Life's Profile of Silver Saint Mother Luecinda Burrows Knowles

"O for a heart to praise my God, A heart from sin set free; A heart that's sprinkle with the blood, So freely shed for me".

It was on the 10th day of September, 1928 – as recorded in grandma's Bible, "the stork" delivered a heavenly gift to a humble, quiet nucleus family, formed by Mr. Cephas Joseph and Mrs. Charlotte Elizabeth Burrows (nee Moss) both deceased. The news of the family's 'star' second point arrival spread quickly throughout the closely knitted but widely based settlement of Old Bight, Cat Island. She was the second of five children, christened Luecinda, and affectionately called 'Lue' by many, 'Narrow Shad' by some, 'Lueky' by few and 'Darling' by her late husband.

Infancy to Young Adulthood

Both parents nurtured Lue with the assistance of her maternal grandmother – the late Mrs. Marguerite Smith-Moss. She grew up under the Baptist Tradition and attended the St. Mark Baptist Church where both parents were active members. She received daily training in Basic home economics, family life and Bible study. She was a graduate of the Old Bight All Age School, at the tender age of thirteen, and boldly entered the Agriculture Industry (farming, cattle rearing and fishing) with her parents. Her grandmother engaged her in the Straw Vending Industry, Clothing manufacturing and cosmetology. This quiet and unassuming young lady was
prepared well for adulthood.

Young Adulthood to Middle Age

As the world turns, there is a season for everything. In March, 1949, the patriarch of this family was mysteriously swallowed by the rough waters on the Northern sea bank, while doing his favorite activity, fishing. Lue, and her younger sister travelled to Nassau in pursuit of gainful employment in February of 1950. They lived with their uncle the late Hosea and aunt Ennal Moss. They were blessed with employment upon their first day of job hunting, as labourers at the Oakes Estates.
It was at this Knots Landing, the young and restless Duke, led by his guiding light found his Dutchess. Six months later a new life long phase began in their lives for richer or poorer, in health or sickness from that day forth. Lue dazzled Sam not only with beauty but maturity, trust and respect. Their 62yrs, experienced many challenges but together they overcame the storms of life. She became the proud mother of 16 children, 11 predeceased her. They often said they know their union was ordained by God and all of their gifts were blessed.

Career

1950 – 1951 relocated to Nassau and joined the staff at the Oakes Estates.
1951 – 1959 family life, house-wife and mother.
1960 – 1962 domestic worker daytime with the Pettys and evening time with George and Daniel (all foreigners).
1962 – 1988 domestic and child care worker with the Kolyvas Greek Family.
1967 – 1983 janitorial services at Bahamas Blenders head office.
1988 - health failure, medically boarded
1989 – 2008 complimented her husband with his businesses.

Family Life

Our mother was ordained by our father as the 'Chief Priestess' in the home and elsewhere in his absence. We her children gave her Honorary Doctorate degree in Home Economics. She took pride in teaching her children every detail about each sub topic under the umbrella of Home Economics. One of her popular statement was 'man work from sun to sun but woman, especially a mother, work is never done – pick it to pieces then come back to me and tell me what you understand by that'. We were always reminded that we were being prepared for the world's stage. Like daddy she wanted the best for her children, she was an assertive disciplinarian. We never went to bed hungry. When there was success among the children she boasted and shared her joy with her siblings. Every achievement was her achievement and we looked forward to our compensation for doing well. Mammae played the role of surrogate mother for her siblings as they migrated to the city life. She had a special love and concern for all of her nieces, nephews and in-laws. She respected all with whom she came into contact, however if you stepped out of bounds, she will forgive you, but was extremely cautious in and out of your presence. She always backed her cautiousness by saying 'black people mouth kill horse, what you think about human being'. As the 'Chief Priestess' she consulted the High Priest with all concerns and decision making. However, when she thought her thoughts were more appropriate to the cause she took her stand in demand.

Spiritual Life

Worship was an essential part of our mother's life living. As a child the importance of giving God praise and thanks was instilled in her and her siblings. She made sure her family understood that nothing can be accomplished without Him. Upon relocating to Nassau, she had her membership transferred to St. John's Baptist Cathedral, where her husband also became a member. In 2002, she along with her family took up stakes and pledged full support to the New Destiny Baptist Cathedral family. She became an active, proud member supporting the Precious Pearls, Hospitality Ministry and a member of the Silver Saints' Circle. She made her contributions to the church's activities in her own way. Our mother's proverb was,' if you could use God's strength all week to frolic, on Sunday – God's Day, find yourself in the house of the Lord even if you have to drag yourself there'. As the years rolled on mammae's agility slowed down and her devotional periods became more frequent throughout the day and night. Both mammae and daddy prayed for everyone especially their children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great, great grandchild. Whenever they visited them, they would ask God to anoint them with a special blessing. They were thankful for Bishop, and the Associate ministers visitations especially communion days. Both parents shared the same sentiments about their spiritual life. They made a bargain that whoever of the two goes first, the other will meet them at the 'Eastern Gate'.

Community Life

It was always a pleasure to listen to our mother's early years when she along with other siblings had to deliver exchanged goods from relatives to neighbours throughout the settlements – Old Bight to New Bight and Port Howe. She thought nothing of us doing the same in Nassau. Mammae's kitchen was everybody's kitchen. Holidays, birthdays and anniversaries were special occasions for everyone including the neighbours and friends. She enjoyed the junkanoo parades and felt children should always participate in this type of activity. She donated clothing to the needy. She was never the gossip type – she was neither a telephone person, nor one to roam the neighbourhood, however, when any of the children of the community were positively or negatively recognized, she gave God thanks and asked for increase for the positive and deliverance from the negative. She assisted her husband with various community activities.

Health and Care

Our mother weathered the storm of physical health deterioration for some 45 years. Over the years she courageously rode through the many chronic non- communicable ailments – hypertension, diabetes, congestive cardiac failure, end stage renal failure, recurrent breast cancer and finally cerebal vascular accident [stroke]. In 2010, mammae began paying frequent visits and admissions to P.M.H. The last admission was August 31st, 2012 for decompensation of the lungs. Mamae took a down turn and on September 7th, 2012 we took her home and gave her palliative care. What more can a human body take at such a tender age. With pain rocking her body on Sunday morning at 10:07 a.m. she took her final flight to eternity. She was ready as her last spoken words were 'O Lord'.

We will all remember 'mammae' in our own special way. May her soul and daddy's rest in peace.