Many in our country are reveling in the fact that a woman with a real shot at winning has made it on a presidential ticket. Finally, some feel, the glass ceiling is being shattered. While we watch a woman climbing to the very top in America, the women in many parts of Africa are merely hoping for a chance to make a 
simple living at the very bottom. Broken by war and despair, they have almost given up hope of being able to care for their families. That is where Amani Ya Juu comes in. This organization, based in Nairobi, Kenya, offers women the opportunity to learn the marketable skill of sewing, teaches business principles, and provides a loving and nurturing place of healing for women from a variety of troubled backgrounds. They are a fair trade organization, striving to promote peace through faith in the God whose peace transcends all racial and ethnic strife. No money from their sales goes to administration, but it all goes back to helping the women start their new lives. Each of these ladies has an incredible story to share, and we have the opportunity to be blessed by hearing some of them. In October, the cities of Orlando, FL, Charlotte, NC, and Washington, DC will host their first ever American tour.
“Sankofa: Look Back, Walk Forward†is a
high-end fashion narrative produced by the women of Amani ya Juu.
Through brilliant costumes, choreography, lighting and music women from seven countries – Burundi, Congo, Eritrea, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan and Uganda – use the fashion runway as their stage to depict courageous journeys from war-torn homes to their new life of wholeness and reconciliation at Amani ya Juu.
This is sure to be a one of a kind, inspiring event. If you are fortunate enough to live near one of these cities, I hope you will be able to attend. If you live too far, please visit the Amani Ya Juu website to read some of their stories and see their wonderful creations. And remember today, whatever your problems may be, how truly blessed you are.
You Are so Blessed
If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the million who won’t survive the week.
If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture or the pangs of starvation, you are ahead of 20 million people around the world.
If you attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death, you are more blessed than almost three billion people in the world.
If you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of this world.
If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace, you are among the top 8% of the world’s wealthy.
If your parents are still married and alive, you are very rare, especially in the United States.
If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful, you are blessed because the majority can — but most do not.
If you can hold someone’s hand, hug them or even touch them on the shoulder, you are blessed — because you can offer God’s healing touch.
If you can read this message, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world that cannot read anything at all.
You are so blessed in ways you may never even know.