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

THE ANATOMY OF A CHAMPION

Photos from http://www.lailaali.com/

Let your roots grow down into him and
draw up nourishment from him,
so you will grow in faith,
strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught.
Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all he has done.
Colossians 2:7
(New Living Translation)

I really didn’t know much about Laila Ali until yesterday. Yes, she is a stellar boxer and former contender on Dancing With the Stars; but admittedly my knowledge base was minuscule! Yes, I understood that she was the daughter of the great American boxer and former three-time World Heavyweight Champion, Muhammad Ali and daughter of Veronica Porsche Ali. But that’s as far as it went. I certainly wouldn’t have won any trivia questions contest had someone quizzed me further about her being an entrepreneur, world champion boxer, inspirational author, impassioned lecturer, devoted mother, sports enthusiast and philanthropists. Yes, I would have drawn a blank. And by the way it appears that she doesn’t mix words. The way it comes out is the way that it is- I learned that also. There are no excuses and no apologies about her passionate beliefs. God would have it that I’d have the opportunity to view Daddy’s Girl and thus be introduced to an outsatnding citizen! http://www.tvoneonline.com/shows/show.asp?sid=741&id=1623

God had something great in store for me in being able to view Daddy's Girl several afternoon's ago. As a result of my being home with a bad flu, I found myself doing something I seldom do and that’s watch television for more an a couple of hours during one given time. TV One aired: Daddy’s Girl. When the commercials showed Soweto, South Africa and Laila speaking to some enthusiastic young fans I was hooked. I was delighted that I had not channel surfed and missed this program opportunity. Daddy’s Girl did a formidable job taking the viewer on a journey of Ms. Ali’s interest with young people and her boxing career leading up to the Johannesburg triumph over Gwendolyn O'Neil.

The documentary peaked my curiosity when Laila stood standing confidently, not arrogantly but visibly assured that she had a word to share, with this particular audience of young woman. She too had sat where these “detainees” now sat- in this particular California juvenile detention center. Laila jokingly informed them that they could not beat her and knew somebody wanted to try. She began to share her story regarding her rebellious youthful years and the consequences of several of those mistaken choices. But obviously the story didn’t end there. What many of them were now encountering being locked up and determined to do things their way was a choice she asked them to reconsider. But God had a plan for them whether they understood it or not! His voice and instructions would be delivered through the no hold bars conversation that Laila would conduct with them. Her testimony would be further revealed in each of the books presented to them entitled: Reach! Finding Strength, Spirit, and Personal Power by Laila Ali.

I was surprised to learn that as a young woman she decided to make some choices that landed her in a juvenile correctional facility. But i dare say that that probably was an important part of her journey on the divine path needed in turning Laila's life in a more positive direction. Everybody has their story!

What was in her?

What was the essence which led to her becoming a woman with vision, gumption and conviction?

Well, she is her daddy’s child? I believe that the Holy Ghost wants us to reconsider what the anatomy of a champion really is? Wouldn't you agree that we have a spiritual and physical DNA?

We are God's very own.

Understand, therefore, that the LORD your God is indeed God.

He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant

for a thousand generations and

constantly loves those who love him and obey his commands.
Deuteronomy 7:9

Laila dazzled the boxing world, but that’s not the sum total of who she is and what she represents. She’s conveyed to not only young women, but the world that it’s ok to have beauty, brains and be athletic also. She’s created academic scholarships and sports foundations for young athletes. Visit her website to learn more about her endeavors.: http://www.lailaali.com/index.cfm/pk/content/pid/400397

She’s an amazing human being that loves a challenge and is unafraid to speak her mind, indeed her stamina transcends the boxing arena – her heart can handle adversity. Her character trait of guts, courage, and nerve -mirrors closely Muhammad Ali’s. There’s a genuine veneer that can’t be hidden. Coinsidence that she is a champion’s daughter? No sir! She has masterfully broken down barriers in the the boxing arena which have resulted in her being a champion in life. laila is an example of how God gives us the strength and the abilities to think and act on our belief-to overcome and be victorious.

Thank you Laila for being a shining example of what a champion looks like in and out of the ring! She not only followed in her father’s footsteps as being a world fighting champion, but carved out an inspirational direction for others. It was said in the documentary by her Cut Doctor, “That when we see you, we see your Dad.”

I believe that God is speaking to us and asking us to ponder these questions as we represent the best of our Heavenly Father :

When others see us, will they know what we are made of? They may see our natural parents imperfections, but is there evidence of our spiritual DNA?

Can the world see indicators of God’s truth, wisdom and knowledge evidenced in our lives?

Can they see that we too are fighters, and contenders of our faith?

Is it evident that we are trailblazers, setting a standard for righteousness, holiness?

Are we vanguards, forerunners for the meek and ordinary in this world? What causes are we champions of?

I am extremely appreciative of how God allowed me time to witness Daddy's Girl. Ms. Ali’s talents, her appeal to young persons, and her charisma has propeled her to the forefront. I think it's clear that Laila wears the beauty of holiness well, and won’t ever cower in a corner. God has given her the desires of her heart and I am delighted to know that what has been divinely placed in her; has also been placed in you and me. Thank you Holy Spirit for relaying that in each of us is a spirit with the anatomy of a champion. God bless you Laila!

Submitted by:

Linda Mose Meadows, Author

The Blessedness of Believing

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

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/