Enlargeth Gad

Greetings in the Most Precious & Divine Name of our Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ who has in this day revealed Himself to us in the Wonderful Personality of H.I.M. Haile Selassie I.

Greetings through the Orthodox Faith, not a faith of writs or rites, vows, nor laws, but an inward function of the heart, acquired through a Mystical Incorporation, or Unity in One, in plain words to be Born Again.

Greetings through the Twelve Tribes of Israel, which was once lost and scattered abroad, but has now been founded on the island of Jamaica since 1968 by Our Beloved Prophet, Brother Gad, and now functioning internationally!

Greetings also in the Ethiopian Royal House of David now being represented by Our Beloved Crown Prince Zere Yacob Asfa Wossen Haile Selassie I. We pray for the Restoration of the Monarchy! Selassie I!

The words above are the official greetings of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, the Rastafari mansion, or organization, which was founded by Dr. Vernon Carrington Gad, known by his followers as Gadman or Prophet Gad. Today, November 1st , is the Earthstrong of the beloved Gadman. Although he no longer trods the earth in flesh, his works and teachings will endure.

In Rastafari, there is a central unifying concept which mostly revolves around Emperor Haile Selassie I, Marcus Garvey and the idea of African liberation, but the interpretation of these personalities and other tenants within the movement vary from Rasta to Rasta, especially those within one of the major mansions. For instance, the Bobo Shanti Rastas praise Edward Emmanuel along with Haile Selassie I and Marcus Garvey as part of their trinity. Nyahbinghi Rastas may hold one of the bongo elders or ones like Leonard Howell as the next central figure. However, I as a Twelve Tribes Rastafarian see Gadman as the next most influential person in Rastafari.

A reasoning about Prophet Gad has been a long time coming. Although I never actually got the opportunity to meet the man, he has had one of the greatest spiritual influences on me. I came to know of Gad soon after a shift in my life, when soul-searching, prayer, and the love and care of bredrens and sistrens brought me to a new overstanding. By the age of 22, I was seriously starting my trod as a Rastafari. My approach to Rastafari has partly to do with the reason why I crossed paths with the Twelve Tribes of Israel. I was raised as a practicing Catholic, had a good education, and for the most part used my intelligence. I had a keen spiritual sense and strong faith, but also a logical and scholarly way of thinking. That same sense allowed me to closely study the history of Africa, of Ethiopia, and the Bible. As I started my trod, many things in Rastafari harmonized with me, but some did not. Certain things I could not sight because of what I knew historically and biblically, and because of my own identity and ethnicity. Perhaps I was approaching certain Rastafari reasonings from a different angle, perhaps I was not accepting it esoterically or allegorically (I did eventually expand past my “comfort” zones). Either way, I was seeking to continue my trod, but find ones who I could identify with and grow with as I went on my journey. My close bredren spoke of the Twelve Tribes, I heard of the Twelve Tribes in the reggae music I listened to, I came across reasonings in books and online. The spirit of Truth and of acceptance vibed with me and more and more I sought out to find out about this Twelve Tribes of Israel organization within the Rastafari movement. I began to follow many of Gad’s teachings but I soon wanted to formally be a part of it. Eventually I got a telephone number for the closest headquarters... I called, explained I wanted to visit and who I was, and I was warmly encouraged to come. By the time I was 23, I had officially become a member of TTOI, and perhaps worried my family that I was joining an obscure cult, but I eventually had time to explain all of that too, and Dr. Vernon Carrington’s teachings helped. I suppose I stepped right in his footpath.

Vernon Carrington had been a member of the Ethiopian World Federation in Jamaica, when he had a revelation and began to closely read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. He started to identify with one of the Twelve Tribes of Israel spoken about in the Old Testament, the Tribe of Gad. Eventually he saw it as his duty to reunite Israel which was scattered throughout the world and his message brought him many followers in Trench Town, Kingston. He told others to read the Bible cover to cover, just like he did, and seek answers for themselves. Gadman brought something unique to the Rastafari movement in the late 1960’s. Something that earned him the criticism of many others within the Rasta community. His teachings were quite unorthodox compared to the traditional Nyahbinghi roots anchored in the philosophies of the “Holy Piby” and Leonard Howell’s “The Promise Key”. Many Rastas knew and followed Scripture, but mostly Genesis, Revelation and the Psalms. Because the Bible was seen as the tool of the oppressors, much of it was forsaken. Yet Bro. Gad said it was all important to read the entire Bible because the message within remained true.

Gadman began to fill in a gap that had grown between Rastafari and Christianity, and in actuality also the very words and identity of H.I.M. Haile Selassie I. He encouraged literacy and education, having followers read the Bible a chapter a day along with the speeches of Haile Selassie I and Marcus Garvey. He also asked followers to get a Metaphysical Bible Dictionary and to read the daily newspaper. Many Rastas did not (and still do not) read the utterances of Selassie or Garvey for themselves. Many were not literate in the Bible outside of certain passages. Things are mostly communicated orally and musically in Rastafari, but Gad was saying for people to check things for themselves and seek Truth by using their own intelligence and not the words of others... even those of himself. So with a firm foundation of to build on, Prophet Gad continued to reveal more teachings. Brother Gad taught that by reading the entire Bible, one would find the relevance of both the Old and New Testaments and recognize that Jesus Christ was the savior, and also that the Spirit of Christ could be found in the personality of H.I.M. Haile Selassie I. One would be able to overstand this concept through the eternal promises to David, the Davidic Covenant which so many Christians neglect to this day. He taught that anyone could identify with the Twelve Tribes of Israel according to their month of birth. Each tribe represented a part of the body of Christ and had its own faculties and tendencies along with their own designated color.

If being saved by Jesus Christ’s name was not enough of a shock to the Rasta community, the revelations would continue to cause a disturbance. He said “whosever will may come”, and rather than deal with race, he spoke of humanity as the decedents of Noah’s three sons: Ham, Shem and Japheth. Therefore all were welcome and all were bredren, there was no racial discrimination. Gad reminded Rastafari people that women stood next to man as equals and were represented in the organization. Although there was a lot of talk about Mama Africa and Queen Omega, women had a history of being considered, or at least treated, as second-class in the traditional patriarchy of Rastafari. In Twelve Tribes, women had important roles and positions. Gad taught that faith was not of writs or rites, and therefore there was no doctrine of race, sex, food, hair, smoking or holidays... rather ones were saved by grace and adherence to certain practices was optional. Gad encouraged ones to act as princes and princess and to carry themselves as royalty. He taught that marriage was good and important for raising families, and that proper burials were not a problem because man was flesh. These are things that some traditional Rastas have avoided. Gad taught ones to spread the message of unity through music and TTOI began to host stage shows and dances, and record reggae artists. In fact some of the biggest reggae superstars were Twelve Tribes members: Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, Freddie McGregor, Judy Mowatt, Sister Carol, Junior Byles, Brigadier Jerry, Israel Vibration, Denroy Morgan and Morgan Heritage... and many others. The message still continues in the words of other artists, for instance Luciano and Messenjah Selah, who as far as I know may not officially be Twelve Tribes members but adhere to many of the concepts.

Prophet Gad stressed the importance of organization. He began formal membership, had a system of succession, and centralized headquarters in Jamaica and then wherever the mansion was established. Dr. Vernon Carrington’s message spread internationally to twenty houses in eighteen countries all over the world: Jamaica, Ethiopia, Ghana, Grenada, Australia, New Zealand, England (Manchester & London), Barbados, Sweden, Suriname, Cayman, USA (New York & California), St. Vincent, Trinidad and Tobago, Canada, Kenya, Germany and Guyana. Members would have one voice with uniform greetings and banners (red, gold and green hats). Gadman also spoke of being diplomatic and cooperate with authority (within reason of course). Headquarters display the flags of Ethiopia and the local country, a photo of the local head of state is within the HQ (in America that included Bush). The concept is in line with the Bible in accordance to the words of Yeshua (Jesus) who said to give unto Caesar what is Caesar’s. Therefore Twelve Tribes in non-political and peaceful and does not set out to stirrup conflict.

Brother Gad stressed the importance of repatriation back to Ethiopia. While this is a central tenant of Rastafari, Gad and the Twelve Tribes fulfilled this by sending members to live in Shashamane Land and recommended that all of the different mansions and individuals with Rastafari join together there under the Jamaican Rastafarian Development Community. Finally, Gadman showed ones that Selassie’s divinity and anointment are significant because he has prepared David’s throne for Christ’s coming, and called us to rally around Jehovah Throne. He taught ones to recognize that H.I.M. Haile Selassie I designated his son and grandson, Zere Yacob, to succeed the throne and that the Davidic/Solomonic Monarchy of Ethiopia continues beyond Selassie I until Shiloh, the return of Christ comes, because Israel shall never be short of a king or a prophet. The Twelve Tribes has organized benefits for the exiled family where they have attended. So Gadman has united the Twelve Tribes of Israel with the King, both physically and metaphysically.

All of these visions and teachings of Dr. Vernon Carrington, The Prophet Gad, helped bring Rastafari beliefs in order with what is revealed in the Bible and what has been spoken by H.I.M. Haile Selassie I, as well as Marcus Garvey. All of Gadman’s teachings have Biblical compliments... the holy foundation that even His Majesty claimed to glorify and said that all “all the ancient Scriptures were written for Our instruction...”. Gad’s teachings have received criticism and ridicule from other Rastas not willing to accept such things as the fullness of the Bible, or the idea of being saved by grace through Christ, or the inclusion of different nationalities in the unification of Israel. Some have even ridiculed members for being more educated and economically stable, which seems more like resentment. Nevertheless, how can Rastafari people argue with His Majesty? Ultimately Gad’s works reveal the reason why H.I.M. Haile Selassie I is the King of Kings. Twelve Tribes eventually became the largest and most organized of all the Rastafari mansions. The people influenced by Gadman’s revelations are twice as much, even if they don’t realize they are receiving lessons through some of the songs of Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, or Morgan Heritage.

I give thanks to Bro. Gad for what he has shown JAH people. I remember following his advice and when I started reading the Bible a chapter a day even before I joined Twelve Tribes. It took me three and a half years and I gained so much wisdom and knowledge. Although I haven’t read it through again consecutively, I keep the Bible handy at all times. In addition I read the Kebra Nagast and other books taken out of the Bible, like the Book of Enoch. I continued to read the Utterances of His Majesty and the Philosophy and Opinions of Marcus Garvey. The greatest thing was that I was not commanded to do a thing, or forced to believe anything. I was only encouraged by Brother Gad and the executive body at TTOI HQ in NY to read the Bible a chapter a day to find the truth for myself. This is the same way Gadman taught his followers, and the same way they are still taught... to cross the bridges in our gaps of understanding and come closer to JAH and the teachings of His Majesty while operating with love and unity. While I am a Twelve Tribes of Israel member, I have also sighted up things outside of the main tenants of the organization... as I am sometimes carried along by the natural mystic of Rastafari, and the Nyahbinghi teachings that go beyond Scripture. However, thanks to Bro. Gad, I always have the firm foundation of Orthodox Faith to stand on, and ultimately the Truth reveals itself in JAH Word.

Our beloved Prophet Gad passed on in 2005. I remember calling the Twelve Tribes HQ in NY to double check if the news was true. I attended a memorial for him at NYC and was wishing I could have gone to Kingston for the gathering of Israel at his funeral. Years later I did reach, and I met Sister Vie (Sister Dinah), Gadman’s wife. It was an honor to meet her and shake her hand at the Twelve Tribes organ in Kingston. I could only express how thankful I was for Bro. Gad’s teachings and how they changed my life and overstanding of my faith. He stopped his breath to save the people... surely there was a prophet amongst us. So, Israel continues to enlargeth Gad!

"And of Gad he said, Blessed be he that enlargeth Gad: he dwelleth as a lion, and teareth the arm with the crown of the head." - Deuteronomy 33:20

Long Live The Prophet Gad! Read your Bible a Chapter a Day!

Are You Picking Up?,
JAHsh
Joshua Curzan Simeon

Where Are You Going?

I'm sure most of you have heard of the common phrase, "you need to understand where he is coming from", or something to that effect. However I say, it is not where you are coming from but where you are going. Forward ever, backwards never! Are you trodding toward Mount Zion, or staying miserable in Babylon? Lot's wife turned to a pillar of salt because she was looking back at Sodom and Gomorrah even though JAH said to keep it moving. The past can become a heavy burden, and also an excuse for certain behaviors. This is especially prevalent in the case of individuals. When ones live in the past they begin to adopt a false sense of reality, and refuse to make any advancement. The past could have been traumatic, or it could even have been glorious... either way it is looking back. Yes, there are stages of movements forward, one cannot be pushed or forced into it, the revelation of Truth is a natural mystic. So some people progress at different rates, every fruit in its due season. The true problem is when one recognizes where they should be going and what it takes to be progressive-minded but instead chooses to foolishly believe that they are unnacountable for themselves or they go and stagnate in self-pity. These attitudes never get people anywhere.

Even those who study the situation and explain and complain never really promote action and instead they become cynical and fill their heads with negative thoughts. What does this do besides possess an otherwise productive mind. One step forward, two steps backward. It is a trick of the devilman I say! Trickery comes in disguise as usual... dependant on human emotions, on angers, on pains, and devoid of any common sense or betterment. You may be able to fool some people, but you cannot fool JAH. Wicked man go tell JAH that you had to keep selling drugs to the youth, keep pimping the women on the street, and keep shooting the next man because that is what you knew from growing up. Do you think that bag of excuse can go pass? JAH seh no. It may give you street cred, but no credit with the Most High. Each man can think for himself, each man is capable of rising above, and given the chance to rise above... like it or not, there is no hiding place.

This is not to say that the past is not important, especially when it comes to collective identity, for who can ever forget the words of the Honorable Marcus Garvey, "A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots." Roots and Culture is what I&I Rastafari people deal with. Why? Because it reminds us of who we are, who we are supposed to be... and also who we are not supposed to be. Rastafari history, African history, Israelite history... histories of righteousness, histories of injustice... these are vital to the Rastaman. I am a history teacher and student, I am fully aware of its importance and the fact that without guidance, history does repeat itself. However there is an important system of checks and balances. Everyman must know their past... but nobody ever said anything about living in it. The past serves the future. Take the wicked man example. How much more rich is his future after putting aside the badman mentality? He can look back and see how far him trod, look at it as a reminder, rather than glorifying it. Also the past should be remembered and never forgotten in order to keep moving forward and avoid repeating the same cyclical sins of racism, sexism, and warfare.

His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I was progressive-minded, and is an excellent example of the balance of moving forward while honoring the past. He made efforts to modernize his country of Ethiopia, advance the African people, and also fought for the cooperation of all nations in the world. Despite any contradictive mythologies or stories, Selassie I eventually forgave the Italians for their invasion of Ethiopia, making efforts toward peace with the post-war Italian government and holding council with the Vatican... although he never forgot the horrific injustices done to his people and let it serve as a reminder to the whole world. H.I.M. did not spend his precious time in bitterness or live his life in past wrongs or injustices... even though His Majesty had every right to do so. He did not promote hate or negative attitudes. In his divine judgment he set an example for JAH people. Selassie I know! While being progressive, at the same time H.I.M. was also a traditionalist and was a strong advocate of his heritage as the descendant of Solomon and Sheba, steward of the Throne of David and Earth's rightful ruler. Biblical and Ethiopian history was the foundation to his reign and no modernization could ever change the ancient Truth of history or make H.I.M. bow before any world power, science or philosophy of man.

In the end, I&I must remember that life is not an emphasis on the future either. The future can hold its share of false hopes too. How many times have people been promised something in order to placate the masses? How many times have people been told that there is a diamond in the sky and to wait for heaven's sake? More commonly, how many times do we withhold good things and put them aside for later, things like love, forgiveness, and productiveness. There is nothing wrong with looking forward to promises of the future, it gives us a sense of direction, but standing there gazing at it on a map gets us nowhere. Forget about changing the past and stop worrying about the future... deal with the present moment, deal with now. What are you doing for yourself now? What is he or she doing for theirself now? What is being done now to rectify the wrongs of the past and prepare for a better future? Bredrens and sistrens remember these two things... the time is now, and the movement is forward. Rastafari!

Guidance and Blessed Love Everytime,
JAHsh

Rasta IdentiFakeation

Greetings to one and all. After witnessing certain things lately, I wanted to bring forth a reasoning on the matter of Rasta identification.

If ones claim say they are a Rastafarian, or a Christian, or a Muslim... they had better be serious, because it is a dangerous thing to mix vanity with livity or devotion. Outward appearances and symbols are always noticed first by people, but these looks can be extremely deceiving. As the Scriptures say, "render your hearts and not your garments." Plenty of people are not Rasta but imposter, or rastatutes polluting the teachings of His Majesty. When trodding Rastafari, heart and hands should be clean in JAH sight. How is it that one can give praises to JAH and in the next moment come with some slackness, profanity, indecency and hatred? What is this teaching the youths? It only creates a whole set of mixup. The Bible says that fresh water and salt water cannot come from the same spring, so as Rastafari how is it that ones are behaving in ways contradictive to what they are supposedly following? As a Rasta, one should always try their best to live humble. It is a spiritual trod above all else.

Cultural symbols can be misused, robbed, and commercialized. Images with meaning and purpose often become no more than a fashion statement. Some men and women pose as Rasta for ulterior motives, enticing the flesh and leading people astray. A Rastaman or Rastawoman shall be known by their heartical vibes and their deeds. Nuff dreads out there are robbing and killing in the streets, nuff people wearing the ites, gold and green, but not knowing what it means. Nuff artists in the music business sending mixed messages. Pure ignorance. However, this phenomenon is nothing new, it has existed since ancientcy. What better way to set a trap for JAH children than to come as a wolf in sheeps clothing? The devil comes in disguise, but he is revealed to the wise. The wiseman also sees what the masses usually overlook, true righteousness and simplicity in the soul of a man. A man like the Savior, a man like the Emperor, a man like the Prophet. The martyrs, teachers, and freedom fighters are often misunderstood by their own kinsmen and even their own followers. The people dem see and blind!

Besides the more obvious deceivers, those ones with the wicked intentions, the carnal minded and the hypocrites, people should also be wary of those who out of ignorance claim Rastafari, those who think it is all about smoking the ganja herb, listening to some Bob Marley songs, having a good time and shouting empty expressions of one love. Rastafari is a serious thing and it should be taken seriously. It is a faith and a lifestyle that should be respected. Although Rastafari is about love, peace, and unity, it is likewise founded in equal rights and justice, liberation, black upliftment, and African conciousness. It is about loving His Imperial Majesty, Haile Selassie I. And it is about fighting a spiritual war, there can be no peace without justice, a Rastafari is revolutionary not a sedated conformist. Without these components, there is no true identification with Rastafari taking place. People cannot just rewrite what defines Rasta in order to suit themselves. While certain people may be sympathetic to the Rasta way of life, they never bother to find some understanding or educate and check themselves, and they do a disservice to Rastafari by presenting a watered-down, diluted version.

What is strange to me is why somebody would half-heartedly livicate themself to Rastafari. Most people come to Rastafari through revelation, through a natural mystic. It is way of life, not a national religion with ones indoctrinated in it since birth. Even if youths grow up knowing Rasta life from their parents or family, it is ultimately something they must personally seek and know for themselves. A way of life... if you do not live that way, then how you fe say Rastafari is your way of life? Of course, like any movement on earth there is disagreement as to who is Rasta and who is not. Dreadlocks or baldhead? Vegetarian or some meat? Black or brown and white too? These things are a personal matter really... between someone and JAH or someone and the next man. People will not always agree. Sometimes people avoid conflict and keep to themselves, but other times petty war and divisions come about. Yet some things are spiritual matters and can't be argued, indisputable universal messages like the Ten Commandments. No matter religion or creed, nobody has ever been able to argue with these laws written on the heart. And according to Yeshua Christ the two greatest commandments are to love JAH with all of your heart, mind and soul, and to love your neighbor... neighbor being any man or woman you may come across during the day. So why are there some Rasta imposters coming as dreadlocks and garbed in the liberation colors but breaking 9 out of 10 commandments and sitting on Babylon throne?

I am aware that because I do not look like a stereotypical Rasta bredren and because certain things of the culture were foreign to me during my upbringing, that certain ones could perceive me as a "false Rasta" or unauthentic as well. Perhaps some may even question my addressing this very issue. Some ones may ask I-man, "what makes you think you're a Rasta?", and similar things. But I say, "just ask my Father". I have nothing to fall back on, no images or symbols other than what I can wear, so if I am dealing with Rastafari, I am dealing with it straight from the heart. Yes bredrens and sistrens, live clean and let your works be seen. Stand firm and JAH will let you wear His crown, for no weakheart can enter Mount Zion. Selassie I!

JAHsh

Chapter A Day

Today is a day of extreme significance for me. I haven't had the chance to think over things and articulate its importance properly; nevertheless, it is something I needed to write about while it is still relevant. It is the end of a long journey of awareness and discovery for me, and yet it is also the beginning. Sometime around January 28, 2003 I began a vow to read a chapter of the Bible a day, from Genesis 1 to Revelation 22, the latter of which I read today on May 1, 2005. For anyone who is wondering, reading the Bible in this manner takes exactly 3 years and 94 days. There are quicker ways of accomplishing this, there is a system to read the Bible in one year, or in three years exactly by combining smaller chapters together. However, back in the beginning of 2003 I decided to stick to the plan of reading and meditating on just one chapter a day. I owe this idea to a Rastafari leader named Dr. Vernon Carrington, "Prophet Gad", or as we Twelve Tribes of Israel fondly call him, "Gadman".

About 5 years ago I began to seriously sight up Rastafari, living a certain way of life, following certain teachings and applying them to my own personal trod. Years before that, I had been aware of some things, but not until I was exposed to the "livity" on a day-to-day basis did I truly understand it. Rastafari revealed itself by the hand of Almighty JAH through friends and those around me. Yes, Jerusalem schoolroom. It was the most pure and unadulterated thing I had ever witnessed, and that is how I approached Rastafari, not a political thing, a nationalist thing, not a joke thing... just love, understanding, equality, justice, and righteousness. Soon after gaining a foothold, I was tested in the fire of tribulation, a personal battle that eventually refined me and made me stronger than I had ever been before. To make a long story short, that trial brought me closer to JAH and I pursued Rastafari even more, trying to find those with a common vigor, and more people I could learn from. Although my bredrens were not part of any particular organization within Rastafari, many of the teachings and reasonings they shared with me were similar to what I found when I came across the Twelve Tribes of Israel, an organization or "mansion" within the Rastafari movement. It is not necessary to go into detail about them here in this entry, but many things made sense. My bredrens had shown me how all mankind was manifested in the Twelve Tribes, when I learned that this idea along with others I held were sighted up by the organization, I went to a meeting to see for I-self. Later I became a member of the Twelve Tribes, but that too is another story. One of the teachings espoused by Twelve Tribes was Gadman's calling to "read one chapter of the Bible a day, from Genesis 1 to Revelation 22", with a "clear conscience" in order to find the truth for oneself.

In Rastafari I found certain sets of people saying different things, yet all identifying themselves as Rasta. I also read the words of His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I, and found some contradictions amongst those following H.I.M., so by this time I was trying to find the deeper substance of things, the voice of JAH and not the voice or traditions of man. All Rastas sight up the Bible in some portion, most pick and choose... but Gadman said to read the whole Bible, and even more so, King Selassie I said that all of the Scriptures were written for our instruction. I had decided to take up Gadman on his instruction, and I am very thankful for it. It was not about somebody telling me what to believe, nor any particular group. Not my Catholic upbringing, not any church, politician, ideology, not any Rasta group, whether Nyabinghi, Bobo Shanti... not even Twelve Tribes. It was about finding the Truth for oneself. Spirituality and recognition of the Bible and certain biblical truths are what seemed to put everything together for me... a natural mystic outside the bounds of any rite or ritual, and a learning spirit free of a hardened heart. Such a foundation is a blessing, because as H.I.M. Emperor Selassie I said, "Spirituality is not theology or ideology. It is simply a way of life, pure and original as was given by the Most High." Reading the Scriptures gave me that realization and it really didn't matter to me what the next man say.

Within those 3 and a quarter years of reading I have grown tremendously. I have gained so much wisdom and have made my own mind based upon what I have learned and meditated on. Rastafari liberated me, but not without the daily meditations on the Scriptures to help give me some guidance. When I needed in answer to something in my life I could find it through prayer, meditation and studying the words of the prophets. These 3 years have also presented many other changes... escalated wars in the world, injuries and physical changes I've had, relationships, deaths, births, etc., even Gadman passed in 2005. The journey is never done though, and it goes beyond the mere pages of a God inspired book... it is Life it is Creation, the Truth is revealing. The trod never ends cause I&I never stop growing, always seeking JAH in all things! Tomorrow I start reading again... Genesis 1, another walk with King Alpha and Queen Omega.

Bless Up,
JAHsh

Organize & Centralize

When ones hear "organize and centralize" in regards to Rastafari we think of I-nity in the movement, coming together as a people, collectively making things happen as one body in Yeshua, JAH Rastafari. However this same idea must be applied to the individual. It is the set of individuals which make up the greater body, the same way the ear must hear and the eye must see, I&I must also satisfy our functions for the benefit of all. The need for me to "organize and centralize" is quite obvious to me, my room is strewn with paperwork and books piled up and cluttered from endless days of work and studies. Within these next couple days though I will have it clean and sorted out, but more importantly it is symbolic of my need to remove the clutter from my spiritual trod. I have realized that although I always have JAH on my mind and try to walk in the livity, I have become dull... worn out as it were. The sands of time sometimes cause a sharp sword to become blunt and tarnished. So the time has come when I&I must sharpen I-self against a "whetstone" and polish I-self again to reflect the light of the Most High. This is something that we all must do from time to time, for JAH works is never just one time and the work done, no... it is a continuous process that I&I must go through.

School and work has kept me busy in these times and I have neglected my vow to read from the Bible a chapter a day. This has happened on occasion and I always catch up on a particular day and read all of the chapters that I missed. However, this past year it has happened too often and it bothers me especially because I will soon be done with my first cycle of reading the Bible one chapter a day from Genesis to Revelations (I have 28 more days left now, and it has been 3 years and 66 days). I feel it is important that I end my first journey with JAH on a high note, with a focused mind and thanksgiving... because it has given I-man so much wisdom in these 3 years and more, I have really grown so much. So, tonight I am "dusting off" my Scrips, catching up on my readings and shall meditate on the teachings I receive. More prayer, more life.

Another aspect that I have not maintained well enough this year is my fellowship with the Twelve Tribes of Israel, a Rastafari organization of which I am a member. Until I attended a meeting last night, it was a year ago that I had last gone, partly because of distance and also the inconvenience of time since I have been busy with my studies. However, when I visited the headquarters on Sunday and saw some of the bredrens and sistrens I have not seen in awhile, I felt more strength and conviction come to me again. As the elders spoke to the masses late into the night, I felt motivated, I felt inna-spuration inside of me, calling I to do certain things that for a long time I have hoped to accomplish, things that others have done before me. Simply to be around good vibes and people who sight up Rastafari with love is reinvigorating for me. The trod can be lonely at times, especially since I do not have ones close by that I can reason with, but I have to give thanks for being a part of something and having access to certain opportunities. I opened some doors this last meeting, and made some connections which I hope will help me with the things I wish to accomplish. I also plan on being present at the Twelve Tribes HQ whenever possible.

In the end it is all about responsibility and doing what is necessary. JAH provides us with the tools and the means to do the work, it is we who must swing the hammer and wield the sword of the Spirit. I really hope that I maintain my renewed focus, the time will get rough again as my rigorous schedule will manifest once more, but livication can conquer all of that, I am certain. I&I must always make time for JAH. I&I can accomplish what we will as Marcus Garvey said. Recently I have been focused physically by regularly going to the gym and watching my nutrition. I have not failed in these things... so with that same determination I must offer I-self to the Most High and exercise my Spirit so that I can be in shape for the spiritual battle that surrounds us in these times. Endurance. Organize and centralize yourself. Love JAH.

JAHsh