Walden Lake FOCUS REVIEW A Torch and a Light

Dr. Daniel Middlebrooks Founder, Heroes’ Heart

She has become an icon to those desiring freedom, a national treasure for a nation to remember, as one of the most recognized figures in all the world. Each year, millions of people make the journey to see her and experience the history of her nation. Those that cherish her ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness marvel at her grandeur and size. She is the Statue of Liberty. She has become for the United States and the rest of the world, a symbol of freedom, inspiration, and hope. Lady Liberty was a gift from the people of France to the people of the United States to celebrate the centennial of our nation’s freedom on 4 July, 1776. It was designed by staunch American supporter and French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and its metal framework was built by Gustave Eiffel. The statue was finished and dedicated by President Grover Cleveland on October 28, 1886. At the base of her marble foundation is a plaque that reads,

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame, With conquering limbs astride from land to land; Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command

The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.

“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempests tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

It is that very lamp that draws my attention, especially as we move through the month of May, June and into July. Although her torch has undergone multiple refurbishments and eventually a replacement, the very essence of the “Light of Liberty” continues to shine in New York harbor, in our hearts, especially in the hearts of our Veterans and First Responders. Men and women that have endured the darkest of nights, the worst of storms, and the greatest of sacrifices to ensure that freedom’s light will never do out. It is a light that has been tried and tested over the short history of our great country and will continue to be attacked by those that desire to snuff out this beacon of help and hope. From the voice of the Veteran, we hear, “Not on my watch!” From the voice of our First Responders, “Not during my duty!”. This light will not be damped, dimmed, or diminished. It will not be hidden or horded by tyrants, past or present, wanting its power nor will it be cheapened because of the attitude of entitlement and selfishness from those within country, community or cities! This light may flicker but it will not fade. It continues to pierce the darkness of deceit to bring through the night a morning of reassurance and restoration. Yet, as great as this torch of Lady Liberty is, there is a greater light that will never be put out, never extinguished, and will never lose its power to permeate, protect, and prevail against the powers and principalities of the land and air! In John 1:1-5, we see the greatest light known to all mankind as the Apostle John pens these words, “4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” Just as Lady Liberty lights New York Harbor with her torch, the Lord’s light illuminates all our life to provide for us a hope for our future. Wow! What an incredible light. Just as the plaque calls for the “huddled masses”, the proclamation from our Spiritual Light is “Come to me all you who are burdened and heavy hearted and I will give you rest!” (Matthew 11:28). I have been honored to serve as a Veteran for the US Army for 26 years and as Chaplain for many great agencies. I am blessed to serve as a Warrior of the Light for almost 49 years. Both in the service of the country that I love and the King of Kings who loved me first, I see the torch and the light burning bright. As one Nation under God, we will continue to be that beacon of help, healing, and hope as long as there is breath in every Veterans and First Responder that stands to protect it! To all our Heroes past and present, “Stand watch and press on until we are fully relieved of our duty from the ultimate Commander and Chief of all creation!”

BY NATALIE SWEET

Walden Lake Community Association Board Meetings are held the third Monday of each month at 6:30 at the Walden Lake Community Association office building on Griffin Boulevard in Walden Lake. The next meeting will be held on July 17th . Please keep an eye on the announcement boards at all entrances for dates and times of special meetings and events. Meetings are now being held in person although you can still log in to www.WaldenLake.org and view the meeting virtually on zoom.

The City of Plant City Commissioners had planned 2 meetings in June to hear from the developer, Walden Lake LLC as well as the residents and interveners. Those meetings have been Cancelled. The developer had a meeting at Walden Lake Elementary on June 8th with some residents, and after that meeting, they requested additional time to review the feedback received at that meeting. No future meetings have been scheduled. Watch your email, the community board announcements and Nextdoor for information on when the next meeting(s) are scheduled.

The Walden Lake Market is coming to the HOA office area at 3035 Griffin Boulevard on June 25th from 9 AM to 3 PM. This is a great opportunity to support over 50 vendors.

The food trucks at the HOA Building/Sports Complex are on the second Fridays and last Sundays of each month. If you have not taken advantage of the delicious offerings, give them a try! Watch for more information from emails coming from the HOA, the entrance boards, and Nextdoor for updated information.

During the month of May, there were 6 sales in Walden Lake and 1 sale in Walden Lake East. The average sale price was $362,236 with an average of 1761 square feet, average of $196 per square foot and was on the market for an average of 28 days.

There are currently 15 active listings for sale in Walden Lake and Walden Lake East. The average list price of $513,007 and an average of 58 days on the market. There are 14 properties Pending Contract in Walden Lake and Walden Lake East with an average list price of $417,545 and an average of 12 days on the market.

This is still a great time to sell your home. Before you sell your home to an “I’ll buy your home for cash company, move when you are ready”, you should consult with an honest and experienced real estate agent that will be able to give you a value of what your home will sell on the open market. Feel free to contact me with any questions about this article or about your real estate needs. NSweet@KW.com or 813-758-9586.