Cynthia Doreen Ferguson
Principal
Crooked Island High School
Sunset : January 17,2010
How does one face the reality of a separation? Death comes in many disguses. For the people in Haiti, it came as an earthquake. Thousands have been buried in a grave or cremated; and the search continues for those who may be alive and under tons of rubble. As a result of this disastrous event, hundred of individuals - some as soldiers,part of an organization, or civilian volunteers - have rallied together for a common good. People need food, medical attention, water and shelter. Millions of dollars have been collected and are being used to assist with this emergency. To God be the glory! But there is the challenge of rebuilding their life and daily survival. Life constitutes hope, a chance to begin anew.
When the new calendar year 2010 dawned at Crooked Island High School in Colonel Hill, Crooked Island it heralded the beginning of a new term, a new start for students who needed to know their academic status. The Christmas Term Examination results and report cards provided reasons to rejoice. Students had improved greatly; but our goals are lofty; and everyone knows that hard work brings success. Thus, nobody dares to sit on laurels. The ultimate test for teachers and students is the National Examinations: Bahamas Junior Certificate [Grade 9] and Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Education [ Grade 12]. For us at Crooked Island High School, only the best is good enough; so everyone strives for excellence.
But, nobody told us that the Principal - Cynthia Doreen Ferguson - would begin the academic and calendar year with us but would not end it with us. Who would have believed it anyhow? Anyone who has met,worked with or even fellowshipped with Cynthia D. Ferguson has his/her own opinion of her. On Saturday - January 16, 2010 - she folded her tent, said good-bye to all her family and friends and ended her pilgrimage on earth. We came into the world with nothing; and it is certain that we will leave empty handed. Death is an appointment that nobody escapes- whether rich or poor. Many people believe that death happens to the next person but not them or their loved one. Isn't that true? The reality is that death respects nobody .
I thought about what Mrs. Ferguson was like; and if she could say something to those who are bereft by her passing, what it would be. Years ago, I wrote a poem as a tribute to the memory of a colleague, Alice; and I read the poem at the HomeGoing Service for my college roommate Theresa Beverley. I do not have a copy of the original nearby; but when a poet writes, the words linger. As I thought about the life of the Principal, I believe she would wanted to share these words. I have captured the original poem with a few changes.
The LORD Had Need Of Me
I had to go; my work was done.
I had to meet My Blessed Saviour
Before the setting of the sun.
While I was in this world of sin
I did the work assigned by Him.
My Master's servant I have always been
And now the LORD has called me in.
That child out there so hard to teach
A loving hand I extended and reached.
The Technical Block and an upgraded Library I wanted to do
But now that task has been left for you.
Just work together and get it done.
My assignment is finished; my race has been run.
The Master's servant I have always been;
And now the LORD has called me in.
I am a dreamer and one night I dreamt about a procession of religious leaders including a bishop and clergy with caps. The congregration was singing: O Jesus I have promised to serve thee to the end. The part that caught my attention was:
O Jesus thou has promised
To all who follow thee
That where thou art in glory
There will thy servant be
And Jesus I have promised
To serve thee to the end.
O give me grace to follow
My Master and my Friend.
Frankly, I do not know the words; but these are what I remember from my dream. I shared the dream with my brother and he told me:
"That's a funeral song!"
Funeral song or not, we can all commit our life to God and promise to serve Him to the end. We need Him to be our Master and Friend. A musician and one who could sing, no doubt my Principal - a Child of the King - had a favourite song. The LORD, her Shepherd, led her through the dark valley of death and all the way to her new home. Cynthia Doreen Ferguson is asleep in Jesus and is awaiting the call of the LifeGiver. To those who mourn and miss her, let us weep with hope.The dead in Christ will rise first. Are you ready? Time is so short. We have seen the catastrophe of an earthquake. Hurricane is coming! Prepare.