The Clarke brothers, super-talented, educated and grounded – Part II

LAST WEEK Sunday, the Clarke brothers – Reneil, Clifton Jr, Kenneth-Roy and Devaun – were highlighted because of the reasons in the above headline. This week, The Sunday Gleaner speaks with their parents, Bishop Clifton Clarke Sr and Sophia Henry-Clarke (in one voice), and their ‘little sister’, Jharelle, about these four remarkable young men.

“Raising four boys was fun! Without being partial, I can say, truthfully, these young men gave no real troubles. Getting them ready for church on Sunday morning, even now, has some work, but they were disciplined, good mannered, supportive, particularly to do with church. They are fine young ministers,” their parents told The Sunday Gleaner off the bat.

Devaun, the youngest son, was the most difficult to raise, they said, for “he is less on the side of academics, though naturally gifted, and will do well wherever he places his interest”.

To that, Devaun said, “My parents really applied that Christian perspective towards life. Keeping their boys grounded in the Lord is first and most needed. They invested in us as all-rounded males as it relates to education, sports and co-curricular activities, teaching us to love one another and practising order.”

Clifton Jr, aka CJ, the second son, was the easier to raise. “He’s gifted, he being so jovial and warm, wove himself into people’s heart very easily.” And, from his heart, Clifton Jr said about his parents, “They established clear protocols, guidance and expectations. Notwithstanding, they were flexible, understanding and present. Not only did they train me up in the way that I should go, but they ensured that they did not spare the rod.

“The love they have for each other is unmatched, and their selflessness points me to Jesus. They taught me what to do, as well as what not to do. They were also very involved with many talents. Consequently, not only am I involved, talented, loving, anchored and intentional, I am unapologetically who I am. My parents have influenced who I am to a great extent.”

He was echoed in other words by Kenneth-Roy, the third one, when he said, “My parents’ influence on what I am today is a substantial one. Growing up, I have often observed my parents keenly, with the objective to model some aspects of them both, for a balanced personality … .

“My personality has been notably impacted by my parents’ very own dispositions. There are even external abilities that I have admired and modelled from my parents ... I have adopted the way my parents perceive certain things, as well as their persistent principles on various matters.”

The fact that they are Christians makes parenting “100 per cent easier, as both parties, parents and children are saved”. We connect with visions, dreams, aspirations, attitudes, mannerism, to say a bit. Second, it was evident that the Holy Spirit was at work in the process and He made the task so much easier,” the parents said.

And, in light of the negative things that many young men in Jamaica, even some of those who were brought up in a Christian home, are involved in, how do you feel about the ways in which your sons have turned out?” The Sunday Gleaner asked the senior Clarkes.

They replied, “In light of the aforementioned, their turnout … was anticipated. The writings on the wall pointed to their present state. They have exceeded their outcome by much, and the sky remains the limit. However, we are overly grateful for what God continues to do with them.”

Family devotions, church activities, family time, pizza Tuesday, preparing different dishes for the same meal, taking them to school, picking them up, playing in the front yard in the evening (cricket or football), going to the beach, taking them to children’s choir practice, teaching various principles, correcting wrong behaviour, gymnastics, picking them up after matches or club activities, and teaching them to drive, are some of the things that bind them to their sons, and daughter, Jharelle.

“It is great having four brothers to protect, defend, cuddle, take me places, give me treats, make much of me, let me watch shows on their laptop, and to correct me,” she said. Her brothers are there for her, well-behaved and grounded, but, what do they say to parents of boys who find raising boys very challenging?

“Boys who are wayward get attention late, have absent fathers, no spiritual network, lack of family time experience … will be difficult to raise. Flip these adverse situations and pair the situation with God’s help and you will find a totally different situation. Put Christianity in the package and all will be well,” they said.