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:
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!
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 FortCaroline. There’s so much history rich with startling facts
that indicate FortMose, 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: *FortMose, 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
friendsstood 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 womenstood 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!
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
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
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!
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 reunitedand reconnected us with all that
really matters in the name of love.
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?”
Photograph of Mural in Baltimore by Linda Mose Meadows
“Because he hath set his love
upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath
known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him
in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him. With long life will I satisfy
him, and show him my salvation.” saith the Lord.
Psalm 91:14-16
I bet you've had this happen? You’ve walked into or
almost bumped into people conversing and in earshot could easily have joined in on their discussion. You heard their exchange,
but knew it was not the time to give your opinion. In those instances my
friends would say, “Keep your twenty two cents to yourself.”That’s how much they valued your input. Well,
I am sure this was the case, let me explain.As I quickly walked by I witnessed it and heard it in her tone of voice,
another woman, whom I concluded was the mother of a tall, handsome and athletic
looking young man. I am sure he was a teenager, not totally focused on what was
being said to him. He wasn’t
disrespectful just not responding in the manner I suspect his mother desired.
They were in the store isle standing in front of the cereal boxes, she was stressing
the importance ofselection and cost. I
sensed there was a level of frustration that the adult really did not mean to
make apparent. Her comprehension of the
high costs of food boomeranged in my spirit.But it was evident to me there was more to the angst. I don’t believe it
was so much about the sparse boxes of dry cereal with the exorbitant prices. I
discerned that her pitch and tone may have had to do with what was or wasn’t occurring
in their life. No, I’m not a psychic, but I trust the Holy Ghost. (We don’t have
a clue about the struggles and demands others face.) And I don’t claim to know
her station in life; but I am sure God meant for me to feel empathy and connect
with them. My instincts were revved and I knew the immediate issue was what the
son desired verses what was affordable. Not that long ago it was me standing in
the isle sharing with my son about his wants surpassing his needs. (Lord knows I
have been there! Some instances those moments return.)
Listening to their exchange I was yanked back in
time when our tall son was in undergrad and my heart would skip a beat whe he
phoned because in his tone of voice I could discern whether it was a distress
call or otherwise. His frantic undertone
said, “I need assistance now!” Just listening to the mother’s undertone I felt the
urgency to help her! My mother instinct
kicked in when I also heard his voice. He tried to mask it with a cordial "Hi Mom!” but I knew better.
Eventually we’d get to the heart of the matter and
I’d honor his request the way most of our parents do. And yes, I was prompted to assist this loving mother and open my wallet not to boost about my
charitable acts, but instead to demonstrate an active assurance that God’s heart
and hands are open to her.
"Thank you Lord God!"
[She] He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him
in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him. With long life will I satisfy
him, and show him my salvation.” saith the Lord.
Psalm 91:15-16
I recall in that similar spirit chatting with my
favorite Bank Manager to learn that her smile belied the apparent truth that
her heart was very heavy about her husband's third departure for serving in the
military. I promised I’d pray for them.
“Lord keep us and protect us in Jesus’ Name. We need
you and are counting on your infinite mercy and care! Thank you Father, thank
you!”
After leaving the bank/supermarket with a few
grocery items that had shot up in price in a week’s time, I just shook my head
in amazement. There was one more stop before going home. I drove to my
neighborhood Shoe Repair Shop that had not been maintaining their usual
business hours. I quickly ran in the shop surprised that the door was ajar and
wondered why there had been a sign on the door with the handwritten words
Closed for Several Weeks-what, why?
The young
proprietor confessed in an apologetic tone that his family was facing
difficulty and he now worked elsewhere during the day. He shared that
financially they were having difficulty paying their mortgage and his elderly
mother now covered the shop. This was a rough patch! Once again I knew well
about mortgage woes. But, friends what really resonated in my spirit were the words wthe young man spoke: "But it’s going to be all right I guess!” Without a doubt these are some of the most difficult
times that this many people have encountered collectively in a very long while. It
feels like more than a pinch, it’s often a strangle hold to stay afloat making our
ends meet. Living in this world can be very hard! Yes, indeed it’s rough-it’s
real, it’s personal hardships on an intimate level!
As our elders would utter, "But God!"
Meaning; But for the love of God!
But for His unwavering provision!
But for His marvelous grace and sweet mercy! But for
the beauty of God’s word which reminds us that His love abounds even in tough
times!
Imagine an abiding love for you-his children. A love
not predicated on status, religion or pedigree. No matter the personal attacks,
innuendos hurled and/or the tumultuous hardships experienced. We can count on God's
wonderful supply of protection, grace and evident mercy. Daily we can abide
under His care: His Lordship! Wouldn’t you agree it’s comforting to realize this? His deliverance and most assuredly His love and
shelter will protect us even in the rough places if we just stay connected.
Hang on friends and safely
tuck in your heart the scripture:
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will
rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is [our] my refuge
and [our] my fortress [our] my God in who I trust.” Psalm 91:1, 2
Finally
be sure to reference on Youtube: Tonex, Kirk Franklin’s God Has Not Forgotten.
Keep a melody under your caps.
Peace and
God's Abundant Blessings to You,
Linda Mose Meadows, author of:
The Blessedness of Believing
A Devotional Journey of Life’s and God’s Promises http://www.blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/
