A Word Worth Considering

I like a word I heard recently

Let us celebrate our Independence

It took into scope our first fifty years

And reflected on its significance.

This word avoided political divide

And shunned all political partisanship

And pushed the idea of one Barbados

And called for all to take a grip.

Take a grip of the fact

That we have traversed fifty years

From nineteen sixty-six to the present

And bear in mind that we are still around

With a chance to renew our intent.

Take a grip of the fact

That God is ultimately responsible

For all that has been achieved

And that should we reach another fifty

It will be through Him the good we receive.

Take a grip of the fact

That many have contributed

To our development and our progress

And these proceed from all walks of life

Not just those with academic success.

Take a grip of the fact

That the church has been in the forefront

Regarding the maintenance of those mores

Which have pointed us to a God of love

And have developed us in so many ways.

Take a grip of the fact

That education has been a hallmark

In improving the lot of our life

And our living standards are so much better

Since the times of much social strife.

Take a grip of the fact

That our country Barbados is made up

Of a diverse and talented group of citizens

And successfully navigating the way forward

Will call for more than two and a half dozen.

Take a grip of the fact

That as we reflect upon the past fifty

Calling to mind both failure and success

As a people there would be renewal

And the country as a whole would progress.

Renewal that points a better way of life

Returning to the values we once held dear

Of courtesy, respect and politeness

And to all persons showing that we care.

Renewal that speaks to a better life

For all oncoming generations

Recognizing our God ordained responsibility

To point them in the right direction.

Renewal that motivates commitment

To Almighty God who has led us thus far

And a resolute determination that never wavers

Amidst the obstacles that present a bar.

A renewal of the covenant with God

That promotes Him as our sovereign Lord

As the God of all mercy and all grace

And that has always kept His Word.

A renewal of love for our country

That surpasses one’s preoccupation with party

A renewal that upholds the common good

And commits to our national unity.

This word not only called us to reflect

And to commit to the values we once held

But it prompted us to give thanks to God

And of His grace to others tell.

Stewart Russell © 2016