Weekly Photo Challenge: Resilient

This week’s WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge is on the theme “Resilient.” I thought of the resilience of humans. In the past year, there have been many stories of resilience, in Jamaica and around the world: Aleppo, Yemen, the plight of migrants and refugees. Resilience is not just about strength and toughness. It’s also about overcoming obstacles and getting back on your feet, even if it’s a struggle to do so. Its literal meaning in scientific terms is being stretchy, flexible and able to spring back – like elastic, or like that wonderful family in the animated film The Incredibles. This, of course, makes you strong and more capable of withstanding shocks.

What an amazing word to describe the Jamaican people, I thought – in particular, Jamaican women of all ages, who face more than their fair share of hardships in different ways. I looked back a few years, and recalled a special event at the beginning of May, 2012 – Child Month. It was a march for children’s rights, and many non-governmental organizations (who know all about resilience) participated.

Here are two photographs from that march which I think illustrate this kind of strength – in the women themselves, and the organizations and individuals who care for, support and empower them. With 2017 a few hours away and much uncertainty and conflict in the world this New Year’s Eve, many of us may have to call on even greater reserves of resilience in the coming year.

Eve for Life’s Mentor Moms help pregnant girls and young women living with HIV, and their children, to live with dignity and move forward with their lives. The girls are extraordinarily brave – stronger than I could ever be in the circumstances they are faced with. Resilient, indeed. (My photo)