The Dance Under the Moon

In "The Dance Under The Moon, Shortened version II, Every Child is a Blessing, Saved by an Angel of Light," the author puts together a compelling and breathtaking personal story of her childhood growing up during a time of turmoil, strife and civil war carnage that took the lives of over 3 million people, including 1 million children just like her. She tells of her memories of joy and beauty of life that was threatened by a war that wanted to consume them all. And where was this? Journey back with her, to Biafra, to sweet Umuoma of memory, in the hopeful independent country of Biafra in West Africa of 1967. You likely know this place as merely Nigeria today. But then? Then the people had dreams of breaking away---dreams crushed by the newly independent country of Nigeria. Greed - for oil....for blood. But...before it was all lost, there was still magic in that place. And the villagers would gather for egwu onwa-- These were special nights of folk tales, singing and dancing in the village square --Under The Moon-- and the dreams of children, and the full moon, promising a better tomorrow---one the night would wash away. She recalls her grandfather, Papa, who had converted to Christianity as a young man, brought the Gospel of the Lord by Missionaries. He was to spread it to others, along with new ways that broke from tradition. He, too, gave birth to families, new families of free folk For he had been a slave owner himself, but as a Christian he freed his slaves as his faith would not allow him to keep them any longer. He was a wise and compassionate man....an example to others of how to live a virtuous life. "Always be courageous and confident in whatever you do," her Papa set the tone for the rest of her life. Persistence is the key to unlock the doors to success. Ambition, how one gets there. Goals & Dreams: set them for yourself and pursue. "Learn to never give up when hope is gone, things will turn for you." Have Faith and believe that one person can make a difference in this world, but the choices we make today will affect our future, good or bad. This, she says, 'is the irony of trading opinions and perceptions.' From where she was then, to now... It's a mountain we climb, and its physical connotation can be replaced with a temporal one, Dr. Julie tells us: You climb in time, stepping with your dirty boots on the past, hoping to forget, forgive, or be forgiven. At the same time, your hands reach for a proper anchor to pull yourself up. Objectifying role reversal - believing without seeing. This is Faith. One life can change the world for the better - and now, today, Dr. Julie J. Asuzu invites you to read her story and find inspiration for tomorrow