Natural Expressions

About the Book

Natural Expressions "A Family Affair" truly reflect "Gods" favor on me. "Gods" hand is a hand of power and "He" has continued to keep me in "His" hands as I go forth in "His" name with Natural Expressions. Since Natural Expressions "Up Close and Personal", many changes in my life have come but, through Christ Jesus and His Angels "Grace and Mercy", I've been able to endure the challenges. As the elders would say "what don't kill us only makes us stronger" and boy ain't that the truth.

"A Family Affair" is dedicated in memory of my husband Rudolph who passed away in September 2010. The memory of him enjoying my poetry will always be an inspiration. My favorite book of romance is the Bible's Old Testaments "Song of Solomon". God's love is powerful.

"Look at God". Another collection, another blessing. Oh, I look to the hills and I defi nitely recognize where and whom my help comes from. Since Natural Expressions "Up Close and Personal" I've relocated to the hometown of my family in Warrenton, North Carolina, a drastic change from Washington, DC but, I welcome the change and the folks are wonderful.

"A Family Affair" was inspired by everyday living, family, friends, church and romance. A chance fi nally to share my children's (April and Vernon) school days poetry. How surprised I was to fi nd a suitcase tucked away that contained much of my children's school work, pictures, and report cards and yes, poetry written by them. What an honor to share their expressions.

As always, "To God be the glory". I pray that you have found one if not many poems in this collection to uplift and encourage you along your journey. If so, than our writings are not in vain. Peace and Blessings, Andrea J. Parham-Shannon

About the Author

“Oh, when I look back and see how “God” has blessed me. My soul cries out “HALLALUJAH”. A project in the making for years “Natural Expressions” to “God” be the Glory. I was born to John and Jessie Parham, the third child of five, raised and educated in the Washington, DC area. Born in the 50’s, raised in the 60’s, experimented in the 70’s, matured in the 80’s, spiritual rebirth in the 90’s and the rest is and has been already ordained by “God”. Some say I have a fairytale imagination but, I truly believe that “Pickett Fences” are real. I started writing poetry while in high school but never thought anyone was interested in what I wrote. Years later and after sharing my poems with family, co-workers, friends and witnessing how they were being blessed, is when I first realized “God’s” amazing gift to me. I have always had great passion for educating our youth and the major concerns they face today are what birthed “Girls Gone Crazy”, “Young Man”, and “God, Baby and Me”. My biggest and #1 inspiration is “Christ Jesus”. Next is my husband Rudolph, son Vernon, daughters Cherice and April, grandkids Jonathan, Jessica and Janae. They are the ones that will keep me laughing and always giving me something to write about along with the help from the many students that I encounter on a daily basis on the campus of Howard University. My daily prayer for myself is that “God” will continue to keep me, bless me and to keep my soul tuned to “His” instructions and that I be obedient to those instructions. I pray that if only one of my poems bless you that my writings are not in vain. Peace, Love and Blessings A.J. Parham-Shannon