Robert Picart

Jamaica. More than good food and music…..it’s home.

Robert Picart — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:16:45 +0000

I’m writing this blog from Runnaway Bay, St. Ann Jamaica. I’m not saying that to show off or anything. I only mention the location because being in Jamaica means a lot to me. You see, my parents are from Jamaica. Most of the friends I have in this life are either Jamaican or from neighboring islands. I was born in Canada but once your parents are from Jamaica, you are Jamaican. It’s not negotiable.

I came on this trip to bring my mom back to where she was from. She hasn’t been here in 20 years. No, not the fancy resort down on the coast. I’m talking about a 3 hour trek up into Blue Mountain about 3,000 feet above sea level. Where the difference between life and death is a one lane road on the side of a mountain. My mom’s parents passed away when she was about 15 so I never met them. I had always heard about the black mango tree where they were buried. It was in the church yard beside the school she went to as a child. I decided to go find the tree.

I found the school. I found the church yard. I found the black mango tree. You really don’t know what to think when you get to that moment but you realize that you are part of something great. In that moment you see the sweat, tears, pain, risk, and trials of a people that sacrificed much so I could have a chance to type this note at some fancy resort. There are no words.

If my mom didn’t leave for England as a young person I would be right in these hills. It’s amazing. It makes you want to stand taller, work harder, study longer, get up earlier, stay up later, and complain less….much less.

There are no complaints here……..for I am a Jamaican. I’m ready to get back to work now.

I look forward to finally meeting my grandparents on that great day.

Filed under: Things I think about.

It’s Amazing What Counts As Phenomenon.

Robert Picart — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 01:55:16 +0000

It’s amazing what counts as a “phenomenon”. I was sharing this week about how long I’ve been in a relationship with Susan. For me, it feels like yesterday but for the observer we are going into our 21st year. I guess it’s a big deal if you want to make it one but its just part of the continuum of my journey. It’s been suggested that it takes a “strong mind” to last that long. Strong mind huh? That’s funny to me. As if God didn’t put something in you to resist temptation. As if you are some piece of paper that gets tossed in the winds of temptation. Give me a break. It’s funny because my friend leans in and whispers..”so you’ve never cheated?” I smile, lean in and say “nope”. Never? Never. He leans back and says “wwwoooooowwww”. While I would admit that in this day and age its very easy to be distracted, at the end of the day you have to make up your mind as to who and “whose” you are.

Now before I start getting the nasty letters, I’m not talking about abusive, destructive, volatile, unholy unions. Save the letters. Everyone knows what I’m referring to.

Let’s face it, duplicity is tiring. Even if one has no moral compass, the idea of running around, sneaking here, lying there, buying two sets of gifts, two dinners, pretending the person is a “colleague” just seems ……well…..kinda stupid. God gives you a short life and that’s how you choose to spend it? Stupid. You would think that with the recession still in effect, cheating would take a downturn. After all, who has the extra money to build a house of cards? Seems crazy to me.

I don’t think I’m anything special. My faults pile high like the next person. I just think that if you commit to doing something in your life, then commit. If for nothing else, commit to this rare gem called honesty. Just at least commit to honesty. Life is too short and the world already has far too much destruction in it. Just commit.

Peace.

Filed under: Uncategorized

Are We Safer Yet?

Robert Picart — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 04:14:26 +0000

I am frustrated. I am angry. I am sad. I may not even bother to check for grammar on this blog so forgive me in advance. I’m sitting here watching the coverage of the Troy Davis execution. The whole thing seems so crazy to me. Are we safer tonight? I just don’t know. What I do know is this formula isn’t working. There is no glory in this process. There is no peace in the process. I would venture to say there is no justice in this process either. It’s madnesss. Just madness.

I feel for the affected families. Killing Troy Davis changes nothing. Seven of ten witnesses recant their story and we still kill the guy? Really? Ahh yes….the United States at its worst tonight………and we call ourselves a civilized and rational nation. Overall the USA has been good to me but I take no joy in this moment. Today I wish I was home.

Help us Lord to care for one another. I am just so glad my salvation is not dependant on the opinion of nine judges.

(Climbing off my soapbox)

http://www.amnestyusa.org/our-work/cases/usa-troy-davis

Filed under: Things I think about.