ADDING INSULT TO INJURY, REMEMBERING DEMON ALBERT

By Charles Rex Arbogast, AP
Shoes placed atop school desks are part of a memorial to 20 Chicago Public School students

killed by gunfire since last September, displayed at a rally in downtown Chicago April 1.

My stomach was in knots yesterday morning as I mentally recounted the horrific news heard on Black America Web of the young man; a child really, 16 year old Demon Albert an Honors student navigating his way through what must have been a living hell! A hell, an animalistic saga which violently targeted anyone in its path.

It‘s a nightmare just to hear of this victimization-the brutal beating of this beloved young man headed home. Can you just imagine the promise and hope that Demon’s folks had for his future? And what of his own aspirations; possibly he dreamt of becoming a pharmacist, a chemist, a teacher, a musician, an anthropologist, an architect, and a loving parent? I don’t know? But I do realize that scholars are on a mission envisioning a life of promise. Yes, he was robbed of the opportunity to live out his destiny. Walking home from school?

Lord today what a tragedy!

Yesterday, I opted not to watch the news clips, or Google the “bystander’s” video and then share this horror in an email. I didn’t tout my outrage and trade messages with my online friends. Instead I purposely ignored the news and went about my workday, wondering when is this madness going to end? This self hated; this violence, and these out of control inhumane, despicable acts that fracture and break down countless families and communities.

The violence is holding us hostage and strangling the life out of us.

How could school be the wrong place! It’s disheartening, truly sad that here’s another dreaded statistic, a “man child” murdered at the hands of his peers. This must not become another urban “story” that numbs our psyches and makes us feel hopeless and indifferent. Yes, shaking our heads in disgust and wondering what ever happened to valuing life can’t only be the answer for addressing this may lay! Our kids life shouldn’t be in vain. Our family faced this dreaded consequence; my step son, Courtney suffered death at the hands of another young person. This is so raw, so brutal! Oh it’s easy to get angry at the police, the schools, the government, the nebulous moral decay, the underfunded scholastic programs, the absence of what? Well friends, you fill in the blank_______.

But who’s to blame, where’s the solution? I am not sure, but our children can’t thrive in chaotic environments. Young men like Courtney and Demon, and the college kids massacred in a play ground during their summer vacation, and the young girls assaulted, and toddlers tortured and the kids tainted, in Washington, DC, Rockville, Chicago, Buffalo, Fort Worth, Peoria, West Chester County, Douglasville, and Water Town are dying in droves. Pick up the papers, click on the news, it’s the headliner news!

I am praying pray that this nation, this community awakes and understands that although we are focused on a possible pandemic, right here and now we are plagued with an epidemic! It’s tragic and our children are dying, dying at the hands of their peers. This is warfare, spiritual and natural!

I am praying for a change in the land and action of a unified cause to address and eradicate this senselessness because right now it’s just insult added to injury when the victims are buried and the perpetrators are tried as adult offenders. And the bloodshed continues! Nothing good results, the pain is simply compounded.

I am praying that the Lord gives us wisdom on what to do!



Friends I want to believe we are supposed to change things for the better, not simply chant, “Stop the Violence”, then bolt our doors, and activate our burglar alarms. Maybe we could start with community organizations like Back to Basics which can point the way? It’s time!

My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Demon Albert; may God comfort you during this very difficult time.

Shared in Love,
Linda Mose Meadows, Author & Columnist
The Blessedness of Believing
A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises
http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

AUTHOR, LINDA MEADOWS FEATURED ON KIRKLAND'S CORNER RADIO SHOW ~ WUFO 1080

Linda Meadows greets Mr. Ted Kirkland after breakfast @

GiGi's Soul Food Restaurant in Buffalo, NY

To everything there is a season..

Ecclesiastes 3:1

As a Buffalonian you cherish WUFO 1080 "on your radio dial !" I recall daily we listented to R & B preparing to make my way to school, learn about celebrated snow days, community happenings, historic and/or breaking news events. This station remains commited to serving the community. It's no wonder our household had our radio dials set on 1080 WUFO!

While in Buffalo this past summer, we grabbed breakfast at GiGi's Soul Food Restaurant. It's in the heart of the East Side and is frequented by a steady stream of soul food lovers. Haven't seen some friends in a while, just stop by GiGi's! They are sure to come through! This would be our farewell meal with family until our next return trip. Naturally we ran into folks we know and love.

Who cared that a 12 hour drive was ahead of us? Our restaurant stay extended until we'd kissed our circle of loved ones and said goodbye for a third time. I kid you not. God would have it that before Ricky and I finally left,we'd bump into Mr. Kirkland-a noted Community Builder and Trailblazer. He also was having breakfast with friends. His greeting was warm and he was his wonderful self. I shared my book news, and as they say, " The rest is history!" True to his word he read my devotional from cover to cover and had high praise for this work. I am humbled by his acceptance and affirmation of my devotional.

Several Tuesdays ago, I sat at my desk in Hampton, VA during my "work day" lunch hour, had an interview with Mr. Kirkland on Kirkland's Corner ! Yes, imagine I was being interviewed on our home town radio show-WUFO 1080 The Spirit of Western NY !

I got over being nervous, forgot my talking points and a flood gate of wonderful memories were released! I just couldn't contain my joy!

I relished the gift of sharing and celebrating some significant milestones that God's grace ushered me through! Thanks to my friend Drusilla she listened intently on the internet and digitally taped the show. You'll even hear me knocking on her door-oops. My interview concluded, but you could still hear the broadcast. But, all in all, this has been an awesome highlight in my modest literary stint. Sharing with all of Western New York and Mr. Kirkland/WUFO about The Blesssedness of Believing A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises is truly a divine happening. God orchastrated this, like only he can! I am greatful for the amazing technology, the fine folks at WUFO and my friend Drusilla for her techno expertise.

I count it a joy and an honor that the Lord above would provide such an opportunity! I especially thank him for allowing me to cross Mr. Kirkland's path on a Sunday afternoon in my hometown of Buffalo, NY after dining on grits with cheese, turkey sausage links, prefectly scrambled eggs, and I forgot a piece of beautifully fried chicken. I shared it reluctantly ! Did I mention toast with strawberry jam? Makes you appreciate home right?

That's why we call it "home, sweet home!" Thank you Lord!

Shared in Love,

Linda Mose Meadows, Author & Columnist

The Blessedness of Believing

A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises

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

LIFE CAN BE GOLDEN!

Beautiful! Backgrounds 1 by: Earnest Graham

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.
Psalm 31:24

Come on friends, let's act like we know! Know-realize and relish in the fact that life can be "Golden", no matter what the News Reporter's forecast or how we're feeling. Yes, feelings of good, bad or indifferent! God is the same yesterday, today and through eternity. Wonderful, Counselor, Healer, Friend, Lord and Savior. Jesus! Jesus!

God is ever present, He's with us! Celebrate this day and know that you know, life is "Golden", for sure! Sing a new heart song and be assured!

Love to Jill Scott for always keeping it up tempo! Have a blessed day my friends!

Songtress Jill Scott singing Golden!

Joyfully Submitted by :

Linda Mose Meadows, Author & Columnist

The Blessedness of Believing

A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

NO OTHER WAY TO DESCRIBE IT~A TERRIFIC DAY,INDEED!

Send forth your light and your truth,

let them guide me;

let them bring me to your holy mountain,

to the place where you dwell.

Then will I go to the altar of God,

to God,

my joy and my delight.

I will praise you with the harp,

O God, my God.

Psalm 43: 3-4

Simply put, Saturday was truly a terrific day! There's no other way to describe this past Saturday, September 12, 2009! The weather as delightful, just perfect! No jackets, no umbrellas required!

MISSION: FANTASTIC!

First stop was Barnes and Noble for my book signing and then off to Richmond, VA./ Glen Allen to accompany my friend, Linda who was conducting an interview of the bookclub: Elite Literary Guild for her Urban Views Weekly column. It was a blessing all the way around! Meeting the bookclub members and being reacquainted with their President: Michelle Bolden-Carter, Carol and introduced to Tina and the other members was super. They were gracious enough to extend their official meeting time which allowed me to share the dynamics regarding the birth of my devotional: The Blessedness of Believing A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises and my joy about being the inspirational columnist for Urban Views Weekly. I felt so fortunate and realized this was a look at God Moment! They encouraged my spirit by being so receptive to my testimony.

I was "home" again at Barnes and Noble New Town Shops in Williamsburg, VA. This was the site of my very first book signing in January 2008. It's a very comforting atmosphere for me. The managers and staff are genuinely caring and warm. No shortage of smiles and customer service announcements.

Friends and new acquaintances stopped by. I was so happy to see them. Their enthusiasm about acquiring my devotional was a love letter from heaven. During these stressful economic times, folks are counting their dollars and certainly don't have to be supportive nor generous. So I knew God had sent them all my way. Grateful is what I am!

And then the surprise came! In my spirit I felt God pronounce that I wasn't there for me! I sat still for a moment and reflected on what the Holy Spirit had expressed. "Yes, Lord." Instantly, I understood. No, God hadn't forfeited his love for me, nor his blessing of this occasion; but instead desired that my focus move from self. I then understood the true Barnes & Noble mission of the day was to have an ear to listen and a heart to receive and then encouragement another soul-as best I could that God is active and available to each of us! It was divine orchastration. I was willing and God was present! Oh my friends, it's risky being transparent but, it's not about us!

May He shower you with His ever lasting LOVE!

Sharing in Faith,

Linda Mose Meadows, Inspirational Columnist & Author:

The Blessedness of Believing

A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises

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

GRAB HOLD OF LIFE!

Counting to Tar Beach: A Tar Beach Board Book: Faith Ringgold

Urban Views Weekly

In Print & On-Line
Friends, Kindly Visit My
Inspirational Column in Urban Views Weekly
for :

September 9, 2009

We Have the Choice to Grab Hold of Life! Pg. 8

http://urbanviewsweekly.va.newsmemory.com/

With you is the foundation of life;

in your light we see light.

Psalm 36:9

Sharing in Faith,
Linda Mose Meadows, Author & Columnist
The Blessedness of Believing
A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises
http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

CELEBRATING YOUTUBE: THE BLESSEDNESS OF BELIEVING SERIES

Author: Linda Mose Meadows,

The breeze at Virginia Beach was heavenly!

So we praise God for the wonderful kindness he has poured out on usbecause we belong to his dearly loved Son.

Ephesians 1:6

I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.

Psalm 89:1

The Lord says, “I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.”

Isaiah 49:16

created by me: faithauthorlindam

I'd like to think that this was no ordinary day at the beach. It was our inital attempt at having some rest and relaxation before Monday morning rolled back around. But, instead of simply relaxing, that afternoon I later understood, was an opportunity for God to minister to my heart. I enjoyed snapping pictures and experimenting with my new camera as Ricky assembled his Father's Day kite-manuevering it in the air, untangling the string and causing it to land in the middle of beach goers sunning nand enjoying their outing. We had fun laughing at that escapade. Eventually he'd fly the kite with ease.

I also witnessed a youngster enjoying playing in the ocean, trying hard to jump over the waves. It convicted my spirit as, an attentive "father figure" allowed the child to play freely! The father remained in a safe distance. I understood the lesson-God is in our midst, He's safe by!

Enjoy the video, you'll see what I mean. I have wanted to post this to Youtube for weeks and finally succeeded! I really appreciate my husband who worked with me and encouraged me to share my reading and photos with you. I'm learning so much about technology and marveling at God's intent! I pray you'll enjoy and benefit from another of my life's lessons. It seems I learn from example.

Friends, let God speak to your heart. He's got so much He wishes to share with us!

Joyfully Submitted by :
Linda Mose Meadows, Author & Columnist
The Blessedness of Believing
A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises
http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/
http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

I CORINTHIANS 13:4-8

http://www.wordle.net/

I Corinthians 13:4-8 encourages us that love never fails us, it's not self serving!

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (New International Version)

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

Blessings to You!:
Linda Mose Meadows,
Urban Views Columnist and Inspirational Author of:
The Blessedness of Believing
A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises
(Tate Publishing, Nov. 2007).
http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/
http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com//