````````````````````````` John 13:34-35 New International Version (NIV)
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
My very good intentions were to arise at approximately 5:45 this morning test my glucose level, eat my breakfast complete with yummy egg whites, fruit medley, turkey sausage, and cereal as the songstress Jill Scott says, "Beaming all the way!" ready for an action packed Super Soul Sunday! Oh my friends, I had things to accomplish and folks to see, oh but all those plans were squelched when I sat on the side of our bed and hacked a succession of rowdy, nervy coughs! Clearly the nuisance of mere cold symptoms had elevated and comfortably made themselves at home within my throat and chest. I had been in semi denial, days before when it started as an irritating earache which I believed I had promptly dealt with, so I thought! But as I sat myself in our sun porch, pulled back the curtains and marveled at the streaming sunlight,witnessed the tree branches bowing to the majesty of the day,instantly the realization hit-this is where I'd be. I peered at my favorite mug half filled with lemon tea, flanked by cough medicine and throat lozenges and said to my self, " You are going nowhere today!" There was no doubt that I had a terrible cold and the symptoms of a sore throat, consistent "woof" coughing, scissor sharp "feeling"s when I swallowed all were evident that it was time to "give up the ghost" and succumb as Zora's grandmotherly character might yell, "Set on (not sit) dawn (not down) sum (not some) were (not where)!"
Clearly, I understand now that this day has broader strokes than my immediate cold and flu symptoms. The Holy Spirit is active and alive, breathing and revealing new truths for our spiritual growth and enlightenment. I choose to believe this morning's predicament is the perfect opportunity for God to demonstrates his love not only for me, but for all of us! We've all experienced what it is to be sick, to have to take a back seat to momentary interruptions in our lives, and the reality is the duration of our untimely "interruptions" is not for ours to determine. But it concludes when the symptoms are waning, when the antibiotic or natural remedy takes hold and it winds down and/or simply runs its course. For many it may not be a cold, or the flu, but a season of grief, a season of heartaches, unexpected setbacks, family misunderstandings, spiritual pain, physical ailments, abandonment-stuff and happenings that we have no recognition or name for! It's present,in your face, just like these nasty cold symptoms. It's no mistaking we get it-that "this thing" has a toehold on us and won't let go!
Round Trip, music by the incomparable Kirk Whalum
Thank goodness for Kirk Whalum's musical interlude and opportunity to exhale! In midst of what's occuring there is good news-Ecclesiastes reminds us there is a time and season for everything. And if we faint not... if we just settle in our spirits that we may have to relent and take the ride, coast in the wind shear, listen to what God is sharing then we can safely take the round trip with Him! And I declare, just as my friend Sheri lovingly brought me a thoughtful-timely and unexpected care package, a gift of love & consideration to tackle my cold symptoms, God will do the same for you! Love will come, has come and will see about you! The gift will assure you that you are not on this trip alone! He'll send his amazing agape, benevolent love to tend to you! Love that will come, anchor and lift you, soothe you, console you and wrap you-because that's how dedicated He is towards you. So confidently be assured you belong to: The Lord your God [who] is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17 New International Version (NIV)
Cause He's just that wonderful!
Shared with a Transparent Heart,
Linda Mose Meadows, Author of the devotionals:
The Blessedness of Believing A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises;
Destined to Receive, Reflections and Devotionals Celebrating The Love of God
Often life is so busy, hectic at times that sitting still is foreign. On those moments that I do decide to still my mind, breathe deeply and just relish being, there's a "sweet spot" that provides solace for my weary state. Friends do you have such a place? There's a sanctuary that I have carved out on my sun porch. It's really not that obvious. My plaid pull-out sofa bed that one can't easily bounce off of is nestled strategically near the window. It's seen better days, but does it ever lend itself for great snoozing, reading and writing! I often retreat there when I allow myself! It's my sacred space for my literary escapes. When no one is around I retreat there and enjoy time alone. The alone time is time well spent, truly a gift from God. This sanctuary reminds me of being with a trusted friend who's there when needed. When I sat down on the sofa today I quickly realized it had been much too long-listening, awakening my spirit with the deeper things of life. The space allows me time for renewal. When I unlock the doors to the sun porch and don't just peak in or "straighten-up" before long my spirit retreats and reflects. This often results and mushrooms into a glorious nap, reaching for a magazine or novel awaiting me, creating an overdue blog post, reading or writing my devotionals, praying, singing or gazing out the window and marveling at nature. In those instances I am smiling, noticing what I've overlooked and/or applauding the subtle shifts in the seasons. Normally I push the drapes on both sides of the sliding glass windows allowing for a little sunlight. Depending on where I'm seated I can only see tree branches or a section of the banister deck. There is only a mere view of the green outdoors if I settle for that. Occasionally if I want the feeling of the outdoors inside my space I fold the drapes up and over the curtain rod. With this simple maneuver the room is transformed and exposes beautifully the top of the swing set, the neighbor's flowering hedges, the fascinating birds, butterfly's fluttering and the climbing vines wrapped around the tree trunks. Visually it's stunning, even startling and it really exposes a sweet tranquility that resuscitates my soul. And then friends it's crystal clear why I seem to have been bombarded with so many distractions unable to re prioritize and take a moment to push back, take an introspective look and just breathe! Today, God orchestrated that I would be open to Him, His instructions. I grabbed my laptop and cell phone, snapped photos, wrote what was on my heart, opened the windows and heard nature's songs in their full chorus. I whispered my thanks givings, because God knows when the windows are open there's no reason for shouting! And I would like to think that God gave me the bright idea to lift the curtains over the rod no matter how uneven they would appear! It's simply another divine opportunity to push back and take a look. My heart was receptive!
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:"
Ecclesiastes 3:1
Transformed by the Love of God, Linda Mose Meadows; Blogger, Motivational Speaker and Inspirational Author of: Destined To Receive: Reflections and Devotionals Celebrating The Love of God (Createspace, 2013) The Blessedness of Believing A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises (Tate Publishing, 2007)
Just
yesterday I had several ah-ha moments with a dear friend of at least 27 years. She’s
one of the truth tellers in my life, I can always count on.
There are
gifts in our lives that come in many forms. And it’s been a delightful
waterfall that I can see and experience! The past several weeks have brought
some timely blessings. As Sara Ban Breathnach would acknowledge (for sure) it's
simple abundance all around!
The recent
gift of home grown cherry tomatoes, the orange shaped cucumber, outings with
new friends, some offered direction, sage advice and countless blessings. These
blessings are ATP's (answers to prayer)-many of which can only be felt in our
hearts and experienced in our restored souls. These ATP’s all confirm that we
are not alone and truly God cares for us! At those healing moments it's good
for the spirit. Our spirit is now experiencing divine fortification. It’s our
moment to release, acknowledge, inhale and exhale cleansing breaths, surrender
in joy, cry if we are moved and whisper, sing, rejoice and dance! Yes, it’s a homegrown gift! Feel God’s
presence! It’s our opportunity to lift up the name of Jesus and with heartfelt prayers
express our thanksgiving!
Friends see it
for what it is and experience your home grown bushel of blessed bounty and know
that God loves you!
Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
let the sea resound, and all that is in it.
Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them;
let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.
Let all creation rejoice before theLord,
for he comes,
he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
and the peoples in his faithfulness.
Psalm 96:11-13
Shared in Love, Linda Mose Meadows; Blogger, Motivational Speaker and
Inspirational Author of: Destined To Receive: Reflections and Devotionals
Celebrating The Love of God (Createspace, 2013) and Blessedness of Believing
A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises (Tate
Publishing, 2007)
Visited African American Art: Harlem Renaissance Exhibit, Author Linda Mose Meadows
standing in front of Sankofa Sculpture @ Mennello Museum of Art America (Orlando, FL.)
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.
The LORD is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed.
Save thy people, and bless thine inheritance: feed them also, and lift them up for ever. Psalm 28:7-9
As I wrote in my 2013 “Intentional” Gratitude Journal this morning, I was prompted to chronicle what extraordinary sights, lively sounds, and engaging heart conversations that the preceding two days held. And then this morning in devotion and prayer I thought of the pewter cup my Mother had given Mike as a present. I believe she acquired this unique children’s cup from one of her many museum visits. (It’s a keepsake now :-) some twenty plus years ago. Imagine, he was a toddler and beginning to drink independently from his beloved multicolored “sippy” cup that rocked and wobbled when placed on a flat surface. I can still see him wide eyed, smiling, gazing at his coveted cup. But then he was given an upgrade of sorts. The upgrade was a single handle instead of two and heavy enough so that there was no spillage, unless deliberate! The present of a heavy pewter cup could be easily gripped with toddler’s hands. This attractive pewter cup had the alphabet with the pronounced, raised block letters-A through Z. Our son drank from that cup freely and began to demonstrate his preference-reaching for that cup more often instead of the “sippy” cup. My Mother and I enjoyed watching him freely reach for this prized possession. I’d like to think that as I recount the many gifts of gratitude-thanksgiving for the museum visits, impromptu breakfasts with friends, walks in the park, heavenly breezes and watching the neighborhood lakes rippling waters and experience Florida life, it’s all a gift from God like Mike’s Pewter cup. These experiences are new, but the old memories of our former life are very present. But I have to have a spirit that earnestly embraces and has a heart to not only celebrate today but reflect and learn from yesterday’s seasons of hope, missed steps, blessings, some which seemingly slipped away, stamina regained, heart aches, hardships too-but resilience regained.
It’s no mistake, misnomer that our activities would include our touring the African American Art: Harlem Renaissance, Civil Rights Era & Beyond Exhibit at The Mennello Museum of Art located in Orlando, Florida. It wasn’t happenstance to exit the building and see the orange Sankofa sculpture. And in one of my favorite colors! It confirms for me that God orders our steps. I said to my husband, "Oh look that's Sankofa, please take a photo of me standing next to this sculpture!" I reminded him of what I learned about Sankofa. And surely the Holy Ghost had a lesson in store for me as well. The word in the Akan language of Ghana means taking from the past what was good and bringing it into present- applying that knowledge/revelation to make progress moving in a positive direction. Learn more about this by visiting this website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sankofa
Two of the Adinkra symbols in the Ghanaian culture which also express Sankofa are the heart and the bird:
Return and get it, learn from the past
Sankofa Bird street painting in Kumasi, Ghana
So my friends, I believe that God desires us to take heart
and give flight to hope, promise and possibility! Surely the present issues of the day can't be overlooked but there's so much good in store for us! If only we adopt an out look, a
positive example provided made by our present and former elders, ( i.e. the
Shunammite woman who said, “Everything is all right!” 2 Kings 4:26)- we are moving in a new direction. The way has been pointed out for us! Note that those
words of "Everything is alright!" spoken with conviction, spilled into the atmosphere during a most
disparaging time. And if we believe in the midst of ____________ ( you fill in
the blank) it will be alright! Why won’t it be just that, alright? Look back like the Sankofa Bird and recount that our yesterday's taught us many things, many life lessons with
the heart and soul to move forward! Yes, to move forward with the knowledge
that God is not a respecter of social status or pedigree! We can confidently tuck those lessons in our heart, do a
new thing in Him-the Almighty and take and learn from that which is beneficial and fear not.
We have …. faith to see the impossible, faith to visualize, faith to yearn and
hunger for anew, and faith to appreciate the manifestation! Stand on your spiritual tippy toes and see it. reach for it, grab it-awe there it is!
For God hath not given
us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
2
Timothy 1:7
Lord thank you for the reminder of Sankofa! Like our Elders
we too can drink from the spiritual cup of eternal life, fortified and be
sustained because God is our help and our strength yesterday, today and
tomorrow! Pass the cup y'all! Pass the love!
God’s Riches Blessings to You,
Linda Mose Meadows, Author of:
The Blessedness of Believing A Devotional Journey of Life’s
Lessons and God’s Promises
"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son,
and they will call him Immanuel"--which means, "God with us."
Matthew 1:23 New International Version
It’s a magical time of year whether you reside in Suncity,
South Africa; Tempee, Arizona;
Vancouver, Canada
or Buffalo, New York.
It has not so much to do with the temperature, location, arid or blistering
heat but everything to do with embarking upon another Holy Christmas season and
freely receiving the ultimate gift of Jesus Christ, Immanuel. Truly it doesn’t
get any better!
Oh come, Oh come Immanuel, we sang this song with such
excitement. It seems at every turn there it was! Especially when Christmas
caroling and then as a closing or an opening hymn during our Sunday worship
services the message was clear it was about celebrating the birth of our Lord
and Savior. And yes-proclaiming peace on earth and goodwill towards all! How we
love baking our delectable cookies, trimming our trees and decorating our homes
as we are singing happily Oh Come, Oh Come Immanuel! Secular radio stations have even caught on
and play it on R & B stations. It’s that miraculous, holy time of year and
all can freely express that Immanuel means: “God with us!” Now that does give
me a special reassuring comfort! What about you?
Our spirits can proclaim that God is with us in our unpredictable
ups and downs; God is even there during the most perplexed life chapters! God
is with us in our celebrations, as well as our silent seasons. Friends, believe
that God is forever present!
He is my loving God and my fortress,
my stronghold and my deliverer,
my shield, in whom I take refuge, who
subdues peoples under me.
Psalm 144:2 NIV
One of the absolute best Christmas gifts given to you was what?
Something that made your heart skip a beat, a piece of clothing you felt you
couldn’t do without? That art piece which absolutely tugged at your heart?
Possibly it was a handmade creation, a treasured trinket, a one of a kind toy,
the tin can of heavenly baked goodies, or the phone call from a friend you
longed to reconnect with or was it the gathering of loved ones reminiscing and
their laughter filling the room? I don’t
know? But I recall the Kodak slogan: “The gift that keeps on giving.” That’s
the gift I truly long for! The material (admittedly) and but certainly the
supernatural! It’s a spiritual re-gifting of sorts that provides all my friends
and family with an infilling of love, peace and joy when the sweater is too
snug and the goodies have been gobbled up. I AM with you gift, why not receive a living
water gift that we didn’t have to be stampeded over during Black Friday or risk
experiencing our computers being hacked into on Cyber Monday because we choose
not to shop at the mall!
Are you in search of the perfect treasure to share? Imagine
it’s already in your presence, in your spirit, in your speech, in your essence!
It’s a thanksgiving, a spiritual rumbling, the voice within that is ignited in prayer
which connects us with a divine source, Emmanuel-in us! Oh my friends it’s
easier than reaching for the light switch! It’s forever with us! God is
listening and awaiting the attentive, the loving, the longing you! The you with
the hungry parched spirit! He’s awaiting your surrendered heart & soul! And
does He ever have a heartfelt conversation for you!
It’s your call! Come timidly or boldly! Reach out to Him in
a whispered petition, an audible plea, or maybe in a silent moment-sacred devotional,
a broken bow, or an exhilarating breath, an utterance of: “Lord I know you are
with me!” Come with a declaration: “Lord I am weak, worn-out and tried-but you
are strong! Help me, save me, guide me!”
It’s the soul awakening moment that acknowledges that our
God is all the present we need to share-we need to receive! Think of God's love, His gift as a divine package
that resembling ornate, stacked gift boxes containing a three in one blessing-the
Father, Son (Jesus Christ) and Holy Ghost with instructions designed to propel,
mend and sustain you! And the really good news is when we may not have an
overflowing bank account or the energy to purchase gifts which will be long
forgotten or appreciated, we can look to the hills from where our help comes
from!
Let’s declare that Jesus Christ is the ultimate gift that
can be had by all, no matter what’s in our Christmas Club Accounts! Be sure to include celebrating Jesus in your gift giving. Merry
Christmas!
"The virgin will
be with child and will give birth to a son,
and they will call
him Immanuel"--which means, "God with us."
Matthew 1:23 New International Version
Praise
Him, Praise Him!
Linda
Mose Meadows, Inspirational Author of:
The Blessedness of Believing, A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lesson’s and God’s
Promises
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2
Friends enjoy and listen in on the second of a two part series of :
LIBERATING TRUTH - "Part 2 - The Truth About My Recent Arrest" with Jill Capri-Simms, author and founder of Liberating Truth
Aired: Thursday, September 13, 2012
Guest Host: Inspirational Author~ Linda Mose Meadows, First Lady and member of St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church of Orlando, Orlando, FL
WOKB Gospel 1680AM, Orlando, FL or www.wokbradio.com
Start Time: 6:15pm EST
End Time: 6:45pm EST
Sharing With Great Joy,
Linda Mose Meadows, Inspirational Author of: The Blessedness of Believing A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises and Co-publisher of Eyes of Faith Magazine
Nicholas Murray Butler (1862-1947) Philosopher, Educator,
Diplomat
Are you ready for the
possibilities? No, it’s not just another cute cliché but for many of us, a very
pertinent question. We are facing tough challenges, many of which are
unspeakable. And yes we are at the crossroads of life. It seems too costly, too
time consuming for making decisions without first thinking things through. Not
to mention we are tired of mistake after mistake. But stuff happens even with
our best planning! Our Best plans can be consumed with the breakdown or
dissolving of relationships, bumpy hurdles, mental/emotional fatigue and anguish
by the cup full. Then it’s a battle
against confusion ruling our thinking and earth shattering occurrences wrestling
us continually. We are literally
shifting our perspectives and modus operandi because of life’s uncertainties. These
uncertainties with their deep rooted implications often impact us all
spiritually, morally and ethically. The impact is often startling. It's a dismantling that may forever change us.
But, although it may feel like we are on shaky ground never to rebound--it’s
just that a feeling! Lord knows we need to look upward and inward!
One of my favorite poets, Nathan
Richardson posed the question that speaks of our willingness and readiness for
change. It’s a barometer—our insight ( the indwelling Holy Spirit), a deep down mechanism that forecasts our
being ready for all the possibilities of newness – new adventures, new
thinking, new and positive relationships, new opportunities, and the plain
newness of life! Yes, it’s vital to envision newness in the midst of chaos.
God promises that he'll do a new
thing in you and me! Thank goodness this promise is not predicated on
circumstance.
Behold, I will do a new thing; now
it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the
wilderness, and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19 KJV
Often we imply that we are ready
for the possibilities, but we are not quite sure where to begin or which
direction to move towards. The thing I know for sure is: we must place momentum
and a resolute determination to get unstuck especially in our valley
experiences. As Reverend William Feaster enjoys saying, “We must give feet to
faith!” Yes, it’s imperative, we must initiate the spark! Let me share a
wonderful moment which really clarifies this point.
We believed we’d come together for
a house warming celebration, but God had so much more in store for us on
Saturday afternoon. We entered the apartment complex’s Community Room with joy
and anticipation. Our friend was a superb hostess that easily shared a heart of
thanksgiving. The many guests bounced through the door each carrying a gift.
The gifts opened revealed that they had been carefully and thoughtfully
selected: lovely and ornately decorated ceramic canisters, a crystal platter
etched with a swan, spunky kitchen and bath necessities and greeting cards
filled with personal messages. It was Christmas in late summer! You could
actually feel that what was occurring was the birth of something new. We were on
the cusp, witnesses of God doing a brand new thing! In our active assembling
what really resonated in my spirit, was that we were celebrating an end of a destructive
relationship and applauding our friend’s fresh transition of stepping out on
faith. We were spiritually looking forward with our dear friend to a better,
more vibrant tomorrow! This was a very public acknowledgement that: You’ve survived a public humiliation and a
broken heart but like a Phoenix here you stand! Now
it’s time to move forward!Our presence and
gifts applauded her resilience! But we knew in our heart of hearts that God had
kept her safe and sane! We boldly declared with her that some relationships are
toxic and staying in them serves no good purpose! God desires that we live in
and with dignity! He’ll bring us through! And that we understand that there are
soul ties and connections that will assuredly suffocate life and snuff out dreams.
But with faith and the possibilities of hope we can all abound! This was a
pivotal moment for all attendees. This was confirmation that fresh starts are
possible and no it’s not easy! As gifts
were opened several guests were prompted to openly share their personal victories,
struggles and acknowledgements of God’s presence during some trying life
episodes. The focus was about looking ahead to celebrating ordinary days with
promising tomorrows.
You too are not just a survivor, but an overcomer! Thank you Jesus!
Don’t you see friends, it’s time to
change our gaze and realize peaceful safe havens, shore up our energy to scale
and walk on new paths, witness new vistas and embrace new possibilities!God will make the way, you first must make
up your mind! I am thrilled about the anticipation of newness – assured in my heart
of the new possibilities awaiting me and you! In my husband, Richard’s words:
“Okay, possibilities, come on, I’m ready!” I pray your Easter week will
resurrect new and great possibilities for you and all that concerns you! So the
question remains, “Are you ready for the possibilities?”
February is rapidly fizzling out!
The end of the month is in clear sight and I can’t help butsmile and appreciate how powerfully enriching
the time has been inclusive of some surprising events, the delicious chocolate candy, amazing flowers, kind
gestures, disappointments and yes, unfortunate misunderstandings too. My heart
is heavy regarding the latter, but that too is life!
Adversity is also a gift and an
opportunity to grow closer to God, reflect and move forward. The Holy Spirit is reminding us to take heart. It’s no surprise that God speaks
to us through common and uncommon occurrences.It’s the aha moments-the unplanned encounters, strangers that stand in
the grocery lines burdenedheart
matters that are revealed in conversation, catching a glimpse of blue jays fluttering in front of our windows, and the sweet breezes
that brush across our temples as we’re fumbling with our keys. Oh it's the unexpected
reach, the welcomed hug, catchy lyrics that cause us to hum and sing along;
that persistent friend’s text, prying acquaintances, ______(you fill in the blank),
heartfelt prayers, timely scripture and when we least expect it-words on an
arch way meant to lift you and change your outlook!
I am convinced that God is
revealing His intentions for us and towards us!
So it is no wonder that God’s
presence was evident in Sunday’s worship service: The First Sunday of Lent~
Black History Month Celebration. I am convinced our eager hearts were like
flood gates-expectant and receptive. There was a deep down joyful lesson to be
had for each congregant. It wasn’t exclusive to just witnessing our youth
reenactors of: James Weldon Johnson, Mae Jemison, Carter G. Woodson, Thurgood
Marshall, Paul Robeson, Mary McCloud Bethune and The Rev. Nelson W. Pinder, but
their messages were woven with a mandate for this present day! We were urged to
maintain spiritual strength, resolve, stamina and courage. Each historic
celebrant exhibited grace and courage. Listeners understood that we too should
grab hold of these virtues. And then the spiritual gavel dropped, one of our
youth read from the bulletin, Joshua 1:1-9
COURAGE
1 After the death of
Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide:
2 “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get
ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the
Israelites. 3 I will give you every place where you set your foot,
as I promised Moses. 4 Your territory will extend from the desert to
Lebanon, and from the
great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. 5
No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was
with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. 6
Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the
land I swore to their ancestors to give them.
7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the
law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left,
that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Keep this Book of the
Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be
careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and
successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do
not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you
wherever you go.”
It’s crystal clear now friends it
was not just a Black History Program but an empowerment moment! Weren’t your
spirits elevated by that powerfully enriching scripture? The assuredness that
resonated from children as they read and sang Make Them Hear You truly struck a cord! Their presence and
participation was evident that God is continually in our midst. Here are the lyrics you might wish to reference.
Make Them Hear You
Go out and tell the story. Let it echo far and wide Make them hear you. Make them hear you.
How that justice was our battle
and how justice was denied. Make them hear you! Make them hear you.
And say to those who blame us
For the way we chose to fight That sometimes there are battles Which are more than black or
white.
And I could not put down my sword
When justice was my right. Make them hear you. Make them hear you.
My path may lead to heaven or hell
And God will say what’s best But one thing he will never say Is that I went quietly to my rest. Go out and tell our story To your daughters and your sons Make them hear you. Make them hear you.
Proclaim it from your pulpit
In your classroom with your pen Teach every child to raise his
voice And then, my brothers, then
Will justice be demanded
By ten million righteous men. Make them hear you. Make them hear you.
Songwriters:
FLAHERTY, STEPHEN CHARLES / AHRENS, LYNN
Oscar Robertson's
Crusade for Saving A Life!
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever. Psalm 23:6
Central Florida was all a buzz
regarding the All Star Week’s festivities. One of the highlights of the week
was the opportunity to meet and greet the legendary Big “O”, the history making
basketball player Oscar Robertson! This wasn’t just about gaining Oscar’s
signature on basketball memorabilia at the Draft Restaurant, but more
importantly was a moment for attendees to gain community cancer education and awareness.
Mr. Robertson was traveling with Dr. Vipul Patel, founder of Natalia Kapsalis
Foundation headquartered in Celebration, Florida.
Dr. Patel has performed over 5000 robotic prostatectomies and Oscar
is a testament of this life saving surgery. Dr. Patel has honor of being the
world's most experienced robotic prostate surgeon and Oscar is a recipient of
Dr. Patel’s expertise. Oscar didn’t tout about his stellar basketball
career or even his Olympian win, nor his love for Indianapolis
and helping to build homes for the underprivileged. Instead on this visit he choose to urge
men, especially African American men to get their prostate exams and partner
with The International
Prostate Cancer Foundation to eradicate this disease. Oscar Robertson has courageously
battled stage four prostate cancer and won. He’s the one out of 6 men that beat
the odds and desires that all men get examined and take their health concerns
seriously. Did I mention that he’s also become a kidney donor for his daughter? That’s
truly wonderful! He courageously building a platform for support and awareness,
indeed he’s on a crusade for saving lives! Listen to Wisdom Watch interview on
NPR at: http://www.npr.org/2012/02/23/147291133/nba-hall-of-famer-beats-prostate-cancer.
In Mr. Robertson’s
words he “wishes all people would
understand the ways of the world, make it a better place and understand that we
aren’t going to be here forever.”
We thank God for Oscar Robertson’s tenacity and courage!
It Just Gets Better!
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. Proverbs 31:25
It was meant to be that as the three of us departed the
park, my Sister in Christ and dear friend Ronette and I would seemingly glance up
simultaneously and see these neon words in bold letters: IT JUST GETS BETTER.
Immediately I yelled, “Ricky please take our
photo and be sure to get the words!” Jesus we receive that message! We
looked at each other and began to simultaneously laugh with joy! We did a modest dance, but our joy was contagious! A soul
train line would have really been fun.
Ronette’s prior visit to Florida
had been cancelled and it was disappointing. We knew she’d get to Florida,
just not now (or so we believed). Many years ago we created our itineraries
which included Historic Eatonville’s Zora Festival ( wearing our wide brimmed hats), venturing to the beach (the
Ocean was calling), and seeing Mickey as we enjoyed Orlando’s
ambiance. Nice thought, but never imagining that Florida
would become my home. (But God has the details all worked out!) January’s plans fell through with her visiting,
but that wasn’t the end of the story! God does expand our territories! It’s just
often not on our time table or in our immediate view. (We do realize this
lesson is bigger than friends traveling from one state to the next!) Many will concur that a break from the struggles isn’t going to occur. Before long we buy that bill of goods, and our heart’s desire is
a far off dream-but apparently that’s the furthest thing from the truth. Apparently
there’s a new reality, a divine truth for all of us! Thank God! Thank you Jesus!
With that knowledge our spirit’s neon sign should read:
“LOOK AT GOD! LOOK UP AND ANTICIPATE HIS GOODNESS!”
It’s a fact there we stood @ Downtown Disney’s Board Walk sharing about
our lives and how our friendship has endured the ups and down of life! And, yes
once again God bypassed our forecasted planning, and planted her here for this
time. Without a doubt it was a Divine undertaking and to say the least it was
sheer thanksgiving. Like friends say, “You
just don’t understand.”
So many other wonderful happening, events and tell tale
signs that applauded milestones of trailblazers and our just having plain ole
fun occurred. Friends, each instance had an undertone of “it” being a token for
our good, “it” had a divine imprint that inferred this wasn’t our doing! We are
grateful, and understand that as God expands our scope/ territories of life
it’s surely His intention for our good. Relish that truth. Marvel and revel
in God’s good pleasure for you and yours- know that His lessons are many,
intentional; just have the courage and heart for the journey! Breathe; take it
in, a fresh anointing, a new life’s chapter awaits you! Jesus knows! It’s your call to go
on and love boldly and live passionately!
We really do long to hear your triumphant story!
Hey who’s knocking? " Oh it’s the month of March, Come on in we’ve been
waiting for you."
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