Through Hell And High Waters

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1 Destined for Trials

CHAPTER ONE

Destined for Trials

It all began on April 14, 1959 in Jamaica. A sixth child was born to social injustice, poverty and deprivation. Yet again, another child, born in the slums of despair and inequality with no foreseeable future.  A slave to her brutal environment and a shadow in the dark, lost and forgotten by a country that yields much, yet gives little to the rural areas. Despite this, the atmosphere in her small community was filled with optimism, laughter and fun, as people learnt to be content with the little they had. There was a strong bond of friendship and generosity amongst both the adults and children, as they supported each other during the difficult times. Who else is there to hold on to when poverty grips you with both hands and tries to strangle you of precious life? Nevertheless, there is still the whisper of a GOD who fights back and stands in your defense.

The island of Jamaica was beautiful with many hills, mountains and clear blue seas. Its luscious sceneries, tropical weather and warm and friendly inhabitants attracted people from many different countries, yet the economic situation meant that people from the rural areas would miss out on important opportunities. In a small community that was quiet and peaceful, this child became another victim of poverty and emotional trauma.

She faced a dismal future and such thoughts had ravaged her trust in a god that seemed so distant and passionless. There was nothing much to look forward to and little to believe in, yet the answers to her problems lay in the redemptive power of God. This she would later discover as she traveled life’s treacherous pathway. Her family’s only source of hope and comfort were Bible studies and daily prayers, which were introduced to her in a way that she dared not resist. Singing and praying were the norm, as both young and old sought refuge from the daily struggles of life, in the only One who creates life itself, GOD.

It was extremely difficult growing up in an environment that seemed so right, yet was so wrong. Everything appeared perfect as most people got on with their lives, doing their usual activities. Many mothers kept themselves busy in the kitchen whilst their husbands went to the fields to cultivate the crops. Youngsters got on with their busy schedules, sweeping the yard, fetching water from the tank or streams or collecting food from the fields. Despite this, people still found time to play games and have fun. Life went on as normal. Hardly anyone complained about their predicament, there was no public protest against the oppression, and only SURVIVAL became the main focus of the day. Still, this little girl could not be contented. Each day as the sun set and the moon shone in the pitch darkness, she gazed at the sky and said to herself, “There has to be more to life than this.”

Through Hell And High Waters Life seemed normal in th