God Hears…Plant Your Seed
“God can do anything, you know – far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, His Spirit deeply and gently within us.” Ephesians 3:20 (MSG)
Almost 20 years ago, Annette Short, a good friend, introduced me to “The Highwaymen,” a group of 26 African American artists who painted Florida landscapes. I had never heard of them, but I was intrigued by their art and the history of their painting. Annette gave me a Highwaymen calendar which contained pictures of the artists and their paintings. I remembered Annette’s words, flipped through the calendar, and thought, “I’d like to have one of their paintings.” That was 2004.
That calendar remained on my office wall. Every time I went into the room, I saw a Highwaymen painting … several times a day for the next 19 years. Then, several weeks ago, Annette, told me about a gallery in St. Augustine where Al Black, a Highwayman, would be displaying and discussing his paintings. Immediately, I wanted to go. Then, the night before, my “to do” list popped front center in my head. But when I awoke, something inside said, “Mary, get dressed and go.” I did. I took a solo trip to St. Augustine… a beautiful drive. Once in the city, people and cars everywhere…parking spaces nowhere. I prayed, “God, I want to meet Al Black. Please guide me to a parking space.” I circled the block three more times, the fourth time I
found a space beside the gallery. As I entered, I was greeted by a tall gentleman, with a kind face and a warm smile. He said, “I’m Al Black.” About 20 minutes later, I left with a book “The Highwaymen” and Al Black’s address.
Yesterday, my daughter, Angel, and I drove to Fort Pierce, FL to visit Al Black at his home.
A seed planted almost 20 years ago… watered by a thought…daily reminders… fertilized by God’s goodness.
When Annette gave me the calendar in 2004, only four of the original Highwaymen were deceased. Today, according to Al Black, only four are alive. I feel blessed my 
daughter and I were welcomed in his home to watch him paint and listen to him talk about his early beginnings and the Highwaymen. It was priceless. He touched our hearts profoundly by his grace, humility, honesty, and generosity. As we left, he said, “come back anytime, you are always welcome. I have a front door and a back door, and you are welcome to use both.”
Yes, indeed, Al Black, we will visit again using the front door or back door… whichever door you grace us to enter.
Annette, because of your sharing, the seed was planted. Thank you.
Dear God, thank You for hearing my thoughts and giving so abundantly. More than I could have imagined.
P.S. God answered my thought.
4 Comments
Alice Chever
Mary, thank you so very much for sharing such a heart warming, educational blog about Al Black and the history of the infamous Highwaymen painters.
God has truly blessed you with a remarkable gift. I am so very proud of you, my sister! The icing on the cake was being able to share the experience with your awesome daughter and my Goddaughter, Angel.
Mary, a true Testament to God moving through your Life and your thoughts! ” a seed planted almost 20 years ago…watered by a thought….daily reminders….fertilized by God’s goodness”.
Definitely a priceless experience. Well done, my beautiful sister..well done! Love you much!!
Your admiring big sister, Alice Chever-Pickett
Mary Chever-Watson
Alice, thank you so much. Your words always lift my heart and are a gift from God confirming what I feel called to do…show God’s faithfulness in all things. He cares about us so deeply…He hears our thoughts, words and sees our actions. My desire is that all I do is pleasing to Him…I’m no way near perfect. I just try. And, that’s all He expects. Then He lavishes me with so many wonderful gifts including you as my dear, dear sister. Thank you. Love you.
Precious Colclough
Wow Mary, how awesome! Talking about the amazing God we serve, who loves us more than we could ever think or imagine! Thank you for sharing how God responds even to our thoughts! Even though things may manifest years later he never forgets what we desire to have or wish to do & will in his timing ( Due Season) make it happen! Thank you for allowing God to use you to be so transparent & willing to share your life’s journey with others because it definitely inspires me to never stop praying & to never stop believing! The pictures you choose to put with your writing are always so beautiful! I love you my Beautiful, Anointed & Gifted Auntie!
Mary Chever-Watson
Precious, thank you; your words mean so much. You are so right, many times what we pray for doesn’t happen right away. But, I have learned God is always working behind the seems orchestrating things in our favor. I feel so honored and so loved because you are constantly giving me flowers while I can smell them. And what a sweet aroma your words are to my spirit. Love you much my beautiful niece!