Interview with Sis Mary Dread pt.1 of 2

From The Rastafari Expression,
A regular column by Kaya I Isesajah, Aug 13, 2005         

KI. How did the I come to trod Rastafari/How long has the I been trodding the path?

SMD. Well I am sure that the I know that each one called to this trod has been Ras Tafari from creation. I was living with my baby father in a very unhappy and violent situation. I used to read a lot of fantasy fiction as an escape and listen to rock music and I used to visit the library to get out books and records. One day when I reached the library JAH moved I to get out books about Ras Tafari and reggae records including Culture & Ras Michael and the Sons of Negus… as they say “the rest is Istory” I didn’t realize who I am until 1983.

KI. Where did the I grow up?

SMD. I grew up in a little town on the south coast of England. I have always been on my present path. Before I sight up I was a mother of 3 children and working part time as a cleaner.

KI. What is your opinion of the Internet?

SMD. To I it has been a blessing as through this medium Jah have shown I more works that He wants I to fulfill. Also I have made links with many idrens worldwide and through this have traveled to different countries and met people who I would never have known. To many ones who might never have heard of I&I livity it is also a blessing, still ones should be aware that there are many wolves in sheep’s clothing and online it is easier for them to hide.

KI. How does the I find the governing factors of Rastafari?

SMD. As an independent Rastafari sistren, I do not really get involved in politics of any of the Rastafari organizations. On I website I give space to all Ras Tafari regardless of which organization they represent and I pray for Rastafari Inity.

KI. Does the I have any suggestions to the Rastafari in achieving Inity?

SMD. Ones need to put aside differences of doctrine and work together to achieve the aims of the Rastafari movemant.

KI. How does Inity of Rastafari benefit ones in the Livity of Rastafari? Is Inity achievable and why is it necessary?

SMD. Of course it is a benefit. Divide and rule has always been the way of Babylon and they love to see I&I divided. In order for I&I to move forward I&I must have Inity. If ones are pulling in opposing directions how can anything be achieved? His Majesty showed I&I this in His works in forming the OAU and the United Nations. Also He worked towards Initing all the Christian Churches and creating overstanding amongst all the different spiritual paths in the World.

KI. What has been the biggest trial or tribulation that the I has encountered since becoming Rastafari? INI Realeyes that in this Iwa, ‘locks’ an a green diet is accepted for different reasons INI are walking this way, so is there a next trial that I has had to endure because of your livity?

SMD. I cannot truthfully say that I have encountered any great trials when I think of what the Ilders of Rastafari had to go through. The only trials have been little things like people thinking that I am mad, being called names and having things thrown at I in the street eg moldy fruit & also rejection by I earthly family who I had just started to rebuild a relationship with after my very rebellious youth. Still the blessings of the Most High in I life has more than made up for these things.

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KI. INI know that it has been said that the Babylon system is a vampire. Can you interpret this?

SMD. Babylon is a vampire as through taxation, unfair trade agreements, “third world” debt etc, they still seek to keep the rich countries rich and the poor countries poor. Also in the rich countries, people from different cultures are kept in the lowest paying jobs and the poorest quality housing. They receive lower quality education & healthcare etc, are more likely to be harassed by the police etc….. The list could go on and on. All these things are carried out to keep the “status quo” and maintain the power of the forces of Babylon.

KI. What is the challenge today walking in Babylon, but not being ‘of’ Babylon?

SMD. The main challenge is to uphold ones integrity. It is very easy to tailor ones speech to fit it with the views of those who surround one on a daily basis eg at work etc.

KI. Is the I married? If married, does the I have Children being raised in Rastafari?

SMD. Not any longer. My children are grown up and I have two grandchildren.

KI. How does the I view marriage in the sense of Rastafari tradition, INI know some Bredrin and Sistren in the Livity do not marry in the conventional sense, often times opting to live together rather than obtain a license. What is your view on this? If the I is of this view, how does the I justify this action with the 10 commandment law thou shalt not commit fornication?

SMD. A marriage ceremony is not strictly necessary. In the Bible I&I read that a man knew his woman and then she became his wife. Check Genesis 24 v 67. It seems that by the time of Iyesu the Christ marriage ceremonies had become the custom. Still why would one need a license from Babylon to take a husband or wife? I think one man should have one wife whether they are married in the conventional sense or not. Fornication is cheating on that one.

KI. Education was always stressed by King Selassie I, how does the I see Education in these times, and what should INI be doing to educate our youth, to supplement the Babylonian Education?

SMD. Education is very important if I&I want our children to have a good life and for the furtherance of I&I livity. Without education I&I are kept down in poverty and ignorance. Babylon education can provide the basics still it is important to teach children true Istory and also spirituality. Also it is important to counter any false teachings that Babylon provides.

KI. What is the idea behind ‘not every dread is a Rasta, and not every Rasta dread’?

SMD. Many people wear dreadlocks these days as a fashion, or even as a livity. Many hippies in the UK have dread. Sadhus in India have always had dreadlocks. In Africa it is traditional amongst certain people to have dreadlocks and children born with locks are considered to be prophets in some African cultures. This does not mean that any of these people are Rastafari. Many have never heard of Ras Tafari. Also some people who do see His Majesty and follow the Rastafari livity do not dread up their hair for various reasons. Ras Tafari is a heartical livity, it is not to do with outside appearance.

KI. What is your opinion about the different ‘houses’ or ‘mansions’ within Rastafari?

SMD. JAH reveals Himself to people in many different ways and gives each one their own path to follow. Who am I to question that?

KI. Does the I align your self with any house?

SMD. No I am not a member of any house. If I was to align Iself with any one I would be somewhere between Nyahbinghi and Ethiopian Orthodox.

KI. Have you heard of the newer groups like the Fullfilled Rastafari, the Orthodox Rastafari, or the Messianic Rastafari? Any opinion?

SMD. As I said I do not have the right to question the views of others. Still these groups seem to be more Christian than Rastafari.