"All the Single Ladies" (part deux)

Sooooo, for some strange reason, I'm going hard on this poetry/spoken word vibe at the moment. I've written only two pieces in my lifetime and performed just one of them, but I can definitely appreciate creating AND enjoying a lyrical masterpiece. 

For the last year or two, I've been following P4CM--the Passion for Christ Movement--out of California, and their spoken word ministers are OFF... THE... CHAIN!  I stumbled Tumbl'd upon this piece right here and I think that by the time it was done, I had to manually close my mouth.  This chick spoke directly to me as if she knew where I lived and had the spare key to my car! It's directed towards the multitude of us single, saved sistaz--Lord knows it's hard out here for a virtuous chick.

With no further ado, I give you Janette...ikz performing I Will Wait for You:

"When I Say I am a Christian"

This piece is especially inspiring to me because I feel like when I tell people I'm 'born again', they instantly get the wrong impression of what exactly that means. Here, Carol Wimmer broke it down better than I ever could. Enjoy:
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When I say, “I am a Christian”

 

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not shouting, “I’ve been saved!”
I’m whispering, “I get lost!
That’s why I chose this way”

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I don’t speak with human pride
I’m confessing that I stumble -
needing God to be my guide

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not trying to be strong
I’m professing that I’m weak
and pray for strength to carry on

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not bragging of success
I’m admitting that I’ve failed
and cannot ever pay the debt

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I don’t think I know it all
I submit to my confusion
asking humbly to be taught

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not claiming to be perfect
My flaws are far too visible
but God believes I’m worth it

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartache
which is why I seek His name

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I do not wish to judge
I have no authority
I only know I’m loved

Copyright 1988 Carol Wimmer

"All the Single Ladies"

* Originally inspired on December 1, 2007 *

Yeah, I know what you were thinking humming in your head! Beyonce and her infamous song have nothing to do with this... She's married for crying out loud! But that's a rant for another day.  For the rest of us who are earnestly waiting and praying for God to direct us to the men of valor we deserve, the journey is not fun. But every now and then, I get some spiritual 'steroids' to  boost my faith and willpower. This piece was really inspirational, so I'm more than happy to share with you the poem There's Nothing Like a Man of God, by Annette M. Parrott:

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There's nothing like a Man of God

We all bemoan the plight of our men
Fewer in college than in the pen
The good we question the bad we don't think odd
But there's nothing like a man of God

The statistics I admit do look grim
They'd have us believe that the pickings are slim
But don't you dare believe that facade
He's a good man if he's a man of God

The Casanovas get all sorts of play
We vie for their affections, willingly become prey
They leave our hearts broken, torn and charred
When there's no one more loving than a man of God

We're blinded by ballers, shot callers and blings
Measuring his value through material things
Our superficial ways of thinking we should really discard
There's no one worth having, unless he' a man of God

We alter ourselves in fear he will leave
With surgeries and chemicals, acrylics and weaves
But your appeal is your virtue, which he holds in high regard
There's no one more appreciative than a man of God

His tone authoritative yet gentle and warm
He'll edify your spirit and speak you no harm
Whether times be good or times be hard
There's no one more supportive than a man of God

He's moral, and faithful delighting in the Lord
Equipped with breastplate, shield, helmet and sword.
Your chastity he will champion your heart he will guard
There's no one more honorable than a man of God

His prayerful countenance, enveloped in grace
You feel the love of the Father, in his look and embrace
Mended are all emotions that before him were marred
There's no one more attractive than a man of God

He'll bind you even closer to God with his glue
Forsaking all others and clinging to you
He won't leave you broken or hurt or scarred
There's no one more tender than a man of God.

With God's love on his visage, God's reflection in his life
Your greatest blessing may be becoming his wife
If you're feeling me sisters, then give a nod
Cause there ain't nothing on this earth like a man of God.

Annette M. Parrott