NIKKI GRIMES

Nikki Grimes''s lyrical text and Bryan Collier''s distinctive collages tell the inspirational story of Barack Obama. Raised in Jakarta and Hawaii, Obama has become a force for social change. Like JFK and Martin Luther King, Obama is a link in the long chain of people who have fought so that the United States fulfils the promises upon which it was founded. Just as the baton has been passed to Obama from previous leaders, Obama is already a role model for the young people who will one day assume the mantle of leadership.

"Glory in the Margins is a gift and a challenge: a collection that could be well-worn by pastors and prisoners, could be healing in both a hospital room or busy auditorium, and could offer inspiration in both the quiet of personal devotion or a bustling sanctuary." Dana VanderLugt, Reformed JournalNew York Times bestselling author and poet Nikki Grimes explains, "A study of scripture reveals that Jesus spent a lot of time with people in the margins. As an African American, I live in the margins, and I can tell you that its a place most of us would rather not be. And yet, I know there is always glory to be found in the margins because of the Lords presence in, and with us.""As Poet Laureate of my Grace Brethren Church in Southern California, its my job to distill the heart of the weekly sermon into a poem. I dive into each weeks chosen scripture, viewing it from my own perspective as Black, as woman, as poet, always a little left of center, and looking for the glory to be found in the margins of life, and of the text. Of course, those of us who live in the margins are not what anyone expects, and the very notion that God might speak through us, through me, may seem a bit wild. But he does. I will pour out my spirit on all flesh, said the Lord. Gods busy in the hearts of all who call on him."Glory in the Margins is published under Paraclete Presss Iron Pen imprint. In the book of Job, a suffering man pours out his anguish to his Maker. From the depths of his pain, he reveals a trust in Gods goodness that is stronger than his despair, giving humanity some of the most beautiful and poetic verses of all time. Paracletes Iron Pen imprint is inspired by this spirit of unvarnished honesty and tenacious hope.

Winner of the Coretta Scott King Award, and New York Times bestselling author Nikki Grimes introduces Glory, Too, a soul-stirring collection of poetry that delves into the depths of faith, hope, and the human experience by one of Americas preeminent black poets. In a marriage of poetry, faith, and worship, Ms. Grimes poems illuminate the Scriptures that grace every Sunday of the year. Her inimitable voice and imagination offer glimpses of glory we might not otherwise see, throughout the seasons of the year.With lyrical precision and spiritual insight, she invites readers on a journey of reflection, weaving together themes of grace, redemption, and the enduring power of Gods love throughout the year.As the companion volume to her previous book Glory in the Margins: Sunday Poems, Glory, Too resonates with authenticity and depth, giving testimony to the transformative power of poetry and the enduring hope found in the embrace of Gods eternal grace.High StyleLouboutin stilettosare recognizable at a distance.Those shiny red solestell you everything.When Gucci handbagsare in a room,they virtually shout.Now, Im not much for labels,but Ive noticed howGods garments stand out.Take the suit, a second skinmade of holinessa rare fabric,that usually itches, at firstuntil the wearergets used to it;Beyond that,Gods personal styleis all about the layered look:the silk of compassion,golden threads of kindnesswoven through the vest,humility cinching in the waist, meekness and patiencefalling to the ankles,and love thickly drapedacross the shoulders.The clothing God designsis never mistakenfor anyones but his.And when were wise enoughto don his attire,we look like morethan a million.

Things can be much more than things. Why do we love the things that we do? The old guitar, the champagne flutes, the miniature model carand what happens when those objects change hands? In the buying and the selling of things, objects once loved but perhaps discarded or forgotten, we find a treasure trove of untold stories. . . stories of pain, joy, hope, dreams, disappointment. What new purposes might unfold when these objects move from old owners to new? What spiritual, unseen things happen in that ordinary human transaction? Can love be passed on through pre-owned possessions?New York Times bestselling author Nikki Grimes invites us to discover what her grandmother taught herhow there is value in the old and used, and how things are much more than thingsthey are stories of our humanity. Wise, thoughtful, and unsparingly candid, this unique and moving collection of stories-as-verse helps us on our journeys of letting go, rediscovering purpose, and experiencing redemption and renewal for the worn out and broken places in our hearts. Step in, look around, have a listen, and be twice blessed.