Pondering

"There is an abiding hope for those who carry the essence of His glory."

Growing up on a farm in South Africa, I have been exposed to the textured beauty and hardships of the African people. When I was a toddler, my favorite place to be, was on the back of a Zulu lady named Gertrude. My mom speaks about how I came into the kitchen in the mornings with sleepy eyes, until I spotted Gertrude. Her presence cleared my mind in an instant and I ran to her with hands in the air, shouting “Tutu!!”. She would swing me over onto her back and wrap a blanket around both of us, fastening it to her chest and our adventure for the day would begin. I remember Gertrude vaguely - her gapped smile, a lump protruding from her throat and her patient presence.

As I grew older, I learnt to appreciate the musicality of the Zulu families on our farm, as my aunt Dina often facilitated church services in one of their uncomplicated clay houses. I remember how they would spontaneously break out in several harmonies, worshipping the Lord with a boldness and zeal that imprinted an everlasting impression onto my spirit. Though their existence was simple, they never seemed to lack anything. They had a joy, that reached beyond the surface into the fibre of their rhythmic beings. The privilege of witnessing their existence as a child, remains a glorious treasure I hold onto dearly to this day.

Africa, a continent known for its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes, has long been plagued by poverty, violence, corruption, and numerous other hardships. However, amidst these challenges, there is an abiding hope for those who carry the essence of His glory. So my heart echo’s this prayer over Africa:

“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13, NLT)