From Despair to Joy: A Journey Through Fear, Faith, and Grace
My Brothers and Sisters
Today, I share with you Herbert O’Driscoll’s reflection of Psalm 30 from his book Finer Than Gold, Sweeter Than Honey. It states:
“You have turned my wailing into dancing; you have put off my sack-cloth and clothed me with joy.
There are times when we experience mortal fear, when all we ask is to survive a serious threat. We are not concerned about our pride or dignity. We ask, pray, bargain, and plead. Whether or not we are the kind of person who readily uses religious language, we are in fact pleading with God, if for no other reason than that we are in the realm where life and death meet.
Such things are the matter of this Psalm. “O Lord my God, I cried out to you … I was going down to the grave.” This is the language of doctors’ offices and hospital corridors, of solitary walks with our own terrible fears.
At such times we can realize how much we take life for granted, how sweet the seemingly ordinary things can be when we face the possibility of losing them, and how we can come to trust in our own strength and abilities. “While I felt secure, I said, ‘I shall never be disturbed. You Lord … made me as strong as the mountains. “
But our experience is full of surprises. “Then you hid your face, and I was filled with fear.” Suddenly there is shocking change in our lives. A phone rings, a letter is opened, a carefully measured voice gives us a diagnosis, a relationship is hurt by the discovery of betrayal. Light changes to darkness; music falls silent. Our own voice is that of the Psalmist. “I go down to the Pit … have mercy … Lord, be my helper.”
Now comes the voice of other times we have known. “You have lifted me up. You restored me to health.” We recognize the surge of returning life in such moments when a great shadow has been lifted.
We want to share the good news. We find ourselves laughing and babbling our relief, as does the Psalmist. “My heart sings to you … I will give you thanks!”
Now that the terror is lifted, we forget the hours of fear and worry that became weeks and even months. The threat, the feeling of life betraying us, the thought of God being angry at us for some reason - all seem now to be “but the twinkling of an eye.” The pleading and the promises have become memories. If we dared to be completely truthful, perhaps they are even a little embarrassing.
But whatever our subsequent days may be after such an experience, we have had a clear glass held before us. We have seen deeply into our humanity, and learned its need for grace beyond itself.”
Patrick +
Faith and Politics: Rev. Peter Espeut to Lead St. Luke’s Annual Lecture on the Church’s Role in Society
In a year of loss after Hurricane Melissa, we give thanks for life, courage, and resilience, trusting Christ the King who reigns and restores amid our trials.
Amid the hurricane devastation, we cling to God’s steadfast love, support affected communities, give relief, pray, and trust that His goodness will rebuild and renew Jamaica.
Though Hurricane Melissa brought devastation, we stand united in faith, hope, and love - trusting God to restore, rebuild, and renew us.
On All Saints’ Day, amid Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, we find hope that faith endures, love rebuilds, and that God and the Saints strengthen us to rise again.
Aging isn’t decline - it is growth. Like Paul, keep learning, stay courageous, and live with purpose, faith, and a renewed spirit at every age.
Pentecost reminds us that the Holy Spirit renews, empowers, and unites us to boldly live and share God’s love in the world.
URGENT POSTPONEMENT NOTICE: Annual Lecture Series We sincerely apologize to announce the postponement of our Annual Lecture Series, originally scheduled for , Wednesday, October 22nd, at 6:00 p.m. Tropical Storm Melissa is approaching, and we believe the safety of every participant—our esteemed presenter, Rev. Peter Espeut, our support team, and all potential attendees—is paramount. We must put your safety first, and we make this difficult decision out of an abundance of caution. We know many of you were eagerly anticipating the lecture, "The Church and the Political Process." Please know that we remain committed to hosting this vital conversation. We will announce the new date shortly. Please look for updates posted on the St. Luke’s Church website and all our official social media pages. We pray for the safety and protection of our entire island during this weather event. We deeply thank all our stakeholders—Rev. Espeut, our dedicated team, the media, and the wider community—for your understanding and unwavering support. We look forward to gathering with you soon.
Join St. Luke’s Church Cross Roads for its Annual Lecture on Oct 22, 2025, featuring Rev. Peter Espeut on “The Church and the Political Process.”
St. Luke’s Church marks 150 years of faith, compassion, and healing - honouring our past, serving today, and embracing a hopeful, holistic future.
United as one body, we are renewed in Christ to rise above division, seek the lost, and share God’s restoring love with our communities.
Faith and Politics: Rev. Peter Espeut to Lead St. Luke’s Annual Lecture on the Church’s Role in Society
In a year of loss after Hurricane Melissa, we give thanks for life, courage, and resilience, trusting Christ the King who reigns and restores amid our trials.
Amid the hurricane devastation, we cling to God’s steadfast love, support affected communities, give relief, pray, and trust that His goodness will rebuild and renew Jamaica.
Though Hurricane Melissa brought devastation, we stand united in faith, hope, and love - trusting God to restore, rebuild, and renew us.
On All Saints’ Day, amid Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, we find hope that faith endures, love rebuilds, and that God and the Saints strengthen us to rise again.
Aging isn’t decline - it is growth. Like Paul, keep learning, stay courageous, and live with purpose, faith, and a renewed spirit at every age.
Pentecost reminds us that the Holy Spirit renews, empowers, and unites us to boldly live and share God’s love in the world.
URGENT POSTPONEMENT NOTICE: Annual Lecture Series We sincerely apologize to announce the postponement of our Annual Lecture Series, originally scheduled for , Wednesday, October 22nd, at 6:00 p.m. Tropical Storm Melissa is approaching, and we believe the safety of every participant—our esteemed presenter, Rev. Peter Espeut, our support team, and all potential attendees—is paramount. We must put your safety first, and we make this difficult decision out of an abundance of caution. We know many of you were eagerly anticipating the lecture, "The Church and the Political Process." Please know that we remain committed to hosting this vital conversation. We will announce the new date shortly. Please look for updates posted on the St. Luke’s Church website and all our official social media pages. We pray for the safety and protection of our entire island during this weather event. We deeply thank all our stakeholders—Rev. Espeut, our dedicated team, the media, and the wider community—for your understanding and unwavering support. We look forward to gathering with you soon.
Join St. Luke’s Church Cross Roads for its Annual Lecture on Oct 22, 2025, featuring Rev. Peter Espeut on “The Church and the Political Process.”
St. Luke’s Church marks 150 years of faith, compassion, and healing - honouring our past, serving today, and embracing a hopeful, holistic future.
United as one body, we are renewed in Christ to rise above division, seek the lost, and share God’s restoring love with our communities.
Health Month calls us to renew body, mind, spirit, and relationships - living the abundant life through God’s power, love, and discipline.
As God’s stewards, we must care for our health and the Earth. Live well, act responsibly, and promote healing for all creation.
Breast cancer is not the end—it’s a call to faith, courage, and vigilance. Early detection saves lives.
Health Month reminds us that true wellness comes through prayer, healing, and forgiveness—nurturing body, mind, and spirit in God’s grace.
The Enthronement of the Rt Rev Leon Paul Golding 15th Bishop of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands
at the Cathedral of St Jago de la Vega on September 28, 2025.
Brothers Crispin & Crispinian faced martyrdom in Psalm 79, but trusted God to bring hope, even in suffering, ruin, and seeming defeat.
The book of Jeremiah speaks of the Widow’s Mite which shows true sacrifice - giving all in faith, not abundance. God honors cheerful, surrendered giving.
God’s Word renews us, unites us as Christ’s body, and calls us to live His mission - bringing hope, healing, and joy to the world.
Jesus warns of wars, disasters, and evil but urges us to stay faithful, calm, and close to Him through prayer, scripture, and compassion.
Prayer deepens faith, builds community, and reminds us to pray anytime, anywhere - trusting that God hears and answers our prayers.
Faith and Politics: Rev. Peter Espeut to Lead St. Luke’s Annual Lecture on the Church’s Role in Society
In a year of loss after Hurricane Melissa, we give thanks for life, courage, and resilience, trusting Christ the King who reigns and restores amid our trials.
Amid the hurricane devastation, we cling to God’s steadfast love, support affected communities, give relief, pray, and trust that His goodness will rebuild and renew Jamaica.
Though Hurricane Melissa brought devastation, we stand united in faith, hope, and love - trusting God to restore, rebuild, and renew us.
On All Saints’ Day, amid Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, we find hope that faith endures, love rebuilds, and that God and the Saints strengthen us to rise again.
Aging isn’t decline - it is growth. Like Paul, keep learning, stay courageous, and live with purpose, faith, and a renewed spirit at every age.
Pentecost reminds us that the Holy Spirit renews, empowers, and unites us to boldly live and share God’s love in the world.
URGENT POSTPONEMENT NOTICE: Annual Lecture Series We sincerely apologize to announce the postponement of our Annual Lecture Series, originally scheduled for , Wednesday, October 22nd, at 6:00 p.m. Tropical Storm Melissa is approaching, and we believe the safety of every participant—our esteemed presenter, Rev. Peter Espeut, our support team, and all potential attendees—is paramount. We must put your safety first, and we make this difficult decision out of an abundance of caution. We know many of you were eagerly anticipating the lecture, "The Church and the Political Process." Please know that we remain committed to hosting this vital conversation. We will announce the new date shortly. Please look for updates posted on the St. Luke’s Church website and all our official social media pages. We pray for the safety and protection of our entire island during this weather event. We deeply thank all our stakeholders—Rev. Espeut, our dedicated team, the media, and the wider community—for your understanding and unwavering support. We look forward to gathering with you soon.
Join St. Luke’s Church Cross Roads for its Annual Lecture on Oct 22, 2025, featuring Rev. Peter Espeut on “The Church and the Political Process.”
St. Luke’s Church marks 150 years of faith, compassion, and healing - honouring our past, serving today, and embracing a hopeful, holistic future.
United as one body, we are renewed in Christ to rise above division, seek the lost, and share God’s restoring love with our communities.
Health Month calls us to renew body, mind, spirit, and relationships - living the abundant life through God’s power, love, and discipline.
As God’s stewards, we must care for our health and the Earth. Live well, act responsibly, and promote healing for all creation.
Breast cancer is not the end—it’s a call to faith, courage, and vigilance. Early detection saves lives.
Health Month reminds us that true wellness comes through prayer, healing, and forgiveness—nurturing body, mind, and spirit in God’s grace.
The Enthronement of the Rt Rev Leon Paul Golding 15th Bishop of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands
at the Cathedral of St Jago de la Vega on September 28, 2025.
Brothers Crispin & Crispinian faced martyrdom in Psalm 79, but trusted God to bring hope, even in suffering, ruin, and seeming defeat.
The book of Jeremiah speaks of the Widow’s Mite which shows true sacrifice - giving all in faith, not abundance. God honors cheerful, surrendered giving.
God’s Word renews us, unites us as Christ’s body, and calls us to live His mission - bringing hope, healing, and joy to the world.
Jesus warns of wars, disasters, and evil but urges us to stay faithful, calm, and close to Him through prayer, scripture, and compassion.
Prayer deepens faith, builds community, and reminds us to pray anytime, anywhere - trusting that God hears and answers our prayers.
Faith and Politics: Rev. Peter Espeut to Lead St. Luke’s Annual Lecture on the Church’s Role in Society
In a year of loss after Hurricane Melissa, we give thanks for life, courage, and resilience, trusting Christ the King who reigns and restores amid our trials.
Amid the hurricane devastation, we cling to God’s steadfast love, support affected communities, give relief, pray, and trust that His goodness will rebuild and renew Jamaica.
Though Hurricane Melissa brought devastation, we stand united in faith, hope, and love - trusting God to restore, rebuild, and renew us.
On All Saints’ Day, amid Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, we find hope that faith endures, love rebuilds, and that God and the Saints strengthen us to rise again.
Aging isn’t decline - it is growth. Like Paul, keep learning, stay courageous, and live with purpose, faith, and a renewed spirit at every age.
Pentecost reminds us that the Holy Spirit renews, empowers, and unites us to boldly live and share God’s love in the world.
URGENT POSTPONEMENT NOTICE: Annual Lecture Series We sincerely apologize to announce the postponement of our Annual Lecture Series, originally scheduled for , Wednesday, October 22nd, at 6:00 p.m. Tropical Storm Melissa is approaching, and we believe the safety of every participant—our esteemed presenter, Rev. Peter Espeut, our support team, and all potential attendees—is paramount. We must put your safety first, and we make this difficult decision out of an abundance of caution. We know many of you were eagerly anticipating the lecture, "The Church and the Political Process." Please know that we remain committed to hosting this vital conversation. We will announce the new date shortly. Please look for updates posted on the St. Luke’s Church website and all our official social media pages. We pray for the safety and protection of our entire island during this weather event. We deeply thank all our stakeholders—Rev. Espeut, our dedicated team, the media, and the wider community—for your understanding and unwavering support. We look forward to gathering with you soon.
Join St. Luke’s Church Cross Roads for its Annual Lecture on Oct 22, 2025, featuring Rev. Peter Espeut on “The Church and the Political Process.”
St. Luke’s Church marks 150 years of faith, compassion, and healing - honouring our past, serving today, and embracing a hopeful, holistic future.
United as one body, we are renewed in Christ to rise above division, seek the lost, and share God’s restoring love with our communities.
