February 28, 2007
I am an African
HI Everyone!
Recently, another Sister in Christ, who is working, as a missionary in Africa posted the following poem, which is written by me, on her blog. Of course she did that with my approval. I am an African. I am proud to be an African. Some people wonder about us, right? I was in Asia few years ago. One Asian asked my fellow African friend, whether or not we have an Iron in Africa. "No," said my African friend, "we throw the close in fire and it comes out ironed." As funny as that story is, Isn't that what God would do to us. He throw us in the fire we become so beautiful and nice. As an African, I have been through a lot. As a follower of Christ I have been through a lot, at times because of my own failure and other times because I live in a sinful world. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter whther the pain came because of my own mishaps; or other peoples' intentional or unintentional hurt; because God uses both to make me so "ironed" for his kingdom. If that is what happens I think the pain is worth it. It is because of that experience this poem is here:
I am an AFRICAN:
I know what puzzle means
I know how to be confused.
I know how to go hungry
I know how to protest.
I know how to give a beautiful smile in the midst of pain;
I know how to fight;
I know how to be quiet;
I know how to be noisy for a purpose;
I know how to hurt;
I know how to bear hurt;
I know how to forgive;
I have seen how to be forgiven;
I know how to be evilI know how to bear evil;
I know how to bear oppression;
I also learned how to be oppressive;
I have learned to see light in the darkness;
I have learned to see a way in the mighty waters;
I have learned to see the victory beyond mountains of defeat;
I have learned to speak in silence;
I have learned to communicate to friends and foes in quietness.
I wondered how!I have seen love and I have given love;
I wondered how!
I smiled while I was crying!
I wondered how!
I have seen friends in the midst of a lot of betrayal!
I wondered how!
I have seen joy while I am deeply sad!
I wondered how!I have learned to say "sorry" even when it is humiliating.
I wondered how!
I have seen God speaking in the seeming silence of his.
I wondered how!
My heart says "yes" even when I am disobedient.
I wondered how!
I have learned to sit down and learnt to hear even when I am not listening!
Why
Because I have to respect!
Why?
Because Manners matter.
Why?
Because I have to be obedient to the senior.
My history is so amazing!
Amazing!That has been through colonialism!
Amazing!That has been through "Apartheid!
Amazing!That has been through civil wars and border conflicts!
Amazing!That has been through a lot of droughts and famines!I have also a wonderful history!Have you read "Fire on the Mountains?"
Have you read "Born at midnight?”
Have you read "Long Walk to Freedom?"
Have you read “The Kingdom of God in Africa?”and much more.
Well I love westerners specially westerners Christians.
They have build:Schools,Hospitals,They have put pipes,They have brought relief help.
I have seen Missionaries:Who were with me in a cave when I was besieged!
But there were times where there were no westernersWhen I need them;
There was time where I have to do everything by myself;
Amazingly I have been through all of that.I know you would respect me,
Because:Just as you, I would love to worship.
Just as you, I would love to learn.
Just as you, I would want to be heard
Just as you, I would want to contribute
Just as you, I want to feel homeJust as you, I want to feel valued
Just as you, I want to bless othersJust as you, I want to have a choice to say “Yes” or “No”
Just as you, I want to be understoodIf I come to your Church:
If I can not worship, because you do not listen to me:
Will that make you happy?If I come to Church:
But I go back home without learning any thing, will that make you happy?
If I come to church:And say to everything you say "Ok" because this is your country and culture; will that make you happy?
If you just seek your happiness and satisfaction:"Here I am!"I know this is your Country, and Culture!
You have all the right to always have the upper hand.
ButIf you want to see my joy, if you really care:"Then learn to listen to me, and show me you really listened by exchanging some, at least, one of my ideas over yours."
Be willing to come to my level of emotions.I came to you as far as your country.Why is it hard for you to come to me and get closer?
When you are not willing to listen to meYou are pushing me awayYou are telling me that I am nothingIn your actions you are telling me, "go away!"
Either understand me, or do not accuse me of "running away!”Why do you always see as if “I blew it?”
Why am I not be forgiven?
Is it because I am from Africa?
I cannot solicit forgiveness
I cannot solicit grace
It is your decision to give or not to give
But I cannot let you hurt me
I have developed a weapon to stop you from hurting me
It is a powerful weapon,It is called agape
I feel sometimes: you do not love me,
you do not forgive me
I will love you- regardless!
I will stay with you- regardless!
I will pray that God will strengthen me to face you!!
Not by my strength;- I know I can’tBut by God's tough love that can break in to the hearts of the most locked human hearts!
I will win I know;I shall win because I am loved.
And there are no shortcomings in AGAPE!
Be my friend!
Workiyee!
| By kishawork2 | 11:54 PM
