sure it’s comforting, but soon you’ll have to wake up and face reality.

Maybe you still have time to erase the stains from your mom’s favourite sweater; replace your dad’s car bumper; study for the next quiz. But, you can never be fully prepared for life. So, it’s predicted that we should expect the unexpected & possibly ask God for journeying mercies.

How N.C.U Shaped My Christian Experience

Only three months since the announcement of a bouncing baby girl, but then the time came to place this baby’s life into the palms of the best doctor, God. The procedure required two main tools: the bible and a bottle of consecrated olive oil. Those tiny starred eyes quickly forced streams of water to roll over my cheeks at the sound of the pastor’s thundering voice.

After 19yrs of settling on this planet earth, I have come to realize that the “green light” doesn’t mean anything unless God switches on the ignition, presses the pedal and puts in the gear forward.

At each stage of my life, memories of graduation signified that another successful journey of learning was accomplished.

Northern Caribbean University (N.C.U) is now the institution of learning, in which I am unlocking new classroom doors and wonders of life.

I remember the first day I walked unto the campus. My body quivered like leaves on a tree as the light wind whispered by. The tip-tap from my feet played along with the melodious choir, pitching their voices outside the music room. The “Circle of Knowledge” stood tall and I thought to myself: “what will God have in store for me at N.C.U”.

In life, I have come across many different aspects of friendship, though in high school this problem did not seek to exist as I needed X-ray glasses for which I was claiming friends. After coming to N.C.U, the stains of judgment made me think twice of whom I pranced around with. Sitting by the “Seat of Scornful” was not my territory; hence I sought friends who were seeking to travel the path of God.

Soon after, I chuckled when the remarks were being issued that I was standing on a sinking ship for not accepting “wild party invites and the veiled clothes I wore” to school. If it was not for N.C.U, the grounds of my friendship would be very shaky, because N.C.U greatly considers their students’ moral and social development.

Furthermore, attending church usually was an issue for me, but lo and behold, “N.C.U C.A.R.E.S”. Christ-centeredness is the main teaching at N.C.U and this allowed me to place the ultimate brain of the operation into my life-Jesus Christ. So, most Sabbaths the enthusiasm to hear the Word of God only makes me clutch tightly my bible and hymnal and run swiftly towards the steps of God’s House.

Thereafter, the decision of what enters my stomach is a significant change for me. The roasted peppery smell of the ‘forbidden swine’ created no stimulation in my mouth, which usually sent my tongue dripping away. Health wise, this indeed was an important decision, because my family suffers enormously from obesity. Now, I am even more skeptic of the ingredients used in my meal preparations. In the teachings of Ellen G.White’s dietary practices, “swine's flesh is unfit for food”; hence I decided to make a healthy lifestyle modification.

N.C.U has also shed some light on the songs I often rocked with, primarily due to the fact that I was trapped in the lyrics of lewd music, like Soca. Fortunately, N.C.U has opened the gates musically in my connection with God. Today, it doesn’t matter where I am or who is listening, I sing aloud the midst of the “dear beacon on the hill” (N.C.U), so songs of praise are conferred to the Lord.

Simultaneously, the diction reigning in my vocabulary is selected carefully. The constant reminder of that bitter, soapy taste on my tongue makes me think twice before the first word escapes my mouth.

A new reflection has now been painted in the mirror and the cane of faith from N.C.U helps me to have a closer walk with God.