RIP Dad

 

Image: Indigenous Bushman/San family embracing (10 years old, 14 years old, 43 years old), Namibia by Martin Harvey

After almost a week since Daddy's passing, I cried for the fist time last night. For a man I knew for only a fraction of my life I'm surprisingly shattered. In fact I'm beside myself with grief. When I think to myself, most of our conversations consisted of heated debates and intense discussions but that was what we had in common apart from his signature vampire shaped teeth that all his children inherited. Dad and I  shared a common trait of being tirelessly outspoken and never shy, as opposed to my mother’s gentle soft-spoken nature.

One night, many years ago I was in my dad's car while he was driving me home, he pointed to lights in a distance that were moving in a circular motion and he said, "Do you know what that is? It's a merry-go-round." I just remember thinking to my little self. Yeses!!! I've made it. I had a person I called Dad, now he was driving me home and he was also showing me all sorts of wonderful things on the way. It dawned on me at that very defining moment that I was in fact, the coolest kid that I knew alive.

Kings, Queens

Hey there,
Little did I know that my greeting for my previous entry would be the the title for today's post.

So lately I've been in love with poetry and I found a beautiful insightful poem from a beautiful young lady titled: Kings & Queens

 

Who You Are

To my kings and queens here's a message from the throne-room just for you.

Listening to these made my day I hope it does the same to you.

Who You Are:

A Message To All Men

 

Who You Are:

A Message To All Women

Christ, the solid Rock

“The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” Matthew 7:25-26 

On Christ, 

the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground 

is sinking sand. 
- Mote’s Hymns of Praise

Daughter of the village

Felicia Mabuza-Suttle quoted an ancient African proverb, "It takes a village to raise an African child," as she let a little girl sleep on her shoulder on the aeroplane for the entire flight. My mother has always told me to treat all adults with a sincere respect, as if they were my own parents. This common African sense of family within a community is still a very relevant concept in some pockets of our modern world even after many generations.

I consider myself that African child that has been raised by the village. My life is not only a product of my parent’s excellent upbringing but also a combined effort of many who have raised me to become a woman. My victories have been a direct result of the lessons that the villagers have taught me. My family, my friends, my acquaintances it has been your love, your prayers, your guidance, your words of correction; it has been you, yes you that have contributed to the person that I am today. It has been your success stories that have given me a new hope and courage. Many have treated me with such kindness, almost as if I were their very own blood. And for that I'm grateful. I continue to be trained in the school of life and look forward to learning everyday with guidance from God.

I celebrate the breath of life that God gave me 27 years ago on the 9th of September. I'm joyful, humbled and honoured that I've been afforded the privilege to live THIS life in particular with such people, in this country, in this village.

He's Able

Psalm 138

Thanksgiving to God

LORD, I thank you with all of my heart;

because you heard the words that I spoke,

I will sing your praise before the heavenly beings.

I will bow down in worship toward your holy Temple

and give thanks to your name for your gracious love and truth,

for you have done great things

to carry out your word

consistent with your name.

When I called out, you answered me;

you strengthened me.

LORD, all the kings of the earth will give you thanks,

for they have heard what you have spoken.

They will sing about the ways of the LORD,

for great is the glory of the LORD!

Though the LORD is highly exalted,

yet he pays attention to those who are lowly regarded,

but he is aware of the arrogant from afar.

Though I walk straight into trouble,

you preserve my life,

stretching out your hand

to fight the vehemence of my enemies,

and your right hand delivers me.

The LORD will complete what his purpose is for me.

LORD, your gracious love is eternal;

do not abandon your personal work in me.

Change the World