19 Feb 2024

Cynthia Abednego-Kgagodi  book Dance, Tests, Tears & Triumph  highlights the significance of having supernatural faith  in God.  Speaking during the launch of the book in Gaborone on Friday, Dr Lazarus Takawira, a Pastor, Author, Geneticist and Co-Founder of Afroshapers Group, emphasised the importance of managing and controlling tests and tears, instead of allowing them to take control over one’s life. 

Takawira stressed that the book firmly addresses the idea that one cannot reach a place of abundance without going through challenging times.  He urged individuals to find solace and comfort in facing and overcoming life’s challenges in order to achieve victory. He noted the author’s skillful and mature approach to writing, expressing admiration for the captivating nature of the work and the persistent elegance displayed throughout.

Takawira said the book was detailed with challenges incurred in life and shared insights and reflections on handling turbulent times with grace, faith and courage. He said the book through its chapters relayed fundamental tools needed to remain dancing through tests and tears of life. “The book narrates the realities of life and acts as an antidote and a healing balm one needs during trying times,” he said. He acknowledged the importance of attachments with others and noted that everyone needs a destiny helper to overcome some hurdles, but stated that the relationship should be reciprocal.  “Be the blessing that you want people to be to you,” he said.

The author, Abednego-Kgagodi said she wanted to encourage readers to find their rhythm in the storm and dance as shared through her life experience and stories.

Kgagodi, who is also a devoted Christian said the book was conceptualized through the discovery of strength, holding on to faith and having hope in God. And in turn, she said she aims to change at least one life with this book. A quick glimpse into the chapters, Abednego-Kgagodi encouraged readers to treat life like a moving ambulance with a ringing siren, to navigate all challenges with alert and active mindset aimed towards the finish line. She said the title highlights that even in the darkest moments there was a divine choreography, a dance in the storm, that leads to a sanctuary of light and redemption, citing that challenges would always come, but one should make their choice to fight or flee. In the book, Abednego-Kgagodi bares her soul by recounting intimate details from a life marked by struggle. This includes the absence of a father, nursing a sick child, dealing with the loss of her mother, meeting people who changed her life for the better, believing a lie about her weight, and ultimately finding purpose and identity in faith and hope.

“This book serves as a testament to resilience, a mirror reflecting her determination to overcome. It sets out to prove that challenges need not define one’s identity or detail one from their destiny,” she said adding that faith without action is dead. ENDS