There’s a popular song I used to hear and sing in the 70s that said “It only takes a spark to get a fire going.” On the heels of “Unbroken Optimist”, Kofi Douhadji is preparing to release his latest book “Tiny Sparks”. The introduction to this book states that it is a “life toolbox” that “encourages reflection and meditation that will empower you to face each challenge with gratitude, optimism and resilience.” Reflecting back to stories learned at his Grandmother’s knee in Togo, West Africa, to collecting wisdom from mile markers in his life, Kofi shares short stories and quips geared to enhancing his readers/listeners lives and developing their full potential. Having worked with Kofi on “Unbroken Optimist” (available on Audible.com here and Amazon Books here) I can hear nuggets of wisdom reaped from his life journey to this point, and while he certainly focuses on today he also has an ever forward-looking perspective to what he will be and experience tomorrow. He challenges each of us to take a 2nd, 3rd, 4th… look at the (often timeless) principles of truth that enable us to live into the best design our Creator had in mind. At this point we’ve recorded nearly half of the book’s content, and I look forward to hearing the remainder.

The MKS Studio Vivace Choir has completed the vocal recording for their 2024 music video. The chosen piece is “Jesus, Thank You”. The ensemble, consisting of ten singers which includes three young men this year, performed well on multiple takes and a good initial mix has been made for use in their video shoot. There’s three solo parts and a good blend of choral harmonies.

This is the third year Tesco Productions has had the opportunity of working with the Vivace Choir for their annual showcase rendition, and I for one enjoy hearing an ensemble give praise to their Savior – an art form that seems to have taken a back seat in our more “contemporary” music configurations.

I wrote last week that the release of Kofi Douhadji’s audio book was running down the last lap, and it has now crossed the finish line. It is available with an Audible account from Audible.com at this link, or from Amazon here (audio and/or print). If you are interested in a bit more about the production process you can find that here.

As I reviewed in the past, this self-read book is Kofi’s story of growing up in Togo, West Africa and eventually landing in the United States with his family. As Kofi points out it’s not a “rags to riches” story, but rather an open presentation of taking what we’ve been given, what we don’t have, and learning to discern the choices and steps to make the most of it all.

As we produced his audio book I was struck multiple times about how often Kofi’s life (and therefore his story) was impacted by just one person, one word, one action at a critical time that caused a major trajectory shift. That turn or re-direct wasn’t even always known at the moment it occurred (or at least its significance), but in looking back he could see how each one became part of the map his life was drawing and connected him to his next path.

Another big lesson or reminder from hearing Kofi’s memoir is how many times the hardest, most seemingly insurmountable “barriers” in his life turned out to be his greatest change agents and motivation for knowing he could face what came next. I must say I highly doubt I would have persevered through his many and even life-threatening situations the story unfolds. He did, to which even the fact his story is being told gives testament.

And for us who had the opportunity of growing up in this blessed country we call the USA, I was soberly struck by how much I take for granted. Everyone privileged to call this place “home” is endowed with riches beyond measure – much of which we should not count in dollars and cents (which ultimately has the least value). To hear Kofi’s description of his first journey (alone) discovering America is quite heart-warming. I don’t think that discovery has ended for him or his family to this day.

Ultimately, Kofi invites us to remember we are all human beings on this journey called “life”. What we live as our story (and subsequently can also tell about) depends on the choices we make from the input, influences and opportunities we are all presented with. He calls each us to write our own story, and make it great!