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Stirrings of Poverty – Gordon Parks
The cycle of life has many faces, but none is as striking as the faces of poverty. I stumbled upon Gordon Parks’ brilliant photographic work in Life-Time(1). Gordon Parks was an ordinary African-American who did extraordinary things the moment he purchased his first camera(2) for $12.50. The only way to describe the sights and silent cries emitting from these magnificent scenes Parks created in “A Beaten Family in Rio Slum – Freedom’s Fearful Foe: Poverty,” is hurt. Immediately, I began to write.
For some reason, poverty was Black America for me. The shocking revelation boldly manifested itself as I flipped from one photograph to another, expecting, but not finding one picture of a poor African-American family. From my perspective, I never envisioned a mother of another color with a calico rag wrapped around her head, her eyes dark, her nails filthy, cooking a watery soup over an open fire for eight babies. I sometimes saw a heavyset mother stooped over a porch washing clothes, wringing them by hand, flapping the garments in the wind before hanging them on a clothesline to dry, always African-American.
I had to take another look at Parks’ work, read snippets of the article again, before I realized the scene was Rio de Janeiro. When I think of Rio, I think of a well-deserved vacation on warm beaches. I never ever think of poverty.
Gordon Parks’ enchanting work dispels your need for a vacation and rips at your prejudices by pulling you into each scene, making you feel emotions buried deep within. The cold, gritty, dark rooms emit loneliness you can’t escape. Soles of dirty feet hang limp off edges of worn mattresses. A young boy diligently straightens his bed of straw, a bed that takes up his entire room. There’s no chifferobe to hang his clothes, because there are no extra garments to hang. He has no shoes. As I study this photograph, I wonder where he’s going after he makes his bed. Is there a school nearby? Is he a beggar on the streets of Rio de Janeiro? Is he working in his father’s stead?
In another photograph, at the top of a lone hill, enshrined in clouds, is the Christ the Redeemer Statue. Rooftops serve as stairs leading to the foot of the statue where hope seems remote and dark.
Gordon Parks stirs me beyond comfort when he exposes the dying. They seem to die without hope, hoping to just get on with dying. Do they wonder why death is taking so long? Their faces are resigned to it. But the children around them don’t understand it.
Babes eating from the hands of babes tug at your heart strings. Ribs scaling the abdomens of young children no doubt is the effects of hunger. They eat porridge. There’s no meat. No meal supplements. Babies have no warm milk.
It’s a normal day occurrence for a child to retrieve his water from a foothill, tote it upward, and pour it into a pot in preparation of their next meal. There’s no running water. No refrigeration. No electricity. And no guarantee the water retrieved is free of disease.
Throughout each and every photograph, there is always someone taking care of someone else. No one seems alone, not even the dying. A mother carries three gallons of water on her head, her two little ones in tow. Six or seven children are all in one bed. A boy fetches water for his family. Another feeds his baby sister.
Theses faces of poverty remind us of what we left behind–Family. Though we hate to admit it, we don’t want to relive the effects poverty had on our lives. For all that poverty does to the soul, it consistently melds the human spirit of many into one.
We have forgotten how single mothers worked at laundromats on hard concrete floors to bring home $1.50/hour for a nine-hour day during the 1950s and 60s. Or how momma scrubbed hotel floors and toilets, then go home and give their children a slice of crusted bread plastered with sugar, mayonnaise, butter, or Cane syrup for their evening meal. Rent was due. Though hungry, family hunkered down and got through it.
Maybe we forgot how daddy worked in refineries, did most of the back-breaking work and never got the promotion and pay raise he deserved. You remember how daddy whispered to your mother during the night, telling her how Mr. Henry took credit for his new idea, then getting the recognition and promotion your daddy longed for. As a child, you remember how your daddy sat at the dinner table, his black eyes staring at nothing in particular. You’d talk to him, but later he’d pat you on the head and say “that’s good, son,” but you knew he hadn’t heard a word you said. Now that you’re grown, you know daddy was lost somewhere between feeding and educating you. Taking care of his family never left his mind.
Across America, there is a face of poverty that is going unattended. Most of us have what we need: clothes, food, central heat and air. Yet, young mass murderers are killing because they’re fighting loneliness every day of their lives. Ostracized by others, they are left to feel worthless and unloved. In high schools, somewhere out there, girls are cat-fighting for popularity status by way of character assassination of individuals who can’t fight for themselves. Fathers have run away from home. Mothers are struggling to find a good father, and if they aren’t careful, they end up with someone else’s runaway daddy.
We seem hungry for something we can’t touch, something fulfilling and long-lasting. We’re bumping into walls, flailing our hands in an effort to find that one thing to ease life’s aches and pains.
Gordon Parks’ depiction of poverty leaves no doubt what those faces are looking for. They want hope. These faces of poverty want to grab ahold of a firm line that has a hot, home-cooked meal attached to it. They want a cool, clean cup of water and to sleep by a warm fire. They want the sun to shine through the dark crevices of their lives. They need someone to give them a tight embrace, a warm smile.
With all our technical gadgets, warm homes, full bellies, is it possible we want the very things we’ve left behind? Family. Scoldings from a good and decent father. Daddy helping you fix another old clunker. Smells of mother’s home-cooked meals flowing through the house. Family. To sit together on a front porch in an old rocking chair or porch swing and enjoy the evening sun. Stroll hand-in-hand along the edge of a beach. To laugh at a terrible joke. To sip coffee or tea, in no hurry to go nowhere. Maybe it’s as simple as sitting together at the dinner table with your family–your husband at the head of the table, you at the other end, children squabbling over nothing, everyone happy, smiling, sharing.
Rich or poor, ooh, how we all long to experience family again.
[1] Life: A Beaten Family in Rio Slum – Freedom’s Fearful Foe: Poverty, Photographed for Life by Gordon Parks
http://life.time.com/history/gordon-parks-classic-photo-essay-flavio/#end
[2] Wikipedia – Voigtländer Brillant – definition of camera used by Gordon Parks
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voigtl%C3%A4nder_Brillant
Editing Services – Alex McGilvery
With millions of new indie writers coming to the forefront, it’s not often they go through that last processing stage. As readers, you know how important it is to read what you wrote and write what you mean. We become so complacent at times that we don’t proof our e-mail messages before we send them out, leaving many recipients scrambling for a clearer understanding. Another thing that keeps writers from going that extra mile is money. Hiring an editor is too expensive. But after you hit the publish button and you’ve read your masterpiece for what you hope is the last time before you move on to your next novel, you cringe and wish you had paid those extra dollars to have your story edited.
Alex McGilvery can help you represent yourself well through the written word. McGilvery has been an editor and writer for over a decade. He’s reasonable. That’s putting it mildly. I can’t say that I know of any other editor who charges $300 for 100K words. Do you? He’s offered to look at the first 5,000 words of your story and edit them for free with no obligation. Now, you have to admit, that’s worth a try. Below is Alex’s contact information.
If you use Alex and he works out for you, please send me word.
Alex McGilvery
Editor
I’ve been a reader, writer, and reviewer for decades and now I’m editing books. I work to make the writer’s voice shine through their story. I’ve never read a story I couldn’t edit.
If you’re not sure, send me the first 5,000 words of your book and I will edit them for free. No obligation.
Only if you like what you see, do you need to pay the fee and send me the rest of the novel.
I enjoy mentoring writers as much as writing myself. For content and structural editing, I charge $300 for 100k words in order to keep my work accessible to writers at all stages of their careers.
My website is: http://www.celticfrogediting.com
For reviews: http://www.celticfrogreviews.com
Donna B. Comeaux
Freelance Writer, Novelist, Poet
Read her new book, “Selfish Ambition” for FREE on http://www.Smashwords.com
An Unlikely Choice
I have read Saul’s conversion in Acts 9 many times. However, I’ve never encountered anything close to his spiritual transformation until I came across this video. It’s a full 15 minutes. Please, take the time to watch this in full. My commentary follows.
Sometimes, I walk through my Christian life in a daze, bumping into people and mindlessly saying “excuse me” before I’m finally knocked in the head by some calamity. Or perhaps a family chaotic frenzy pulls me out of it. It’s hard for the word of God to spring forth from our souls with joy and thanksgiving. We are weighed down by the cares of this world and tend to take our liberty in Christ for granted. Our lives, at times, resemble a robotic assembly line—rising, performing chores, eating on the go, watching television, then rushing off to bed as if it were one more thing to check off our to-do list. Meanwhile, our eyes are veiled from spiritual reality. God’s presence is felt only on Sunday mornings (providing the preacher yells loud enough to keep us awake), at bedsides of dying loved ones, and when near-death experiences remind us there really is someone UP there.
This man’s conversion in the video reminds me God is alive and active. While fumbling through my fog, God is moving about the earth ensuring his word will not return to him void.
“So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11)
As God moves and touches the lives of others, I doubt. Don’t you? Why? Because we’ve lost our spiritual connection. To stay connected, we must be in constant prayer . . . about everything. (I Thessalonians 5:17)
Remember Colton Burpo—the four-year-old who saw heaven and described to his father all that he had seen and heard. Or perhaps you remember young Akiane Kramarik, the four-year-old girl who also saw heaven and returned from her dreamlike state and began to paint. I dare not speculate on Burpo or Kramarik and the circumstances by which they came to encounter heaven and Jesus. I’ll allow the skeptics to handle that debate.
However, this video touched me in ways Colton Burpo’s and Akiane Kramarik’s story could not. Maybe it’s because I’ve been exposed to the word of God for so long that I readily connected it to Saul’s conversion. Or maybe it’s because out of this man’s conversion came a spiritual transformation more miraculous than a painting or a young boy confirming heaven is for real.
Muslim culture is hard for us to grasp. As we drench ourselves in news reports of suicide bombings, we can’t fathom God changing anyone who does such things. Our perceptions are fostered by the stiff-necked who portray themselves as representatives of the Muslim faith. As you and I know, not all Muslims are violent.
To watch this man openly share his encounter with Jesus Christ and profess his faith is no small matter. This is huge! Like Saul of Tarsus, he places himself at risk of being killed. If caught, haters might hang his body in an open marketplace as a warning that Christianity won’t be tolerated. Far worse, he will be prohibited from spreading the word of God to his people.
When you and I think of going on a missionary journey, Gaza, Iran, Libya, Iraq or Syria don’t come to mind. I think Africa—not because I’m African-American, but because that’s what is constantly flashing on my television screen. But through this man’s powerful testimony, I am deeply reminded the most outcast, most dangerous, most vicious, most violent of sinners can and will be brought to Jesus. There are no borders God can’t cross. No cultures he can’t reconcile. No storm he can’t calm. No language he can’t speak. There is no one he can’t forgive. No tool he can’t use. No hate he can’t melt. No confusion he can’t ease. No guilt he can’t erase. No heart he can’t mend. No soul he can’t protect against a fall.
“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (II Corinthians 5:18-21)
Most of us don’t know a real-live Saul. We can preach Saul’s story, but can we relate to it? Most have never murdered. We’ve never persecuted anyone and placed them in jail. We haven’t sought, and probably would never seek authority to pursue and persecute the church. Saul was all this. He stood tall in the face of what he deemed righteous and boldly flogged the church and anyone else who got in the way.
Yet, God used him.
You can’t fabricate a story like this. It’s no fairy tale. It isn’t a paper doll of a story to be spread out on the floor or atop a table while we muse over how to clothe it. None of us possess that kind of spiritual depth. Throughout biblical history, God used the most unlikely characters to bring forth his word.
• Mary, an unwed teenager; an object of a possible scandal. The risk had it not been God’s will — stoned to death.
• Moses, a tongue-tied Jew removed from his people to live the good life as an Egyptian. An object to be rejected by the very people he was sent to save. The risk had it not been God’s will — killed by Pharaoh.
• Peter, a disciple who swore he’d never leave Jesus, but he did. The risk had it not been God’s will — if Jesus hadn’t appeared and included Peter in the great commission, Peter might have ended up a bitter, angry man.
• Various women throughout the New Testament, many unnamed, who ministered to the apostles. During the time of Jesus, women were considered second-class citizens with almost no status and authority. They couldn’t own property. The risk had it not been God’s will — continued oppression of women.
So, when God moves about the earth and decides to enter the prison cell of an unknown and reveal himself, what am I to make of it? Doubt? Think it’s a disguise for ill-gain? I don’t think so. But I can relate to the doubters. I remember how believers reacted to Saul’s conversion. They were afraid. Apprehensive. Read with me:
“. . . Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. All those who heard him were astonished and asked, ‘Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?’” (Acts 9:19-21)
“When he came to Jerusalem, he (Saul) tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.” (Acts 9:26-27)
Should we be surprised many will doubt this man’s account? We’re afraid. Smiling, but not trusting. Or should we move our eyes from the messenger to the message? Just as Christ designated Saul to become a disciple to the Gentiles, is he not also proclaiming this man in the video to become a messenger to Muslims? Hamas? Hezbollah? What better tool to carry the word of God into a violent, lost world than one of their own?
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
“And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.” (I Thessalonians 2:13)
God has chosen this man to preach the gospel, appearing to him in as much the same way as he appeared to Saul many years ago. Surprised? If God has reserved a remnant of his people for himself, wouldn’t it stand to reason someone will preach to the Middle East and the people obey? How can they obey unless they hear the message?
“Though the number of the Israelites be like the sand by the sea, only the remnant will be saved. For the Lord will carry out his sentence on earth with speed and finality.’ It is just as Isaiah said previously: ‘Unless the Lord Almighty had left us descendants, we would have become like Sodom, we would have been like Gomorrah.’” (Romans 9:27-29)
“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17)
If God has judged this man and deemed him fit to speak throughout the Middle East, who are we to sit in judgment? If God does not send him, who will go? Me? You? Your children? Who?
God’s power and love overwhelms me. I am weak in the midst of his goodness and moved by his compassion to reach those we deem unreachable. He continues to use the most unlikely candidates for his glory.
Whether you believe this man’s story or not, he is likely to be persecuted for the kingdom of God, or for being an imposter. Either way, he will likely die. He will cry out for help. His own people will hate him. Some Americans will hate him; distrust him; keep him under tight scrutiny. He will end up being on the run, perhaps. Maybe he, too, will become shipwrecked, hungry, working menial jobs so he can eat. But whatever form of hardship he endures, he will do so for the sake of Jesus Christ.
“When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained.” (Revelation 6:9)
In the end, I hope this man will say:
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (II Timothy 4:7-8)
Can you—
“. . . hide his word in your heart so that you might not sin against him?” (Psalms 119:11 – I’ve paraphrased this verse)
Will you—
“. . . hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23)
“For no word from God will ever fail.” (Luke 1:37)
Donna B. Comeaux
Freelance Writer, Poet, Novelist
August 6, 2014
Writing Tips – Common Misused Words – No. 3
Becoming a writer is hard work. Depending on the genre you’re writing for, this profession comes with a host of rules to abide by, along with many things to learn (and sometimes unlearn).
With every chapter I write, it seems I learn something new, or I forget to implement what I’ve learned. My most common mistake is using the wrong words. It’s embarrassing.
More importantly, the definition of the correct words and that of the wrong words are vastly different and can be the deciding factor in getting your books published. Misused words prove counter-productive and are bound to mislead your readers. These mistakes, however, aren’t life-threatening and no one is going to barge into your home and eat you because you made this mistake. Be encouraged. If you and I were the only ones making this mistake, there wouldn’t be any need for the reference books I listed below to be in print, would it? Over time, with good, diligent, proofreading habits, you will catch your mistakes and become a better writer.
The four books I heavily rely on to help minimize mistakes are: Style – Lessons in Clarity and Grace – Ninth Edition by Joseph M. Williams; How to Not Right Bad Rite Bad Wright Bad Write Bad by Ben Yagoda; Spunk & Bite by Arthur Plotnik; and Word Savvy by Nancy Ragno. Each book is filled with examples applied to the principles of writing. They also include a list of common misused words, especially Word Savvy (on page 138). You may save money by purchasing these books used through Amazon.com.
A book I inadvertently omitted from the list above is The Well-Spoken Thesaurus by Tom Heehler. The thing I love most about The Well-Spoken Thesaurus and Word Savvy is that the authors don’t spend a lot of time listening to themselves talk. They get straight to the point and provide numerous examples. Word Savvy even has quizzes and work exercises. These are quick reference books for the ages.
In addition to using these books, I have also saved wordsmyth.net into my web browser so that it’s always at my fingertips. You may have a favorite dictionary or thesaurus you like to use. If so, make sure it’s in your web browser. Use it often.
The last tip I want to share is: learn how to read exactly what you have written. This is a hard one. I stumble over this all the time. However, it is important because once you post or publish your writing, often it can’t be undone. Be diligent about proofreading your work. Don’t be shy about asking someone to proof it for you. Don’t ask a friend. They’ll coddle you and this won’t do you any good. You need an objective eye to help you through the editing process. If the people you know are too busy, present them with only a few pages at a time.
Below is a list of misused words I have encountered, but there are many more. Refer to the books I noted above, or Google frequently misused words on the internet.
Sequence – an arrangement or process in which one thing follows another
Sequin – a small shiny flat disk usually sewn in great numbers onto clothing as decoration
Anecdote – a brief account of a notable or humorous incident; a story, tale, narrative
Antidote – a substance that counteracts poison or disease
Odious (which I wrote as Idious) – provoking or deserving of hatred; despicable, detestable
Hideous – exceptionally ugly or frightening in appearance; repulsive
Scuff – to drag the feet along while walking; shuffle
Scoff – speak with mild scorn or derision
Principle – a law, doctrine, or assumption on which action or behavior is based
Principal – first in status, value, or importance, chief, main
Effect – something produced or brought on by something else; ability to bring about a change or result
Affect – to influence, cause a change in, or have an impact on; to move emotionally, touch
Poke – to jab, prod, especially with a slender or sharp object
Pout – to show unhappiness or displeasure, especially by pushing out the lips; sulk; scowl
Donna B. Comeaux
Freelance Writer, Poet, Author