Jamaica Patois Wisdom – Help
by Jefferson David Tant
The Jamaican Patois dialect is colorful, unique, and humorous. It is my desire to share some of the philosophy shown in this mix of colorful phrases that are witty as well as thought-provoking. I hope the readers both profit and enjoy. In my quarter-century plus of teaching there, I have come to appreciate some things about their culture.
Patois: Yuh had nuh fus aid kit
English: Have you got any first aid kit?
Meaning: I need some help.
Have you ever heard a cry for help? If you have lived very long, it’s quite likely that you have both heard a cry for help, and you have uttered that phrase yourself. Thankfully, we don’t live alone on planet earth, and situations arise where we need some assistance, and that happens in various aspects of life.
A student needs help with homework. A father needs help in doing some yard work. A mother needs help to unclog the kitchen sink drain. A paralyzed man needs help getting in his wheelchair. A mechanic needs help in figuring out what’s wrong with a car’s engine. And we could go on for pages.
Then there is the ultimate need for help that surpasses all others, and that is the need for help in life. I know the purpose of my hammer, the kitchen stove, my car, and the many things that surround me, but what is the purpose for me? Why am I here? What is my purpose? What is my goal?
The truth is, we were created for a purpose. That purpose is to serve our Great God and prepare ourselves for an eternal life in heaven. Now, God has given us the choice of whether to serve Him or serve the god of this world, Satan.
We all have goals in life. The goal of the student is to graduate. The goal of the young wedded couple may be to have a baby to add to the family. The goal of the business founder is to make a profit. The goal of a nurse is to provide care. In all such matters, there are aids to help us reach our goals.
So, what is your purpose or goal in life? Sadly, many have no ultimate goal or purpose. They just live day to day, hoping tomorrow may be a good day or that they can retire someday and rest from their labors. But the truth is, we were all created for a purpose. There is a future awaiting us, and that great future is eternity, which consists of two realms — the rest of heaven or the fires of hell.
Whenever we go on a journey in our car, we have a map to direct us safely to our destination. That keeps us on the right track and thus is a great help. God has also given us a good map to lead us on our journey to a great destination — heaven. And what is that map? It’s called the Bible. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalms 119:105)
Sadly, many do not study the map. They have no interest in it or just take what someone tells them it says. But the world has many false prophets, as Satan has his deceiving ministers. If we are serious about taking the correct route on our journey, we must do as the Bereans did, whom Paul commended. “Now these were more nobleminded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11).
We can find our greatest help by following Matthew 6:33: “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
“Study to shew yourself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of God” (II Timothy 1:15, KJV).
