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African American Black Christian

George Ogenah Jr.

December 29, 2023

In a Flash

Bridging Horizons: A Journey of Ambition and Identity

In the lively coastal city of Lynn, Massachusetts, George found himself at a crossroads in his life. It felt like a warm hug, the familiar streets and the waves splashing on the shoreline. Despite that, a persistent yearning gnawed at him—a longing for more achievement and fulfillment.

"I am strong in mind and body," George declared, gazing at the cityscape that he knew like the back of his hands. The historic architecture and cultural vibrancy were part of his identity, but a quiet frustration lingered beneath the surface. His aspirations reached beyond the city's borders, and he yearned for an environment that could amplify the rhythm of his ambitions.

 "Ambitious and hardworking, embodying confidence and might," he continued, but the dreams that stirred within him seemed to outgrow the confines of Lynn. The city that had nurtured him now felt like a cocoon holding back the wings of his potential. 

"I am a role model, a leader, a voice of reason," George stated, yet the weight of expectations reverberated through the old city streets. While the younger community of Lynn looked up to him as a big brother and all-around leader, he felt driven to venture into unknown territory where his leadership might be felt on an even bigger scale. 

"A cherished elder sibling, a beloved son, and an affectionate member of my family and friends," he acknowledged, the closeness of his relationships grounding him. However, a repressed restlessness lurked inside him—a need to escape what was familiar and discover a world where his family connections could become a source of strength rather than a reason to remain in Lynn.

"As a companion, I bring laughter and joy," George smiled, recalling his fun with companions at Red Rock on the Lynn water's edge. However, subtle loneliness persisted, realizing that the shared laughter and joy were fleeting, like waves departing swiftly. 

In that fleeting moment, he quietly entertained a selfish wish—for all those he held dear to share a common space wherever he ventured. Yet, he recognized the inherent complexity of this desire, acknowledging that each individual has their own independent life to lead.

"Rooted in faith as a devoted Christian, a Nigerian man bearing an esteemed namesake," he pondered, his spiritual journey marked by the presence of the Holy Tabernacle Church of God in Christ Apostolic, Inc. in Dorchester, Boston . Still, George sensed a calling to traverse spiritual landscapes beyond the familiar steeples, longing to deepen his connection with God in unexplored ways.

"I am understanding and intuitive, proactive and resourceful, always learning, constantly growing, constantly pushing forward," he declared, feeling the echoes of his growth in the evolving cityscape. However, a voice within him whispered that the pace of his advancement was exceeding Lynn's, encouraging him to explore opportunities outside the city's confines. 

"With a heart full of love, I am helpful and valuable, embracing emotions and being ever so grateful," George acknowledged, grateful for the support his family and city offered. Yet, a hidden call for appreciation, for the world to recognize the worth he could provide, came from the depths of his heart. 

"I strive for patience and discipline, following in my father's footsteps, embracing adaptability," he confessed, appreciating the resilience learned from his parents. Yet, the very adaptability instilled in him begged to be tested in new environments, to see if his wings could carry him beyond the familiar skyline. 

"As a high achiever, I chart my path, radiating handsomeness and strength in every step," George affirmed, but the concrete paths of Lynn seemed to confine his strides. The ambitions that loomed within him compelled him to seek ways where his accomplishments may be acknowledged in a more expansive symphony. 

"I seek to be stronger mentally, physically, and spiritually, surrounded by love and happiness, achieving success effortlessly," he voiced, yearning for success that transcended Lynn's city limits. The waves crashing against the shore whispered tales of boundless potential, encouraging him to venture beyond the shores he knew so well. 

"I aspire to inspire, to let my accomplishments speak for me, and to deepen my relationship with God, my divine decree," George declared, feeling a spiritual calling that transcended the familiar steeples. A longing for fulfillment in different settings called to him, prompting a sense of obligation to answer this call beyond the confines of Lynn's embrace.

"Seeking discernment and clarity, a job that enriches me both financially and mentally," George admitted, the city offered him opportunities, yet he sensed that his quest for enrichment required him to explore environments where his skills could flourish in new, uncharted ways. 

"I yearn to be a loving son, brother, relative, great friend, and a devoted partner, till the end," he confessed, but the familiar cityscape seemed to envelop his relationships, urging him to expand the horizons of his connections.

"In gratitude for my journey, my past, present, and future, I remain a strong, independent, God-fearing man with a purpose," George proclaimed, the city's history intertwined with his narrative. Yet, the call for a new chapter, a fresh canvas for his purpose to unfold, resonated within him. 

"With each passing day, I grow stronger, wiser, and bolder, a testament to the boundless potential within me, a life to behold," he affirmed, the waves crashing against the shore inspiring him to embark on a journey that would unfold a life beyond the known. Lynn, with its permanent imprint on his identity, now provided a launching pad for the limitless possibilities that lay ahead.  

In the quiet moments that followed, as George stood by Red Rock, a profound clarity washed over him. The realization that his aspirations, like the waves that reached for the horizon, were destined for expanses beyond the shores of Lynn. With a mixture of gratitude and anticipation, he embraced the essence of his journey and prepared to set sail into uncharted waters, ready to navigate the currents of life with a renewed sense of purpose, anchored in the strength of his Lynn roots, yet destined for the journey that awaited the trajectory of his unique potential in life.

December 30, 2023 02:56

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1 comment

Trudy Jas
11:12 Jan 04, 2024

Hi George, Thank you for sharing your story. Starting each paragraph with a statement by the MC made if flow. I hope you don't mind a little feedback. One of the lessons I've heard is to keep it simple. Try using less lofty words, keep your sentences shorter. Imagine telling your story to a ten-year-old. Then make it into a written story. I look forward to reading more by you.

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