Comparisons

For the last three decades, I have listened intentionally and attentively while people have trusted me by telling me their personal, private stories. As they talked, I observed patterns and commonalities in their narratives. I compared their stories to objects, Bible stories, and nature. People--patients from hospital beds, families of hospice clients who were about to lose dying loved ones, parishioners from congregations, sisters from sorority, students from workshops and seminary, my family members and friends, lay people and clergypersons, etc.--talked. People--men and women of different faith communities, racial and cultural backgrounds, and socioeconomic standings ranging from poor to wealthy and educated to barely literate--shared from their hearts. People told their stories; I took notes without names and recognized their pain and challenges. Later, they often returned to tell me more celebratory stories about their overcoming, empowerment, victories, life changes, coping, and sometimes solutions I listened, learned, and took more notes as I scribbled poems and rhymes, made notes in my phone, and then wrote what turned into this book. It is my prayer that you, your study group, book club, girlfriends, and buddies will read these poems, see yourself and God more clearly, and be challenged, inspired, and intrigued by reading Comparisons: Poems that Reflect the Earthly and the Divine. ""Cozette Garrett's poetic offerings remind us that there is wisdom and beauty in the most common observations, the complexity and the simplicity of such observations call for us to respond in tears, laughter, thoughtful engagement, and prayer. As you read, do not rush through. Savor the moment and you will enjoy the guidance she gifts to you through her poetry."" --Delesslyn Kennebrew, Regional Minister of New and Transforming Churches in the Greater Kansas City Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Cozette R. Garrett (Doctor of Ministry) has served as a personal and professional listener to many. Her ministry context has been broad, including service as ordained clergy in small and mega churches, a social worker who processed applications for public assistance and Medicaid, a hospital/hospice chaplain who ministered to families of newborns and the dying, and a seminary program director. She is now a weekly church life-group leader, preacher, and speaker.