“Raising Jesca” by Shana Marie Gilbert
Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. James 1:27 NLT
God, who lives in his holy palace, is a father to orphans,
and he takes care of widows. Psalm 68:5 ERV
This tender real-life story captured my heart from the first page.
I wasn’t sure what to expect, so I went into it not expecting anything beyond a mother’s collection of experiences during her adoption process. However, this book is so much more than that.
Shana Marie Gilbert answered the ‘call’ in her spirit to follow through on what she believed was her true calling in life. Little did she know her obedience would uncover a hidden treasure: Jesca.
I won’t spoil your opportunity to walk into this experience, but I will tell you my heart melted and beat fast from one page to the next. From a mother’s heart, I will tell you that I was responding out loud in the comfort of my backyard, championing and cheering the efforts of everyone that contributed to the journey on behalf of this once street child from Uganda. I found myself visualizing the sweetness of answering the invitation to “Jangu Tuzine” (Ugandan for “come let’s dance”).
You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing.
You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, Psalm 30:11 NLT
Shana’s courage to go the distance with undaunted perseverance for the sake of her child is the trait every mother can identify with. You will be hooked reading as she shares her struggles, learning moments, victories, and death-defying (not an overstatement – how many mamas do you know of that have survived a war zone with their quick wit and their baby on the run?) GOD-directed instructions as she navigated unfamiliar territories in a foreign country in a van.
The faith of this mother-teacher-author-documentarian surfaces and affirms that the burning in her soul was definitely more than just a do-good-be-good thing to do. It was her blessed assignment from GOD to fight for the survival of street children in a ravaged and forgotten region of Uganda and to ultimately find her gem of a daughter amidst a war-torn country and to breathe life into her dreams.
Shana is vulnerable and transparent about her developing understanding of cultural perspectives, and gives way for humility to be taught where she was lacking. Ironically, in many ways, Jesca is instrumental in helping her mother grasp some of this as she grows up. The two are on the road to learning together.
Raising a multi-ethnic family, I can relate to some of the dynamics that contribute to teaching your children about inner strength while being different (in physical appearance and cultural appreciation) than those of your peers in proximity.
However, grounding your children in what is true anchors them for the long haul and gives them roots and empowers their voice no matter what they encounter. GOD’s truth reminds them of their identity as an equally valued Child of GOD.
I highly recommend this book ~ add it to your summer reading list. Get it and read it in the fresh sunshine and you’ll be refreshed to know that there are still warrior mamas out there who can challenge you to be the same.
Before I read this book, I watched the documentary that started it all: “WHITE WANDERER (aka. Mzungu),” released through Bridgestone Multimedia Group, LLC & EncourageTV and Brady Nasfell & MetaFrame Media. It’s available for viewing on Amazon, and I highly recommend viewing it as a preface to reading “Raising Jesca.”
Shana “Shane” Marie Gilbert has a track record of producing documentaries that inspire and impact. She’s led a storied life of pointing young people toward living a life of purpose.
I love you to Heaven and Back, Girlfriend ~
LindaRJohnson, TitusTwo Visionary
Titus Two 