A Psalm to lift the spirits

HELLO, MI neighbour! Some days can be rough, eeh? You are never right and everyone shows you unkindness. You are not sure if you are going or coming and there is no one to guide you.

How does one move forward in this situation? What works for many persons are words of encouragement from others. As stated previously in this column, there is nothing like the human touch. Naysayers may say what they may, but people do need people! It may be to hold their hands, provide a hug, read a Psalm, or help to sing their dark clouds away. Human beings are at their best whenever they are helping others to be at their best.

All of us, therefore, should be on standby. People are facing crises and are reaching out to others for help. Matters not whether they are relative, friend or foe, we are all part of the big picture - a world totally dependent on the higher power for its sustenance, believe it or not. We can never cause the rain to fall or the plants, on which we feed, to grow. Sorry, scientists! Get the picture?

So, let's just humble ourselves and get in position, we never know when we'll be called upon to help bind a wound. And we never know when we will be the ones to call. Be wise.

One inexpensive yet invaluable way to provide strength for neighbours who are low in spirits is to read a Psalm for them. Fay was downhearted and this was part of the Psalm which Molly used to yank her out of her state of depression: I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. Magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them. O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.O fear the Lord, ye His saints: for there is no want to them that fear Him. The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing. Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile ... . Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

Depressed? Meditate on these words and let your spirit soar like an eagle.

Thought: Make it a habit of helping others and you will not lack help (from others) in your time of need. How about starting with the list below? Peace.

Thanks for helping:

1. Neighbour, for offering clothing for a gentleman.

2. Neighbour, St Andrew, for offering a mattress to needy mother.

3. Neighbour, for offering clothing for children and adults.

4. Marcia, Kingston, saying thanks for clothing and shoes for child.

5. Thanks again to Tricia who made the donation.

Opportunities to help

1. Sandra, unable to work due to kidney problems. Asking for food and and help to start a business.

2. Wheelchair-bound. Unable to provide for children. Asking for food, etc.

3. Neighbour, asking for clothing for children ages three & 11. Also needs a television.

4. Single mother, asking for a folding bed.

5. Jermaine, five siblings and mother have nowhere to live. Asking for a second-hand saw to cut wood in order to help make ends meet.

To help, please call Silton Townsend aka Mass Gussie at 334-8165, 884-3866, 299-3412, deposit in acct # 351 044 276, NCB (bank routing #: JNCBJMKX), or send donations to Hello Neighbour C/o 53 Half Way Tree Road, Kingston 10. Email helloneighbour@yahoo.com.