The Stars Shine Brighter

The stars shine brighter here in Africa
My wounds are deeper
My questions are harder
My heart lays rawer
My cries are louder
But the stars, they shine brighter here in Africa.

My longings surface faster
My desires intensify
My fears are more numerous
My flesh is weaker
But the stars, they shine brighter here in Africa.

While here in this place of brokenness and pain
I surrender
For God is here, closer
God is calling my name
God is saying, “come, I adore you. All of you—each.” God, He’s among us
He’s on His throne
And He whispers softly, “I’m shining brightly, I made those stars”

Those stars that shine brighter here in Africa.