The Church, a Formula One driver, speeding past despair and sorrow,unaware of life’s weight.The Church, a ship on vast high seas, powering past other vessels,shrouded in darkness.The Church, a car with air-conditioning,on life’s endless highway,members cocooned in individualism,floating in self-concern,oblivious to others.A sudden tire-burst, a forced pitstop,a rudder shattered by storm’s fierce cry,a failing engine,callingContinue reading “Forced Silent Pause”
Author Archives: donalddeanchambers
Time the Healer
“They say time heals all wounds”Like a restless child awaiting Christmas dawn,I linger in hope for healing’s gentle touch,For my body to release the shadows of trauma,For memories to cease their hold and relinquish control.But time, slow as a snail’s silent crawl,Remains elusive, distant in the mountain fog,Unattainable as a fading star,Unforced, it drifts atContinue reading “Time the Healer”
Macro promises, micro neglect: lessons from UHWI’s modernisation
THE EDITOR, Madam: Modernisation of healthcare facilities is essential if Jamaica is to deliver first-class medical care to its citizens. However, modernisation—especially when showcased as part of a grand, macro-scale plan—must not come at the expense of addressing basic, day-to-day issues that directly impact patients’ well-being. Recently, the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI),Continue reading “Macro promises, micro neglect: lessons from UHWI’s modernisation”
Blessed Birthday Theo!
In the emerald hills of St. Lucia,the healing springs of Soufriere,the Eden Garden of Fon Deux,I meet an adult Theo—This St. Lucian Theorecalls a toddling Trini, Theo,miraculously borntwo years ago and two daysbefore the Feast of Our Lady of the Assumption,August 15.A chosen woman, Mary,who gave birth to Theo—the Son of God.To my Trini Theo,BlessedContinue reading “Blessed Birthday Theo!”
Silent Pauses
Tossing a pebble into a silent pond creates a ripple effect, with each concentric circle expanding outward from the gentle touch.One’s night rest becomes a quiet pause amid bustling activity, a sacred moment needed to forge meaningful ripples for the day ahead.Without this restful pause, the restless day begins, leaving a “ripple-less” surface that reflectsContinue reading “Silent Pauses”
Faith, the Imaging Machine
“Faith, while showing us things as they are, changes their ugliness into beauty…” (Jean Pierre de Caussade) This morning, I found my prayer space on the veranda of my house which was adorned with a variety of potted plants. Beneath each plant, I placed a few grains of rice. As the sun rises, tiny birdsContinue reading “Faith, the Imaging Machine”
Nature – An Open Window to Spirituality
Nature reveals the core of spirituality through its open windows.God can be seen as the calm centre within a hurricane – peaceful, soothing, and the origin of creation’s movement.All of creation orbits this Centre and is driven by it.The Great Paradox:While the winds are turbulent, fierce, and destructive, they also represent the Holy Spirit, guidingContinue reading “Nature – An Open Window to Spirituality”
Living in the Present Moment
focusing on what is happening now, acknowledging my racing thoughts and strong emotions, and noticing those around me are my greatest challenges. The fierce and gentle winds of distraction, along with clouds of worries about the past or future, shift my focus away from the present, pulling me back either into the past or forwardContinue reading “Living in the Present Moment”
Father’s Eternal Waiting
Each day, I begin my prayer by reverencing the space because my Prodigal Fatheris eternally present-waiting, calling, and drawing me, the prodigal son,to return.He invites menot because I am perfect, deserving, earned, or pure, but because Godlongs toembrace me,kiss me,place a ring on my finger,offer me sandals,give me a regal robe,reconcile,heal,and celebrate my daily return.IContinue reading “Father’s Eternal Waiting”
Relay of Life
Our days begin with planning, projects, and programmes, building relationships through discussions, debates, and drives, dialogue.We strive for perfection, but we accept imperfections. We seek completion but acknowledge incompletion.We aim for order, yet we encounter disorder.We hope for calm, but experience chaos.Nothing in life is usually perfect, complete, orderly or calm. Nonetheless, we start, knowingContinue reading “Relay of Life”