My name is Janette. My husbands name is RED. We had a miscarriage two years ago. I’m so glad I found this piece 😢

Janette Ikz : Red Lyrics Red, Used to be my favourite colour. Out of all the colours you created. From the 49ers to the bulls My barbie Ferrari My first guitar Even my favourite flavour of kool-aid was Red I remember when I told him His eyes began to radiate with refuge His smile took over the galaxy And swallowed the supernova that caused an expansion in his chest He was proud And I wished he would never stop looking at me, the way he looked at me. I found myself Placing my hand on the bare skin of a soon to be round confirmation Began eating bowls full of nurture and plates of take it easy Neither mommy nor daddy had an easy childhood The absence of our fathers left us carrying disappointment from backpacks to briefcases. So, Hope, Hope was a distant cousin who had their own room Nintendo, Cabins with options of food Two parents, new shoes and fruit snacks too But finally, it was our turn And we were expecting When someone would ask us if we wanted a girl or a boy, Our response was we wanted healthy and happy We were happy My senses became so sensitive I began to smell the sweet aroma of my grandmother’s prayers Coming to freshen in the air And then, I saw… Red A trembling like Red leaves hanging off the autumn branches But wait I’m attached to the vine Maybe, maybe it’s just red No, wait, God remember we did it right We waited We deserve Red A Google Bleeding during pregnancy Red About 20% of women have some bleeding during the first twelve weeks of pregnancy Red Or, light bleeding And spotting is common at times Red, Red, Red, Red Red, And I’m still lost as to why You would launch a fire far into the sky Then silence the bang And murder the colour Why catapult life into the air And watch us gaze like deer at dawn With a hope that was present Prior to the partaking of the forbidden And I could never seem to get away from the askers Well you know the askers When you’re single the question is like “Hey, why are you single?” So then you get in a relationship and two days later The question is “Well, when you gonna get married?” And then you get married so now the question is “Well, when you gonna have kids?” But wait, you still haven’t had kids, so now they are asking you again “When are you gonna give us some babies?” So now I wanna ask the askers “Did you ever take the time to consider, maybe she can’t?!?” And every time you ask her, ask her You launch a thousand missiles into her chest Your words have literally made her a casualty of the war that she fought Just to get up and walk outside Expecting to see the light Your questions have backed her into a tomb She has to be resurrected after every conversation with you I had not quite seen in forty years But it’s real when I tell you I was tired of the complaints from those He already provided for Grumbling with full bellies Manna and seed I was a woman in mourning Longing for morning sickness and backaches I couldn’t stare nine months or another woman in her face I couldn't be happy for my fellow sisters when they came up to me and say “Sis, I’m alright” Maybe it was my fault, Maybe it was me Maybe I wasn’t calm enough Maybe I didn’t drink water enough Maybe I didn’t eat enough Rest enough, Maybe I didn’t pre-natal enough I remember when I told him He didn’t give the comforting, calculated, pre-meditated answer to the equation I had in my mind And I wished he would stop looking at me The way he looked at me When I’m tired of being covered in these blankets in the middle of the night Because I’m tired of being covered in shame He says to me “Let’s pray” But I don’t want to talk to Him or You Our Sovereign God Sovereign means, this happened on Your watch Or Omniscient God Omniscient means, You knew this would happen before it happened So why let it happen? Oh, Faithful God Faithful Where’s the faithfulness in allowing me to experience this happiness Only to snatch this joy right back away? Oh Omnipotent God Omnipotent means, You and Your all-mighty power could have stopped this from happening But still, You chose to let me see Red Why? Why Red? Why me? “Then Moses stretched out his hand over the Red Sea and the Lord swept the Red Sea back by a strong east wind all night and turned the Red Sea into dry land. So the waters were divided The sons of Israel went to the midst of the Red Sea and the dry land and the waters were like a wall to them on their right hand and on the left.” Oh Omnipotent God, -“Come now and let us reason together,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson they will be like wool.” Oh Faithful God, “The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. And no plague will be for you; destroyed. When I strike the land of Egypt.” Oh Omniscient God, “ And behold a woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His garment. - For she said to herself, “If I only touch His garment, I will be made well. Jesus turned and seeing her said- - “Take heart daughter your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well. And I am not the first woman with a Red issue.” Oh Loving God, Loving God “Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole Roman cohort around Him. They stripped Him and put a scarlet Red robe on Him. And after twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand; and they knelt down before Him and mocked Him, saying “Hail King of the Jews!” They spat on Him, and took the reed and began to beat Him on the head after they had mocked Him. They took the scarlet Red robe off Him and put His own garments back on Him. And lead him away to crucify Him.” Oh Merciful God, “Beaten beyond recognition. Flesh torn like the heart of Your mother Mary watching on in anguish. Pierced in Your side, crucified as your body shed Red. And this Red that was shed it removes me of my sin. Removes me of my guilt, removes God’s wrath.” I am reconciled because of Red. I am redeemed because of Red. I’m justified and forgiven I’m free because of Red. Dear Lord, Don’t let me forget Your love letters written to me in Red This life will not be without suffering. Don’t let me forget what I have read And God, God said, “My child, Red, is still your favourite colour.”

You have a gift deeper than poetry, keep telling us about Jesus ❤️

Why did I feel this so deeply when I’ve never even gone through something like this? 😭 You are amazing

I saw her do this live and got major goosebumps and a lump in my throat when she screamed "MAYBE SHE CANNNNN'T"

Wow!!! I'm lost of words! This woman is amazing! South Africa 🇿🇦 is watching

I felt like she was telling my story. I thank God for his healing because we still don’t have kids but by God’s grace and mercy our hearts are healed and our marriage is wonderful. So if this is your story too know that everything happens for a reason and despite your pain God loves you more than you know.

Yo. That was intense 😳. Extreme creativity 🔥. Went through 5 miscarriages. This is real. Courage & hope to couples pierced w/ this pain. God heals 🙏🏽.

@3:30 When you’re so hurt you have one of those “angry talks with God.” 😫 I felt this in my soul, sis. 🥺

Jenette if you ever get a chance to read this, know that you are loved. Always loved, unconditionally. Thank you for sharing your pain so raw with us, and for sharing your hope through it all.

I literally have no words! Janette is amazing, her vulnerability ...just wow!

I don't have the words...Wow! When she grabbed her Bible...RED! My God!!!!! Glory be to the most high, the only true and living God!

I cried 😭😭😭. Not because I've been pregnant before but because all she said every woman can relate. Blessings 😍😍

She is and has always been something serious! Far beyond poetry! Truly a gift

I cried so much watching my husband got worried and came to watch it himself. Thank you for the vulnerability and encouragement Janette_iks

The depth of this piece! RED will never be just another colour for me. Thank you, Janette...itz!

THIS shook me to my core. Bless God for letting you see the light through the pain and for using you too. God bless you for letting yourself be used.

Amen. I had a miscarriage and found out at the same time I found out I was having twins. Me and mt bf wanted twins SOOOO badly. We prayed so hard for God to keep our kids. The next night they were gone. It hurt soooooo bad. The first death I witnessed of people I loved so much but never knew. Thank you for this poem. To God be the glory

Wow!! Amazing! God really uses our pain for His glory 💕

😥😭😭😭 this hit me different. Thanks for sharing. Love from Kenya 🇰🇪

Had to watch this in increments. It was too profound, too revealing, too honest, and raw. IT WAS AMAZING !!

I’m not the first woman with a RED situation 😭😭😭😭

I love the heart ❤ and soul she put into this poem.🙌 #Red 🔴🌷📍⚘🚨

this piece is more than just poetry. cant stop watching this

Look at God!! Wow, that piece has brought a lot of healing to many people. thank you

Three years later I still come back to watch this and it still hits me like the very first day I watched it. I'm overwhelmed with so much emotion and grief when I realize just how much pain people are going through out there. But I'm comforted by the word of God. This is beyond poetry, this is a whole sermon. Love you Janette

I was so blessed to see Poets in Autumn when it came to San Francisco a few years ago. I am a spoken word poet as well and it is my passion and purpose.

More than a poem. There is life in those words. I'm happy God kept me long enough to hear this.

The DEPTH of this POEM and the TRUTH is in it is RED... RED is still the favourite colour. How else could I learn to see light in pain and darkness?! Keep rising Janette ...

Sending love from Jamaica ❤️🇯🇲 you are amazing

This is deep. I have chills all over my body listening to this piece. God Bless. Love from Kenya.

Watching this for the 2nd time and still got emotional. Love her, love the message. "Red is still your favorite colour" - that is a whole sermon on it's own.

I just love her; your poetry is spoken from the heart.

Wow! I teared up. Thank you Jesus for shedding your blood and I’m glad it’s RED.

Janette...ikz, your "RED" piece resonated with me so deeply!! Your depiction of the events of your miscarriage were profound leading to the hope, deliverance, and healing power of God which was waiting to cover you like a blanket, erasing your guilt, shame, hurt, and pain. I thank God that He allowed the color RED to become your favorite, once again by reminding you that the shed blood of Jesus Christ was also RED and used to restore you from feelings of suffering lost, because HIS death literally gave you LIFE! I never really shared this with anyone before, but years ago I experienced the same - the reality of a life once here and now gone was difficult to accept BUT, eventually I came to understand, through the Holy Spirit of God after questioning Him on why it happened, that the child whom I never knew was alright. He said in His own words "your baby is in Heavenly Daycare." My hurting heart was comforted and assured. Those were precious words of comfort to a young mother-to-be and now I have peace that one day, MY CHILD, I will see . In Jesus' name, Amen!

One of the best poets to ever DO IT, sister Janette ikz. God Bless you Powerful woman of the most high GOD!!❤‍🩹

My heart is so full, I have never experience this but I felt every emotion💯🙌🏾. I thank God for your life 🙏🏾❤️

I am in tears. Wow! Wow! Wow! This was truly amazing.

2 yrs later and this still makes me weep. I’ve never experienced what she explained but it so so profound.

I look around and its red thought it was a bad thing but thank you because I now have confirmation that red is still God's favorite colour.

Today is the day I needed to see this. With tears of sorrow and tears of joy in my eyes at the same time I’m so grateful for these words God gave you to share sis. Blessings to you & your family. Thinking of the in between time of Good Friday & resurrection day. What a time of in between to feel all the feelings & seek the heart of our true father for all that we need. What a beautiful time to know the truth has truly and fully set us free.

Thank you for this piece Janette. Your pain was immense but His blood washed it away. There is a situation I've been trying to keep within me for a while now because it ashames me as a Christian. I recently found out through series of prayer that I was demon possessed. Black magic was worked upon me and my life was given as a sacrifice on demonic altars by some of my family members. I am a Christian, a minister in church and I try my best to follow Christ. Finding out I was demon possessed shocked me. In my head I was like I'm a child of God, this cannot be real. I could barely sleep, my mind was always racing of how I could possibly harbour evil spirits within me. I questioned my identity. I asked God how he could let it happen. I've been praying but it seemed like the demons could not heed. Every time I start praying, I start acting like a snake and other wierd animals I cannot tell. Every night I would be tormented by nightmares, I would be sexually engaged with demons in my dreams. I felt so dirty. I prayed but nothing seemed to be working. I've been waiting for the day when I will be totally delivered from the stronghold but I feel like its taking too long. So I choose to write down my testimony before I actually see it. I'm still disturbed a little bit but its amazing how I've grown closer to God even when the devil seems to be amidst. I cannot fully understand the situation I'm in right now but if God let it happen, then I'll let him handle it. I choose to praise him even in uncertainty. In this period of my life, I have really felt the power of the Blood of Jesus. I know its not yet done but I've seen God walking with me and fighting for me. I have some peace now but I still have more strongholds to break. I know this is a long message but I hope at least one person would be encouraged by it.

I play this piece every year

So much emotion, Poetry is the deepest way of expressing yourself. God bless you Janette..ikz😍🙏🏾

I watched this tonight with a torn heart after I faced RED last week, my world turned upside down, but now i feel better. To my partner I love you and I hope we find a steady ground to land our feet... I see us drifting apart as grief tears through our hearts, all I know is that I love you and I am hurting...

Been waiting for this one!!

She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness. You are blessed

WOW! This is the best piece by Janette...ikz. Out of words. Goosebumps❤️ #Sweden

A true inspiration and amazing storyteller, I'm an 18 year old male but your words resonated with me as if I knew the feeling of seeing red Truly an amazing poet🕊

I fought back with my tears because this was so intense to see and listen to I can't even image what women are going through in these times.

I’m currently crying because i can fully relate to this.

I’ve had a traumatic past and you taught me to deal with it and heal before I got married

The fact that she relied on Gods Word to get through this completely destroyed me... So many times i lean to my own understanding or how i feel about it more than work through it by faith in Gods Word. Exceptional Poem!

this was really emotional, almost made me cry but the Grace is sufficient hehehe(Glory to God). i bless the Lord for your ministry, you always bless me with the gift upon your life.

You always have something new to offer...God bless you soo much...RED

Jesus covered us with His blood in red. 🔴

You’re my inspiration ❤️❤️❤️ you set a standard and I followed it and now I’m marrying the man of my dreams. Thank you for changing the game 🔥💯

Thank you for taking us through this very real and emotional journey. You reminded us of a love that gives hope, comfort, peace and grace in every situation. Once again, I just want to say thanks.

I got goose bumps listening to you🤧Your faith and trust in God makes me understand how great He is more and more🙏

This was soooo deep. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.

May the Almighty continue increasing you and using you to bring more hope to this generation. My all time role model as a poet💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽

What a masterpiece! May God continue to be exalted in you and through the talent He has given you, Janette.

This had me crying in person when you came to Oklahoma & now watching it still crying😓! So amazing can wait to see you again!!

What a beautiful poet. A spiritual work of art. Praise the father on high for her gift of the spoken word!

See this is what I love about you @Janneteik ikz you are real, you speak straight from the heart and touch a thousand souls. your poetry heals Dear Poetess. #StOnEyDeE_From South Africa(Pretoria)

I love you Janette... I don't know how much I have watched this.

I am left in awe...wonderful

Hands down one of my favorite poems from that night!

I'm mindblown. Thank you for blessing us with your talent

Ahhhh my goodness 😭😭😭😭😭 #speechless that was intense 💪🏽💪🏽 Thank you 🙏🏽

Poetry at its best 👍👏👏👏❤

I’m so happy you posted this. I’ve been waiting to re-watch it. It was so powerful to hear this at the tour

My God, this was so intense and capturing. You have sich a gift. I swear i felt and understood this eventhough i have never been through it. You are inspiring. So much love from BW 🇧🇼🇧🇼

I’ve been waiting for this to be posted. Soooooooooo good 😭😭😭😭😭😭

Wow! The way you can grasp the attention of the audience. You are truly anointed❤

This is by far my favourite

This woman never disappoints

Wow; this leaves me speechless. Thank you Janette for going there. Thank you for being vulnerable, thank you for sharing your creativity and thank you for bringing it back to the Truth. “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”” ‭‭John‬ ‭16:33‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Nah this is not just poetry its much more than that. Just wow

WOW!!! May God continue to bless you. Your gift is POWERFUL!!

She just keeps getting better and better!

WOW!!! I love your ministry. Amen

This piece is so touching😩😩it has ministered to my soul in a very deep and rare unexplainable way 😢😢😭

Blood of JESUS..... Thank you for allowing us to partake of your gift. Good bless you.

Beautiful Janette ikz. I love you. Keep inspiring

This was the bomb diggity! Very creatively written and presented. Pierces and convicts and comforts to the core.

Sending my love all the way from Botswana 🇧🇼 This is soo deep, can’t stop crying.

Wow...praise Jesus😭🙌🏽❤️

This is so revealing... you're gifted woman...love from Uganda

Wow.. Just wow.. ❤❤

I story of woman-scorned by a world of en domenannce-mother mary shine on us all and speak the truth for red is the color of this earth

That was powerful beyond words

You’re my 2nd favorite poet and yes Eze is my 1st Kimbo is my 3rd then my cousin Porsha is next in line 💯🙌🏾✍️

Speechless!

This life will not be without suffering, don't let me forget what I read😭😢

Tears rolling down my eyes, I have no words🇿🇦

I have never heard anything more amazing

I know the pain all to well. Prayers to you sister

Thank you for using your gift Janette, love from Zim

Snaps snaps snaps snaps 🙌🏾🙌🏾