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Multi-disciplinary artist Dominique Gibson reflects on her personal connection to 1 Thessalonians 5:24 as she plays with meanings for the word "call" in this spoken word piece.
1 Thessalonians 5:24
The Call
By
Dominique Gibson
Credits:
Curated by:
Davelyn Hill
2022
Spoken Word
Primary Scripture
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I learned 1 Thessalonians 5:24 when I was in an after-school program called Good News Club at my elementary school. This was the first scripture I learned, and it stuck with me. I went through many struggles during my youth that left me in a dark mental state. I wondered where God was during that time and hated that I couldn't hear Him like others could.
Years later I learned the true meaning of this passage as I lived it out. The day before my graduation from USC Upstate I felt a wave of warmth within my body and received clarification of the meaning of this scripture passage. I heard God tell me that even when I'm not faithful to Him, He is always faithful to me. He has gotten me to this point in my life where I am able to celebrate my many accomplishments. He showed me that all the trials and tribulations weren't for nothing. They were just a part of the process that I had to go through to see my true potential in this world, and that my purpose is greater than my failures.
In writing this poem I wanted to show the faithfulness of God in contrast with the inconsistency of humans. The metaphor of the phone helped me put the verse in modern terms to aid in understanding and yet the truth spoken remains the same. I wanted to use both free form poetry and narrative poetry to create a dynamic spoken word piece.
Spark Notes
The Artist's Reflection
Dominique Gibson is a native to Spartanburg, SC where she got her start in the arts with her church and school. She is a musician, actress, dancer, and writer. She found her writing potential as a fellow with Writers Well Fellowship. She started developing her writing skills through workshops and retreats. She was able to co-facilitate Reading for Transformation for Children through Speaking Down Barriers. She has also performed spoken word poetry for their Evening of Transformation event.
She studied psychology and child advocacy studies at The University of South Carolina Upstate. During her time at USC Upstate she did an internship with the Boys and Girls Club where she was able to help young girls use writing to express their emotions in healthy ways. She graduated from USC Upstate with a bachelor’s in psychology and a minor in child advocacy studies.
She is now serving her community by co-facilitating in an after-school program at Spartanburg Preparatory School with Speaking Down Barriers. She continues to perform at community events and works part time. She has plans to continue her education to earn a master's degree.
Dominique Gibson
About the Artist
Dominique Gibson
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Related Information
He called
I silenced the ringing phone
He called
Sent to voicemail
The Call
by Dominique Gibson
He called
I silenced the ringing phone
He called
Sent to voicemail
“Your call has been forwarded…”
He called
My phone was on silent
I answered, too late
Hang up
Over and over, He called
But I couldn’t talk to Him
My untrained ears were never on His frequency
And my eyes couldn’t find clarity through my tears
You’re not good enough screamed loudly in my mind
Pushed me to self-hatred and self-harm
Yet He never gave up trying to contact me
He reminded me of His love through emails
Posted photos of His forgiveness on Instagram
And sent text messages asking me to come home
Even when I hit do not disturb
He stayed consistent in His actions
He knew I would answer one day His call
And I did
“Hey God. I’m sorry I’m just now answering. I thought I could walk this life without you, but I was wrong. The world around me seemed so beautiful but became ugly quickly. Those closest me gave empty promises of an easier life. Easy paths aren’t always the right ones. With every decline of your calls, you continued to find a way to communicate with me. You found a way to comfort me through music. You helped me align with my purpose. You remained faithful, even when I chose everyone and myself before you. Why?”
He answered.
“Dominique, despite you choosing the world and yourself over me, I stayed true to the word I spoke to you. I called you to a path of greatness. A path that will not be easy, but worth it; I will remain faithful to being with you through each step. Guiding you. Comforting you. Healing you. Loving you. Even if you decide to walk a path other than this one, I will be there calling you until you come back.”
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He called
I silenced the ringing phone
He called
Sent to voicemail
