STRETCH, REACH & LEAP!

Take a leap of faith and trust you'll land just where God intended.

 Have a wonderful day!

Joshua 1:9

New International Version (NIV)

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.”

Maybe it's in the spirit of the 2012 Summer Olympians that I feel so encouraged! These stellar athletes marvelously challenged themselves as they competed for the coveted gold, silver and bronze medallions. They emotionally and physically prepared for grueling exercises-many had previously experienced rejection and defeat. But that was in the distant past, yesteryear!  In the present they focused on the metes ahead. With dogged determination they swam, leaped, raced, hurled and dazzled spectators with fearless abandonment, so it seemed. I marveled at Gabby Douglas and so many other outstanding athletes' grit and fortitude. It took endurance, great personal sacrifice and heart to compete. Well we too are competing daily, diligently staying afloat in a turmultuous, and often unrestrained world. Many of us are terribly challenged and feel the unspoken pressure with few coaches, mentors and team mates to cheer us on! But alas, we've got supernatural help that can lift us out of the muck and mire! No need to give up! We've got the Holy Ghost that not only protects us, but directs and speaks to us! Yes encourages us, pushes us to embrace a lively hope and to get moving! It's almost like being a kid again and with our best friend telling us, speaking not so softly in ear shot, "You can make it!" And so we go for it! We dare to trust this divine unction and stretch, reach and leap further than we've ever imagined because we believe what our hearts-our spirit has received!

I pray this eloquent art perfectly signals for you too, that it's time to look to the heavens, hear the voice of God, reach inward and move onward! It's a spiritual, divine exercise of sorts.It requires trust and the act of gracefully flinging your spiritual arms (spiritual muscle), extending yourself, getting over self imposed restrictions and trusting that God has planted in your heart the desire to live-live with joy and great promise that it's the Almighty that propels you, lifts you and most assuredly loves you (no matter how the competiton looks)! It's your time to go for the gold! As my little cousin would say, "Grace, grace grace!"

Sharing in Faith,

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

http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/



LET'S WALK IN THE LIGHT!

Marina photo by Linda Mose Meadows of St. Petersburg, Florida

A kaleidoscope is a cylinder with mirrors containing loose, colored objects such as beads or pebbles and bits of glass. As the viewer looks into one end, light entering the other creates a colorful pattern, due to the reflection off of the mirrors. Coined in 1817 by Scottish inventor Sir David Brewster,^[1] "kaleidoscope" is derived from the Ancient Greek καλός (kalos), "beautiful, beauty",^[2] εἶδος (eidos), "that which is seen: form, shape"^[3] and σκοπέω (skopeō), "to look to, to examine",^[4] hence "observer of beautiful forms." ^[5]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaleidoscope

Just days ago while visiting St. Petersburg, Florida I asked a dear friend Katherine if she enjoyed kaleidoscopes? I am sure it seemed like a quirky question to her but it was what popped into my mind. What prompted the question you wonder? My answer is that it must have been all that seemed to be happening in our midst, we were moving so quickly, but each occurrence left a memorable impression. It was one great blessed colorful layer upon another. The experiences were pronounced, vivid, colorful and lively. Here’s what I am referencing:

   

(i.e. Witnessing the uninhibited pelicans interfering with the fishermen’s space @ The Pier:    

Possibly it was our walking past the majestic Banyan Tree after leaving the Fine Arts Museum:

Or maybe it was the street banners hanging celebrating Carter G. Woodson.

Carter Godwin Woodson (December 19, 1875 – April 3, 1950)^[1] was an African-American historian, author, journalist and the founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. Woodson was one of the first scholars to study African American history. A founder of Journal of Negro History (now titled The Journal of African-American History), Dr. Woodson has been cited as the father of black history.^[2]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carter_G._Woodson

 The sight of the Miss Florida contestants (having many nationalities)and the little princesses, several of which were noticeably dark complexioned, made my heart leap with joy because this is now the great norm. Thank God! During my youth this diverse tierra wearing assembly didn’t generally occur publicly. Surely it was a celebration for me because my loved ones always realized and said so that beauty comes in all shades and sizes.  It warms my heart that little girls of color can see living, beautiful examples all around them. We continually believe in a world of inclusion:

Or it must have been Katherine’s alterations and outstanding couture designs

which were being donned throughout the pageant:

Countless other kaleidoscope excursions come to mind! I bet you have your own also? 

Gosh, I haven’t owned a kaleidoscope since I was a little girl living in the “Fruit Belt” in Buffalo, New York. Mileka and I were life long friends and generally if she received a gift from her folks, so did I!  I distinctly recall my kaleidoscope being a red cardboard cylinder filled with rattling pieces and curiosity got the best of me!  I did as children often do and took it apart! You guessed it! With my juvenile ingenuity I could not reassemble what instantly had been demolished! My dissecting the kaleidoscope and pouring out the contents exposed the fragile contents and that was the end of that gift.

After pulling apart this handheld toy, there still remained a puzzle about how those few pieces of plastic and card board shapes could create such an array of attractive shapes and visions with each twist of the wrist. I had no appreciation of the collected: mirrors, the filtered light and reflections needed to complete this masterful creation. My reborn excitement has me in pursuit once again in my adult life of a kaleidoscope. There will be no need to examine it and obliterate its beauty.  It’s magical, almost mystical how threads, beads, shards of glass, colorful shapes are transformed into geometric masterpieces. Like our life experiences some of these moments cause us to gasp in amazement and marvel at the colorful personalities, experiences, sights and sounds which can delight and uplift our spirits. We are often twisted by life’s surprises, but thank God for His marvelous light.  

 My trip to St. Petersburg was really God’s way of framing a myriad of events that expressed the hallmark of his presence. The few aforementioned shared occurrences for me beautifully exemplify that His presence is inescapable! 

Yes my friends, the Spirit of our living God dwells among us and His being is all around us. Scriptures can come to life! There is so much to be thankful for! And I felt compelled to remind you that in our simple abundance if we simply examine the layers and activities of our days, then it’s not hard to acknowledge and see the evidence of our Lord and Savior. Come on and feel the rays- it's alright to stop and appreciate life's kaleidoscope!

Just take a look around! With new eyes-see, feel and marvel the warm rays of the true and transformative beautiful light!

I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living! Psalm 27:13 (ESV)

Joyful, Joyful,

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
http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/
http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/
http://eyesoffaithmagazine.blogspot.com/

SURPRISING FOLLOW-UP WITH OUR ANCESTRAL HOME PLACE: FORT MOSE!

A Splendid Journey!
Linda Mose Meadows @ Historic Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose 2012

Witnessing historic milestones at Ft. Mose with our history loving, precious friends:Valada and Tom were awesome. Truly this was an extraordinary day! And it was a tremendous, eventful sequel to our inital visit first made (several weeks ago) to our ancestral home place, Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose located in St. Augustine, Florida. As I meandered through the interactive displays, gleefully examining the maps and artifacts in the Educational Room I received a great thrill as I learned and read the modest sign with the "big news" commemorating "Bloody Mose." I still had time and hadn't missed out on this important event! My vow to return back was kept and I thank God that our return trip came to fruition.

As we entered the park, the vendors greeted the many guests. There were approximately 1000 folks in attendance enjoying the variety of wares, being enticed with the smells of grilled food waffling through the air. The drinks and fruit were cooling visibly; this was truly an outdoor festivity. People gathered in clusters, some watching the reenactors: the “freed African Americans"  men, women and children discussing their evacuee plans, several other Hispanic and Native Americans proclaiming, “Viva!” while in the adjacent field the militia were conducting their marching regiments in cadence, and  preparing for battle. It was indeed stimulating and very colorful. This interactive performance was the backdrop for the assembled reporters and curious onlookers. Truly The Fort Mose Historical Society had produced a creative multidimensional palette for this living museum experience.



Day celebrating our freedom @ Fort Mose, be sure to reference:

http://www.fortmose.org/

It was surreal watching the reenactment of The Battle of Bloody Mose, but it was a dream come true standing where our ancestors found refuge and were determined to remain free! And the unexpected gift our sharing with The St. Augustine Record's Reporter Sheldon Gardner and Sandra Ratley (Howard University) regarding our family connection to Ft. Mose was amazing! Read all about it:
http://m.staugustine.com/news/local-news/2012-06-24/battle-brings-life-lesser-known-history
God was showering His sweet blessing once again! And not only on my return trip home did I savor the wonderful day's memories, but I happily read all about it the next day's paper:  The St. Agustine Reporter, imagine that!

Tucked in our hearts was the love of family and divine kinship. It's a fact that faith will take us to new destinations and continually point the way!

Peace and Blessings, Linda Mose Meadows:

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

http://eyesoffaithmagazine.blogspot.com/ and the author of: The Blessedness of Believing: A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises

CELEBRATING OUR HERITAGE-GRACIA REAL DE SANTA TERESA DE MOSE: A FREE BLACK TOWN IN SPANISH COLONIAL FLORIDA

Artist: Charles Bibbs~ African Goddess

¹⁰ For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, 
  which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:10

New International Version (NIV)

It's no wonder that I love art that expresses freedom, resilience, strength and cultural pride. Charles Bibb’s beautiful painting entitled: African Goddess is a favorite piece of mine, it powerfully resonates that truth for me that our multifacted experiences and diversity is not only etched on our faces but especially  encompasses our spirits. And this of course lends each of us with a measure of pride that God has fashioned each of us in His very our own unique way.  Or as some would say, "we are a designers original!" It's scripture that  reminds us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made! I'd like to think that this too is apart of my spiritual, cultural and family DNA-pride in whom God created me to be! My paternal family's last name is Mose and I am convinced that our ancestry has a direct link with the descendants of Ft. Mose (Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose) located in St. Augustine, Florida which encourages me greatly.

Here are a few eye opening facts: in the 1700’s Ft. Mose was a pioneering community with a diverse cultural community of Native Americans, Hispanics, African Americans-free Blacks, and ex slaves that sought safety and a refuge from the atrocities of slavery in the British colonies. Many runaways understood that the Spanish King offered freedom to those seeking conversion and baptism. For runaways this offer was an exceptable alternative and Spainards in turn gained skilled workers and men needed to build their militia.

On the upside apparently few slaves were returned. When the Spanish conquistador Pedro Menendez founded St. Augustine’s in 1565 he was accompanied by black crew members. So it seems our presence is inescapable.  Imagine the first recorded birth of a black child occurring some thirteen years prior to the Jamestown landing in 1619. And just a few miles north of St. Augustine was a settlement with free Africans in Fort Caroline. There’s so much history rich with startling facts that indicate Fort Mose, the northern defense wasn't just a homestead but St. Augustine's secure buttress against British invasion.

My genealogy homework has begun and I am loving it. Look out history detectives; I want a piece of the action also!

Years ago my parents read about Fort Mose, Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose– “the name is a composite of an existing Indian place, Mose, the phrase that indicated that the new town was established by the king, Gracia Real, and the name of the town’s patron saint, Teresa of Aviles, who was the patron saint of Spain.”* this news was very intriguing and thus my folks were on a mission to enlighten us.They began sharing with our family about the significance of this Florida community far from our beloved and familiar surroundings and home of Buffalo, New York. Imagine prior to that we were unaware of our notable US lineage and possibly the Caribbean. This lineage ties and directly links us to the home place of historic St. Augustine, Florida the birthplace of African Americans. You wonder if they’ve visited?

Oh yes, my parents and several other family members have visited. My father continues to make periodic visits. Most recently he encouraged me to make a trip to Ft. Mose and reminded me of it's now close proximity to Central Florida.

Well from the photos you now know we’ve made the sojourn and was it ever exhilarating! Yes, for the heart, mind, body and spirit, self discovery and renewal is the best description for now.

While there I purchased a book and have scoured the pages of: *Fort Mose, Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose: A Free Black Town in Spanish Colonial Florida by Dr. Jane Landers. (1992 St. Augustine Historical Society). I am reviewing it a second time, I don't want to miss any facts I might have overlooked. I am so enthralled by Dr. Landers research that I’ve reached out to her in an effort to learn more. My husband and I are most appreciative of her comprehensive work. While reading and surveying St. Augustine’s time line, it was simply captivating, grasping all of the historic implications of Africans being free in the Spanish colonies. They were cultivating and owning land, earning wages, marrying and living with their families, embracing Catholicism or their desired faiths and being skilled artisans. This was far from the reality of enslaved African brethren just a short distance away in the British Colonies.

I can’t help but applaud and marvel at industrious residents of Ft. Mose and those which actively pursued emancipation. They were tenacious, brave and determined to remain or to seek out freedom. Their freedom was nothing illusive! They tasted it, breathed it, lived it and fought for it constantly! The Ft. Mose residents understood fully the importance of battling against the atrocities of a horrid system and agreed to the Spainards requirement of military service. Curious about this? Well be sure to reference Captain Menendez of the slave militia which fought for years against the Yamasee rebellion. So here my friends stood a refuge-a safe haven, a multicultural community where those individuals and families which resided were vital to the King's agenda, were respected and revered as they guarded their most sacred posession of being free from a life without the shackles of mental cruelty and physical slavery.

Can't believe this journey started so long ago. Archivist, history detectives, truth lovers, teachers, professors, text book writers, you and I can now learn, teach and share about the significant contributions and sacrifices experienced at Ft. Mose where resilient spirited men and women stood vigil and changed history.

Indeed we are moving closer to home, closer to a remarkable  historical identity rooted in who I am and who we are! No longer is Ft. Mose a distant, mysterious location on Google map, now it's a short distance away, imagine that! Just like our ancestors, we too are curious about what lies before us! With a spirit of thanksgiving we are thriving-determined to live and carve out a world filled with opportunities and savor sweet freedom! We come this far by faith!

Learn more about Ft. Mose at: http://www.fortmose.org/

With A Thankful Heart!

Linda Mose Meadows, 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/  

A TESTAMENT OF HIS GOODNESS!

                                                                  

                                                        Photo by Linda Mose Meadows of Bethune Cookman Concert Choir 

We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 1:2,3

I so love when college choirs visit the local church and invite the community. Annually several of the historic black college choirs would visit the area churches in Buffalo, NY during their spring or fall concert tour schedules. This often was a great scholarship fundraiser for many church auxiliaries and also an opportunity for the host Alums to showcase their respective visiting college for future high school graduates looking forward to attending "their" desired UNCF School! It didn't matter how deep the snow or cold the evening, we'd brave the weather because we knew we were in for an outstanding treat! I recall Morehouse and Spellman College Choirs visiting on separate occasions, oh the alum were so proud and rightfully so! The music was always exceptional and the poised, articulate college students made us extremely proud. 

During the concert each singer would have an opportunity to introduce themselves, their major and announce their hometown. You could anticipate the sanctuary erupting with resounding applauds and joyous responses when a student was a relative or from our beloved hometown. Reflecting back, what I know for sure is that these polished young men and women's presence boosted morale and attested to God's goodness. Yes our spirits were lifted. We were witnessing the hope and the dream that our elders spoke of. You could sense the audience's pride and affirmation that these college students were shining lights in a dim world.

Attending college and remaining was and is no small fete. It is a financial hardship for most and that the sacrifices that their immediate loved ones make and endure seem to be worth it! Each of the students which stood before us had the capacity for greatness, and apparently was swiftly making "their" way! We were all witnesses that the future awaits them, most especially the children in the church, who had yet to venture out. It was unspoken, a spiritual mandate of sorts to pay attention and someday grab the baton, follow and make their mark in the world!

So I am confident it was much more than an evening concert and a welcoming reception where alum donned their school colors but more importantly a celebration of and for our future savvy young movers and shakers. Their appearance is a public acknowledgement that our personal and collective struggles are worth it all! So I thank God for the call over these young people's lives and their unique ministry which ushered them north! I thank God for this tradition of sharing sacred musical genres that facilitate worship and celebrate our heritage and culture. And I especially thank God for their presence, their faithfulness, their scholarship which lifts our hearts and encourages our souls regarding God being in the midst! He most assuredly holds our hand continually and is speaking! 


Listen up my friends, don't you hear the young folks singing?

We are Listening Lord!

Song: I'll Never Let Go Of His Hand

From the album NATIONAL BLACK COLLEGE GOSPEL FESTIVAL (1976). 
Bethune-Cookman College of Daytona Beach, FL

Joyful, Joyful,

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
http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/
http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/
http://eyesoffaithmagazine.blogspot.com/

WONDERFUL EVENT & BOOK SIGNING: LUNCHING WITH THE ARTS

We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.

2 Corinthians 4:7

Participating in the Chum's Ninth Annual Spring "Lunching With The Arts" at the Rio Pinar Country Club in Orlando, Florida was an April afternoon filled with awe and appreciation for the gifts of the arts and scholastic excellence. This super day was also a wonderful literary event which allowed me an opportunity to showcase my devotional and chronicle the inception of: The Blessedness of Believing, A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises!

Oh, friends I count my blessings; meeting and being able to witness the diligence and dedication of The Orlando Chapter of Chums, Inc. and also being featured with esteemed authors: Dr. Brenda Y. Person and Dr. Elisha Delbert Gray. Truly I was in great company! It was an honor meeting the anointed painter,artist Mr. Everett Spruill (who's deeply inspired and influenced by Romare Bearden) www.everettsart.ning.com. Listening to the upbeat and contemporary Jazz accompaniment of stellar musicians:Tony Wynn & Company was a great treat. They superbly serenaded the lovely guests-many adorned in festive spring hats. It was priceless to see the young readers and scholarship recipients being acknowledged for their worthy efforts. I count it a joy and honor for this delighful luncheon invitation. Thank you Lord!

Peace and Blessings, Linda Mose Meadows:

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

http://eyesoffaithmagazine.blogspot.com/ and the author of: The Blessedness of Believing: A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises

GOING HOME: A JOYFUL TRANSITION

Returning to hometown Buffalo to pack

However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"

-- 1 Corinthians 2:9

Leaving Atlanta for Florida

April 2012 has been a rewarding month both literally and spiritually. As I glimpsed at my facebook timeline I was able to visually chronicle some highlights, but knew that that which I virtually shared was only the tip of the iceberg. There had been some amazing aha moments and I praise God for the abundance of blessings that I was able to witness and receive with our loved ones. You may wonder what does that really mean? Well, I’ll share that further in detail, just know that in my spirit I am saying, "Look what the Lord has done." The happening included an all too quick visit with several wonderful friends, treasured time spent with my Aunt Shirley and cousin, Zebbie in Buffalo; traveling on the road back to Georgia with Eric and then spending extended time with my Mother and Granny resulted from a simple phone call from my brother Eric who asked, "Lin what are you doing this weekend?" He'd just received the news that we had the upcoming weekend to pack up St. Mary's Place because the closing and sale of our home would occur on the upcoming Monday. Time was of the essence.

That weekend I hopped a plane from Central Florida back to our beloved hometown Buffalo, New York to bring closure to the sale of our home, my mother’s property and our child’s home place. This moment was much more than just transferring keys and packing some boxes- it was home and a floodgate of life lessons,memories that continue to shape us. But I had to remain focus, Eric insisted.  We were on a mission to pack and purge, so we told ourselves. This mission included and insured that the new tenants would be benefactors of  Mom’s home furnishings and appliances.God's outstretched hands and blessings were at it again. We were instructed to not overlook returning with our Mother's books, family keepsakes and retrieving important paperwork because the time had finally come to sell. The items we decided to leave the new owners offered to send to her country abroad. "Others can use them." Her statement was was an instant relief!

Basement-packing and purging!

Having an awesome visit with Aunt Shirley and Zebby!

My heart wasn't so heavy then. As I began to sift through articles of clothing and rediscover with Eric mountains of papers, elementary school report cards (Mom's included), scrap books, toys, loved one's obituaries, funeral bulletins, greeting cards, significant artifacts and wonderful family photos I began reminiscing about so many things and  immediately knew the most import treasures were our relationships we built and the significance of these heart conncections. It then wasn't such an emotional tussle to part with things, discard and/or share them. But the real jewel was never having to give up family, friends-our wonderful loved ones, no matter the distance and time lasp between us!

Beloved Friends...

They are fondly held in my heart. I'll not forget to anticipate the sweet reunions that we can look forward to. And knowing us we'll laugh and giggle out loud as we acknowledge the sustaining love and comfort of God that continually anchors us! It will be a thanksgiving- a celebratory moment to marvel at the victories won that got us from this time to that.

So now here I am friends back in Florida sitting at my kitchen table, writing, smiling, reflecting-assured and prayerful that Mama (and our family) are feeling better about this transition. In my spirit we are tremendously greatful to have evidenced God's mercies,witness His blessings and to be a blessing to others as we embark upon a new journey, a new timetable. It's indeed another new beginning and transition that reunited and reconnected us with all that really matters in the name of love.

Thanks be to God it's your time to move friends!

Truly missing them all! 

blessing the boats    

by Lucille Clifton 

(at St. Mary's)

may the tide

that is entering even now

the lip of our understanding

carry you out

beyond the face of fear

may you kiss

the wind then turn from it

certain that it will

love your back    may you

open your eyes to water

water waving forever

and may you in your innocence

sail through this to that

Peace and Blessings,
Linda Mose Meadows:
http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/
http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/
http://eyesoffaithmagazine.blogspot.com/ and the author of:
The Blessedness of Believing: A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises