I was walking through Walgreen's the other day, perusing the aisles for some almonds that I'd fallen in love with not an hour earlier and a young lady walked up to me. She was so elated that she'd seen my story in Arkansas Life magazine. The exact same thing happens to me quite often now while shopping all over Little Rock and even in church. My daughter's friends revel in the fact that they know Linda Rowe Thomas' daughter. Bragging? Not even close. Let me further explain.
I'm always taken aback by the love and admiration that I receive. As I sit here today, looking back over my life, I'm totally in awe of where God has brought me from.
Since I was a little girl, growing up deep in the country woods of Douglassville, Texas (seriously, I'm talking cows, chickens, pigs, goats...and plenty of pea picking going on) I've always dreamed of designing clothes. My mother sewed for everyone, especially us. My younger siblings and I were always in matching Easter ensembles. (Classic preacher kids, singing trio and all). Whatever she sewed, I saved the scraps for my dolls next wardrobe. I literally took flat sheets from the linen closet and turned them into my master pieces. Unfortunately my younger brother and sister were sucked into the dream and were forced into being my guinea pigs/runway models. It would be some years later after watching Diana Ross in Mahogany, that I realized my dream was actually a real job.
I was blessed to have a God fearing mother that always believed in me, supported me, and instilled in me that I could do all things! What made those words so powerful to me? When I looked into the mirror as a 5 year old, I saw what everyone saw; the scars, the missing fingers, the differences that the world would never allow me to live down. And here I was passionately seeking a dream job in an industry that was driven by the outer appearance. So, how could she believe in someone like me? As a mother now, I definitely know the answer.
Fast forward to kindergarten. That would be my first encounter with the cruelty that the world was waiting to devour me with. That was the beginning of hearing "You can't because...". That was the beginning of being pushed aside, stared at. look over, ridiculed, taken advantage of and mocked. BUT that was also the beginning of my strength. I've always had a fire inside me that drove me to never give up or to give in. My mother fueled that fire with undying love and faith. I'll never forget witnessing for the first time, the utter joy that others received from making me cry once they'd mocked my very different appearance. (Oh but it only took one time) One time! Something woke up in me that day and refused to ever give someone that much power. Am I saying my feelings were never hurt again? Absolutely not! But I didn't have to let them know that. At 6 years old, I realized that that people treat you based upon the way you present yourself. I just let them know that I was no pushover. Ok, ok so there were a couple of fights that aided in getting the point across. LOL
As the years would go by, my outer strength would soon come from the inside and exude outwards. My journey to become the woman that I'm stepping into was never easy. Through school, colleges, careers, I'd still be stared at, doubted, mocked, looked over, and criticized. However, I wouldn't trade a moment. I know you're thinking, "Yeah right." Honestly, everything that has happened, everything that I've ever gone through, has made me the strong woman that I am today. I look into the mirror now and I love the woman staring back at me. My strength is my faith, my confidence is saturated in humility, and an unstoppable drive is continually fueled by my mother's words to her daughter as she prepared me for the cruel world lurking outside our door, "You can do all things!"
God is the ultimate maker, creator, and designer. I was always taught that God doesn't make mistakes, that though bad things happen, He will work it for the good. I love me! Different? Yes I am? I like to think though that I am different by design. This face, these hands are a part of the journey that God has given me.
When I took to the runway to walk my first finale walk at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week on September 13, 2010, (with my two children on each side of me) I was thinking.... "I wish my mother and father were here to see this." And then my thoughts immediately turned to how anxious I am to see what God has in store for me. When people point and approach me, it's now often because they recognize me for the awesome gift that God has instilled in me. Bragging? Absolutely not? Grateful? You better believe it!
Sooo, I'm willing to share a little bit of me and a whole of my story. Follow me weekly as I embark upon a remarkable journey on my road to becoming a nationally known fashion designer.......
Fashionably Yours,
Linda
I remember those days. It's cool to watch a quilt being put together. All the intricacies, the detailed work, the patience, and the expertise being woven together to create a unique work of art. Some won't appreciate the craftsmanship. Others won't understand that the finisehed product is a culmination of long nights, harried days, and a schedule that is not always condusive to the disipline needed to complete the project. For those who understand there is a deep seeded appreciation of the artisan producing the work of art.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your journey via the blogosphere. Thank you for the inspirational and motivational stories in your life that will encourage others to dare to dream. To dispel CAN'T, and to make the mantra of YES I CAN a reality.
B. Spurz