THE OBSERVATION BOOTH
OP / ED & PHOTO CREDITS ANDREA DIALECT
There are so many gods, deities, and supreme beings floating around in this world – or so it seems – that earthly good might as well have taken the place of heaven. Unfortunately, in my opinion, this world of ours is far from it.
Below is a peek into an untitled journal entry turned short piece. The other “Coverage” was written mainly about my mother, though others were certainly included, like my father and my grandmother, Bessie Mae, along with all those who held space and stood in the gap for me and mine during the times when I was simply clueless. Thankfully, because of their guidance, love, support, and example, I can now hold that same space for others, including my own.
At our house growing up, Thanksgiving was mainly about – gratitude, togetherness, and prayer. Prayer was always the main course before we dug in. So let this be food for thought: may we all strive to be coverage not only for our family, friends, and loved ones but for all of humanity. We need it now more than ever. And let us be grateful every single day.
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UNTITLED
It was around 3 a.m. on a Sunday when I was yanked out of my slumber. I could gauge by the inflection of the voice that this directive was not to be taken lightly… And I quote, “Get up now and pray for your son,” I’d been told. (He had been called by name, so I knew which one) “or it will be mayhem.” End of quote!
That 11:00 a.m. call from my son later that day or perhaps someone else could have been our dreadful reality. Yet, the incident as confirmation was bittersweet. Thus, my obedience and being VIP with the guy upstairs have once again proven to be essential. In times like these, we need a savior, we need an anchor and we need help!
CALL ‘EM…
Presently, there are so many different Gods, faiths and guides which humanity is locked into or dabbling in that its mind-boggling, to say the least. Seemingly, everyone has one of their own. Ironically, with faith and guides and gods of such a magnitude, those numbers, which are capable of tipping the Richter scale, seemingly, our world would be a much better, place. When I call mine, he’s Johnny on the spot, and he’s got my back no matter what. What about yours?
COVERAGE
“Truthfully, Vanity Can’t Save A Damned Soul!”
Neither accident, theft, death, fire, nor dental or medical; nothing of the sort for six rambunctious kids, a spouse, and this woman for a substantial amount of time, yet not even a broken fingernail. Technically speaking, our household hadn’t ever been without coverage, and when my grandmother was alive, there had been two policies in place; both being all-inclusive. My mother has since maintained that same policy. This insurance, of which my immediate family and I are direct beneficiaries, allows us to breathe easily, beyond the burdensome grasp of circumstance.
When things do arise that shake up my peaceful sleuthing, I call my mother, of course, making a request that she up the ante, because knowing her faith is very convincing when I am confronting things outside of my control. Prayers are whispered without hesitation or complaint, and, if need be, shamelessly; she vociferously makes appeal. Banking on my mother’s policy was the norm. A secured interest made inconsistencies guiltless in my liberty to choose: to pray or not to pray!
Until one dreadful night, when an agonizing plea for help would awaken me from my slumber. Looking out into the frigid night air from my window, I watched several very dedicated East Orange Police Officers and Firefighters embark upon a rescue effort to free a man trapped in a car which rapidly was becoming a fiery inferno. As moments passed, I felt removed: I was certain that what I gazed upon was nothing more than the remains of a person gone on when his faint moans once again called for my help. But what could I have done from the restrictive position of the second-story windowsill of a house? While I pondered this, as unmistakably as wolves howl in the dead of night, the old church mothers’ ceaseless chants could be heard. Prayer had boldly presented itself as an option.
I prayed for that man the best I could. I prayed that upon his departure, on the other side of that threshold, someone remained who, on his behalf, had made moment-to-moment implications upon his exit their normal regimen until his return. I prayed that his mama prayed or had done so when capable of doing; if not then, then long ago, and those prayers of the past would show up and hover over his dangling life like a halo: one redeemable at necessity for an entire lifetime.
I prayed that if he had raised children, and he was a daddy who taught them the importance of hope and that their nightly dreams created images upon which faith is to be built, producing bedtime prayers that lingered near, whispered only moments ago. I prayed for those below who were at risk, working towards the accomplishment of a rescue vowed. I prayed for the ability to pray, that I might stand in the gap for him.
There in the snow, surrounded by the frigid air and blanketed by pain, the man who lay beneath my window had been totally unaware of my assistance, as I, too, had been unaware and unable to understand the importance of the same deed performed tirelessly by my mother. Though visible enough, in thought, even my subtle needs cajoled her help. But when need presents itself, who will stand for her? Who will be as swift to pause and quick to give utterance, knowing nothing of procrastination, being committed in such ways that not even a single moment is given to idleness? Who is known to be anchored in such tenacity? And when burdens amplify, who will stand for us when she’s gone?
Prayer is a position of permanency, thus, seeking serious inquiries only. One need not apply if prone to a faint heart, because our dependency on borrowed prayers will certainly increase. Callused knees covered by raveled socks or worn hosiery; a mouth hasty to plead, infused with a heart swift to pause—these must be welcomed by potential prospects. Such generosity can never be exclusive to birthdays, holidays, or any occasion that one cares to recognize. Nor can it be subject to time constraints, biases, or judgment. Prayer… it is the ultimate gift. Never is it usurped by pre-request in pretty packaging, and it’s of greater value than any suggestive words of sentiment. Truthfully, vanity can’t save a damned soul. But who dares to stand?
DO YA KNOW THAT?
God has been perceived as either personal or impersonal. In theism God is the creator and the sustainer of the universe, while in deism, God is the creator, but not the sustainer, of the universe. In pantheism, God is the universe itself.
(In Christianity and other monotheistic religions) the creator and ruler of the universe and source of all moral authority, the supreme Being.
(in certain other religions) a superhuman being or spirit worshiped as having power over nature or human fortunes, a deity. (Google)
The Observation Booth is utilized as a space for Andrea Dialect to stumble through, which aids in life and brand development. It can also be used by readers, subjects, and features to assist or advance our world or their own. It is a peek into one’s world from the outside. It is also for the development of content.
Everything printed here is in draft form; thus, error is welcomed and to be expected. Everything is constantly evolving, is her mantra. Seeing the work in printed format is the initial step and is quite valuable and therapeutic for developing all forms. Like Everything, Andrea Dialect uses this space as a test lab for test study and a test subject.
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