The Jamaica Star :: Life& Times ::

That first step closer to God

GEORGE HENRY

STAR Writer

MALVERN, ST ELIZABETH

For young mother Melissa Goulbourne of St Elizabeth, taking her son Rodane Wisdom to church to be dedicated to God, is one of the most important steps she has taken since she gave birth to him on December 6, 2007.

Goulbourne, like many mothers across Jamaica, believes that it is important that her child be taken to the house of God for a Christian dedication at an early age, because according to her, God's blessings must be called down on all children.

"It is important that the children get God's blessings from early in their lives, so that His presence can always be around them," said Goldbourne.

unprotected

Prior to Rodane being christened, his mother said she was fearful, because he did not have the special blessing from the Lord. She said her mother told her that all children should be christened in order to free them from evil spirits that might be lurking about. Now that her son has been blessed, Goulbourne said she is confident that no evil spirits can come near him.

attending church

She noted that she will not hesitate in ensuring that little Rodane attends church, because children must know the way of the Lord, to help in shaping their spiritual development as they get older .

Little Rodane was born at the Black River Hospital in St Elizabeth. He weighed seven pounds and is the first child for Miss Goulbourne. He is also the son of Kingsley Wisdom.

As is customary, when the mother brought her son to the Sharon Baptist Church in Santa Cruz on June 6 for christening, she was given instructions by Pastor Jacob Powell about the importance of taking care of her son. She was told that if she and other parents fail to properly care for their children, then there are laws on the books which could have them penalised.

"I can tell you that the laws are there to straighten out all parents who refuse to guide and protect their children in the right and proper way. The laws are there to protect children. Children have rights. So when you beat them at home with big sticks and with wires and machete and pot covers, you are not doing them any good. You are doing them a great deal of harm," said Pastor Powell.

Pastor Powell went on to inform the young mother that the days of brutalising children are over, and so parents must take the responsibility of raising their children in a way that is civilised and humane.

George Henry

Melissa Goulbourne holds her son Rodane Wisdom, after he was christened at the Sharon Baptist Church, in St Elizabeth.