How blessed we are! For the 10th consecutive year, we are enjoying the freedom and leadership committed to conjointly observing a National Day of Prayer. I am proud to have been part of the Executive Council that in 2005 instituted this day and I thank the different denominations for upholding the tradition unwaveringly.
This we do, respecting the constitutionally enshrined right of freedom of religion of all, but also respecting the premise and preamble of the same constitution, our unified belief in the Almighty.
I truly believe that a government should have its ears to the ground and respect the individual freedoms of all, but ultimately it should be the norms and values that the majority of us hold dear that should set the tone.
The National Day of Prayer in addition to its religious connotation, is also an opportunity for reflection and for resolution.
Consciously, this day is held at the beginning of the year, giving ourselves another opportunity for resolve and recovery, and the will to stay the course.
Neither as a member of Parliament nor as a citizen, it is to me to judge any-one else, but rather to provide guidance and to stand up for the values we hold dear as a community. I try my utmost to do so in word and in deed.
And so, I personally make use of this national day of prayer, to look to the Almighty for guidance, endurance and wisdom in the execution of my job as a representative of the people of St. Maarten. I find strength in the Serenity Prayer: seeking serenity to accept the things I can not change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.
I pray for our nation, its leaders, and especially for those, void of hope at this time and the desolated. That they too might find a way, receive a helping hand, a soothing word of encouragement and that their plights be recognized.
The National Day of Prayer is also a time of thankfulness, and so my thanks go out to those whose professions or calling position them to be the Florence Nightingales and Knights in Shining Armor for those most in need of our help.
Finally, I pray that the Almighty will look beyond our faults and see our needs as a nation, as families and as individuals.
MP and Democratic Party Leader,
Sarah Wescot-Williams
