By: Isaiah S. Showell, Follow South Jersey Multimedia Journalist/’What’s Good’ Host
WEST DEPTFORD, N.J. — The West Deptford Free Library was the launching pad for Leni UddyBack-Fortson and her reading excerpts from her poetry books. There were no empty seats for this free event to hear UddyBack-Fortson share some of her testimony and cleverly word it into poetry while being accompanied by song selections from singer Theresa Grace. All of UddyBack-Fortson books were available for purchase once she was done with her performance and she even signed autographs.
“I want my words to uplift and encourage and I want people to know when they listen to my words that it’ll be okay,” said UddyBack-Fortson.
Fresh Courage to Believe is one of four books that UddyBack-Fortson has published, and it speaks to empowering yourself and believing in yourself even when things may appear to be negative.
“I’m always pointing people back to Christ,” UddyBack-Fortson said. “That’s the reason why I’m still here. I’ve had bouts with depression, and I lost my parents in my 20s. The more I express myself in my poetry the more healing came, and I feel God works through me. As he’s working through me, he’s healing me so I can share and hope to heal others.”
The audience was filled with different spectators including film maker Frantz Excellent who has been a supporter and follower of UddyBack-Fortson since her very first book was published.
“Leni has always been consistent with expressing the joy of living and of love,” said Excellent. “One thing people can learn, especially young people, [is that] whatever it is you feel that God has put in you to do, don’t listen to the white noise, listen to the spirit of God telling you to go for it.”
UddyBack-Fortson is creating a brand new project, but no official titles have been released yet, but whatever it is, it’s definitely what’s good in South Jersey!
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