Greetings!
I hope you are doing well and not allowing negative situations or circumstances to derail your plans. Doesn’t that sound wonderful? Perhaps I should listen to and practice more of that which proceeds from my mouth, as recommendation to others…sigh!
I was the recipient, yesterday morning, of a lovely meme from a beloved and respected friend; it read: “Never regret having a good heart; one day all the love you gave will come back multiplied.” Without hesitation, I forwarded it to family and friends, knowing that it spoke a truth, the reality of which may not be easily explained, but can be experienced on many levels, by anyone so open.
Over the course of my sharing with you in this space, I have tried, often unsuccessfully, to juggle work-related responsibilities and commitments, with sharing thoughts, and meditations I believe can inspire, as you make your way along and through life’s hills and valleys. Today, however, I am a newly retyred lady – yes, you saw correctly; – I am, as of August 31, a member of the illustrious clan of the retyred. I use that spelling to affirm the fact that though often in pain, resulting from arthritic and other challenges which also affect my mobility, I am not tired! In fact, I am looking forward, with thinly veiled anticipation, to what God will do with, in, and through me in this new season of unfolding love.
The last forty-two years of (thirty-eight in full-time) ministerial service, in the Diocese of Jamaica and Cayman Islands, have been an admixture of joys, sorrows, challenges overcome, and sprinkles of disappointment, buttressed by love. Ah yes, I have known the tender loving care and comforting presence of God, to whom I opened my heart, and at age eighteen said the yes, I will never regret.
The truth is, were I to live my life again, on this side of eternity, there are things I would definitely do differently; but the choice of whether or not to serve God and God’s people, is a no brainer. There is absolutely nothing, that would prevent me doing so, over and over, and over, again. As I look back at all that I have experienced…all through which I have come, there is a story taking shape in my gut, that is ripe for the telling; but that will be via a different medium, one that will allow for a full-throttled, no holds barred, exploration of the experiences of a woman, in a male dominated field, wrestling with traditions and conventions that rendered her hip out of joint (cf. Genesis 32: 25 – 33), but also allowed her to experience the manifold blessings of a good, gracious, and generous God. More anon!
One such blessing, for which I am eternally grateful, is being a recipient of the many, varied, and often surprising ways in which God demonstrates His love for and towards me. The many acts of goodwill of which I have been a recipient, even from those with whom my interactions were at best fleeting, have served as a reminder of God’s presence and faithfulness, through all the changing scenes of (my) life (see Philippians 1:6 cf. Romans 8:28).
Beginning today, then, I shall engage the not too pleasant task of packing, as I will be relocating – moving into a new, smaller, space, which I believe the Lord selected for me. That story and related details will definitely be the subject of another blog post. For now, however, I simply want to share this news with you, regarding my newly minted status😊and to ask your continued prayerful support, as I venture forward, into this new season of love unfolding.
So, until next time, which should not be long, given this newfound liberation; continue to stay safe and well, as together we remain in His grip!
Grace+
GracedNotes 
Please enjoy and make the most of this period of ‘retyrement’. Looking forward to you joining us for the upcoming Caribbean online event.
Blessings.
Mikie
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My Nephew,
What a joy to hear from you! Hope all is well with you, Winelle, and your girls. Much love🙏🏾
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Beloved! “Retyred” is definitely well chosen as I know you’ll still be treading on The King’s highway caring, sharing, loving and giving. However, please make/take enough time for you. YOU DESERVE IT.
Love and God’s continued blessings for the future 🙏🏾
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Rev,
Great news, congratulations on your new status as a retyred member of society… you now have an opportunity to do things at your pace. Thankfully, it’s only a bit of arthritis, so you will be able to accomplish most things, even if at a slower pace.
I hope you complete your relocation soon and then will be settled in your new space.
New season, new dreams, new experiences. I wish you good health, and much joy…
Cheers,
Jen
Sent from my Galaxy
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It has been one of my greatest disappointments with the Church to which I have belonged from my mother’s womb that they were so lacking in courage that they did not see fit to appoint you Bishop. What a difference it would have made to our wishy-washy Church. You keep saying God knows best so I have to accept that.
Yahoo Mail: Search, organise, conquer
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My dear Grace,I celebrate with you! Well done, good and faithful servant! I know your ministry is not over as you serve through your spirit, through your very essence. May you rest
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My Jenny,
It makes my heart glad just hearing from you! Thank you so much for your encouragement. I hope and trust that you and your family are all doing well. I hope to catch up with you in a more fulsome way. Until then, do take care.
Much love,
Grace
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Dear Rev. Grace,
I give thanks with a grateful heart to have been blessed by being ministered to by you over the nearly 40 years in so many different ways at different times.
Every sermon/message I have ever received from you has spoken directly to me in varied and special ways.
Of course I cherish and will never forget your rendition of Oanis Angelicus at our wedding 34 years ago.
As you start this new chapter in this journey called life, may you be energized anew in His/Her service while you enjoy doing more of what you want to do when you want to do it.
The Lord be with you
Andrea Chin See
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Welcome to the “Retyred Club”. After a long & distinguished career of service to the Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands let me assure you that this is just a transition to the next phase of your life.
Take a well deserved break but be assured that it will not last very long as your talents & experience will be in such great demand that you might find yourself working harder than you did before.
However bear in mind that this is “your time ” by God’s grace so, manage it wisely & do everything in moderation.
Remember that you are loved & greatly appreciated by all the people whose lives you have touched & influenced. Looking forward to keeping in touch with you after your return from your well-deserved break.
Every blessing Gloria S.
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