This Is Your Genesis

Mama Jackson: Great work everyone. I’m so excited for the church’s big event in two weeks. Altos, I’m so proud of you. Major improvement!

After ending today’s choir practice with a prayer, the choir’s leader bid everyone farewell as she started to gather her belongings. Edna Jackson, choir leader of 2nd Baptist Church of Detroit for close to two decades, was always up and about ready to volunteer at the church whenever she could. Many in the congregation said Edna was the church’s second heart, with the Lord being the main one. The fifty-five-year-old rarely had time for herself. She felt useful when she carried out tasks given out to her by the Reverend. It also helped her think less about her husband’s recent passing. Glancing down at her wedding ring, which she’s yet to take off, Edna picked up her belongings to leave for the day. Even though her neighborhood had been drastically improving, less gang violence being seen on the streets, Edna was old school and wanted to be home before the street lights went on.

André: MAMA! MAMA!

Nearly having a heart attack, Edna placed a hand on her chest staring daggers at her only child running into the deserted church like a crazy man. Edna’s breathing gradually returned normal as her enthusiastic son approached her. Whenever her baby boy stood before her, showing off his pearly white smile and big full of life eyes, Edna’s heart skipped a beat being reminded of her late husband.

Mama Jackson: Boy, stop that hollering. You nearly gave me a heart attack.

Catching his own breath, André apologized and braced his sweet mother kissing her on the right cheek. Edna couldn’t help but smile as her son started to jump for joy, hollering over and over “I did it Mama! I did it!”

Mama Jackson: Did what boy? And what I told you about that hollering?

Ceasing from jumping, the twenty-year-old grabbed his mother’s two hands. For some reason, he looked like he was on the verge to cry.

André: I graduated from The Jesus Freak Camp!

Mama Jackson: WHAT?!

André: *laughing* Now you’re hollering Mama.

Mama Jackson: *smiling* Hush boy. Now back to your big news.

André felt so great to have someone like his mother to share his news with. Life was not easy for him and his small family in Detroit. Having food and paying bills were a few challenges for the Jackson Family. As much as André wanted to help around the house, his parents never stopped pushing him to finish school and get into college. Never able to truly avoid gangs and the destruction left behind by them, André’s father always encouraged him to become a beacon of hope for the next generation. Not by having a swarm of women surrounding him. Or carrying a loaded gun. And especially not being either behind bars or six feet under. On his way to share the good news with his dear old mother, André really wished his father was around to hear it too.

A half hour passed and both mother and son couldn’t seem to stop celebrating for joy.

Mama Jackson: I’m so proud of you son! You worked so hard to have this ever since you got your bachelor’s. I can’t wait to tell the ladies, Reverend and his wife. My baby boy. A professional wrestler. Watch out Carlos Cruz! My son is out to take your shine.

André: *laughing* Chill Mama. It’s going to be a longggg while till I outshine cuz. I’m just happy that I can now travel the world while doing what I love.

The mere mention of traveling quickly changed the mood of Mrs. Jackson. Having her only child train in New York didn’t get her to worry a lot since he was with her older brother, Pastor Ramón Advincola Sr., and her nephew The Jesus Freak Carlos Cruz. But now having the thought of her baby boy on the other side of the globe from her made worry.

André: Awwww, come on Mama don’t cry. It’s all good. Your Dré is not a boy anymore.

Mama Jackson: *sobbing* In my eyes you’ll always be.

André: And in my eyes, you’ll always be my number one source of motivation. Mama, I’m gonna be fine. Remember what Dad told me just when I was about to drop out of college?

How couldn’t she? It’s never easy wiping your mind clean of your first love.

Mama Jackson: 'Become a beacon of hope for the next generation. This is your Genesis.’

Seeing his mother was taking this news harder than he imagined, André embraced her deciding to not fight back the tears. This was the second time they each shared a moment like this. The first being when the head of the household bid them farewell.

André: Your professional wrestler will promise to always call. He’ll wash and fold his clothes properly, making sure to not mix the colors like the last time. He’ll definitely promise to not surprise you with a second grandchild, until after you see him at the altar.

His mother couldn’t help but chuckle.

André: And most importantly, he’ll never forget where he came from and who he serves. I love you, Mama.

Mama Jackson: I love you too Dré. And may the Lord continue guiding your steps on where you need to go.