Sister Paula to you, Sistah Paalah to me
Yours is Biblical, mine is biological!
Yet she is the same person… Working tirelessly to secure a better life in another dimension, whist at the same time recognising the need to do something to alleviate the real stressors visited on the local communities in the village of her birth place and where she spent her formative years- namely, Westmoreland Jamaica West Indies.
Sister Paula is a fierce campaigner on both fronts. However, when it comes to her own family’s charity works, she has always refused publicity. Drawing back from the limelight, preferring instead to “have my presence felt” (her words) as opposed to showing pictures of herself on the charity’s website. “Jehovah knows!” she often reminds me. I must recount an incident where Sister Paula found herself in need of “financial stability.” In Patois Sister Paula would say “Laawd mi bruk sa!” As the CEO of KASSSI, I was aware that she was making quite a sizeable and sustained contribution to the charity. I suggested that she stopped this payment and put it to personal use. Sister Paula gave me one of those quizzical stares and said “When I give, I know I will receive.. Jehovah has promised me, and he never fails!” Argument done! Ouch!!
Given that Sister Paula’s life- style is extremely restricted due to a debilitating illness, which has left her, in the main, house bound; this has not hindered her witnessing. From the Postman, Electrician, Window Cleaner, Personal Assistant… even the Gardener… they all get it.. that is: Brew, Bakes – her own of course- and Christianity (BBC)!! When I pointed out these three letters to her, she quipped in typical style “But you don’t need a TV Licence to receive this!” (The word of Jehovah God she meant). Such is the humour of Sister Paula. And how commendable this is…? How does she manage to find humour, time and consideration for others, given her “miserable” lot? The ability and humility to trust in the Lord even after car accidents and medical negligence simultaneously coupled with marital cataclysm would surely have tested the faith of Job. “I won’t bother to speak of some of the more corrosive childhood experiences, which must still be apparent in the village” she said. And she never did. “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.” She told me that she was quoting from Lamentations 3: 21-23.
Sister Paula remained stead-fast praising the Almighty through songs and performance (when she gets an opportunity (hint hint!). Sister Paula talks about her faith almost like a process of elimination…then a light-bulb moment through search and darkness… trial and error! Yet she does not see this as a necessary prerequisite for any family to benefit from her family’s charity. “Each must come to it through their journey” is another one of hers!
Sister Paula’s other redeeming qualities includes her generosity and supportive nature, particularly to those who are oppressed, in need of justice and women and children. These characteristics were present in our father St John the Great, who departed this dimension in 2007 at the age of 87. He also saw the good in everyone; and in children, the potential for great things, fulfilment and contented lives… if nourished.
Sister Paula ended our chat with an extremely philosophical point when she said “Time waits for no one…So I want to do as much as possible for the deprived children and families (KASSSI children!) from the communities where I come from… in this life… I know a little can go a long way!!” At the same time, I am sure; Sister Paula will be guided by her conviction to Jehovah God to whom she gives all the glory and praise.
** Despite her protestations, I intend to put this statement on the charity’s website…. If I can only persuade her… shhhh!!! AGW20131204
Ben
