“Mother Priam has struck gold in the eyes of God.” That sentiment was echoed from the Rev. Selina Joseph as she delivered the sermon for her mother, the late stalwart of the New Testament Church.

Joseph, a Vincentian, the first female priest ordained in North Eastern Caribbean and Aruba (NECA) and now based in Antigua, said that Mother Priam ran the race of life and finished the course. “I believe that she did not strike bronze nor silver, but she has struck gold. {{more}}The applause does not only come from the people on earth, but from the white throne in heaven as read in the book of Revelation.”

She said her mother held on to the end like a champion and as any successful athlete it took preparation: She had a great coach in God who showed the weak and strong points in her Christian race.”

She noted that there are young people who think that they have a lot of time and energy before they run the Christian race but they are fooled by this concept. She said they abuse their bodies and go out “to have a nice time” but she warned that “sin fascinates and then it assassinates.”

She noted that no one has the lease on their lives or are their own bosses. She said that the length day for each person day is not known.

She reminded that although she was the only physical birthed child of Victoria Alexandrina Priam also known as “Mother Priam” she had a tonne of children from everywhere. She remembered her mother as a person who was a friend to everyone and who shared. “She never had much but she always gave. She didn’t wait until she had a big barn of plenty to give to others, she gave the little she had and she was tremendously blessed and I believe that blessing has come down on me. Today we grieve the physical loss of my mother, but our grief is not without hope because Jesus has promised us victory over death.”

Rev. Joseph reminded the congregation that her mother lived a long fruitful life and although there was not much earthly material left, she gave eternal gifts to everyone who came in contact with her.