To All of You
To all of you who have loved me into being
at unexpected times in random places;
To all of you who have opened your hearts
accepted, even welcomed, my woundedness,
thank you for loving me into being .
To all of you who have loved me into being,
though I was neither kin nor kind,
for bending the rules, going out of your way,
for doing things you never had to do,
thank you for rearing me into being.
To all of you who have believed me into being
for seeing something when there was nothing left to see,
for believing in me when I could no longer believe in myself,
thank you for inspiring me into being.
To all of you who have gathered my broken bones
and helped me to my feet,
thank you for standing me into being.
Daughter of a thousand stars: by Hajah Kandeh:
Reading this book, I felt like I was in a movie theater out of this planet watching a mesmerizing petrifying movie, but couldn’t leave the theater because I want to know how it ended. It sounded so unreal to read a story of a woman who went through all the battles in life and still with big beautiful smile all the time. But it is a real life story of a woman. A woman that I have been privileged to meet and dined with. I do believe that God has a purpose for you, Hajah for giving you the strength and courage to put these extraordinary experiences in writing.
Hajah’s story reminds me of the story of St Josephine Bakhita. An African girl sold into slavery. She overcame so many adversities but remained strong, courageous, and ultimate faith in God. We read about the Saints and are drawn to their lives after they have died and long gone. But this saint is still alive. I’m fortunate to have been introduced to, and read this story of a woman, a living Saint, who is still alive; I have met, carried out conversations and dined with her. Hajah is my living Saint. Thank you Hajah for giving me the privilege to read your story and know you. Now I can say that I have met and dined with a Saint, Hajah Kandeh.
I will never complain about anything anymore, cry about frivolous things, curse, judge or be rude and unkind to anyone. So help me God.
What an honor and a privilege! May God continue to give you Grace, courage, strength and wisdom to carry on the work He has started in you.