PASSING ON THE VALUE OF: SHARING!

"Whatever we possess becomes of double value when we have the opportunity of sharing it with others.”

Jean-Nicolas Bouilly (1763-1842);

“Have you had a kindness shown? Pass it on; 'Twas not given for thee alone, Pass it on; Let it travel down the years, Let it wipe another's tears, 'Til in Heaven the deed appears - Pass it on. ”

Henry Burton (1840-1930);

I love, appreciate it and have a ball actively and creatively expressing my values and my belief systems on the website: Values.com, The Foundation for a Better Life. They have cleverly shared a myriad of values we hold deep in our hearts no matter our lineage. After visiting this website, I want to jump on the bandwagon and stretch my creative muscles. Their inspirational quotes, billboards, stories and photos cause me to ponder and wonder how I too will share important and enduring beliefs that sustain me and sometimes cause me to reflect with thanksgiving. Just like when I was a little girl, I believed everyone in the class should receive a Valentine’s Day card, cupcake or whatever my Mama provided me with to eagerly dole out.

I like to share and want others to play and participate in the game also. I am convinced that the creators of Values.com have the same mindset. Class can you say: In-clu-siv-ity? They have cleverly and thoughtfully provide a public invitation and a platform to tout the values we most treasure. Those treasured values our fore parents and life have instilled in us! And more importantly to pass them on! Values.com slogan is: “Values are worth more than when we pass them on!” And so my friends today that is the resounding theme, remembering the importance of stepping out and sharing. Yes, sharing in order to pass on the love, and not withhold encouragement! Join me in the fun of sharing, surprising yourselves and helping to make this world a better place and building a life of appreciation and delight in spite of _____________ ( you fill in the blank) and to just go on in faith and do the things which are a foundation for a better life!

Below are my “Value” creations of: excellence, inner vision, sharing, persistence and believe on Values.com. I am looking forward to seeing yours!

Values Sighting

http://www.values.com/pass-it-on-sightings/256-Atlanta

My plane landed at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport during the Easter Holiday to visit with my family. As I walked the concourse towards the Air Tran baggage claim, there I sighted the wonderful Values.com Excellence billboard with Jim Thorpe. At that moment I wished I had had my college aged son to take a photo of me smiling in front of the billboard and to chat with me about the many contributions Jim Thorpe (Native American) made as a stellar American football player, and as an outstanding Olympic athlete. I encourage others to learn more about Jim Thorpe, it will broaden your appreciation for this man's character and his resolve in overcoming adversity.

Inner Vision: Chappelle Letman: A remarkable sculptor with eyes of faith

http://www.values.com/your-billboards/3250-Chappelle-Letman-A-Remarkable-Sculptor-With-Eyes-Of-Faith-

Mr. Chappelle Letman is a 21st century master sculptor, a true renaissance artist. Prior to losing his vision permanently in 1992 he worked in construction to supplement his income, this artist loved painting with oils which depicted nature scenes, cityscapes and people. Eight years later transitioning into a new reality of being visually challenged wasn’t necessarily easy for him. Mr. Letman recalled his loving mother’s promptings to excel and live his best life. She instilled wisdom and a sound work ethic which he continually exhibits. His spirit conveyed, “Don’t panic, have faith.” This life lesson carries over when he humbly encourages young artists challenged visually and physically to express themselves and not live by other’s dictates. He echoes, “Stay alert and use your instincts.” He uses his own words of wisdom which have prepared him for independence and creative expression. He’s surely humble, but no shrinking violet. His life skills coupled with California’s Sight Center instrumental instructions regarding technology devices and visual aids helped Chappelle Letman live life with dignity. His heart is open to God’s leading and his hands become the instrument for his creative expression which have been captured by the photographer Don Snyder. Art and healing is a phenomenal partnership. Chappelle Letman’s life is evidence that healing can occur if we remain open to what God reveals in our inner visions. He receives support and is in partnership with organizations that promote independence for the visually impaired: the Ohio Arts Council, the Cleveland Sight Center and Kentucky‘s American Printing House.

Sharing: Promoting Literacy The Power of Sharing One Good Book at A Time!

http://www.values.com/your-billboards/2763-Promoting-Literacy-The-Power-Of-Sharing-One-Good-Book-At-A-Time-

Inspirational Author Linda M. Meadows and her mother, Clarinda Mose knows the enjoyment and inspiration that reading brings. They agree that reading is fundamental. Mrs. Mose is a retired English Teacher, Education Administrator and former Literacy Volunteer. This mother daughter team continues to encourage reading by passing along great books, writing heartfelt messages and promoting the value of journaling. It’s a domino effect. Friends, family and acquaintances are passing the baton spreading the same joy of promoting literacy. Have you shared a good book today?

Persistence: It’s An Awesome Character Trait!

http://www.values.com/your-billboards/8389-It-s-An-Awesome-Character-Trait-

My husband, Richard is the apple of my eye, that's no secret. But, I am particularly delighted to share with others that he is a recent Seminarian and now graduate. Friends and family applaud this wonderful accomplishment. His grade school teacher told my mother-in-law that my husband was stubborn and then recounted that that was a good thing! I'd like to instead call his stubborn determination, persistence! I am so very pleased that he's continuing in his dream of not only achieving scholarly pursuits, but also actively serving others in ministry and living out his dreams! He's not timid about life. Congratulations!

Believe: Everything Is Possible to those who believe!

http://www.values.com/your-billboards/11149-Everything-Is-Possible-To-Those-Who-Believe-

Our beloved little Courtney demonstrates by his act of sheer determination that great outcomes result from perseverance and a heart dedicated to the cause. Believing is trans-formative my friends. Be encouraged put your faith into action.

Oops, I almost forgot all about this very important billboard tribute to my friend, Dr. Saundra Cherry and the historic James A. Fields House! This was one of my first billboard attempts!

Passionate: He Captured her heart and she continued building a legacy!

http://www.values.com/your-billboards/3071-He-Captured-Her-Heart-And-She-Continued-Building-A-Historic-Legacy-

Dr. Saundra Cherry has gracefully embraced her late husband's (Elder Greg Cherry) passion and dedication of preserving the noble legacy of James Apostle Fields (an ex-slave, educator, graduate of Hampton Normal & Agricultural Institute, legislator, attorney, and home owner where the first African American Hospital in Newport News existed). There is a continued need for the greater community to support this historic landmark. Dr. Cherry remains faithful and dedicated to the vision of preserving this historic landmark and museum located in Newport News, VA. Dr. Cherry believes that this mission is important to continue so that future generations can appreciate and celebrate the amazing life of James Apostle Fields. We’re extremely grateful for Elder Greg Cherry's zeal and love for life, history, culture and the arts. We salute Dr. Saundra Cherry for continuing to build upon the legacy of a noble man. The James A. Fields House remains listed on the Virginia Landmark Register, the National Register of Historic Places, and the Virginia Civil War Trails. Museum visitors have a unique opportunity to experience firsthand what the turn of the century life resembled for African Americans living in in Newport News. We hope many more will follow Virginia’s trails leading to the James A. Fields House, embrace this passionate mission and support the vision!

Sharing With Great Joy,

Linda Mose Meadows, Urban Views Weekly Columnist and 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

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

http://eyesoffaithmagazine.blogspot.com/

CHAPPELLE LETMAN HAS INNER VISION

Photographer Don Snyder

has beautifully captured

Chappelle Letman's creative essence in this picture!



“When there is no where else to turn, turn inward.

Enter into the sacred silence of your soul and

ask for healing, guidance and personal peace. ”
Michaiel Bovenes (born 1963);

Spiritual Empowerment Teacher, Professional Speaker

Values.com Your Billboard Chappelle Letman: A remarkable sculptor with eyes of faith.

I am very pleased to introduce you to an outstanding man. He's an amazing person that I am elated to call friend: Chappelle Letman. Our initial introduction occured when I was selected to become a contributing journalist for The International Review of African American Art. I quickly learned that this sculptor and visual artist was no ordinary man. Literally he walks by faith. This Spring 2010 Edition of The International Review of African American Art will include a glimpse Chappelle Letman and feature one of his select pieces of sculpture.

I wanted to do more. I felt the urgency that there must be another way that would allow me to further contribute and share with others about this phenomenal artist. Values.com provided the perfect venue to share what my heart wished to convey about Chappelle's humor, joy of living and deep abiding faith in God. When viewing his art and conversing with him, it is evident that his inner vision and resolve push him to persevere as a visually challenged in a "sighted" world. What's better than a billboard on the information highway-the internet? Values.com, Foundations For a Better Life is an inspirational website-one of my favorites which allows all of us to create an inspirational community billboard! ( Enjoy creating a billboard also! On the Home page, click on the red banner CREATE YOUR OWN BILLBOARD.) I knew of just the right photo of Chappelle. I contacted Greg McGrath at The Cleveland Sight Center, sharing my endeavors and then Don Snyder of Don Snyder Photography, Inc. requesting his permission for use of his photos of Mr. Letman.

God answered my prayers; Mr. McGrath was enthusiastic about my project and Mr. Snyder graciously consented for my use of his Letman photos-for that I am grateful! And then I got busy creating! The Holy Ghost spoke to my heart and here's what I entitled the billboard and was prompted to write:

Chappelle Letman: A remarkable sculptor with eyes of faith.

INNER VISION

http://www.values.com/your_billboards/3250

"Mr. Chappelle Letman is a 21st century master sculptor, a true
renaissance artist. Prior to losing his vision permanently in 1992 he worked in
construction to supplement his income, this artist loved painting with oils
which depicted nature scenes, cityscapes and people. Eight years later
transitioning into a new reality of being visually challenged wasn’t necessarily
easy for him. Mr. Letman recalled his loving mother’s promptings to excel and
live his best life. She instilled wisdom and a sound work ethic which he
continually exhibits. His spirit conveyed, “Don’t panic, have faith.” This life
lesson carries over when he humbly encourages young artists challenged visually
and physically to express themselves and not live by other’s dictates. He
echoes, “Stay alert and use your instincts.” He uses his own words of wisdom
which have prepared him for independence and creative expression. He’s surely
humble, but no shrinking violet. His life skills coupled with California’s Sight
Center instrumental instructions regarding technology devices and visual aids
helped Chappelle Letman live life with dignity. His heart is open to God’s
leading and his hands become the instrument for his creative expression which
have been captured by the photographer Don Snyder. Art and healing is a
phenomenal partnership. Chappelle Letman’s life is evidence that healing can
occur if we remain open to what God reveals in our inner visions. He receives
support and is in partnership with organizations that promote independence for
the visually impaired: the Ohio Arts Council, the Cleveland Sight Center and
Kentucky‘s American Printing House."

We celebrate your inner vision Chappelle, your creative energy and most assuredly thank God for you beating the odds as you continually encourage our hearts!

Expressing Thanksgiving & Joy!
Linda Mose Meadows, Author & Inspirational Columnist:
The Blessedness of Believing
A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises
http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/