YEn hwE obi asa so na yE de asa akoma mu asa.
We do not not imitate some one to dance from the heart.
- AKAN PROVERB

"It is better to be nothing than an echo of other painters. The wise man has said, when one follows another one is always behind."
- COROT, FRANCE, 1856

God's plan made a hopeful beginning:
But man spoiled his chances by sinning;
We trust that the story will end in God's glory;
Though, at present, the other side's winning.
- OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES

"Consider it pure joy my brothers and sisters whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
-James1:2-4

Now that my knower knows all things work together for the good of them that love God and are called according to his purposes. I am slowly learning that as a child of God; His light only blazes brighter as I move into the embrace of the totality of my being, without dividing myself into good girl or bad girl.

Self acceptance as a full blooded Akan woman has only increased my joy in living and taught me true compassion for others, it has stripped off much that was tied to a false naivete. It was not till the aloneness of my walk as a beloved child of the creator got impressed on my heart and imprinted in my own bones, that I truly started dancing as an individual in harmony with others.

I just had a conversation with a fellow traveler who mentioned she thinks there is a common origin for humanity but that source is certainly not a he. We went on to talk about tao (the way) and how the highest wisdom is that we do not know. As I reflected on her words I had an aha moment. It is because I don't know I throw myself into the great mystery agreeing my mind can only go so far.

By acknowledging the paradox and in admitting I do not know, I am given grace to enter into the depths of the great love that gave birth to the galaxies;and as my friend said I know it is not a he. I think you too will giggle and say a Yes, to the idea that the Creator who is my loving heavenly father is Deity(He) not humanity.

The problem with gender and the anthropomorphizing of "Deity" has lead to much that takes us from the spirit of love into turf wars based on gender, race and class. Failure to truly love and protect leave many cold or burned and suspicious. Without the impulse to truly love those who are oppressed by powers that maintain the status quo at the expense of the powerless.

Without the unquenchable thirst to minister healing that leads to wholeness and create places where all can live free with dignity and freedom, the gift of the gospel that was to make us more loving and free only reduces human beings made in the image of the creator into objects to be manipulated by the powerful.

Waking up for me meant seeing through the games and choosing wisely. To forgive and move on and grow because of pain. Suffering has produced its great purpose. It came to make me stronger. It came to help me know and recognize the real. Instead of suffering making me paranoid, it has made me freer and more discerning.

Thank God for all the different threads, light, dark, grey and bright.

Thank you Lord, my sin debt has been paid and I have seen my crown in the land of the living.

This space is to evoke a spontaneous and contagious joy that makes others share in the phrase positive humanity. Our mission is to break bread together with all who read our essays, poems and see our drawings, paintings and royal robes. Blessings! Enjoy the fresh winds blowing from the land of righteousness.