Identity (a poem)

carried on a whisper's breath
a simple word
with a complicated meaning
layer under layer
each uniquely different, yet the same

said one way it means nothing
said another, and it is the world

it summons you
surrounds you
fills you with life
it is who you are
what you are

it is yourself
your name

do you respond with pride?
do you respond with awe?
with shame or even fear?
do you even respond at all?

your name

what you are known for
how you will be remembered
when someone speaks your name

to hear your name on someone's lips
to feel it carried by their voice
the truth of who you are
what you could be

it does not matter what you call yourself
remove the labels and the tags

the only name that carries weight
is what God breathed in your name
at the dawn of all things

take on the mantle of His design
in the lee of His whisper
embrace your name
become what you were born to be

-Jesse Arnold (03.28.11)

Days Gone By (a poem)

the pensive drops of Nostalgia’s gentle touch

slide across her sun warmed skin

the flush embrace of a love once clutched to her breast

lingers with the orange-purple clouds

painted by the swift departing day

the steel blue waves break at her feet

ushering in the cool steady breeze of Atlantic twilight

her hands glide up and down her arms

as the chill begins to take hold

her fingers brush the soft edge of her linen sleeve

the fabric a whispering catalyst of days gone by

a hint of childhood laughter dances on the edge of memory

beckoning her to sun soaked fields

where make believe was tangible and ellusive

the reality of imagination

more supple and pure than the freshest strawberries

golden tinged emerald fields spanning the horizon under cotton flecked skies

the suggestion of a moon, one night past new

its’ pale silver thread offers scant warmth

but it ushers memories that warm her heart

over hill and under tree

her nose enticed with lilac and honeysuckle

the stars descend into the yard upon the back of fireflies

her heart, a train within her chest

a soft sigh slips across her lips

drowned out beneath the drumming tide

anticipation stirs with in her eyes

the gloss of tears is burned away

Longing and Yesterday dance across her memory

Tomorrow a promise that cannot be made

but Hope and Love take root again

for the joy of memories yet to be stirs a song within her heart

her voice shines out into the night

a flame of hope fed by days gone by

Jesse Arnold - 06.17.11

BGC - South Africa

Hi there.

Wanted to take a few minutes to write about something very close to my heart.

Africa.

Specifically South Africa and a little place called Botshabelo. It is a home, an orphanage, a place where people reach out and help each other. Founded by Con and Marion Cloete in 1990, it is now home to about 1,500 people.

"Botshabelo and the Cloete's are dedicated to improving the lives of the economically challenged, especially children who have been orphaned by or exposed to HIV/AIDS. Using the traditional African village (and its inherent ubuntu values of cooperation and joint responsibility) as a model, the community works together to break the cycle of poverty and bring hope, safety, education and sustainable growth to all residents. Botshabelo has worked to become a self-sustaining community and, more importantly, a place of safety and family to South Africa's AIDS orphans and economic orphans." (from BGC's website)

But they need help. If you are willing, they need your help.

Some can go and help. Others can give to help. Please visit http://www.buildingaglobalcommunity.org/ it is an organization dedicated to helping Botshabelo and other places like it. I've personally gone to this village and have seen first hand the growing hope and the seemingly endless need.

I know there are lots of organizations and causes out there to give your time, money and talents to. This is one I have chosen. Africa has been in my heart since the mid '90s when I saw the movie "The Power of One." It transformed my outlook on life. Last year, I finally read the semi-autobiographical book that the movie was inspired by. A few weeks later I myself was in South Africa for the first time.

It was a trip I will never forget. Not long after returning home I was asked to join the board of Building a Global Community. I happily accepted.

If you visit BGC's site, please consider donating. There are several projects they are a part of. If you want funds to go specifically to Botshabelo, indicate that on your check or via PayPal. I can assure you that the money goes right to help the lives of those in need.

If you are of the documentary viewing sort, check out "Angels in the Dust." It's all about the Cloete's and a few of the children living in Botshabelo. [link]

Thanks,
-Jersey