grow and strengthen. Jah's guidance has led me
through the darkness of a tragic personal loss and
into the light of righteousness. In the summer of 1980
I was visiting my family on a little Greek island.
At one of the few clubs I heard a song that caught
my attention instantly. The reaction of the vacationing
European crowd told me whoever it was, they were BIG in Europe.
""
It was Bob Marley singing Positive Vibration
off of Babylon By Bus. When I got home
to the States, I went to a store and bought Rastaman Vibration,
read the lyrics, and was hooked. After reading about Rastafari in
Catch A Fire,
things started to click. I had always believed in God,
but none of the religions I had known had felt right
until I read of H.I.M.
Bob Marley led me to Rastafari
and I am eternally grateful.
I grew up in a small New England town surrounded by
upper-middle-class Babylon and would never have heard of Bob,
Reggae or Rasta if I hadn't been caught by Bob's works
that night in Greece. In 1989 the girl I wanted to marry was killed in a car accident,
and if I hadn't been led to Rastafari and had the beliefs I now do,
I most likely would have taken my life out of grief.
I never got to see Bob in concert, but I never missed
a chance to check for his kids when they were on tour.
Going to their shows gave me such a positive vibe - I could feel
Bob's presence. A few months after that accident, The Melody Makers
were on tour for Black History Month. One night after a show, by a twist of fate,
I had the opportunity to meet and talk with Cedella Marley.
She was very nice to me that night, and in the following years,
giving me passes, taking time out to visit with me, etc.
Sharon, Erica, Addis, Sky and Snoopy have all been cool with me
over the years as well. Finding myself amongst them,
instead of just watching them from the crowd,
was really uplifting. They helped me thru a tough time
without even knowing it.
Within the next year, I had also been befriended by the Wailers.
Now I want to share Jah's message with everyone out
there who hasn't had the opportunity to benefit from His wisdom.
Read His words...and live them.
Give thanks...