Deeper Into Her Bosom: How A Ghanian Woman Shared Joy
GHANA
Faith is palpable in Ghana. The country comprises of 70/20 Christians/Muslim and others, who live, work and plate setting further magnified the pastor and occasionally offered closed captioning for where we needed to rise and recite together.
Intermittently, zeal bubbled over and the sermon soared and roared in higher decibels. Retelling the famous footprint story (where we are carried through the tough times), the pastor oscillated between English and local languages, reminding the congregation that with the ‘prince of peace’ at their sides, worry ought to be abandoned.
Soon to deliver something similar that night within my community, I watched him in curiosity. What draws us into the Teachings, how are we inspired in the moment to then translate pearls into action and what are the ingredients that offer a soulful experience, allowing the seeker to leave feeling full and grateful?
Before I could solve these mysteries, she pushed me into her breast. My chin struck the beads and bodice of this voluptuous woman’s dress. With the sidewise hug, she jolted me further into her chest and though I still couldn’t see her face, I could literally feel joy overflow from her cup into mine.
Recognizing I wasn’t a regular, she smiled her question to me, “are you having fun at the festivities?” and then draped over me more, moving on to greet the others on our pew. The question was obviously rhetorical.
Bringing them also into her embrace, she squished me deeper into her bosom until we all bopped and beeped to the live band that was playing. Most the congregation was now standing, clapping and dancing, their enthusiasm fueling others and refueling their own.
What a fun and free way to be in glee, celebrating the Creator’s company! Ebb and flow, valley and peak, atrocity and celebratory, faith seemed to imprint its footprint here, serving as a source of strength and sustenance for Ghanians past and present.
May our joy weave into each other’s,