HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

Father's Day was celebrated in the Bahamas and around the world today. It is such a disparity compared to Mother's Day. Any observer must wonder why is that Mothers are revered the way they are on their special day but Fathers are not. Our speaker at church Mr. Andy Ferguson addressed the role of Fathers from the Prodigal's Father. It was a different perspective in the account of Luke 15:11-24 he was a Father that had made provisions for his family. When his son requested his inheritance he was able to give it to him. Proverbs 13:24 A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children. Are the men of the world taking their rightful place in the lives of the children. Will the day ever come when gift baskets will line streets honoring & celebrating Fathers?

REFLECTIONS

Yesterday while attending Jr.'s graduation it's only natural to reflect on the path that brought you to the place where you are now. It really didn't feel that long ago. It's amazing how the brain has the ability to retain all memories of our lives. It also has the ability to recall them as well. I remember the Saturday night going into premature labour with Jr. as if it were yesterday. So much memories, so many aspirations for our children. But what is truly the best lesson that we can teach them.?

LIFE'S LESSONS

Last night while browsing the internet I came across the Bahamas  Primary School Student of the Year. http://www.bahamaspstoy.org/  It's hard to believe that in 2006 my daughter Paige was a nominee. As I recall her writing her speech as to why she should be chosen I declined to assist with her submission. I later learned the diction & vocabulary of the other nominees was infallible. Is it fair or honest for students to submit work that was not done by them?

GAYLE HAGGARD: "WHY I STAYED''

Former Colorado megachurch pastor & president of the National Association of Evangelicals Ted Haggard, who fell from grace in 2006 after a gay sex-and-drug scandal  is loved & supported by his wife Gayle. She has authored a book called "Why I Stayed" about her decision to stay married after the scandal
"When you have a repentant brother, which Ted was from the onset, I think that the church needs to embrace those people and encourage them through their process of healing," she said.
In the words of Dr. Jamal Bryant " The church is the only army that annihilates its wounded."
Jesus' greatest message FORGIVENESS.

McDONALD FAMILY REUNION

It was such a pleasure on Monday past to be a part of the McDonald Family Reunion. My grandmother Eulease McDonald Dames (93) is the daughter of Henry McDonald (Bennett's Harbour Cat Island) & Stella Thompson McDonald (Stanyard Creek Andros) My great great great grandfather was Harry McDonald from Ireland/Scotland and his wife was Ophelia Rolle (Cat Island). Are there any relatives out there?

NO TO LEGAL GAMBLING

On Tuesday 25TH May The Cabinet Office announced that the government will not proceed
with the legalization of gambling, but has instead concluded that a referendum should be held after the next general general election so that Bahamians can have the final say on the divisive issue. With the potential to generate $30 to $40 million per annum from legalizied gambling. What is your position on the issue?

STICKS & STONES

While preparing for church this morning I turned on the television to Pastor James Merritt whose topic was SICKS & STONES. I know we all remember the adage "Sticks & Stones can break my bones but words can never harm me." According to Pastor Merritt the person who coined Sticks & Stones was not in touch with reality. James 3:1-12 gives us a clear indication how vile the tongue or words are. We've all been guilty of words that pierce the soul, gossipping, lying and the list goes on and on. But what was most profound about Pastor Merritt's message was that our sovereign God placed the tongue not in one but TWO cages, first the teeth & then the mouth. So we do have the POWER to control it.

MARIO'S ENTERTAINMENT PALACE

It was such a pleasure on Saturday past to visit Mario's. What a class act. Congratulation to Mr. Leslie Miller for following through with his dream. On a sadder note I stood there looking at the pictures of Mario on the walls and tears welled up in my eyes. I could only imagine how Mario's family must miss him so much.

TRAFFIC TRAFFIC EVERYWHERE

On Wednesday afternoon at about 3:10 p.m. I found myself travelling north on Kemp Rd towards Shirley Street when I came upon a sea of cars that seemed endless. I proceeded down a side street that took me onto Shirley Street at the entrance of Harbour Bay shopping center to only be confronted by even more traffic. Needless to say my school pick up journey took more than 3 hours from the time I left home to my return. Is it just me that feel as if Nassau 21 miles by 7 miles has tooooo many vehicles.
But the sad part is every week more and more vehicles are imported. The average commuter has a 12 hour day leaving home by 7 a.m. returning by 7 p.m. and we wonder why we have ROAD RAGE.
Something has to give.

GIRLS 10 YEARS OLD PREGNANT

It was really unsettling to read today's headlines in the Tribune GIRLS 10 YEARS OLD PREGNANT. How does a thing of this sort happen. I think the more serious concern is who fathered the baby. Is it another child or is it an adult.
I cannot imagine what this child must be feeling a baby having a baby. I know that we can discuss this for ever. But on a more serious note what can we do as an individual and as a country?