Arima Evangelical Church--a glimpse back...

The other day as I was reflecting, God took me back to my childhood, to a church service in my home church, Arima Evangelical Church, Arima, Trinidad & Tobago. The view I got was from the podium looking at the congregation singing. It was strange, because as a child, I thought the hymns being sung were for the old people and the words meant little to me. And to tell the truth, I rather thought the words meant nothing to the people singing either. It was all so boring, yes , the preaching and the people.


Now in this season of my life, God was taking me back to a service and I was looking at the eyes of the people singing. It is at the stage of my life where I now fully appreciate the profound lyrics penned by artists who spoke from a deep well of grace that covered their suffering. I was shocked to see that I was seeing 'people' for the first time, singing words that brought deep comfort and solace, that expressed their gratitude and praise to God for redeeming and sustaining them. 


Some eyes bore tears and my heart lurched in compassion. One face in particular drew my eyes. Sister Marcelle. She was one of the exceptions to my looking 'through' the old people. I had always heard my parents speak in respectful tones about her. It was clear to me even at that self-centred age to recognize that she was different. She had carried herself with dignity and grace and her facial expression always mirrored the beauty of a heart dependent on God, something I could not articulate then. Her eyes now brimmed with tears that reflected that the words she sang came from the deep well of grace. Wow, those people were actually beautiful. I am so sorry, God. I could not 'see' that until now.

Joe and Ann's wedding, 1979

How I wish I could go back in time and embrace those same people I so easily dismissed as a child as insignificant. I wish I could go back and ask them to share their 'stories'. So many stories have been lost because they were never shared. I have lost out greatly in not knowing how God was working in their lives.
O foolish youth.


In the one picture I found of my church, I was thrilled to see Ann (Neptune). She was one of my peers but unlike me, I remember her as being so full of compassion for everyone, with the joy and beauty of Jesus spilling over. I pray that God will give her an extra special touch of His loving kindness towards her this week that reminds her of her value to Him.


Thank you, God, for a glimpse into my past and the beauty that surrounded me. May You bless the children of many of these dear 'old' people who are now in glory with You. For those of their children who have drifted from You, I ask You to gently nudge them back, help them to remember as You helped me, the eternal truths that were planted in young hearts, and may they long for You. Thank You for the unique brushstrokes You have applied to Your children that teach me about You. Thank You for forgiving me for my selfishness and arrogance. May I extend that grace to the youth of my time who so easily dismiss the 'old' people. And, Lord, would You give an extra blessing to the offspring of Sr. Marcelle? Would You cover, protect and provide for them? I pray that they will carry on the legacy of a countenance radiant with God's glory.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.