Breaking Old Rhythms

"When two fighters of equal ability and speed are matched . . . there is a greater advantage to the one who knows how to break the rhythm." —Bruce Lee Rhythm is a blessing. By rhythm we dance, sing, clap, walk and breathe. Beyond the blessing is the Giver of Rhythm, who sometimes calls us past the patterns and habits we have established for ourselves into new understanding, new risk, new faith, hope and love. In those moments we have to decide where to place our trust: in God or in our precious rhythms. Spoken word poet Amena Brown has made rhythm her life's work. In Breaking Old Rhythms she explores how we discover by rhythm both our God-given limitations and potential, and the ways we limit God's work in our lives. Read this book and be reminded, and encouraged, that while God has rhythm, God is love, and God's love carries us beyond our rhythms into a fuller, more fulfilling life.



Amena Brown is a poet, speaker, journalist and event host from Atlanta, Georgia. The author of a chapbook and two spoken word CDs, Brown has performed and spoken at events across the nation. She and her husband, Matt "DJ Opdiggy" Owen travel and perform "God.Rhyme.Reason," a presentation of poetry, monologue and deejaying on doubt, faith and hope.



Dan Kimball (MA, Western Seminary) is the pastor of Vintage Faith Church in Santa Cruz, California, and currently working toward his Doctor of Ministry from George Fox Evangelical Seminary. He is the author of several books published by Zondervan including The Emerging Church (2003), Emerging Worship (2004) and They Like Jesus But Not the Church (2007). He also contributed to a book by the late Robert Webber in 2007 titled Listening to Beliefs of Emerging Churches (2007, Zondervan).

A Word to the Reader


1. Finding Your Rhythm


2. The Blessing of Irritation


3. The Rhythm of Fighting


4. If God Is a DJ


5. Broken Heart


6. Breakdancing


7. Breathing Room


8. Beatbox


9. Baggage Check


10. Finding the Break Beat

"Spoken-word artist Amena Brown's book, Breaking Old Rhythms, reminds us that God calls us beyond the patterns and habits we've established and into a new way of living and breathing and being."



"Amena Brown has crafted an original and powerful look at the rhythms that make up our lives and the one who sets the beat for us to follow. . . . this would be an excellent book for those in the church, both young adults and older, disenchanted disciples, who are seeking answers to questions of identity and purpose."



". . . a refreshing read from a voice that is rarely included in faith and motivational circles."



"Sculpting and painting words into eloquent and raw poetry seems to be the breath of Amena Brown. Breaking Old Rhythms is a call for all who find themselves stuck in the mundane, drawing us to risk, push and open our full potential--all the while realizing we have and always will be completely seen and completely loved by the One who started the creating."



"Amena Brown uses words to fill the soul like music. In Breaking Old Rhythms she creatively explores the idea that we all have a life rhythm, and that God is often found in the most unexpected places."



"Breaking Old Rhythms reminds us of God's passion to rewrite the soundtracks of our lives with faithful, redemptive love. Warm, poignant and deeply soulful, Amena Brown invites us into her story, showing us how to let go and embrace God. Spoken word indeed."



"Amena Brown's soulful, joyful, beautiful voice is a true gift to anyone who has the privilege of hearing it. This work is no exception, and I found myself so refreshed by the unique way Amena shares her personal journey and passion for Jesus. This book is inspiring, encouraging and challenging--a true wake-up call to the highest end of becoming who God has created you to be. Amena is not willing to settle for old rhythms or worn-out, hopeless patterns, and refuses to let anyone else to settle either. Poetry, song lyrics, stories, photos, ideas, joy, sadness and deep imagery make for a beautiful work written, so that by the end you feel as if you know both Amena and yourself that much better. This book was a joy to read!"



"Through her beautiful style and thoughtful expression, Amena artfully fractured my structured rhythm to challenge me to consider a new perspective of God's work in my life and faith."



Amena fuses God?s truth with the reality of the rhythms of life. . . . [She] challenges us to not settle for less than the beauty of what God creates us each to be.



"Amena Brown is a gift--a breathtaking blend of poet, prophet and pioneer. Her life and words will bless your soul."



"As a poet and a dancer, Brown sets about exploring creative ways for finding and moving to the rhythm that God creates all around us. . . . A lot of thought, time, and experience have gone into this small book. Brown shows her heart and her story for all to read, and it makes this book very moving and endearing." weniger anzeigen expand_less