Amidst
the Pain,
The
Jasmine is Still Sweet
An encouragement for all of us experiencing
COVID19 and more.
Barrington H. Brennen, June 5, 2020
Also read "Tips On Coping with COVID19"
It
was in the middle of March. The news about COVID-19 in The
Bahamas was in our ears. But many of us did not really grasp
at that time what this was all about. The 24-hour curfew
was not in place yet. On March 17 and 18, Annick and I had
to make a previously planned one-day trip to our daughter in
Brandon, Florida, to get some things she had for us. We
were nervous. We took alcohol-soaked napkins, hand
sanitizers and masks. We sanitized our seat in the airports
and airplanes. We got back the following day with a sign
of relief.
Since then, our country has been shaken to the core with
COVID19. Some have died, bringing pain and disbelief to
families. Many more have been infected with COVID19 and
many others suspected of having the diseases.
We are experiencing something we have never had before or
never will again in our lifetime. Although the much-needed
restrictions are gradually being lifted, the scare of
COVID19 is exposing our fears, frets, anxiety, and worry.
If there is a time most people feel hopeless or weak, it is
now. To some, or perhaps too many, the future looks dull,
dark, dismal. The stench of doubt is permeating our
country, increasing skepticism. Far too many people are
panicking.
In
the midst of all of this, something happened one day during
the first week in April after the 24-hour curfew had already
started. It was dark at night and I went to the window to
close it for the evening when something special and
different happened. A gentle breeze tenderly fluffed its
way into the window accompanied by the sweet-smelling armor
of the Jasmine flower. It gently caressed my nostrils with
the sweetness of nature.
Wow! Immediately, I could not help but think about what
was happening in our country. The darkness--emotional pain,
doubt, joblessness, fear. Then the next morning about 5:30,
Annick and I were having our morning exercise, and once
again, the sweet-smelling aroma embraced my
nostrils—Jasmine.
Once again. I thought. Amidst the national pain,
frustration, doubt, that we are experiencing in this nation,
the joblessness, sickness, fear of getting sick, the Jasmine
is still sweet. Yes! The Jasmine is still sweet. Then
I listened. The birds were still singing. The Ibis were
still coming in our yard to eat the insects.
The lessons I got and still getting from the sweet Jasmine
are these:
-
There is hope. Yes, amidst the stench of pain, the
sweet aroma of Jasmine reminds me that this dark
period will soon be over.
-
Something “sweet” is going to come out of this. The
“next normal” might take some time getting used to,
but it will be okay.
-
We need to stop amidst the pain and smell the
“sweetness” of the opportunities we have. We need
to pause and look at what is in our hands.
-
We are to be the “sweet aroma” to others around us
by providing support and displaying the right
attitude.
Decades ago, there was a factory in northern France where
lavender for use in perfumes was produced. Each evening, as
the workers would head for home and walk the streets of the
little town, the whole village would be filled with the
sweet aroma of lavender that had clung to the workers.
That's how it should be with us in The Bahamas. Instead of
complaining and being miserable, let’s hold our heads high
and look at the brighter days ahead. They are coming.
Let’s sweeten our streets, neighborhood, workplaces,
churches, with the right attitude, graciousness, patience,
and unconditional love and acceptance.
Here’s my concluding punch line why the sweet aroma of the
Jasmine flower is so pertinent. Have you ever wondered why
the Jasmine flower is only sweet at nights? It is because
when the temperature gets cooler at nights, it is then that
the flowers can open, releasing the sweet aroma. In other
words, it has to be dark for the sweetness to come.
Darkness is a symbol of pain, confusion, frustration,
loneliness, etc. The lesson is that there can only be
sweetness after there is pain, frustration, or confusion.
There is no gain without pain.
COVID19 is causing national pain and frustration. That is
the darkness. However, because of this darkness,
“sweetness” will come some day soon. Darkness has to come
first. The sweetness can be a symbol of a stronger and a
more diverse economy, a flexible and creative education
system, a vibrant digital society, less criminal activity,
greater interest in keeping our nation clean, green and
pristine, and greater respect and honor of people of all
races and ethnicity. The sweetness is coming. Are you
ready? Remember, amidst all of this pain, the Jasmine is
still sweet.
Barrington Brennen is a marriage and family therapist. Send
your comments or questions to
question@soencouragment.org.
Or call 327-1980 / 477 4002
