Humbling Experiences: I Shared My Poem @ The Candlelight Vigil for Trayvon Martin on 14th & Park Rd NW

This week has been a week like never before.  My life has been been somewhat redirected in someway.  And this redirection has nothing to do with MY WILL.  I truly believe that God has taken control of my life's compass.  I never would have thought that I would be standing in the center of hundreds of people on 14th & Park Rd. NW, Washington, DC in Columbia Heights, advocating for a justice through my poetry.  One can't just conjure up events like this and say they're going to make them happen.

This took place this past Monday, two days after I spoke in front of thousands of people in front of the Wilson Building, in downtown D.C. at Freedom Plaza, on Pennsylvania Ave.  The authorities had to literally shut down several blocks for safety precautions.  When I arrived, there were cars passing through like it was a regular Saturday afternoon.  Moments later, people started to come in droves chanting, singing, causing traffic to build.  Then the police began to assemble and started blocking off the streets so no vehicles could pass through.

Not too many people can say that they stood next to prominent activists and advocated for justice in front of thousands of people.  I don't say this to gloat.  I say ...or write this to say that I thank God for giving me the strength and forthright to do such "scary" things.  There was a time, not too long ago, that I probably would have turned down the opportunity to speak in front of so many people.  In front of my church? ...no problem.  In front of thousands of people with cameras? ...who have plans of broadcasting me across the world? ...WOW!!!  I don't think so!

I'm just being transparent with you right now.  I'm being very honest, when I say that I had to simply say to God, in prayer, "If you want me to complete these assignments (because that's what these events/experiences are; assignments from God), I'm going to need YOU to give me the tools and resources to get the job done.  I can't do what YOU"RE asking me to do with what I have.  If I have it already, I need YOU to reveal it to me because I don't see it."

God did just that.  Before I knew it, I was standing in front of thousands of people on Saturday and then on Monday I stood in the center of a few hundred of people, reciting the poem I wrote for Trayvon Martin, "Who Will Cry For The Little Boy, Trayvon Martin?".  The message was well received ...even though it was so cold I was getting cotton mouth because of the cold, dry wind that kept blowing.  I met a few people.  I enjoyed myself.  Now, I'm on to the next assignment God has for me.  God bless!

Until next time...follow God's plan for your life!

 Christoph Writes...

Testimonial Poetry: "My Baby Girl," The Love of a Grieving Mother

One of my good friends from college (Norfolk State University) contacted me on Facebook.  She asked if I would do her a favor.  I said, "Sure, of course."  She asked if I had time to personalize a poem for her.  I told her that it wouldn't be a problem.  I asked her what about.  She told me ...and I sat there.  Where ever I was sitting, I sat frozen with disbelief.  She told me that she had given birth to a beautiful baby girl...that passed away two days after. And she wanted me to write a poem that could be read at her baby's homegoing.  I sat there and I quickly tried to gather myself.  I cannot imagine how she and her husband must feel.  My heart goes out to her.

I gathered myself, somewhat, and I offered her my condolences.  Then I realized that I had to ask her to do something that may spark an emotional roller coaster for her.  In order for me to write a personalized poem that really "works," I had to ask her to talk about her beloved daughter.  I requested that she email me her thoughts towards her daughter, the dreams she had for her, the plans her and her husband had for her, and so on.  That was difficult for me... but she did send the email and this is what she said about her daughter...

"My daughter's name is Brook'lynn Barbara Jean Hawkins and she is beautiful...she was gonna be my first girl...I was so excited to dress her and play with her and experience the life of a girl...my mini me! She was gonna be everything I was and so much more...a star...she lived 2 days and in those 2 days she had the fight of a lion in her spirit...i could see it already! she had fire, power, & strength in her eyes already. 

She was a fighter...she was on a oxygen machine and she was even fighting that. She was gonna be tough like her Mom. My husband and I were so excited for her...as we both have other children. We were ready to do with her what we had not done with our other relationships and children...doing it together...completing our family. I wanted so much for her! I just knew she was gonna have a powerful tongue like her mother and use it to go so much further...she was gonna be anything and everything she wanted to be! For my husband this was too a big deal...his first child all the way from beginning to end with...for her to go so quickly pains me to see him hurting so! Our daughter Brook'lynn was...is...our rock! She was loved by so many."

 This was perfect!  A few days later, replied to her email with an email of my own with the personalized poem attached.  And it reads as so...

"My Baby Girl"

Brook’lynn Barbara Jean meant…and stills means the world to me. My first baby girl was destined to be …a better version of me. Thoughts of her, urges me to pray and say thank you for allowing me to have known her in her first 48. Two days straight, she fought…brought tears to my eyes to know that my daughter was a fighter. Her light shined brighter than the sun does at its first rise. She had fire, power, and strength in her eyes. My husband and I share the same sentiments. The memories of Brook’lynn are intimate. She was and is our most cherished dream and reality. Out of what we have in common she is our most treasured commonality. She is our rock and was loved by many. Though it may seem like the end, in heaven it’s the beginning.

 The homegoing for Baby Brook'lynn Barbara Jean Hawkins was today and when I signed on to Facebook, the poem that I personalized was posted to my friend's profile page.  That let me know that she was satisfied!

Until next time...tell someone you love them!

Christoph Writes...

Humbling Experiences: An Honor & Privilege To Speak At The DC Justice Rally For Trayvon Martin (VIDEO)

Wow!  The DC Justice Rally For Trayvon Martin on this past Saturday, March 2012, was absolutely amazing!  And to think that it was put together in 4 days by 4 young African American women...nothing short of phenomenal.  I had the privilege and the honor of sharing/delivering the poem ("Who Will Cry For The Little Boy, Trayvon Martin?")  I wrote for Trayvon Martin.  To be standing in front of Disrict Building on 14th & Pennsylvania where they had to block off majority of the street/block because there were so many people, and deliver a poem that that really hit home for me, was UNBELIEVABLE! I stood at the top of those stairs in astonishment.  There were thousands of people, not hundreds like the media told you, of ALL NATIONALITIES AND AGES.  In my head, I'm thinking, I am literally apart of history in the making.  I couldn't wrap my mind around it.  The people were so adamant about who and why they were supporting.  To see all of the children in attendance, holdig up their skittles, tea, and signs for protest was so surreal for me.

I just kept saying to myself, "God is up to something!"

Until next time...continue to fight for JUSTICE! NO JUSTICE...NO PEACE...LITERALLY!!!

Christoph Writes...

Engaging Engagements: I've Been Asked To Speak At The DC Justice Rally For Trayvon Martin

 

I am honored to say that I have been asked to deliver the poem, "Who Will Cry For the Little Boy, Trayvon Martin," at the  Justice Rally in Downtown, DC at Freedom Plaza on 14th & Pennsylvania Ave, NW.  it will be held Saturday, March 24, 2012, this Saturday.  You are asked to wear all black and/or a hoodie. 

I truly feel blessed and humbled to be asked to present my expression of how I feel about the Trayvon Martin case.  This is, indeed, a defining moment in my life and in my writing career.  I put my heart into this poem because I can't help but to think about the world my future children will be born into.  It's really scary how you think times have changed and then tragedies like this occur.

The world can be a cruel place sometimes...BUT God is still good and He is still in control!  If you're in DC on Saturday, please come by and support the cause because it effects us all no matter what.

Until next time...GET INVOLVED!!!

Addressing The Issues: Will You Cry For Trayvon Martin? Get Involved!!!

Until Next time...don't stand idle...GET INVOLVED!!!

Potent Poetry: Who Will Cry For the Little Boy, Trayvon Martin?

  (Inspired by the poem in the movie,  "Antwon Fisher")

Who will cry for the little boy

Walking home from the store

Who will cry for the little boy

With potential galore?

Who will cry for the little boy

Armed with skittles and tea

Who will cry for the little boy

Harmless as can be?

Who will cry for the little boy

One hundred and forty pounds

Who will cry for the boy

On gated community grounds?

Who will cry for the boy

What makes him seem suspicious?

Who will cry for the little boy

Gunned down by a man so vicious

Who will cry for the little boy

Who cried and cried HELP

Who will cry for the little boy

Who fought all by himself

Who will cry for the little boy

Who had dreams of succeeding

Who will cry for the little boy

Who now lays bleeding

Who will cry for the little boy

Justice has NOT been served

Who will cry for the little boy

The system has become unnerved

Who will cry for the little boy

Who the world has come to know

Who will cry for the little boy

Made to reap where he did not sow

Who will cry for Trayvon Martin???

Will you???

GET INVOLVED!!!

By Christoph Jenkins

 ChristophWrites.com

@ItsChristophJ

(Share this graphic)

I felt the need to write this poem because God has given me a gift!  And I just believe that the gifts that we've been given should be a blessing to others.  Our gifts aren't for us to keep and harbor.  We were gifted to make an impact in the lives of others.  So I chose to "re-gift" my gift.  I used to write to just get out the emotions and feelings that I could not or chose not to verbalize.  I have now "re-purposed" my gift with the intentions of invoking action and awareness...in a creative way.  Trayvon Martin represents us, "the people"!  We have to realize that anyone of at any given time can be a victim of such an atrocity.  There are people in this world that have hate in their heart for certain groups of people; whether they're Black, White, Hispanic, or any other nationality.  At the same time, we can't afford for our justice system to be manipulated by an evident or discreet bias.  No Justice, No Peace!

I derived my inspiration from the movie, "Antwon Fisher."  When brainstorming the way in which I wanted pen this piece for Trayvon, God brought this movie to my recollection and thanks to Youtube and kzzr, more specifically, I was able to find this poem that fit so perfectly.  Enjoy and God Bless!

Until next time...be aware and get involved!!!

Christoph Writes...

Potent Poetry: I Won't Complain (Video)

It was my honor! I write situational poetry often. And the people who know me best, know I write poetry for many different situations and scenarios. Min. Rob Howze knew of my ability to take a situation or subject and write a poem about it so he asked if he could use this poem to supplement his sermon entitled, "I Won't Complain." I wrote this poem the year before during the Christmas season for a production at my church and Min. Howze was the one who performed this poem. Therefore, it was my honor to give him the green light to deliver it once again, especially in this setting. He said later that congregational received the message exceptionally well.  

Christoph Writes...

Potent Poetry: Please and Thank You!

by Christoph J.
 

Lord God, I need You, NOW!

Please?!

I'm praying! Please, hear me!
I'm broken! Please, fix me!
I'm wounded! Please, heal me!
I'm dirty! Please cleanse me!
I'm naked! Please, clothe me!
I'm hungry! Please, feed me!
I'm without! Please, provide for me!
I'm weak! Please, strengthen me!
I'm vulnerable! Please, defend me!
I'm alone! Please, accept me!
I'm scared! Please, lead me!
I'm naive! Please, learn me!
I'm lost! Please, guide me!
I'm worried! Please, soothe me!
I'm crying! Please, hug me!
I'm here! Please, notice me!
I'm empty! Please, fill me!
I'm bound! Please, loose me!
I'm sinning! Please, deliver me!
I'm guilty! Please, teach me!
I'm sorry! Please, forgive me!
I'm honest! Please, believe me!
I'm vacant! Please, live in me!
I'm clay! Please, mold me!
I'm yours! Please, control me!
I'm ready! Please, send me!
I'm grateful!!!

THANK YOU JESUS!!!
I LOVE YOU!

Live, Love, Laugh: "To be loved...Oh what a feeling!!!"

Shannon's FB status after receiving her flowers: ...so blessed to have a man in my life that understands its the small things that matter the most...like remembering my favorite type flower. Happy Anniversary Baby! You're the bestest! Lol

— with Christoph Writes.

Exactly 3 years ago today, I traditionally asked my fiance if she would consider being my significant other...my girlfriend.  Well, it went something like that.  Here's how it really went down.  Shannon and I met on August 6th of '08 and we both knew we were interested in one another from the start.  We'd go out on dates and hang out...I liked her a lot.  However, after learning from past relationships, we both felt it be wise if we resisted the obvious attraction between us and develop and maintain a friendship that would prove to be a testament of exercising patience.

So we continued to just being friends; not expressing the obvious feelings we had for one another.  It wasn't the easiest thing to do but it was the best thing to do.  There was no rush to become anything more than friends.  Nine months passed buy rather quickly because we were having so much fun together and because she was in school during this time.  March of '09 arrived and I had been waiting for a call from an employer; the employer who I currently work for.  I finally received a call from them and they told me that i got the job!  I was so excited because I had been out of work for a little while due to the failing economy.  Shannon and I decided to go out to celebrate a new beginning career-wise.  Little did she know that it would be a new beginning for us too.  We went to Busboys and Poets on 14th St. in North West D.C.  It was poetry night.  They have poetry night on Tuesdays and Fridays.  That was our spot then.  We ate and listened to the featured poets. The night was coming to an end.  I don't remember exactly what I said to preface this but it was at that moment that I told her that I loved her for the very first time.  She was speechless...until she replied with lthe same.  We then shared our very first kiss.

We left out of the restaurant and, without warning, I yelled out what Eddie Murphy sang out in "Coming To America" when he kissed Lisa McDowell for the first time.  "To be loved...Oh what a feeling!!!" lol.  We got in the car and I drove back to my grandmother's house where we left her car; to drive one car.  I walked her to her car and as I turned around to head back to my car, she says, "This does mean we're girlfriend and boyfriend, right???"  I forgot to actually ask her the most important question. lol.  Hilarious!

Fast forward to today, I surprised Shannon by sending her an arrangement of her favorite flowers, tulips, to her job!  She had no idea!  Below, you'll see how surprised she was in our conversation on gchat.

Shannon:  YOU SENT ME FLOWERS!!!!

 me:  muah!!!

 Shannon:  Thank you baby!

 me:  i love you baby!!!

 Shannon:  I love you!

 me blooming and everything

 Shannon:  yeppers

they are gorg

 me:  great baby

glad u like them

im still spontaneous lol

 Shannon:  I love them

 me:  i love you

 Shannon:  so thoughtful

I wasn't expected them

 me:  i know lol

 Shannon:  good job

go team!

lol

 me:  lol

www.ChriShannonWedding.com

Until next time...continue to pursue your passions!

Christoph Writes...

Potent Poetry: The PEACE To My Puzzle

by Christoph Jenkins

There is a “peace” to my puzzle that I’m missing…I’m incomplete!
So I retreat to that quiet place where God and I used to meet

Because my faith has been tested and I need to pray.
There’s no way to get around it so I seek His face.

I close my eyes and I visualize me at His feet,
Bowed down and as humble as I could ever be.

I repent of my sins to make sure my slate is clean.
I know He’s the bread of life, but I feel like my plate is clean.

I need directions to where I’m going before I stray too far.
Its been a while since the last time I prayed to God

I’ve backslid to a point where I’m filled with guilt
So I need to strengthen the bond that He and I have built

“Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
I fear no evil!” Now I am free to take a breath.

“He lovingly leads me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul”, along with His sons and daughters.

“He anoints my head with oil. My cup overflows
Surely goodness and love will follow me,” So, I go where He goes

I will take shelter in his arms whenever there’s bad weather“And I will dwell in the house of the
Lord forever” and ever

AMEN!!!

Why I Write: There Is Power In Words!

I have many reasons for why I write...and maybe if I share with you the reasons why I write...you'll get inspired...to write as well! I write to express my feelings...because...I feel I write better than I speak.  OK, I said it! Writing allows me to think before I speak because I know first hand that there is power in words.. Many people do not realize the power of the tongue, the words that we speak, and the impact that it has on our lives and the lives of those around us. In the book of Proverbs, we are told that words can bring life or death to us.

 “A man’s stomach shall be satisfied from the fruits of his mouth; from the produce of his lips he shall be filled. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” (NKJV Proverbs 18:20-21)

Writing affords me the ability correct mistakes before they are noticed by the reader or if read aloud...by the listener.  You will never read the sound "um" in my writing...unless I ask you to edit one of my rough drafts and you see a word, phrase, or sentence with a line through it that signifies the need of a correction.  I write because I can utilize tools like a thesaurus to find better words to use to make me sound even more intelligent. You're guilty of it too! :)  I write to make room for more thoughts and ideas. I wrote a poem that spoke to this and it starts off like this...

"My mind is a canister filled with ink/ My thoughts take a timid dip the moment I think of my potential/ The pen is the preferred utensil/ The use of a pencil would lead to the temptation to erase the tread marks of my thoughts/ I cannot risk forgetting the lessons that I was taught"

 I'll post the entire poem soon enough.  Until next time...continue to pursue your passions!


Christoph Writes...