Cheryl Silvera

Consider this resolution for the New Year—forgiveness. When our hearts are open and free from grudges, inspiration follows—and a newness of life—freeing our minds from the encumbrances of hostility. Thoughts of anger, bitterness, and hate are like shackles to the ankles. All aspects of life are adversely affected when...

Growing up on the island of Jamaica, avocados (called "pear" by most Jamaicans), while in season, were a staple at almost every meal. We were chasing through the brush to bring back the prized pear to our families or simply sit and eat it as friends. Everyone in my town knew where a pear tree was to be found and...

After an invasive diagnostic test to look into my body, the procedure left my heart so damaged that I thought for sure I would go the way of my mother and need heart surgery to repair it. Thankfully, that’s not what happened. Instead, something...

There's a saying from the Maasai tribe of Uganda that they seek the good of every member of the tribe. Upon greeting each other, the Maasai would ask, “How are the children?" The response would be, "All the children are well." When it is well with you and your children, it is...

I recall when my four-year-old niece invited me to read the book "Green Eggs and Ham" by Dr. Seuss. I declined. She insisted, "You'll like it." I was absolutely positive I would not like a book with such a title. At her insistence, I relented as she pressed in hard. As I progressed through the pages, I realized...

Humans have turned to their strength to solve all our problems. We have become the only guide in our lives. How did we get started on this road of self-help? In searching for the origins of this phenomenon, I came across...

So, What’s the Difference Between Lamenting and Complaining? Let's start with complaining. The root of complaining lies in discontentment, grouses that we are mistreated. If our malcontent lies with God, it clearly shows a lack of trust in His dealing on our behalf. The dictionary defines a complaint as...

For years I have lived with a diagnosed mental illness. Before that, I’ve always had a deficit of energy. I learned early on in primary school to conserve my energy. While other children were playing at recess, jumping rope, playing baseball (Island style), or whatever general revelry young ones were up to, I would sit and watch them.

Dr. Park Tucker, the former Chaplain of the federal penitentiary in Atlanta, Georgia, told of walking down the street of an unknown city, feeling depressed and worried about life in general. Seeing a sign in a window, he blinked his eyes a couple of times, wondering whether his eyes were deceiving him.

Are you among the millions worldwide feeling lonely right now? Know that you are not alone in this emotion. The unprecedented times that we are living in have left so many feeling lonely. I know this may seem like a small comfort right now, but I want to share some good news. Let’s explore the loneliness experience and ways to...

Have you ever been scared with a sense of impending doom? Your chest tightens as your heart pounds from the jolt of adrenaline that is pumping. You experience dizziness, sweaty palms, tingling, and...