Pauline theology expressed in 1Corinthians 13:13 and elsewhere teaches that hope endures perennially, meaning hope never dies. That is good news for Jamaicans as they face the unknowns of the new year 2010. Economically, politically and socially, the citizens of this Caribbean pearl are experiencing the worst of times and some young readers have contacted this writer with words of despair and desperation, but I want to assure them that all is not lost and Jamaica’s future is still very bright. Those youngsters also have bright futures, not only because they have life and youth but because they live on an island with vast amounts of God-given natural resources and among people of extensive spiritual resilience. Moreover, every Jamaican, regardless of age, can face 2010 with great expectations of success and end the year having achieved much success if they maintain hope in God through faith in Yeshua Messiah.

Hope as conveyed in Scripture is more than wishful thinking and unfounded expectations. It is a solid assurance and belief that there is a higher power that rules in matters of human destiny and that the Supreme Being operates toward each human on the basis of genuine divine love which the Greeks called agape. That love actively works to bring deliverance to every human, especially those who tap into spiritual faith which definitely works when approached through Yeshua, whom some call Jesus. It is not by accident that Paul relates faith, hope and love in the Corinthians text because they work together as conjoined triplets. To readers who asked what they should do to survive, I suggest first that they never give up in their quest for a better life. I also recommend an approach by which I have lived for over four decades, based on the poem called Desiderata. “You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be.” As Jamaicans face the new year, therefore, they should ground themselves in divine love by exercising faith in God through Yeshua and hoping every moment of every day for better things to come in their individual lives and in the affairs of their country.

Nevertheless, God who is Helper of the helpless also often expedites help to those who help themselves. Each Jamaican has a responsibility not only to hope for better, but to help in doing and effecting good things for themselves and their country. That includes trying to live by biblical standards of love for self and neighbours. But it also means taking a firm stand against injustice and other forms of social discrimination. This month Jamaicans got a classic lesson in how action can help them achieve things for which they hope. After the Opposition and ordinary Jamaican citizens protested against the grievous tax hikes by the JLP government, Prime Minister Bruce Golding rescinded most of those burdensome taxes. Golding must be commended for his swift action but the people get top honours for their courageous willingness to act. In a shallow way, the Greek word for hope, elpis, is not too far removed from the English word “help”, and so those who hope must sometimes help themselves to achieve their dreams. I appeal to every Jamaican to pledge their time, talents and treasures to help the nation rise above its current crises. There are three things at the top of my list for Jamaicans to accomplish this new year, as far as resolutions are concerned.

First, for too long Jamaicans have allowed their allegiance to political parties to confine the masses to oppressive manipulation by politicians. I hope and pray that in 2010 the people will take back their civil liberties and God-endowed rights from those who oppress them, starting with opportunistic politicians both in the JLP and PNP. That means that politicians who do not uplift their constituents must be kicked out of office and those who betray the trust of the country and their voters must suffer some penalty at the demand of the people. Second, Jamaicans must demand and take whatever steps are necessary to achieve economic justice. Exorbitant prices, unfair trade, a manipulated dollar and monopolistic practices are squeezing the economic life out of ordinary Jamaicans, and 2010 should be the end of the line when Jamaicans make it clear that the poor can take no more economic shackles. Instead, politicians and private sector businesses must find ways to bring quick, effective relief. Third, Jamaicans must move quickly to restore the spiritual faith and practices of their forefathers. That means saying goodbye to hypocritical, meaningless religiosity and advancing practical spirituality. Murders and criminality must be banished, children protected, the elderly shielded and respected, and lawlessness curbed.

One Hebrew word for hope, tiqvah, also means “cord” and so I extend this rope of hope or lifeline to fellow Jamaicans for the new year. Things are bad, but all is not lost because hope endures and Jamaicans have proved historically that they can rise above life’s vicissitudes to achieve incredible successes. People, politicians and priesthood must now build on the hand of empathy extended by PM Golding and together help Jamaica solve its biggest problems of murder, child abuse, economic suffering and spiritual decay. It can be done. For Jamaicans at home and in the diaspora, may 2010 and the decade that follows be a time of hope, and the best of times.

INMerv@hotmail.com.