A Griot From Ghana: Looking out the window of Heritage Hotel

From the vrooms of traffic

Cock a doodle doo's of roosters

Steps of the people on

The red clay like sand

Stoic cemented buildings stand

Vibrancies of color expanding across the Land

Rhythm of the language rolling off tongues

Medasi paa!! Thank you very much!

Moves just like a song

The strands of palm tree leaves brings shade to the Land

Brown skin to brown skin Melanin

Generations being carried on the backs of Queens

The hustle and bustle of life in the streets

Spintex Road is where I found my legacy

From the mmm's!! To ahhs! okaayss! Akwaaba!!!

The waters of Cape Coast kiss the sand

Where my ancestors stomped and danced the Land

The ocean became some of their graves

I can hear their voices in the midst of the waves

I wonder...what are their names?

Ase Ase to all the oceans unmarked graves...

6 November 2017

I wrote this poem while in Ghana as I reflected on some of my observations and experiences that I had. Africa moved every part of my being and experiencing Ghana with all of my senses heightened my belonging to Africa and my love for my Africa, my home. I will be forever changed because I returned to my Motherland. As my Ancestors exited through Elmina Slave dungeon's door of no return they thought we would be no more, but we returned...

Shalom,

Jazz

Practicing & Praying Through Advent.

As I was reading a blog on Lara Casey and preparing December goals, I came across a post by Lara Casey founder of Make it Happen writing about one of her December goals dedicated to Advent. I soon began to ponder on what is Advent? I thought she is a Christian and so am I, but I do not recall practicing Advent. So the researcher in me began to google Advent. My findings were that Advent is the anticipation of the Coming of Jesus Christ. Advent reflects on the "two comings" of Christ. The first coming is the birth of Jesus and the second coming is what us Christians are looking forward to and that is Jesus Christ returning again. My findings also led me to learn that four weeks of study, prayer and fasting are dedicated to Advent and through this process one is able to connect with the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit in a more in depth and intimate way. Advent brings back what the real meaning and symbolism of Christmas is and focuses the mind, heart and soul on Jesus! I then decided to begin my own journey through this four week journey of Advent. I am using the devotional The Dawning of Indestructible Joy: Daily Reading for Advent by John Piper. I began my journey today on day four of Advent so I went back and read the introduction and days one, two and three.  I have learned that Advent is not just for reflecting on the coming of Christ but the "continual advent into more and more lives" (John Piper). This is awesome! God is continually working and Jesus came on a mission to seek and save the lost. Jesus is thee greatest example of what it means to seek, serve and save lives. I am excited for what will be birthed out of this journey of practicing Advent, surrendering to God and  allowing Jesus Christ to continually Advent his love, power, grace,compassion into my Spirit. I will update you on my journey. If you want to join me it is not too late. You can find many devotionals pertaining to Advent online. I will also place the link of the devotional I am reading below. Blessings and Love to You!

Shalom,
Jazz

https://document.desiringgod.org/the-dawning-of-indestructible-joy-en.pdf?ts=1446648252