Tag: life

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Why Am I A Christian ?

I love comics, manga, anime, video games and basically anything that has to do with animation and superheroes (This includes Star Wars)

As a man living in Ghana one would think this would have been left behind in high school or university. Rather I patronize these things with a passion and love that my sons are learning about my super hero characters and Dragon Ball Z.

I am proud of that.

I am not phased when anyone sees my passion as childish. I love the memorabilia and if I can get any, I do.

This is similar to my passion as a Christian. I am a proud Christian and not ashamed of it one bit. Unlike my comics and video games. Christianity requires me to share the good news about Christ and His love for us.

The world we live in however is filled with a lot of people twisting the words in the bible to make Christianity seem as a space where once you get in suffering ceases.

This is not entirely true.

“However, if you suffer because you are a Christian, don’t be ashamed of it, but thank God that you bear Christ’s name.”

1 Peter 4:16 GNT

First off I want to point out that suffering is a constant in our lives as humans. Everybody goes through some kind of suffering. For some it’s physical and for others it’s emotional. The bottom line is that we all go through it.

In becoming a Christian we start the process of not feeling guilty. That’s a suffering I personally went through before I became a Christian. Even after I became born again, this suffering did not immediately go as I continued to live a life of sin.

“For “ WHOEVER CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD [in prayer] WILL BE SAVED.””

Romans 10:13 AMP

It was until I truly let Jesus in that the suffering went away. I had to realize the hard way that I could not solve my problems and had to let my Maker do it for me.

“because if you acknowledge and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord [recognizing His power, authority, and majesty as God], and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Romans 10:9 AMP

The simple gesture of letting someone into your personal space is difficult. Difficult because you have to accept that you are weak, not capable, inefficient and most importantly need help. As a male, that is tough.

Until you come to that realization you won’t begin to benefit truly from a relationship with Christ because that relationship will be fake (on your part).

All that is a suffering you must go through. Once that is over it doesn’t mean that you are suddenly out of the woods. There is usually a sense that you will have everything going for you MATERIALLY. I stress on the material because usually that’s what people think the relationship is all about. I need to be rich so God is going to give me money now. I need a man/woman so God is going to get me that now.

Sorry to burst your bubble again but that isn’t what Christianity is all about.

What you need to understand about being a true Christian is that you have to prepare your self to accept both good and bad news and believe they are working for the good of you and everyone. Once you accept this, you’ll begin to appreciate and trust the role of God in your life.

“And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.”

Romans 8:28 AMP

Pain is a constant in life. So is suffering. The only difference here is this; you can suffer in gain or you can suffer in vain either way there is going to be pain.

Just because you became a Christian doesn’t mean life or success is now on autopilot. You have to come to the party and play your part. God will do his bit but you have to do yours as well. If you don’t, well He is not going to be able to heal or transform you into what you are supposed to be.

In the book of 2 Kings there is a story about a soldier named Naaman who had leprousy and was looking to be healed. He was asked by the Prophet Elisha to bathe in the Jordan seven times. Naaman found the instructions insulting and almost ignored until his servant encouraged him to do as Elisha has instructed. By following the instructions given he was healed.

This is similar to the saying:

“ You can take a horse to the river but you can’t force it to drink”

The same goes for Christians. If we listen and follow the word in the Bible and what our Lord ministers to us personally we will see the growth in our lives.

If you looking at achieving something without putting in work and thinking because you are Christian and go to church and pray, that things are going to work out, you’ve got the wrong idea of God’s purpose.

“Indeed, we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined and inappropriate life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies [meddling in other people’s business]. Now such people we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work quietly and earn their own food and other necessities [supporting themselves instead of depending on the hospitality of others]. And as for [the rest of] you, believers, do not grow tired or lose heart in doing good [but continue doing what is right without weakening].”

2 Thessalonians 3:11-13 AMP

“If anyone fails to provide for his own, and especially for those of his own family, he has denied the faith [by disregarding its precepts] and is worse than an unbeliever [who fulfills his obligation in these matters].”

1 Timothy 5:8 AMP

This is why some people who don’t believe in God but work hard reap the benefits of their work. God is not going to deny them the fruits of their labor because they don’t subscribe to Christianity. Remember, we are all God’s children and He is working hard for us all to come to Him.

So why be a Christian?

It’s the best way of living life and having peace of mind. Think of Christianity as having a friend who is going to help you make better decisions. One that will guide you into becoming the best version of yourself. One that will help you find your true self and live fulfilled. A friend who forgives you if you make mistakes and helps you back on your feet.

Let’s face it. There is only so much that each of us individually can do. It’s only God that can achieve the impossible. As a Christian it gives me a sense of peace because I know and trust that He is in control and all that is happening is happening for a reason.

I just have to do my part and listen to Him as He directs me towards happiness and love. Sometimes that will mean me going through some storms or being uncomfortable but in the end it will be worth it. Sometimes I may do my own thing and fail. He will be there to pick me up. Discipline me if needed but all to put me on track and teach me a lesson.

It’s all about faith in Him and accepting that we know no better. This however can only be achieved if one is broken and comes to Him in sincerity to change, depend on Him and love.

If this message has touched you and you want to give your life to Christ, pray this simple prayer in honesty.

Father, I am a sinner before you looking for peace. My past and lifestyle are underserving of your mercy. I am at a place where I am not proud of myself and feel worthless.

Deep down though I know that’s not the plan you have for me.

So I come to you accepting my flaws and accepting that I need to change.

I recognize your authority and the life of you Son Jesus Christ who died for us.

I believe in His sacrifice and want Him to be my Lord and personal savior.

I know I am not perfect but seek perfection through Jesus. Let Him live in me as I accept Him and Let Him change my life and make me the person you destined me to be.

Amen!

Let me know if you need to talk about this and any other thing regarding being a Christian. I am always ready to help.

Keep it One Hondred!

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Are you Salt or Sugar?

“Be the salt of the earth”

Its funny how when one speaks of salt, sugar comes to mind. Maybe it’s because they share similar physical attributes such as their colour and the fact that both dissolve in water. Taste is where the two differ and thus the need for distinction between the two in the kitchen or table setting, to prevent disturbing facial expressions.

(A great April Fools prank though)

More disturbing recently, has been a popular statement by Jesus, “You are the salt of the earth“, found in Matthew 5:13:

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has lost its taste (purpose), how can it be made salty? It is no longer good for anything, but to be thrown out and walked on by people [when the walkways are wet and slippery].”

‭‭MATTHEW‬ ‭5:13‬ ‭AMP‬‬

As a Christian I have always wondered why Jesus refers to believers as the salt of the earth and not sugar.

I mean, salt is good but if given a preference I would go with sugar. So why did Jesus say otherwise?

To be fair Jesus refers to believers as light, fishers of men and other terms in his sermons and discussions with his disciples.

I just find it interesting that water, salt and fish, all have a connection with salvation. (I don’t think it’s a coincidence either)

I however want us to realize that as Christians we sometimes tend to be sugar and not salt. We lean towards an assumption that the life of a Christian is easy going and stress free and no challenges; just smiles and laughter everyday.

How could it be?

Look at the problems in the world. Christians are challenged to take a stand, be merciful and forgiving, kind towards strangers, comfort the broken hearted and many more.

God through Jesus and the Holy Spirit provides peace, grace and strength to those who believe to do all these things with a smile but it’s not easy.

It’s kind of similar to raising children. It’s a blessing but has its moments that test you. Children getting sick, disciplining them, helping them with homework and teaching them life lessons cannot be compared to sharing an ice cream with them. It is challenging but parents love their job.

The same goes for believers. We have to be careful to not go the route of being sugar. Sugar makes things sweet but doesn’t have antiseptic properties. It’s like raising kids and not disciplining them.

In Matthew 5, Jesus didn’t use salt to describe us in connection to taste alone. If that were the case I am sure he would have made reference to sugar. (No one after all wants to be called a salty Christian, you feel me?)

I believe Jesus used salt because of the many uses of salt in our lives including that of adding flavor or taste to food.

It is also worth noting that there is salt in all food and that Jesus’s statement didn’t ask us to BECOME salt but rather REVEALED that we ARE salt.

Salt has antiseptic abilities and is also used to preserve food. Quite a versatile spice if you ask me.

So let’s ask ourselves, what does it mean to be salt?

With the little that has been shared, I believe we are being called to preserve morality and keep the peace. As salt we also help clean up situations by allowing God to take out the trouble and bring in the calm. This is done by sharing the good news and living with Christ. The two are inseparable.

Sharing the good news means that you believe in the ways of God. It means one having interaction with Him through prayer and reading of the bible to understand Him better.

It means distinguishing right and wrong and being able to identify sin. It does not mean judging. It means living a life that others wish to emulate. People should be around you and know that you stand for Good, Peace and Truth.

In case my discussion of salt has not been helpful or one requires clarity on the subject, here is a link that helped me answer why God calls us salt and not sugar. I hope it helps you see the truth.

https://www.wisdomonline.org/devotionals/devotion_detail.html?id=811

Keep it One Hondred!

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Don’t Worry

Have you ever lost something important? Money, passport, ID card, bank cards, receipts, certificates etc

Its an awful feeling that makes one wish their body had a rewind button to retrace their steps. You search high and low for the item and wonder where it could have gone.

Such situations literally suck the life and fun out of a day. All because you are forced into a game of hide and seek that you don’t seem to be good at. The stress and worry about something that for the moment does not want to be found is indeed staggering.

Today I am going to share with you my secret on finding such items. This is after you have thrown a search party and still are unable to locate the missing item.

  1. Stop worrying

This is the first step to finding the item. How is worrying going to help in the search for the item? Not worrying rather let’s you carry on with life and presents more opportunities for you to walk right into the item than worrying.

2. Pray

I know what you are thinking. God probably has better things to be concerned about right?

No matter how small or big a deal this missing item is, it matters to God as well. Commit the search party into God hands and relax. This is similar to playing those video games where you have an option to release an amazing move at the tap of a button when you are at your wits end.

God our Father is all knowing and all seeing. If He cannot find it then it’s not meant to be found.

  • 3. Remind yourself to STOP WORRYING
  • Since you are human, you are likely to worry despite leaving things in God’s hands. The situation is in a professionals hands. You couldn’t do a better job if you tried. Stop worrying and relax.
  • 4. Accept your fate

    • More often than not you will find the item. Sometimes it will take a while before finding the item and other times you will never find the item.

    Whatever the outcome, accept your fate and live a happy life giving praise to Him. There is a reason why things turned out the way they did.

    From personal experience this is what I do and always find what I am looking for.

    Recently I lost my Passport and a number of important documents as they were all together.

    For the life of me, I could not remember where I had left my little bag of vital documents. I had looked everywhere and decided that it was likely to be in the office.

    Alas, whenever I entered the office, I got so busy that I forgot to look for it.

    I had retraced my movements on the day I noticed it missing and remembered where I had been but doubted that I left such a thing behind. If I did I trusted a call will come through informing me.

    Now it has been almost a week and I have not yet found this bag. I was a bit worried for my passport and ID cards were missing but I chose to stay cool instead.

    Today as I got to the office I looked around for it and still did not find it. I committed the bag into prayer and continued my day believing that I would find the bag.

    On my way home from work. I said a short prayer and left things in God’s hands. As I approached home, the Holy Spirit prompted me to look in a place in the house that I could have sworn I checked out. Behold, as I looked there, there it was. I was overjoyed in God’s unfailing track record.

    For a week I could have stressed myself out and panicked. How would that have benefited those around me?

    I instead trusted in God to have my back and went about my life knowing that I had a dependable entity on the job.

    Faith in God is displayed in various ways. Use such situations to build your faith in the Almighty. If God cannot help you find whatever it is that is missing how do you expect Him to deal with your salvation or finding you when you lose your way?

    Just keep it One Hondred and give the Big Man a shot. It’s a free service after all .

    “Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.”

    ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:6-7‬ ‭MSG‬‬

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    Bible vs GOT – Reality or Fiction?

    Last Friday, I posted a clip featuring a conversation between Ria Bossman and me relating to Game of Thrones and its sex scenes. It was based of an interview at Oxford between two of the shows male cast and a student audience. Kit Harington who plays the part of Jon Snow in the series commented on the sex scenes and their necessity in telling the Game of Thrones story.

    I for one do not know how the show will have progressed without the sex scenes depicting the nature of the characters and its impact on the narrative. It is clear that the show though graphic has a greater goal than pornography with its raw images of sex and nudity that are displayed.

    Interestingly enough I read an article on the internet that suggested that the Bible and Game of Thrones share a commonality especially with regards with the raw blunt nature of each script.

    As a Christian, it is difficult to deny that the Bible is a very graphic text containing evidence of sexual immorality from the beginning of time. The sexual immorality and violence is comparable to that of Game of Thrones and begs the question, “is this reality or fiction?”

    I guess the Internet and Social Media have to be given credit for exposing our true nature. We seem hypocritical in our assessment of reality and are unwilling to accept that our morality as a race has been in a constant state of decay. Though the Bible reflects this more accurately, many do not view the Word as a reflection of man but just of his past.

    Its a shame Game of Thrones is not an African story (I can imagine how that will play out with African countries). Nevertheless, it strikes parallels globally because of familiar themes that reflect the true nature of man. The greed, violence, sex, immorality, wisdom, kindness and other colors of the human behavioral spectrum are similar to what we find in the Bible. (With the exception of dragons of course)

    The Bible, however, is more than a story of fiction. For many, it is history and inspiration. Game of Thrones, however, is a fantasy novel. Within it lies no prophecies relating to the real world. Both touch on the nature of man and relationships and should be seriously considered for the reflection on reality both throw at the human race.

    If the content of the Bible is similar to that of the Game of Thrones narrative then why is it not consumed with such fanfare? After all, what difference is there in Meschach, Shadrach, and Abednego surviving the furnace of fire to that of Daenerys Targaryen aka Khaleesi being immune to fire?

    Budget and Hollywood is surely part of the reasons for the fanfare but it also seems to mask the idea that the events told in the story are closer to reality than meets the eye. Winter is coming is about terrifying a term as global warming.

    The Bible and Game of Thrones serve a purpose in the world today. Be sure to take away wisdom and lessons from the words these documents provide than just awe and entertainment.

    Keep it One Hondred!

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    My Thoughts on my Rehearsal 

    Preparing for a show is a lot of work that sometimes I even take for granted. From logistics, sound, fashion, marketing and more it is safe to say that experience goes a long way in getting one accustomed to ensuring that an audience gets the best service.
    Of all these elements involved in preparation, what catches me off my game is rehearsals. 
    I do lot of these in my car as I drive. That however just ensures that I have my poetry or lyrics memorized. The other side of rehearsals involves interacting with the crowd and creating a sense of flow which I tend to forget to do due to my day job.
    This time around I am doing rehearsals twice. 
    I started yesterday and ended up turning the rehearsal into a deep conversation about Africa and our selfish attitudes that find us in our deprived state.
    This was due to my “Africa Sent Me A Whatsapp Message” poetry performance. 
    I sometimes forget how powerful words are. A friends brother heard the poem for the first time and was deeply moved by the it. 
    I must admit the poem takes me by surprise sometimes due to the impact that the words have. Its surreal because I find myself in awe and asking how I got around to piecing the words together. 
    The glory goes to none other than God!
    Its inspiring when your art touches people and gets them thinking. It motivates you to keep pushing. I for one now seek to perform to touch people. Impacting one person is enough to making me feel fulfilled.
    I hope however that today’s rehearsals goes as planned without interrupted intellectual debates.
    Keep it One Hondred!

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    He Came In 30th So What?

    Pursuing your passion is not a journey for the faint hearted. Your definition of success as a goal and you sticking to it can end that journey or see you through it. There are aspects of spirituality, discipline, life etc that come into play but today I want to focus on the importance on not giving up.
    I was on twitter and saw tweets from different sources on Akwasi Frimpong’s performance at the olympics. Some sources dwelled on the fact that he underperformed because he had the lowest score.
    Akwasi Frimpong is Ghana’s first skeleton Olympic athlete. Wikipedia defines the skeleton sport as:
    a winter sliding sport in which a person rides a small sled, known as a skeleton bobsled, down a frozen track while lying face down. Unlike other sliding sports of bobsleigh and luge, the race always involves single riders. 
    It would be awesome if Akwasi came out first or top three but he didn’t. Are we saying that pursuing your dream and seeing it through regardless of not achieving your goals is not good enough?
    I resent that!
    It is that attitude that dampens our spirit to explore and take risks.
    Akwasi has probably sacrificed time and resources all in an effort to out Ghana on the map. The least we can do is be supportive.
    Ghana needs more people especially the youth and younger to see Akwasi’s effort as a reason to take risks and pursue their passions. Coming out tops is good but more important in my opinion are the lessons learnt on that journey. 
    He came out 30th so what? 
    His name will not have been written in history if he didn’t sacrifice time and resources to pursue his dream. Because of Akwasi a young minority will be empowered to believe that they can make it in winter sports regardless of their environment. 
    I relate a lot to Akwasi because as an artist I feel I am pursuing my passion as well. It is not as rewarding but I have dream to be the greatest Spoken Word Artist and Rapper and I will continue to pursue it.
    Yesterday via twitter I received a tweet from a fan asking to buy my album WTF? that I released last year. We communicated privately and in minutes he had made a purchase. He informed me through conversation that he saw me perform “Gidigidi” at Yoyo Tinz shrine at Chalewote Festival 2017, James Town, Ghana and had been thinking about the track since.
    I was humbled! 
    Last year was stressful for me as an artist. I had challenges in creating and promoting my album. I sold a few copies but after September 2017 things kind of took a down turn. I did not give up but I needed time to find myself and strategize towards making progress. 
    So yesterday’s tweet was a beautiful gift of encouragement that made me feel appreciated. I wish it was always like this but I appreciate the little steps of progress.
    I feel Akwasi needs encouragement like the one I received yesterday. Let him know via social media that he is beacon of hope. It lifts the spirit in a special way. Do it because you understand what it means to have encouragement.
    I urge you all to encourage anyone who is pushing or pursuing their dream. Criticism is all good but all of us need encouragement to make it. So lets be proud of our own and encourage all to reach for the stars.
    Akwasi came in 30th but if he hadn’t participated he would have been last. He did not give up and saw himself all the way through. I believe he has picked up valuable lessons to improve on his performance in the next olympics. In my eyes he is a hero keeping it One Hondred!

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    Life After High School Pt.2

    So last week I mentioned I had to go to my high school as a guest to chat about life after high school. The panel was made up of both seniors and juniors including myself who had the rather unconventional route. 
    We all had similar experiences and it was clear that passion fueled our drive to be engaged in what we are doing. 
    It was sad however to hear that morning that Ebony, celebrity artist pegged to win Ghana’s Artist of the Year at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA), was involved in an accident that took her life.
    It was something I reflected on during the talk to the students. Ebony took a decision to walk down a certain path which has made her known all over Ghana. She made a mark on society and will be remembered. Whether the mark is positive or negative that’s another debate for another day. 
    However, it also reminds us that our time here on earth is not forever. We need to live everyday as if it’s our last and also acknowledge there are things greater than us. 
    I am a Christian and know that the future is uncertain. God however on my side I walk daily knowing that his grace and angels protect me and my family. 
    The uncertainty of life calls for you to lean on something. For me it’s God. He ensures that I am safe and is available to all who call on him.
    So keep it One Hondred! Live life to the fullest, trust in God and be the light of the world.

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    Life After High School Pt.1

    I have been asked by my high school, SOS Hermann Gmeiner International College (HGIC) to be a guest on a panel speaking to the kids about life after high school. This time however, I will be speaking as Hondred Percent. 
    As I think of what I will tell these teenagers I can’t help but look back at why I decided to walk down this challenging road as an artist. How I even came up with the name Hondred Percent is even interesting yet the more I reminisce the more I see how I have evolved.
    I have a better sense of purpose as an artist. I want my success as an artist to pave the way for others to cause a positive shift on the art landscape in Ghana and beyond.
    The motto of SOS HGIC is “knowledge in the service of Africa” and I am definitely doing this for more than selfish gain. I guess I have to thank SOS HGIC, for being a significant institution in instilling these values in me.
    One thing I do know is that I could have been better prepared for what life threw at me. Relationships, love, passion, spirituality and all other important elements I may not have mentioned, are all areas that I could have been guided through better. 
    Knowing what I know now however, I feel I am in a better position to mentor someone deciding to walk down this same path. I just don’t know how I will do that in 7 minutes.
    I will keep you posted on how the talk went next week.
    Keep it One Hondred!

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    Justice Where Are You?

    I’m an African but I don’t feel proud to be one. Roll up in my streets and you will feel foul to be one
    – Hondred Percent

    The statement above comes from my track titled Akola Boni of my album WTF? I never thought I would refer to this specific line but the situation I find myself fits perfectly into that sack of words.
    Today I am ashamed to be called a Ghanaian. I feel no confidence towards our justice system. There are tortoises instead of hares in the system and disgusting lacks the foul stench I require to describe how this unfortunate crime to a four year old went past six hours without the necessary action taking place.
    This is just some plain old BULL SHIT!
    When I first stumbled upon the story it was so horrid that I expected obvious action to take place. I didn’t see the need to voice out my thoughts because I felt we lived in community of love, a community that wants progress, a community that has billboards saying the future is exciting.
    Sorry to burst your bubble but this right here is some messed up matrix without Neo or Morpheus. Ghana is a hypocritical society where we know how to pray more than take action. We have become numb towards crime that we don’t even see what’s wrong with it and I have to say that I am ashamed.
    I am ashamed because I expected there to be action by now. I hoped that the hashtag #Justice4Her would have stopped appearing on my social media channels as a result of justice being served. Rather I am met with the opposite reaction and I have seen too much that I can’t be quiet anymore .
    So I am voicing out my complaint and enquiring through this blog post to ask a single question.
    Why has it taken so long for justice to be served?
    The necessary authorities at this point need to have the facts of the matter and offer options to the family for action to be taken. I feel that there is a lackadaisical attitude to this whole crime and it’s more irritating than scabies.
    Justice I know you are on vacation but please come back to Ghana.
    If you’re looking at making a difference tread through and sign this petition.
    Keep it One Hondred! 

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    Where Were You When Gas Exploded?

    Last Saturday 7th October 2017 was a display of tragic fireworks that made Ghana wish Superman came to our aid. Alas, Superman is only fictional and even if he wasn’t, the chaos and crime in the world that day may have prevented him from being a hero to Ghanaians. (Black Panther who is near by may be a better option). 
    As the explosion occurred I was at another explosion less disastrous occurring in the East Airport vicinity.
    A baby shower was happening for my sister and two teams of family and friends were exploding with answers and at each others throats trying to win points for the coveted honor of wearing a baby shower medal.
    It was during the shower that we heard news of the explosion. Thanks to our smart devices, social media and the internet, all were abreast with the current situation and quickly checked in on their loved ones to ensure all was well.
    That however did not stop us from engaging in our baby shower games which by far was the best I have been to. I have to credit my little sister and friend for putting this together. They did a marvelous job.
    Its however interesting that on a night set to celebrate the coming of a child, an explosion occurs that took away life and more. A debit and credit of life was occurring and I just happened to be on the life side of things at a baby shower designing a onesie and writing inspirational messages on diapers.

    I designed one of these
    Hondred Percent’s Onesie design
     
    Here is a little poem I wrote about Saturdays event titled “When the gas exploded”


    When the gas exploded 
    When the gas exploded
    A fire was born
    She fed on fuel and shone soo bright 
    She turned night to day
    But caused dismay
    Hurting whoever came her way


    When the gas exploded 
    Eyes grew wide
    Some stayed still 
    Some run for their lives
    Some overreacted, others too slow
    Some confused as to where the fire may go


    When the gas exploded
    Chaos was born 
    A twin of the fire but filled with scorn 
    She burped stampede and farted a confusion spree
    This was a baby without manners indeed


    When the gas exploded
    Babies were born
    Their light shone brighter than fire and chaos’s scorn
    Their cry was gentle, their laugh was sweet
    They provide hope as fire and chaos sleep


    Where were you when the gas exploded?
    Keep it One Hondred!