A Challenging Time Of Adjustments That, Eventually, Will Also Pass

By Selwyn Richards
Guest Columnist

How are you? It is so especially important that we make every effort to check on one another!

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to teach us so many lessons: take care of ourselves, be there for each other, and do not stress the small stuff. If you are feeling overwhelmed, check in with someone. It might be physical, mental, spiritual, financial, emotional or just loneliness. This is a time of adjustments.

Human beings need the feel and touch of others and that has been removed from us. Of course we are going to experience withdrawal, yet we cannot lose our equilibrium.  Take comfort that all this is temporary; our faith demands that we remain optimistic.

Trials often come like a freight train, one car after another, after another, and eventually, the last car passes. Our current struggles will also pass.

On April 17, my company, The Art of Catering, was honoured to be part of the team that successfully catered the 39th BBPA Harry Jerome Virtual Awards. Being able to pivot and adapt is the only way we can survive.

Organizations like the BBPA must continue to be leaders in this new normal, motivating our communities to collaborate with each other, laying new footprints in this new frontier, claiming equality, accessibility, justice and a seat at every table that is responsible for policies that affect our lives.

We can no longer be spectators watching from the sidelines. We must take control of our own lives and support those that are advocating on our behalf.

Yes, I have received my vaccine! While I recognize it is a personal choice, COVID-19 is very real for me. We have lost three family members and another two are in ICU, so please, I encourage you, to think of your own family members and make the best decisions for you and your loved ones.

1 Peter 5:10 – And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

Wishing you God’s richest blessings, I encourage you to pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. May the good Lord keep and prosper you, in good health and wealth.

Stay blessed.

Selwyn Richards is an award-winning master chef. He is also the President and Executive Chef at The Art of Catering Inc. and is the author of “The Art of Cooking: Soul of The Caribbean”. Chef Selwyn can be reached at: selwyn@theartofcatering.com or by phone — (905) 619-1059.