“OBEAH”
“OBEAH”
Why it still exists
I write this article with a high degree of passion because it directly relates to myself. Just for the records, I am a person who believes in logic and simply discards superstition. Now, I am fully aware that a lot of friends, acquaintances and even relatives may not agree with me, but I believe in practicality rather than fallacy.
I am writing this article in relation to a family issue which I believe should be made public since it is of importance to many.
Some people who know me may be aware that my son has been diagnosed with a rare medical condition which required surgery to be corrected. At this time, I wish to state that a couple surgical procedures have been performed and all have been reported as being successful. For this I give thanks to almighty God and many others who I will mention at a later date.
My point of concern is, what would have been the outcome of this situation had I not been persistent in demanding answers? Please bear with me as I lay the story.
Sometime during the later half of 2006, my son found it difficult to hold things in his hand and at school was losing grip of his pen. As a result, could not write properly. He then decided to switch his writing hand from left to right. A few months later the same thing began happening to his right hand. Subsequently, it was noticed that he had what appeared to be a stiff neck.
Out of immediate concern, he was taken to a much respected and highly recommended neurologist/surgeon at a prestigious San Fernando private hospital (seeking legal advice before naming). MRIs and CT Scans were conducted. After several consultations, the presiding doctor indicated that he was simply suffering from an acute form of Stiff Neck which he termed “Spasmodic Torticollis”. He recommended that “Botox” be injected into the muscle to relieve the spasm. However, he indicated that he never before performed the procedure.
This did not settle too well with me so I decided to seek another opinion. After a few referrals, he began visiting Dr. David Toby in Port of Spain. During that period, his condition worsened to the point where he could not walk. He was then hospitalized at the Seventh Day Adventist Hospital where MRIs & CT scans were reordered from a different institution. It was discovered then that his spinal cord was being compressed in the area of the C1 vertebrae at the base of the skull. A condition diagnosed as “Basilar Invagination”.
One of the symptoms of this condition is “sudden death”. During the following days, his right hand became weaker until the point of being paralyzed. His legs were also weak and walking became difficult.
Eventually, he was taken to the Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami where a couple surgeries were performed and thus far, success has been reported. He is still warded there; however, I can report that his condition is improving.
Now, my grouse is this, had it not been for me questioning the San Fernando doctor’s diagnosis, my son could have been dead while he injected Botox and the compression became worst. This Doctor actually indicated that the MRIs did not specify anything which indicated any problem, hence his theory of acute muscle spasm. He also told us that he consulted with another Doctor regarding the case.
I later found out from other sources that the MRI scans received from the San Fernando Private Hospital were performed with outdated equipment and that the resolutions of the films were of low quality. In other words, they were not clear.
During the early stages of my son’s illness, I was approached by many friends and relatives who suggested that I take him to a spiritual healer since the doctors cannot determine what was wrong. Many suggested that it could have been a “spirit Blow” and that medical resources may not have the answer. I was surprised at how many people actually believed in such happenings. I know that a lot of you believe also.
However, I decided to be strong in my resolve against the belief of superstition and sought a practical explanation for the existing condition. The result is; I now have a realistic hope that my son Jamol, will live a normal life.
There were those who were saying that we already tried the hospital (the mentioned private hospital is regarded as one of the best in the country) and nothing was happening. There was no worry about whether he was getting the best medical attention.
Had my son died as a result of his condition, before being properly diagnosed, I can imagine what would have been said; “d boy was good all de time, somebody pelt ah spirit blow and d father eh believe it, he only studying dem doctors who couldn’t do nutten and he leave him tuh dead”.
I have heard similar stories like that in the past. However, I would like to state that we need to step above the realm of associating illnesses with superstition. I am also aware that some situations are generated by mental conditions but, medical treatment is available for those types also.
The perception of “Obeah” exists when we rely on inept doctors or inadequate equipment to diagnose our medical condition. When they fail, we resort to the realm of superstition and rely on unnatural mediums for help.
We must always be practical and vigilant regarding the health of ourselves and loved ones. Demand appropriate answers from practitioners, if vague answers are forthcoming, seek advice from other professionals in the field, consult the internet and speak to practical people. Inadequate medical care can cost someone their life.
The world has changed significantly regarding the “halo” worn by doctors. Their diagnoses are frequently challenged by informed patients and sad to say, sometimes are found to be terribly flawed.
In the past, many lives were lost because individuals chose to listen to their “healers” rather than seeking extended medical advice. I urge my fellows to always get your pennies worth, push the envelope as far as you can.
For some, I know that it is difficult to depart from a teaching which has been at the core of your very existence. From a young age, most of us were taught to believe in the supernatural and once your mind accepts it then you will see things which confirm your belief.
You may now be asking whether I believe in God and his ability to heal and the answer is yes. However, I believe that God works when man has tried his best. My faith in God is unwavering but I also believe that there is a difference between faith and foolishness.
YOUR COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED
June 19th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
HAPPY TO HEAR AND READ ABOUT YOUR SON’S PROGRESS.I CONTINUE TO WISH HIM THE BEST. I AGREE WITH YOU,WITH GOD’S HELP THE DOCTORS CAN MAKE THINGS WORK
June 19th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
I LOVE THIS ONE!
I was a bit concerned until your closing paragraph where you did in fact acknowlege your faith in God. But I agree 100% with your assessment of the matter. I have seen cases where folks have received the CORRECT diagnosis and have disregarded the Dr’s advice because ‘God will Heal’. And other as in your case who simply did not ask the right questions or did not press the matter far enough.
Proveerbs 1:5 says: A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels.
It has ALWAYS been my firm believe that ALL knowledge comes from God. The technology and expertise of Doctors, surgeons etc are mere gifts from above and as such we should maximize on the resources that God has graciously loaned to us.
Do you REALLY think that God granted all this knowlege and wisdom for us to turn our backs and ‘take ah bush bath’?!?!?! RIDICULOUS.
I am in no way attemting to minimize the healing power of God because I have seen his had at work in cases where after numerous consultations the final verdict was ‘Now is a good time to pray”. HOWEVER We must be WISE and I commend you for pressing forward and not relying on foolish superstitions. Your son’s healing HAS come from God. God simply used one or rather a team of his angels to execute the task.
Blessings!
June 19th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Thank you Rastamamma, I must admit I used the headline to attract attention. I also hope that some are not turned off by it.
June 19th, 2008 at 10:24 pm
Some people will not like this article because I know some people who do not take a step without asking the obeah man. But I am so happy that you have kept your faith. God has the answer to every question we ask, sometimes we may not like the answer but believe me it is always right, God never gives us more than we can bear. I have been there in my life recently and people say get a “bush bath” they do you something that nothing going right(laugh) I got on my knees and prayer as Psalm 121 say I will lift my eyes unto the hill from whence comes my help, my help comes from the lord. My prayers are with you and your family. I love the article people need to turn to God not the Obeahman. Faith can move mountain.
June 19th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
I’m glad Jamol is alright.
Didn’t know it was so serious.
Thanks for sharing your story.
June 20th, 2008 at 1:03 am
Well said and well written.
June 20th, 2008 at 9:18 am
Denzil, Gail and the rest of James family, I’m very glad to hear that Jamol is doing fine. I know it must been hard as parents having to see your son in that condition, but you should always put GOD first in everything that you do.
May God continue to protect and watch over your family, and take these words with you always.
Psalms 100
Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness,come before His presence with singing. Know that the Lord, He is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise, be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations.
June 20th, 2008 at 11:17 am
hi denzil this is hannah… you said your son went to Jacksonville Memorial in Miami… I was just wondering..how was he transported? You see I work with Medical Air Services Association and we have recently introduced a new membership system where our members can FLY FOR FREE on private air ambulance flights. to find out more about our services you can email me at hannah.2288@gmail.com
with that being said just remember that Faith is the substance of all things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Faith and Trust in God is all we have and with regards your son’s case God has delivered!. Blessings to your son Jamol
June 20th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Hannah, you kind gesture is much appreciated however, Jamol is already in Miami and a couple surgeries already performed.
It is also expected that he will be able to have a normal flight whenever the need be.
To Lana —– we understood why you made such a comment as the one you wrote, however, there was no choice but to delete it. But as was said before, we understand why it was made.
June 20th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
Wow! I first want to commend you on your strong faith. I’m very happy to hear about your son’s progress.
Many times as human beings we are too quick to make negative decisions because we forget that there is a supreme being who looks over.
God made us and he will take care of us, but we must remember he knows how much we can take and we have to be patient.
I believe this was a test of faith for you and your family. I’m happy you got a second opinion.
God bless. All the best and thanks for sharing your experience with us.
June 20th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
Denzil there are alot of issues that can be addressed here. However I’ll try to be brief. I’m glad your son is healing because of your oersistrence. First the health care system is terrible in Trinidad & Tobago. We are at the mercies of quacks. they are allowed to operate and charge big money for ing and there is no serious inspection.Second, obeah, is widespread in TnT. and hs blithed the entire country. It is passe on as culture.people can even transform themselves into animals. spirituals leaders with their Doctorates fool their congregations and practice skulduggery. When I first ame down with my bout of cancer, some people told me that a blow was thrown at me. I never believed in that sort of thing. The doctors in T’dad could not assist me, and I paid thousands of dollas for MRi X-ray probably in the same center in S’fdo. However, in Miami I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare form of cancer. Unless, these spiritual leaders or seers walking around with cancer causung drugs and pouring it in food or drinfk to make people sick, they can’t throw no blow to people who believe in God. When the Pharoah’s magician threw dow a stic and made it into a snake, Moses snake ate it uo. But the Bible said “Woe beyond to those who turn to Egypt for help.” Take heed TNT. You have been warned! You have gone astray!
June 20th, 2008 at 8:31 pm
Denzil,I wish your son all the best with his treatment.May God intervene in his life, Bless him and grant him full recovery from his ailment.
June 21st, 2008 at 2:56 pm
Denzil I wish your son a full recovery and may God continue to bless him. because that was a blessing from God and his angels in heaven.
June 21st, 2008 at 3:28 pm
I’m releived by his progress and I will continue to pray for him and the rest of your family. It is about time people stop believing in these foolish myths and continue to believe that there is a God and trust in him only.
June 21st, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Hello Dencil, I’m happy to hear of his progress and I will continue to pray for him and the rest of your family. It is about time people stop believing in these foolish myths and continue to believe that there is a God and trust in him only.
June 25th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
i came over this topic by accident but was so happy that someone addressed this foolishness that was passed on to us for many generations. people the mind is one of GOD,S powerful creations. he gave us inteligence and the ability to think, so it saddens me to to know that people spend their enter life in bondage to such a negative belief system. the mind works like this what ever you put all your energy into gravitate your way. i have proven this so many times eg i just bought a new car,before i never noticed there were so many cars like the one i bought until i made an effort to look for that specific one. in other words what you look out for comes your way. put all that negative belief away and think positive,change your way of thinking and stop giving people so much power over you.
June 30th, 2008 at 7:15 am
Denzil i am sorry to hear about your son but glad to know that he is out of troubled waters give god all the praises what i think really needs to be done government needs to do a transition of the entire health sector because if wasn’t for your persistence you know what would of happened and then it would of been another headline and story in the newspaper and the minister coming to talk alot of stupidness in your ears to avoid you taking the state to court. But thank god again you let good sense prevail.
July 6th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Denzil, I believe in the power of prayer and in the ‘God that healeth.’ God’s power is greater than man’s by far. He guides the minds and hands of the doctors whom He has gifted. Have faith in Him and I believe your son’s health will continue to improve and we will rejoice with you when it is all over. This, too, will pass.
July 15th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
Please tell me if there is such a thing as obeah and if so who i can contact to have something done against a person my email is sgeetapersaud@yahoo.com
July 31st, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Shanmatee check out Shadow “Coceyea ” listen to it over and over and concentrate on the person. Something could happenm. But beforeyuh do dat send $2500.00 to me; otherwise it wouldn’t work