by Neta Jackson
“Did I get it right?” Delores made a hopeful grimace.
“Exactly right, my sister and my friend.” Hoshi gave Delores a warm hug.
Then it was Hoshi’s turn. She presented a book about origami to Yo-Yo, along with squares of brightly colored paper. “Cool!” Yo-Yo said. “You mean, this will tell me how to make them cool birds and frogs and things you made for Nony that time?”
But once she’d admired the book,Yo-Yo got very quiet. “Yo-Yo?” Stu prodded. “Your turn.”
“Yeah. I know. But . . . well, I got Chanda’s name. And . . .” Yo-Yo suddenly threw out her arms in frustration. “Chanda, ya already got everything money can buy! And I ain’t good at no sewing or handmade stuff. So, well, I . . . ” She withdrew a crumpled envelope from her overall pocket. “Here. There’s twenty bucks inside. I thought maybe you and me could go to the movies together sometime. You know, do something.”
Chanda’s face broke wide with delight. “Irie, mon! One ting money can’t buy is just spending time wit’ me friends. So, now.Do you get to pick de movie or mi? You free next Saturday?”
Everyone clapped and hooted. A grin replaced Yo-Yo’s anxious frown.
“Now mi!” Chanda fished a classy blue envelope out of the Christmas tree. “God been talkin’ to mi ’bout money, dat it’s too easy to give money wit’out giving miself. So, dis is for Ruth.”
Ruth sighed. “Just my luck. I could have used a million dollars or so.” She opened the envelope, then laughed. “But this I can use. ” She read the handmade gift certificate. “‘This certificate is good for one day at the zoo with Havah and Isaac.’ And what’s this?” She pulled out a fifty-dollar bill.
“Dat’s for you and Ben to go out to dinner while we chasing your kids at de zoo!”
The rest of the gifts were exchanged with laughter, hugs, and a few tears. Ruth gave Nony a framed picture of all us Yadas that Ben had taken at Edesa’s wedding—and ended up having to promise she’d get copies for all the rest of us too . . . Nony gave Florida a CD of South African worship music . . . Florida gave Edesa a coupon booklet that had been filled in with things like “Babysit Gracie” (there were a lot of those), “Free advice” (that got a laugh), “Instant quiet if the boys play their music too loud” (“Oh, you’ll need that one!” Becky Wallace said, rolling her eyes), and “Hugs on demand.” . . . Edesa gave Estelle a scroll tied with a ribbon that promised private Spanish lessons. “You will get many more jobs for elder care if you can speak some Spanish,” Edesa said knowingly . . . Estelle had sewn a set of kitchen curtains for Becky’s new apartment, rendering Becky speechless . . . Becky gave Stu a certificate good for six hours of housecleaning, to be used in whatever combination Stu wanted. “That’s to make up for all the times I drove you nuts leavin’ dirty dishes in the sink and leavin’ my wet towels on the bathroom floor.”
There was only one gift left under the tree. Stu retrieved it and stood in front of Avis. “Well. I think it is very appropriate that Avis should be the final one to receive a gift. Last but not least, you know. As our fearless leader, the one who has kept us all in line and forged a path for us to follow, our elder stateswoman—”
“Oh, stop.” Avis rolled her eyes.
Stu, barely concealing a grin, handed her the gaily wrapped package. Avis opened it and pulled out a large pink T-shirt. And then she started to laugh. “Oh! Stu, you didn’t! Where am I going to wear this?”
“What? Show us!” we all cried.
Avis turned the T-shirt around. It read in fancy script: “I’m too Sexy to be Fifty.”
At that point, we all lost it. Amid hoots and laughter, we threw out suggestions: “To school, of course!” . . . “Could be a nightshirt.” . . . “Peter will like it!” . . . “Wear it to embarrass your kids.” Still laughing, we finally broke for refreshments and to let Chanda cut her lemon birthday cake.
Thirty minutes later, as the others headed back toward the living room to begin our sharing and prayer time, I blew out the dining room candles that were drowning in their own wax, checked on Patches and Peanut in Josh’s old bedroom (cuddled together in a pile of black, white, and orange fur), and refilled the pitcher of ice water. Padding silently down the hall with the pitcher, I stopped in the living room archway. Nonyameko was sharing with the rest of the sisters what she had already told me at the Heartland Café, the sorrows and joys of the pathway God had placed before her and Mark . . .
That’s it, isn’t it, Lord? A pathway with both sorrow and joy.
My eyes caressed the heads of all my Yada Yada sisters listening intently to Nony’s story. Each one had a story—a story that was only beginning, whether it was twenty-something Yo-Yo, worried about the half brothers she’d been raising since she was a teenager, or Ruth, becoming a mother for the first time at fifty! Of twins!
Oh, the challenges each one in that room faced! Yet each one had so much to give. Hoshi, bless her, wanted to give back to inter-national students what she’d been given—friendship and a new life in Jesus. Estelle, who came to us from Manna House, wasn’t exactly a spring chicken, and yet she had such a heart to care for the homebound elderly.
As I looked at each face around the circle, I realized just how much each one had already given, not only to this group, not only to others . . . but to me.
My eyes blurred. Thank You, Jesus! Thank You for giving Yada Yada to me as companions on this journey of faith—Well, you were a hard nut to crack, Jodi Baxter, said the Voice in my spirit. Religious types always are. You needed sisters like Florida and Yo-Yo and Adele to break through the churchy facade that stood between Me and you.
Yeah, I know.
But I need to ask you something, Jodi. God’s Spirit was gentle, but insistent. What if I send all of these sisters to serve Me elsewhere, and they’re not here to prop you up? What will you do then?
I didn’t want to think about that. But for some reason, I wasn’t afraid. I don’t know . . . but I know I can trust You, Lord. I have Your Word to guide me, and You’ve given me the weapons of praise and prayer.
That’s right, Jodi. Even though friends and family may leave you, I will never leave you nor forsake you. That’s a promise.
“Hey, Jodi! Put down that pitcher and come join us. We’re going to lay hands on Nony and pray for her before we hear from the rest.”
I obeyed, joy pushing a smile onto my face. For this evening, this moment, my heart and this house was full. And the Yada Yada Prayer Group was doing what we did best . . .
Pray.
A note from the author:
This novella marks the end of the Yada Yada series. I never imagined it would be more than one novel, much less seven! It has certainly been a life-changing journey for me. God has taught me so much in the writing. Sometimes I felt as if I were on a roller coaster, just hanging on for the ride! Thank you, faithful sister-friends, for sharing the journey with me. I’d love to hear what it’s meant for you. You can contact me through our website: www.daveneta.com. God BLESS you!
Sincerely,
P.S. But just in case you’re wondering . . . Yes, I’m working on a new series (due to premier in Spring 2009) with a cast of new characters. But remember the old camp song, “Make new friends, but keep the old . . .”? You’ll find some of your old Yada Yada friends woven into the new series too! Visit my website to sign up for updates. See you next time around.
Reading Group Guide
1. The Yada Yada Prayer Group wants to celebrate and get “decked out”—nothing wrong with that! When was the last time you really got “decked out”? What do you consider the joys and pitfalls of getting “decked out”?
2. Besides weddings, anniversaries, graduations, and birthdays, what are some other events or milestones (often overlooked) that deserve celebration?
3. The Manna House women’s shelter provides a backdrop for much of this story. Have you ever volunteered at a shelter or food pantry for those without basic necessities? Share your experience. In what ways did volunteering change
you?
4. Jodi found “Mr. Tallahassee” (Amanda’s schoolmate) extremely annoying, but God told her to sow seeds of friend-ship anyway. Are your children’s friends welcome at your house—whether they are five, fifteen, or twenty-five? How could you make your home more hospitable toward guests of all ages?
5. When Jodi realized she knew one of the youths who snatched her purse, do you think she did the right thing by not reporting it to the police? Why or why not?
6. How do you feel about Edesa’s decision to keep Carmelita’s orphaned child, even though she and Josh weren’t married yet? What risks was she taking?
7. Josh told his parents God used the story of Joseph to speak to him about marrying Edesa now and accepting the child too. Has a story from the Bible ever spoken to your specific circumstances? In what way?
8. Why do you think Josh and Edesa chose Colossians 3:12–14 for their wedding scripture? In what way might these verses rearrange our priorities as women?
9. Jodi decides the unpolished Christmas play at the Manna House shelter and its cast of Katrina evacuees and down-on-their-luck residents is actually very appropriate. Today’s version of the Christmas story (complete with music and candlelight and glittering decorations) shields us from its poverty-stricken setting and common characters: an out-of-wedlock pregnancy, a hurry-up wedding, a travel-weary couple without room reservations, a destitute baby born in a barn. If the Son of God were born today, what might be the equivalent for the town of Bethlehem? . . . the stable? . . . the shepherds who got the first announcement? (Who would believe and come running?)
10. In a way, the story of Hakim and Jodi provides “bookends” to the Yada Yada series. Why do you think Hakim responded to the invitation to make this truly “Freedom’s Eve”? What did this mean for Jodi? For Hakim’s mother?
11. How do you usually celebrate New Year’s Eve? How might you add meaning to this holiday with ideas from this novel?
12. In your journey with the Yada Yada Prayer Group, what has meant the most to you? What have you learned about prayer? . . . about worship? . . . about the “other” members of the body of Christ who are different from yourself?
Celebrate!
If you’re like Jodi Baxter (it’s a little scary how many other “Jodies” are out there!), it probably feels as if you’ve barely recovered from the last holiday season—paid the bills . . . put away the decorations . . . discovered the forgotten wrapping paper still under the bed—when the holidays loom large on the calendar again.
Hopefully it won’t take a sprained ankle to slow you down long enough to think about how you want to celebrate the holiday sea-son this year.
Of course, if you want fancy decorating tips, last-minute gift ideas, or tantalizing menus for a seven-course meal, feel free to pick up one of the slick women’s magazines at the grocery store checkout, take a few guilt trips that you’re not doing enough . . . then go back to “doing the holidays” the same old way.
But if you’d like a few tips on celebrating the holiday season “the Yada Yada Way,” sit tight and take a bite!
Celebrate Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving! Giving thanks . . . that’s what this holiday is about. Families getting together. And food, of course. Lots and lots of food. Most every family has their favorite foods and recipes, from the traditional turkey (and ham and macaroni and cheese, staples at most African-American Thanksgiving tables) to pumpkin pie (or sweet potato pie). But before you dive in, it’s worth taking a few minutes to reflect on the historical aspects of this day.
Reflect
The following account of the “First Thanksgiving” in the New World provides a meaningful context. However, the Native American corn mentioned here was not popcorn, nor would it have been very suitable for eating on the cob. It was primarily ground for meal.
Our [wheat] did prove well, and God be praised, we had a good increase of Indian corn, and our barley indifferent good, but our peas not worth the gathering, for we feared they were too late sown. They came up very well, and blossomed, but the sun parched them in the blossom. Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men [out] fowling, . . . so we might . . . rejoice together after we had gathered the fruit of our labors.
They . . . in one day killed as much fowl as, with a little help beside, served the company almost a week. At which time, amongst other recreations, . . . many of the Indians [came] amongst us, [including] their greatest king Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted. And they went out and killed five deer, which they brought to the plantation and bestowed on our governor, and upon the captain and others.
And although it be not always so plentiful as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want that we often wish you partakers of our plenty.1
It’s also worth noting that a “thanksgiving day” is not a uniquely American holiday. Here are some other countries that have also set aside days to give thanks.
Other Countries’ Days of Thanksgiving Celebrations
Brazil, Dia Nacional de Acao de Gracas, fourth Thursday of November.
British Isles, Lammas Day, a harvest festival.
Canada, Thanksgiving Day or Fete de Grace, or Harvest Home Festival, second Monday in October.
Germany, Erntedankfest, first Sunday in October.
Israel, Sukkot, Feast of Booths, the fifth day after Yom Kippur.
Japan, Labor Thanksgiving Day, November 23.
Korea, Chusok, fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month of the traditional Korean calendar.
Liberia, Thanksgiving Day, first Thursday in November.
Mexico, Independence Day, September 16.
Switzerland, The Federal Day of Thanks, Penance, and Prayer, third Sunday in September.
Give Thanks!
However you celebrate this day, don’t forget to give thanks. God’s blessings are so freely given and so abundant. But it’s not “what we have” so much as “how we have it” that give us reason to celebrate with joy and thanksgiving.
Consider this proverb: “Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil. Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred” (Proverbs 15:16–17 NIV).
Discuss with your family members: “What do you think this proverb means for our family? Are we focusing too much on our problems and not enough on our blessings? Are there family quarrels that need to be mended so we can truly give thanks?”
Expand Your Table
The whole family is coming for Thanksgiving? Great! But con-sider adding a few international students from the local college, a few singles from church, or the older couple down the street whose children live in distant states.
At the first Thanksgiving in 1621, Native Americans and European immigrants sat down at the same table and broke bread together. Why not invite a family from a culture or ethnic group different from your own to share Thanksgiving Day with your family? Let each family bring traditional dishes from their own culture. Listen to one another’s stories. It will be a Thanksgiving Day you will never forget.
The family can’t come this year? Quit moping! Volunteer to serve Thanksgiving dinner at a local homeless shelter, soup kitchen, or other ministry that serves the elderly, the lonely, or the poor. Don’t just dish out food. Sit and talk with the guests. Play checkers or cards. You will not only be a blessing, but you will be blessed!
A Thanksgiving Mural
Tack a long piece of newsprint or a large poster board some-where near the Thanksgiving table with colorful markers nearby. Encourage family and guests to write their thanksgivings on the mural during the day—no limit! Little ones can draw pictures. Date the mural and save it until the following year . . . then bring it out for everyone to enjoy before starting a new one.
Popcorn Praise
Before serving the food at your Thanksgiving dinner, place three kernels of popcorn on each dinner plate, then pass around a bowl, inviting each person to te
ll three things he or she is thankful for as they place their kernels in the bowl. You might assist younger children by suggesting categories: family, God, something fun.
Or . . . pass the bowl at three different times during the meal—before it begins, during the meal, when it’s time for dessert. Pick a theme for the thanksgivings each time: “Something that happened this past year” . . . “Why you are thankful for the person sitting next to you” . . . “Something you are looking forward to” . . . etc.
A Family Advent Celebration
Like Jodi Baxter, you may sometimes feel pushed into Christmas by the frenzy and commercialism of the season without a moment to consider the magnitude of God being born on earth to live among us. For centuries, many Christians have slowed their hectic lives during the four weeks before Christmas to focus on the reason for the season by celebrating Advent—a word that means “coming” or “arriving”—a time of reflecting on Israel’s long wait for a Messiah in order to prepare ourselves to celebrate His coming. Because of its ancient origin, there are many variations in the tradition, but “Ready My Heart,” a simple carol by Lois Shuford, captures the essence well.
Ready my heart for the birth of Emmanuel
Ready my soul for the Prince of Peace.
Heap the straw of my life for His body to lie on,
Light the candle of hope. Let the Child come in.
Alleluia, Alleluia,
Alleluia, Christ the Savior is born! 2
The Advent Wreath
In the center of your table, construct a wreath of evergreens or holly. (Artificial greens or a wreath of ceramic or wood is less flammable.) Evenly space four purple or red candles in holders around the perimeter. In the center of the wreath, place a large white candle that is one and a half to three inches in diameter.