Breaking Old Rhythms

"When two fighters of equal ability and speed are matched . . . there is a greater advantage to the one who knows how to break the rhythm."—Bruce LeeRhythm is a blessing. By rhythm we dance, sing, clap, walk and breathe.Beyond the blessing is the Giver of Rhythm, who sometimes calls us past the patterns and habits we have established for ourselves into new understanding, new risk, new faith, hope and love.In those moments we have to decide where to place our trust: in God or in our precious rhythms.Spoken word poet Amena Brown has made rhythm her life's work. In Breaking Old Rhythms she explores how we discover by rhythm both our God-given limitations and potential, and the ways we limit God's work in our lives. Read this book and be reminded, and encouraged, that while God has rhythm, God is love, and God's love carries us beyond our rhythms into a fuller, more fulfilling life.



Amena Brown is a poet, speaker, journalist and event host from Atlanta, Georgia. The author of a chapbook and two spoken word CDs, Brown has performed and spoken at events across the nation. She and her husband, Matt "DJ Opdiggy" Owen travel and perform "God.Rhyme.Reason," a presentation of poetry, monologue and deejaying on doubt, faith and hope.



Dan Kimball (MA, Western Seminary) is the pastor of Vintage Faith Church in Santa Cruz, California, and currently working toward his Doctor of Ministry from George Fox Evangelical Seminary. He is the author of several books published by Zondervan including The Emerging Church (2003), Emerging Worship (2004) and They Like Jesus But Not the Church (2007). He also contributed to a book by the late Robert Webber in 2007 titled Listening to Beliefs of Emerging Churches (2007, Zondervan).

A Word to the Reader


1. Finding Your Rhythm


2. The Blessing of Irritation


3. The Rhythm of Fighting


4. If God Is a DJ


5. Broken Heart


6. Breakdancing


7. Breathing Room


8. Beatbox


9. Baggage Check


10. Finding the Break Beat

"Amena Brown's soulful, joyful, beautiful voice is a true gift to anyone who has the privilege of hearing it. This work is no exception, and I found myself so refreshed by the unique way Amena shares her personal journey and passion for Jesus. This book is inspiring, encouraging and challenging--a true wake-up call to the highest end of becoming who God has created you to be. Amena is not willing to settle for old rhythms or worn-out, hopeless patterns, and refuses to let anyone else to settle either. Poetry, song lyrics, stories, photos, ideas, joy, sadness and deep imagery make for a beautiful work written, so that by the end you feel as if you know both Amena and yourself that much better. This book was a joy to read!" weniger anzeigen expand_less