LET'S CELEBRATE OUR LEGACY OF LOVE!

                                                                                                                                                                         

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

The LORD, a Provider and Deliverer.

 I will bless the LORD at all times;
  His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul will make its boast in the LORD;
  The humble will hear it and rejoice.
O magnify the LORD with me,
  And let us exalt His name together.
I sought the LORD, and He answered me,
  And delivered me from all my fears.
They looked to Him and were radiant,
  And their faces will never be ashamed.
This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him
  And saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him,
  And rescues them.
O taste and see that the LORD is good;
  How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!
O fear the LORD, you His saints;
  For to those who fear Him there is no want.

PSALM 34:1-9

Author's  beautiful mother, Clarinda!

Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful mothers, aunties, adopted mommies, step mother's, big Mama's, Grannies and Gran Mamas, Ma'dears, Nanas and big sisters which love us to life! We'll forever cherish your love and commitment to us! 

We celebrate our legacy of love. 

I recall Mama sharing this poem and other works of Langston Hughes with her students at 

Public School #31. It feels like yesterday that I enjoyed visiting her classroom. This was long 

before "take your daughter and her friends (visiting from college) to work day" was 

popular! Truly she is still an amazing teacher!

Mother to Son

Well, son, I'll tell you:

Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.

It's had tacks in it,

And splinters,

And boards torn up,

And places with no carpet on the floor—

Bare.

But all the time 

I'se been a-climbin' on,

And reachin' landin's,

And turnin' corners,

And sometimes goin' in the dark

Where there ain't been no light.

So, boy, don't you turn back.

Don't you set down on the steps.

'Cause you finds it's kinder hard.

Don't you fall now—

For I'se still goin', honey,

I'se still climbin',

And life for me ain't been no crystal stair. 

Langston Hughes

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/mother-to-son/

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) 

 http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

 http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

 http://eyesoffaithmagazine.blogspot.com/

I STAND ON YOUR WORD

Anointed Jonathan Butler singing: I Stand On Your Word

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:37-39

The visual and spiritual message is captivating. As a viewer, I was swiftly moved into a worshipful space. This was unexpected peace, a serene infilling during my viewing of a youtube video: I Stand On Your Word! Peace found at my dining room table on an early Saturday morning.  Our friend, Bop would pronounce it as being, “caught-up!” I encourage you to also watch it. With the psalmist, we’re now seated in a sacred space, the illuminated sanctuary with the stellar artist and without reservation lift our hands in surrender. Surrendering all of life’s issues with a spirit of immediacy and instead our focus isn’t self preservation with heart rates rapidly racing.  Instead we are enamored with the music, the lyrics and our spirits are overtaken with the loving presence of the Holy Ghost. And our surroundings are fading fast- these images have slowed down to a stand still! Our breathing is now easy and not labored; our spirits understand that “No matter what, you’ve got to stand on the word.” That’s just what Jonathan Butler echos!  

Stellar vocalist, lyricist, accomplished musician and brother: Jonathan Butler clearly declares, that standing on God’s word is the answer.  As the music envelopes us, his beautiful video captures and expresses that the power of God’s word is our blessed assurance. We understand that God’s word will and can reach places, stations not only in the earthly realm, but the heavenly realm as well. Our intellect can’t fathom, our reach can’t touch, our minds can’t envision nor contemplate the impact, nor the benefits of trusting and leaning on God’s word.  It’s a take my word for it guarantee!  As faith creatures there are promises to be had if we simply believe! Come on blessed friends experience-feel the power, majesty and glory of Jesus Christ our Lord and comfortably know what it is to be______________:

RESCUED

That he would grant to us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, 

Luke 1:74

DELIVERED

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. 

Isaiah 53:5

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,

I Corinthians 15:3

SAVED

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9

PROTECTED

I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, [and set me] in a large place.

Psalms 118:5

COVERED AND COMFORTED

And they shall dwell safely therein, and shall build houses, and plant vineyards; yes, they shall dwell with confidence...

Ezekiel 28:26

LOVED

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ— by grace you have been saved—

 Ephesians 2:4-5

In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

1 John 4:9-11

KEPT

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:6-7  

PEACEFUL

"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.

John 16:33

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

JOYFUL

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Proverbs 17:22

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Romans 15:13

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Romans 12:12

CREATED BY THE HAND OF GOD

Thus said the LORD, your redeemer, and he that formed you from the womb, I am the LORD that makes all things...

Isaiah 44:24-26

Brother Jonathan Butler, Sister Lauryn Hill it’s Saturday morning and we are singing with you, hearts filled with thanksgiving: “Joyful, joyful we adore the, God of glory, Lord of love! Thank you for your visual creations and your stunningly anointed lyrics which encourage us deeply! We are faithfully holding on to His promises! Yes, we are standing, moving and dancing in faith on God’s Holy word!

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) 

 http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

 http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

 http://eyesoffaithmagazine.blogspot.com/

ALL THINGS OLD ARE NEW AGAIN!

My friend Erica, her daughter is the photographer 

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: 

^[a] The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

Don’t you just love this expressive artwork? Well I sure do! My friend Erica and her 11 year old daughter (the photographer) have really captured the vintage feel in this upbeat piece of 21st century iphone photography. It’s my idea of Nuevo art photography in black and white. It's perfect for Pinterest board!

I absolutely giggle when I see this photo. Although it’s 2013 we seemed to be instantly transported in time. The polka dots, the cap sleeves, perfectly styled hairdo, not a strand out of place and possibly the eye wear, 1960’s all over.

Erica has done it again and inspired me to explore some bygone days and beautifully triggered some fond childhood memories which causes me to reminisce and say,"Oh yeah I remember when_____________!"

“Oh yeah I remember that time when penny candy was plentiful and a dime’s worth of peach stones or red hot dollars was enough to share with half the kids on our (neighborhood) “fruit belt” block.”

How I recall my Grand Mama Rita pressing (hot combing) and curling my hair and my dreading when comb was placed on the edges! Dixie Peach or Royal Crown hair grease were the reliable products to help straighten our hair. And as if we were seated at the kitchen table sharing a piece of cake, I blurt out, “Oh yeah do you remember our Aunt’s and mother’s being dressed to the “nines” in their couture Butterick and McCall creations? And if they had no pattern on hand, that did not halt their creative juices. Many of them created and designed their own tailored patterns from brown paper bags. They got busy transforming that favorite piece of fabric on their overworked Singer sewing machines. Before long they’d emerge in a fine creation, knowing full well that their outfit was a one of a kind!!

“Oh yeah I remember our eating Jiffy Popcorn (popped on the stove top, being careful not burn it) and watching comedy television shows like: I Love Lucy, Red Skelton, and Flip Wilson which were regular family friendly moments. We’d huddled together, watch television intently,laughing at the many hilarious antics. No it was not high definition but reliable black and white television.”

“Oh yeah I remember that time when home baked birthday cakes, delicious varieties of sugar cookies and creamy ice cream were regular treats.” My Mama baked the buttery cookies and  biscuits, Sarah baked the divine “scratch” three layer cakes and we churned the strawberry ice cream.

“Oh yeah I remember that after my chores were completed, running down the flight of stairs to play outside, staying away from home for hours of fun, always with the expectation of “checking in” and being on the downstairs porch when the street lights came on. And my brothers and I better had stuck with the plan.”

But like, Fred Hammond has written all things new arise!

  

All Things New 

Performed by- Fred Hammond

Album- Speak Those Things:POL Chapter 3

You spoke and made the sunrise, to light up the very first day 
You breathed across the water, and started the very first wave 
It was You 
You introduced Your glory, to every living creature on earth 
And they started singing, the first song to ever be heard 
They sang for You 
You make all things new 
You make all things new 
Then the world was broken, fallen and battered and scarred 
You took the hopeless, the life, wasted, ruined and marred 
And made it new 
You make all things new 
You make all things new 
You redeem and You transform 
You renew and You restore 
You make all things new 
You make all things new 
And forever we will watch and worship You 
You turn winter into spring 
You take every living thing 
And You breathe Your breath of life into it over and over again 
You make the sunrise, day after day after day 
But there's a morning coming, when old things will all pass away 
And everyone will see 
You make all things new 
You make all things new 
Come redeem and come transform 
Come renew and come restore 
You make all things new 
You make all things new 
And forever we will watch and worship You 
Now and forever You are making all things new 
You're making all things new 
Hallelujah...

Album- Speak Those Things:POL Chapter 3

http://www.music-lyrics-gospel.com/gospel_music_lyrics/all_things_new_19071.asp

This eloquent lyricist was not referencing how convenient foods replace home baked goodies, or running for blocks to inform our mothers of our whereabouts and now instead of that exercise attaching the cell phone with tracking systems to keep up with loved ones is the way. And instead of transforming fabric on sewing machines into articles of fine clothing, is now bypassed with a quick trip to the outlet mall for trendy purchases. And the way we now view our favorite shows is not only on televisions with three channels but on all kinds of electronic computerized devices (i.e. iphones, notebooks, and laptops). I am sure you’d agree that there are so many more conveniences for fast paced living that I haven't mentioned. But that’s not the "new", I am confident that the Holy Ghost desires we focus on. Instead our "new" is referencing the sacred-eternal things which have lasting promise!

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. (NIV) Isaiah 43:19

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. (NLT) Isaiah 43:19

It’s as though the Holy Ghost has partnered with Erica and her, daughter, used their clever creativity to remind and help us to understand that all things old are new again because the things we treasure dearly have returned. Our focus has returned to a renaissance, a yearning for getting back to basics. What is that you wonder?  I believe it’s an  appreciation for “good living”, a simpler lifestyle reinforcing our need for God, promoting a nourished spirit, embracing our purpose, intentionally living with hope and promise, loving and celebrating our family and friends, incorporating a prayerful/peaceful existence, and acknowledging our reverence for a living triune God that keeps us, heals us and provides for us in an ever turbulent world. It’s a divine drawing inward, that dare not rely on outward-temporal things of this life. It’s a hope reborn reinforced by the word of God and love of Jesus!

Friends, it’s what our ancestor referred to when they spoke about seeing the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!  Getting back to our true selves you wonder? Yes! I contend it’s as fresh and sassy as Erica’s “Nuevo” style and artwork! Why it’s the Nuema, the breathe and spirit of God that is the wind beneath our wings!

²⁸ Do you not know?
    Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
    and his understanding no one can fathom.
²⁹ He gives strength to the weary
    and increases the power of the weak.
³⁰ Even youths grow tired and weary,
    and young men stumble and fall;
³¹ but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:28-31

This is the real deal, the truth that we hold dear, the life sustaining word of God! The word-old, new, tried and true!

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) 

 http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

 http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

 http://eyesoffaithmagazine.blogspot.com/

THE DUKE EXPERIENCE: WE WILL NOT CONCEDE DEFEAT!

Our beautiful 96 year old Grandmother, Ruth 

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 King James Version (KJV)

 Our Grandparent’s beloved dog Duke, looked just like this German Shepard!

 Oh it was sheer pandemonium, I recall that hot summer Washington, DC afternoon vividly. Our summer playmates-the kids on the block were happily playing, laughing tossing and kicking the ball. Some were huddled together plotting their next fun activity. My brothers, cousins and I always seemed to be the magnet for that end of 18th Place, South East Street. This was a part of our annual summer ritual of converging at Granny and Grand Pop’s for the summer. We traveled with our mother from Buffalo, New York and my cousin’s generally arrived a week or so later from Fort Worth, Texas. Our parents would return home and we’d remain, the 7 cousins with our grandparents. This particular afternoon Granny stood at the screen door gazing out, probably “checking on us”, ensuring that our playful mischief was controlled. And I am sure she could see her little neighbor Grady from her view. He also stood on his porch peering out at the kids playing. He was the little brother which did not always comfortably fit in. His awkward moves and age prevented him from actively joining in. As I played in the distance with other kids I could see them both from my view and noted that the identical brick row houses allowed neighbors to also see other porches and the street clearly. I distinctly heard Grady yell in a distressed voice, “Duke is loose!” Once this vocal alarm registered, the screams of the children echoed terror! 


The platonic made for movie “kids playing in the street scene” was transformed in a flash! Kids ricocheted north, south, east and west on the street as Duke freely galloped past my grandmother, through the screen door and towards Grady! Grady moved swiftly, his little legs carried him off his porch and towards the wooded area behind the row of houses! It was a dramatic scene, his screaming, crying and running! His thoughts must have been swift! But thank God for diversion! His brothers, my brothers and cousin masterly distracted Duke in his hot pursuit of Grady. It’s a blur after that, but Duke was corralled, cut off at the pass and ran back towards Granny. Did I mention that Granny in a somewhat shrill voice called Duke to come back? That was not the trick! But Grady was not bitten, just shaken up.


This pure black German Shepard in appearance was massive and menacing from the moment I saw him! But he never snarled or barked at us or got aggressive. Now friends you might think that’s because he was familiar with us. And I’d have to argue that our acquaintance was only once a year. So the dog could have bypassed familiarity and claimed his territory! This was not the case. Friends, Granny called Duke a puppy. This was funny to us, because his size belied infancy! Not only was he her puppy, he suffered from arthritis and moved as though he were in continued pain when he was indoors. Outdoors, he pranced, barked loudly and peered out the fence. Daily he needed assistance and if he wanted to walk up the stairs. Granny would push him from the rear with great determination up the basement steps. I share this with you in the wake of another daunting bombing which occurred during Boston Marathon. I began reflecting on fear before this terrible occurrence. And the coincidence is uncanny, that the media and our community is now openly discussing reborn fear possibly hindering our daily lives! Fear of continued destruction, fear of racial profiling, fear of a loss of life that we comfortably regard, fear of loosing our faith, fear of having no peace, and fear of _________ ( you fill it in)!


I realize that the Holy Spirit desires that I reflect and share my understanding of how fear can paralyze us. But I distinctly recall Bishop Bronner sharing during a bible study that fear is false evidence appearing real! Until then, never had I heard that truth, nor considered that fear is as real as we believe and experience it to be. Overcoming fear is a real possibility! There is power is changing our perspective, our way of thinking and operating! But what of the instance when the dog is chasing you? Now that’s real! Grady's case is real, but the fact that Duke had some real physical limitations is surprising and factual. The big, bad Duke was frail on most days! If our play mates had only known, lived with Duke-they would have understood that his bark was really bigger than his bite. But only my immediate family knew that!  If only collectively as traumatized folks, we understood that our fearful states are meant to be short lived! So as our President Obama eloquently stated today at the Cathedral of The Holy Cross, “…we will pick ourselves up, we will keep going...we will run again!” Amen to President Obama for expressing our spirit's sentiment!


Yes, there are instances where we will experience helplessness, tragedy and know it intimately. Possibly we’ll be badly injured, frightened and consumed by hurtful seasons! But thank you Jesus, that’s not the complete and accurate picture regarding our resilient spirits! The healing God of our ancestors, the loving God in us and endearing assistance of the divine Holy Spirit will save us! Be encouraged, be vigilant-go back to embracing life, run life’s marathons and intentionally celebrate moments of living with great purpose! The “Duke” experiences are false evidence appearing real! Thank God we will not concede defeat! 

 We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. 

 We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. (NLT) 2 Corinthians 4:8 

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

AMEN, IT'S A LITERARY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION FOR: DESTINED TO RECEIVE! PUBLISHED: MARCH 10, 2013!

"Some things have to be believed to be seen." 

Mark Victor Hansen Motivational Speaker, Author (born 1948);

It's a literary birthday season! Come on friends, join me and celebrate the birth and publication of my second devotional on March 10th, 2013 of: Destined To Receive, Reflections and Devotionals Celebrating the Love of God by Linda Mose Meadows. Admittedly I am giddy with sheer delight. God is faithful and truly I too am a witness and can attest to His presence. Yes, God's loving presence that is apparent in our lives. My devotionals acknowledge that challenges never displace a divine agenda! Our faith will take us to marvelous and exciting destinations. I pray that just as you've embraced my first published devotional: The Blessedness of Believing A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises-you'll also receive this devotional with equal or greater enthusiasm. Like so many others you are welcome to request Destined to Receive at your local library, purchase it at our beloved CreateSpace.com, Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com, present it over and over as a timeless inspirational gift, chat about it with your book club buddies, reach for it from the shelves of your inspirational libraries, take it along and tuck it in your back packs, briefcases and tote bags-reach for it at that right "moment", read it, love it, and connect/relate with the transparent sentiments of our humanity, our spirituality and reverence of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior! But more importantly rely on the Holy Spirit and relish the Holy Scripture! I am confident that these reflections and the Lord's profound truths, will capture our hearts and stir our souls! This spiritual journey is personal but everyone is invited!

Destined to Receive: Reflections and Devotionals Celebrating the Love of God [Paperback] by

Linda Mose Meadows

Paperback: 232 pages

• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 1 edition (March 10, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1482561832
• ISBN-13: 978-1482561838

Revel in the knowledge that as believers of Christ Jesus you are destined to receive favor and privilege that pedigree and social status can’t garner? God, our Father allows us as benefactors in His Kingdom to partake in life anew! Living that encompasses having an unexplained peace, sustained joy and everlasting life not predicated on circumstance! And natural gifts do spill over in our life in unimaginable ways! But all of this requires embracing a lively hope. For many this sounds trite, like some spouted cliché, but the Good News is that the Holy Scripture acquaints us with the love of God. It’s an amazing love which points us in a mysterious, new direction-away from self reliance and bravado to reliance on our powerful God. With thanksgiving and holy boldness, we are encouraged to cultivate a life affirming relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The author: Linda Mose Meadows of Destined to Receive, Reflections and Devotionals Celebrating the Love of God recounts and celebrates life experiences, shared expressions, revelations and witnessed accounts that attest to God’s mercy, benevolent grace and desire to pour out more of his love and abundant blessings on his very own. With these transparent accounts, prayers, daily devotionals, earnest reflections and timely scriptures, readers are encouraged to inoculate their weary hearts and cluttered minds by applying the refreshing Gospel, believing by activating their faith and relishing that in due season, we are destined to receive the promises of God if we faint not!



Shared in Love,
Linda Mose Meadows; Blogger, Motivational Speaker and Inspirational Author of:  Destined To Receive, Reflections and Devotionals Celebrating The Love of God and Blessedness of Believing A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

http://eyesoffaithmagazine.blogspot.com/

EMBRACING SANKOFA, TAKE HEART & GIVE FLIGHT TO HOPE!

 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 

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

http://eyesoffaithmagazine.blogspot.com/ 

BRAVE HEARTS

Expressive art creation: Turn It Up by Paul Goodnight

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in all of us. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

Used by Nelson Mandela in his 1994 inaugural speech

There’s a burning in our hearts for change! Around the globe people from all cultures and walks of life have spearheaded a movement that is boldly declaring an end in the US and abroad to the atrocity of modern day slavery. Yes, human trafficking!

This evolving movement is like the drip on a leaky faucet-constant and unyielding; and that means freedom and relief for countless innocent souls.

Not only are there rallies occurring, but supporter’s are gathering in prayer first, producing movies like “I Am Slave”. This movie directed by Film Maker Gabriel Range certainly rattles our comfort zones and demonstrates how unsuspecting Sudanese families are destroyed today because their daughters are abducted, and bartered like grain in a sophisticated social slavery system. They are preyed upon in an underground slavery movement which is rapidly growing. But thank God for determined captives yearning for freedom and  the human rights advocates tirelessly galvanizing others. They are modern day resourceful trailblazers!

Because of these trailblazers, there are vanishing sleeping giants-awakening public educations forums are mushrooming, watchmen/watchwomen vigilantly guarding communities and creating unsuspected havens of safety. These Prayer Warriors are mightily flourishing. They are those that feel an urgency-an unction to address this social ill and it’s like a steam roller, rapid firing dominoes causing this evil to topple over! It may be gradual, but oh it's happening! Good results are occurring just ask Carolina Diplan founder of Home of Change. The Home of Change organization has locations in the United States, Netherlands, Dominican Republic and in Tajikistan, their motto is: Home of Change Restoring Freedom. Ms. Diplan joyfully attests to young girl’s lives being restored and hope birthed for those that had been well acquainted with the brutality of this modern day slavery. Prayers are being answered!

Adamant voices, many outcries of indignation, heartfelt prayers, exhaustive work, capital campaigns, goods, services, and techno savvy organizations are helping revitalize many once shaken communities. They have hunted down many of the human trafficking schemes. It’s a new season; Immigrants are not being victimized so easily. Trustworthy endeavors are more readily available than in the past years. So much good has come as a result of  these efforts to end this dastardly practice of human trafficking! Genesis 50:20 aptly pronounces:

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to

 accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (NIV)

Thank the Lord that many victims and their loved ones voices are not being permanently snuffed out-silenced. How do I know? Well I contend that if the Government Agencies and Non-Profit services that I recently learned of in Orlando are any indication of the host of resources and services that are birthed nationwide, we are certainly moving in a positive direction. So glad that I was invited and attended with friend Dr. Lorraine Harris (an the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. member) the 5th Annual Human Trafficking Awareness Day: In Our Own Backyard. We ventured around Lake Eola meeting many committed civic and faith based organizers which I have listed below in Resource list, heard spoken artists and singer Evan Taylor Jones (who really crooned Bob Marley’s hit) and witnessed the outstanding Pop Shop and an uplifting skit performed by youth leaders of: It’s Yes School of Performing Arts. Truly it was a day of enlightenment dedicated to educating and eradicate modern day slavery!

The statistics are startling; reportedly there are 27 million slaves in the world. They are young children, teens and yes, even adults which have been abducted, bought and sold right under our noses-stolen from our midst without a trace. But with the help of many, freedom can be more than a dream. With prayers and gifted services slavery can be abolished and the guilty brought to shame. Here are a list of services which may be beneficial to you, your advocacy endeavors and interest groups. Help awaits you! 

I pray that freedom will be restored for brokenhearted victims and souls will be stirred to shine a light in dark places. Like everything, change starts with us! Our beloved Dr. Martin Luther King says: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere!”

SEVERAL RESOURCES* DEDICATED TO

 HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS

                                            (*Resources located in Orlando-Central Florida)

City of Orlando Police Department

Department of Children & Families

Mexican Consulate Orlando

Orange County Children’s Advocacy Center

Orange County Library System

P.P. Greater Orlando

UCF Victim Services

USCIS- US Citizenship and Immigration Services

360 Foundation

Amnesty International

Chapter 519

Born2fly Project

Boystown of Central Florida

Burning Hearts, Inc.

Child Rescue Network

Covenant House Florida, Devereux

Exodus Cry@OHOP

Florida Abolitionist

Florida Coalition Against Human Trafficking

Forgiven Much Ministries

H.O.M.E.

Home of Change

Hope City Ministries of Discovery Church

Images of Glory, Inc.

International Justice Mission

Out of Life, Inc.

Releasing Chains

Students Against Slavery

Chapter of IAHTI

The Hope Mercy Love Foundation, Inc.

The Salvation Army Orlando Area Command

Trafficking In America Task Force

Victim Service Center of Central Florida, Inc.

Women At Risk International

Youth for Human Rights International

Youth With A Mission Orlando

Zebra Coaltion

Prayer of Hope:

Lord we are accountable to you, and endeavor to offer life changing help to those in need. Our hearts are burning with compassion! Save those and provide a lively hope to all that have been victimized, wounded and suffered at the hands of evil. Shine your light on all darkness and let no evil prevail. Give us grace and wisdom on what to do and how to make an impact for the good of your kingdom. Thank you for leading us with purpose and direction and most assuredly with the resources to do your will; we declare that we shall overcome! In Jesus mighty name! Amen, amen!

God Riches Blessings to You, Linda Mose Meadows, Inspirational Author of:
The Blessedness of Believing, A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lesson’s and God’s Promises

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