Hope this thing is on.
Wanted to reintroduce myself.
Human number something something billion.
Aka, Sanni Iyintosoluwami Oluwafisayomi Oluwasekemi Mohammed Haruna.
But thats a lot. How about pastorZEN?
My older idea for a stage name was melcZedek. A variation of Melchizedek, the immortal high priest that shows up a couple times at the beginning of our story.
Later was pastorZED. As in, ‘Z’ – a final iteration of influence. The ultimate preacher archetype, before we hit infinity. And everyone knows for themselves.
But this dropped in my spirit one day. And it clicked.
I was raised Christian (some may say unfortunately).
But (fortunately), I (still) love Jesus.
Since age 11, dunking my head in the holy pool at the front of the church, I was set apart. Though in truth, was unsure. My faith hadn’t yet matured to a place where I felt comfortable proclaiming the truth of the matter. I was, and still am, a seeker. My goal is to see.
But commercial Christianity failed me once. And with all due respect, this modern era of self flagellation just doesn’t do it for me. Decided that I needed something realer.
So, making my own religion. (Kind of.)
Let’s call it, “Love”.
Christ is (still) the center piece.
And His Word remains the directive.
But I can not submit to earth bound authority.
(And that’s where the art comes in.)
pastorZEN to me, represents an experiment in exploration (or, a simulation in subversion.)
A joining of the east and west in an attempt to bring creation together under the banner of Truth.
And what better medium than the spoken word to broach such a mission, in a manner unabashedly and unashamedly forthright as rap music.
As a teacher, a student, a poet, and an artist: my only goal is The Truth. To translate Reality, and revive dormant minds by the power of Love… (but not the fake shit).
Because ultimately, timegrow.org represents an extension of the mission.
To recover lost time, and recalibrate humanity for an uncertain tomorrow.
Think spiritual development, founded on authentic expression, channeled by creative co-expression.
Where the goal is to help redefine rock bottom as a trampoline.
To engage honestly with seekers of all tribes, in a network forged by understanding and open source discussion. A petri dish for a cultural dialogue rooted in faith, hope, and love. Launching an abundant operating system for the future of human. kind.
Ultimately where this goes is up to You.
Bless.
Zen.