My name is Giovanni Ryno Mally born in Manenberg the youngest of four siblings I was raised by my mom. Dad had his own thing going. He was a gang member of high rank in the number gang.
We are entering into the Christmas season, preparing for the celebrating and remembering of the arrival of Jesus into the world, Emmanuel, God with us. Learning the person of Jesus who is Emmanuel, has really been the story of my life and so as my way of honouring this God who is with us, I want to remember Him and share some of my story with you.
We were mid worship set when the electricity ran out. The guest worship leader didn’t miss a beat, we just switched to a cappella and kept going. Us. Our unlikely community from so many different walks of life, singing as one, full of joy and gratitude.
Grief hovers within, moving like a continual presence. The shape of loss, a vacuum absorbing all else. Lost dreams, lost people, Lost loves, lost hope.
Fighting the cravings, braving the turkey, Escaping memories, the past is murky. Friends hold hands, pray through fear, Remind in the pain, that God’s still here. Shivering, sleeping, waking, choking, Covered in sweat the bed is soaking.