Aside from the struggle of life, my WRITING is and has been influenced by the likes of (in random order) Andrae Crouch, Lauryn Hill, Taalam Acey, Mos Def, my homeless friends in Hunts Point, beautiful little Keren who is now with Jesus after 14 yrs with AIDS, the fatherless, the nameless/fameless, bitter cold nights without heat, coffins that are too small, stories told in secret, tears left on my shoulder, babies in duffel bags, overwhelming failure & regret, betrayel & disbelief, graffitied names on stone walls, front page news that never quite made it to any page, scared eyes, tired hands, broken hearts, misguided feet and all the young people in inner-city New York whom I've had the privellege of mentoring and sharing life with. Aside from the above mentioned, my LIFE has been influenced the most by my family & the indescribable love of Christ
Oraia "He Comes"
At every given point in time, we are being afforded the opportunity to find our approval in the nod of man. The strong yet subtle acknowledgement that the world believes in what we do. Invisibly, they tilt their chin to chest and in one instant they have validated our cause. So, we lay back and dream and then rise to labor toward the vision of future we've seen through the lens of those we've never met.
"Please, hand me the designer suit jacket that hangs round the leather seat of my luxury car...and make room for the one who walks this way looking every bit a star." And, they nod. "I'll see you in a week when I return from Tahiti...feel free to leave a message with the help if you need me." And I watch as unseen heads dip. However, I can't help wonder "how long till this nodding shall cease?"
Whose head will nod when the costly casket is closed and how many eyes will watch as the body returns to the ground? If it is quiet enough on that day, will you hear the cries of those who wish their nod had mattered?
As much as I find myself pulled in the direction of this invisible man, I realize that he will never tilt his head at what I do because I ...am out of his view. Choosing RELEVANCE over PREVALENCE, I inhabit the land behind his back.
See, I...I spend Friday nights under a Hunts Point bridge breaking bread with the homeless and when I get back in my Saturn, I understand myself and my message just a little more. I go to parent-teacher meetings with troubled children whose complexion starkly contrasts mine and I laugh when they introduce me as their aunt. With a smile, I work hours nearly equal to my dollars and somehow never miss a bill. I am certainly unappreciated, underestimated and uncelebrated but never more committed than today. I sit with 13-year-old girls as they push new life from their womb and I listen as a broken 14-year-old recalls seeing her child in a jar. Without flinching, I observe the wounds of a 5-year-old boy who intentionally set himself on fire and I imagine the wounds that lie beneath. I light candles beside graffiti covered walls that offer a token of respect to a story the world doesn't care to hear and when I walk away, I leave my tears.
I tread dangerous ground armed only with compassion. I am fueled by purpose and funded by passion. I'm tired of watching dreams and lives be aborted. I'm through with hearing the heart of God be distorted. I have been afforded too much to withhold my hand in the land where I've been called to extend it.
So, for now, I'll continue to hang my jacket on the not-leather seat of my not-luxury car and fight the urge to drive and wave my hands in the face of the invisible man cuz I realize that he'll never offer me his nod.
But, when they close the casket and return me to the dirt, I'll leave behind something far weightier than wealth. Yes, the world will sing, read and watch my written works. But, above all, I'll leave behind the legacy of a life that was truly relevant...a love that was unharnessed, unafraid to walk down any street or into any home...a love that lived...that spoke...that touched...that taught...and that gave as if her gift could save the whole world.
So, when that day comes and you see me lowered to the ground, just know that I will never be gone. I'll continue to touch the world through the hands of those who stand dressed in black, offering to me their nod.
Good Morning Oraia. dang its killin me not to be able to hear your words when i want cuz the volume doesnt work at my job. im jus glad to have u as a friend on myspace but as a sister in Christ.
Thanks for the add!!! God bless you!! Luke 21:15 " For I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist.
Happy New Year! I saw the post about the chior. I will probably be in church, but if not I will definetly be watching. How you been? I see you will be up by me on Feb 14th. Keep in touch Sis!
Hey! ma..I have to soooo get you out here! I'm lovin the words! omy...u got me hype! lol I think its time da south herez what u have 2 say! We are at a busy time now we launched off Sunday school street ministry here as well as the church but our youth group and adults would luv this.
Whats up sis, loved your performance on saterday, I was there with my wife and kids, my daugther was like she lost me. she's 13, May our LORD rain Blessings upon .
Online!
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