Sean Major-Campbell | A time to mourn

I RECENTLY shared across social media that, “I have been carrying the shame of sounding as if I am fearmongering. However, when you have lived through a Category 5 Hurricane Ivan, in the Cayman Islands, your outlook has certain dynamics.”

When I saw the challenges associated with tracking Melissa, I thought, this is another Ivan. “The slowness. The stillness. The reforming. The move westward and then suddenly change course in the forecast! This morning, Melissa was projected to reach near the west coast of Jamaica. This evening, Melissa is projected to only reach midpoint and turn north!”

I asked readers to “Pardon my saying such things in recent posts as, THIS WILL NOT BE A BERYL. And THIS WILL BE CATASTROPHIC. And IT WILL BE EXPLOSIVE. I have also been telling folks that they are about to see something that has not been seen in my lifetime in Jamaica.”

Today, I am reminding us that this is also a time to mourn. This is a time when many must be allowed to grieve. The grieving process sees people behaving and responding in different ways. May we take the time to be more patient with each other.

One of the challenges that I find currently is the rush in declaring resilience and faith and just being strong. However, I want to encourage you to give yourself permission to be vulnerable, to be not always feeling strong, and to just feel hurt and frightened, and scared, and shocked.

Please, please, please, people in Kingston, St Andrew, St Catherine, and in particular places like Portmore and Port Royal, please note that we did not see Category 5 Hurricane Melissa. We only saw tropical storm force activity. Now is the time for the strong to help the weak.

The Deanery of Kingston will again do a mission trip to St Elizabeth (remember this was done after Hurricane Beryl), in the aftermath of the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. In fact, other deaneries within the Diocese of Jamaica will present ongoing opportunities for us to affirm a pastoral presence as we help our sisters and brothers, regardless of religion, politics, or another demographic.

Let us especially remember children and those living with disabilities. Let us, while we pray and send lovely memes and Bible verses, reach out in practical ways to those in need of food, toiletries, linens, tarpaulins, basic pharmaceuticals, towels, wash rags, drinking water, mosquito repellent, flashlights, and various non-perishables in general.

St Paul, writing to the Colossian church, noted that to be made alive in Christ is consistent with being kind. He noted, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Maybe our best life in Christ is when we are being kind to ourselves and others.

There is the letter to the Galatians in which the fruit of the Spirit includes the manifestation of kindness: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

In my referenced post prior to the arrival of Melissa, I also observed:

1. A Category 5 hurricane has the capacity to strip the land of its vegetation.

2. A Category 5 hurricane can carry a storm surge up to 10 miles in land; and 25 miles is not impossible.

3. Receive the truth that a storm surge of up to 18 feet is a catastrophic event.

4. Jamaica must issue mandatory evacuation orders for some areas now!

5. The return of utilities will face longer than usual delays.

6. And what happens if a major hurricane is embedded with tornadoes?

7. Several facilities, including schools, will not return to normal next week.

8. And some people become more prone to adverse psychological challenges after a natural disaster.

I also find it necessary to recall stating, “Panicking is not an option. Facing reality is the way to go. May we start reflection and conversation about a long road ahead. A long road to healing. At least three persons told me emphatically today, “no staam nah come”. Two told me that they will just pray that the storm goes elsewhere.

It is difficult to explain that storms are a part of how nature works. I therefore do not see them as evil things to be prayed away. Instead, we should use our capacity to build, plan, and make wise decisions in the face of such events. Sadly, the reality of poverty makes this more difficult for many.

We are in for a rough ride. However, together, we can face this storm as we have others. These are just some initial thoughts as I reflect on history; meet the present moment; and hold positive thoughts for our Jamaican family. Peace be with you all.”

Such were my thoughts. Now, I invite us to see how we may love more, play more, even laugh more, and live and work together some more. Jamaica has a marathon ahead as we rebuild, repair, and, while doing all this, still encounter challenging storms in the years ahead. Global climate change is real. We could see our coastline changed in our lifetime as we see more severe and catastrophic hurricanes.

Those wishing to help in this mission outreach may call the Christ Church office cell at 658-206-0710.

Fr Sean Major-Campbell is an Anglican priest and advocate for human rights and dignity. He is also the Rural Dean of Kington. Please send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and seanmajorcampbell@yahoo.com