Our family of eleven lived in various places before we settled in the United States, and between the poorest and the wealthiest country, we have visited and lived in some of the most exotic places on earth. It has been over two decades since I last visited Haiti and yet my eyes crave its exquisite beauty. My nose yearns for the sweet aroma coming out of each window as I take my usual evening stroll. Oh how I miss the white sands, deep blue water beaches! I miss the long days at the beach eating nothing but coconut. I hunger for my grandmother’ succulent Sunday brunch and I mostly miss the joy and hope that used to fill the air as people from various denominations crowded the already narrowed streets on their way to church. Regardless of where I have been I could never forget Haiti. My heart seems to always long for Haiti. This is the first time I am even acknowledging it. See, sometimes, we block memories because they are too painful. For years I resisted the urge to go back solely because I did not want to see what the land has become. I choose to remember it the way it was when I last saw it. Why do I tell you all of this? To make sure that you understand this piece is coming from a deep and precious place. It is coming straight from my heart.
Now, I may never have gone back since then, but I read every article I can get my hands on and listened to all the tales of siblings who have had the courage of returning multiple times in recent years and I have watched every documentary available and yet I remained silent about my real feeling over the years. One thing I learned from living there is to keep your true feeling hidden. As a people, we are not allowed different opinions by fear of retaliation. We were told early on not to discuss politic with anyone outside the house. I grew up during the “baby doc” era. Fear was the norm.
Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12: 2
I have kept my true feelings about the country hidden from everyone including myself. It wasn’t until 2009 that my feelings came crashing down like a tone of bricks. I found myself hysterically weeping after watching an episode of Law & Order. I was almost certain that I have watched every episode of that show over the past few years and they have told every story possible and I didn’t think any story could ever make me feel this way, but that episode brought to life a part of me I thought I buried. The episode entitled “Chattel” is so well written, so sad, and so real that it was impossible not to be moved by it. It tells the story of children purchased from Haiti for about $50 and they are brought here under the pretense of adoption by a circle of rich and powerful group of people. Once here, the children (all under the age of 15) are condemned to a life of slavery and malnutrition. Any injustice to children is something that makes me see red but this particular story ends when one of those children realizes that he will never be free. “Never be free” wow! Isn’t it what the world thinks of this suffering island and its people? They just don’t seem to be able to catch a break. Defeat should not be part of the Christian vocabulary. Change requires renewal of thoughts words and actions. Maybe things will turn around.
Despite rumors that Haitians are originally slaves from Senegal, I was taught in history class that the Haitian people were brought to the island from Guinea a country in Western Africa. Guinea belonged to the medieval kingdom of Ghana and later to the Mali Empire. Explored by the Portuguese in the 15th century, it came under French control in the 19th century, becoming a French colony in 1893 and a part of French West Africa in 1895. It is totally believable considering our past relationships. France occupied Haiti for more than 100 years, from 1697 to independence in 1804 (important to know that it was the world's first successful slave uprising). U.S. Marines occupied the country from 1915 to 1934 and I will not mention the U.S. constant presence since the early nineties. Regardless of the origin of the Haitian people, one thing is clear, they have been through some difficult times in recent years: from the dictatorship of “papa Doc” and “baby Doc” to various military coup and a multitude of temporary leaders and natural disasters to include various hurricanes and most recently the most devastating earthquake recording in history.
Not by might, not by power but by my spirit say the Lord.” Zech 4:6
When I think of Haiti, here is what come to my mind: “Unless the LORD builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the LORD protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good.” Psalm 127:1
I am sure people do not want to hear this but those of us who believe the Bible is the infallible word of God know this to be true: Gaining freedom by making a deal with the devil can only be bad news. The people of God know that the enemy comes to steal, cheat and destroy (John 10:10). We learn from the beginning, Genesis 3:1 that the devil is a liar. We can never believe a word of Satan. He is unable to speak the truth without the intention of deceiving, and destroying. He is a master of destruction. The Haitian people take great pride in being the first nation to gain their freedom from slavery, but at what cost? Could it be constant devastation and pain? Is destruction, insecurities, and poverty all that Haiti has to look forward to? I believe not.
However, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves, pray, search for me, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear [their prayer] from heaven, forgive their sins, and heal their country. 2 Chronicles 7:14
The world may not be aware of this but Haitians are spiritual, hardworking and resilient. The resiliency is something I am the most proud of, bar none. Haitians are able to withstand any tribulation. They never give up and never stop trying. They are also stubborn. It is their way or no way. Stubbornness can be a major weakness. If they could turn from their stubbornness for a moment, only then will they realize that they don’t have to work as hard. All they have to do is what the word of God urges us to do in the above scripture: humble themselves and turn from their evil ways. How simple is that? God promised to heal the country. God did not say if my people work had and rely on their “own” strength. God specifically say “I” will heal their land. The devil probably would not take it quietly. He will most likely come after the land with added force but scripture tell us in James 4:7, if we submit to God, resist the devil, he will flee.
So What do I really Think of Haiti?
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
I don’t care what you have heard (that stubborn heritage again); all Haitians want to go home. They want to show their land off to the world. They want to see change and the beauty of it is that they can experience that change if they would change tactics. After more than 200 years of doing the same old thing without results, (doesn’t it remind you of another group of people?) They have to try something new. Disobedience can only be corrected by submission and obedience. The Haitian people have to return to God. Only then will they experience His plan to prosper them and to give them hope and a future.
What Can you Do?
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10
Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. James 5:16
Be at peace with each other. (Mark 9:50)
Love one another…” (John 13:34)
Stop passing judgment on one another.” (Romans 14:13)
Encourage one another.” (Hebrews 10:25)
Do not slander one another.” (James 4:11)
Be kind and compassionate to one another (Ephesians 4:32)
Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" John 11:40
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