GOD & TEXAS: Labh Shomea

HUSH! This may have been the best advice I have ever received. Learning to speak less and to listen more can be a hard lesson in this day of social media outbursts. Former U.S. President Calvin Coolidge, whose nickname was “Silent Cal,” was quoted as saying, “Silence can be misinterpreted, but never misquoted.”

In deep South Texas, there is a place of silence that attracts people from around the world. The Labh Shomea House of Prayer near Sarita, is located on the former Kenedy Laurels Ranch, which later became a division of the sprawling King Ranch. These ranches were founded through a partnership between two entrepreneurs, Richard King and Mifflin Kenedy.

Kenedy, a Quaker, was a staunch Christian and highly successful in various businesses. At his death in 1885, his son John Gregory bought full control of the ranch. Following John’s death, his daughter Serita, and son, John, Jr. managed the 400,000-acre ranch, with Serita being the principal owner until her death in 1961. She left the ranch’s main house, chapel, and cemetery to the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, requiring that the properties be used for religious purposes only.

Born in 1889, Serita Kenedy East attended Incarnate Word Academy in Corpus Christi and Newcomb Memorial College in New Orleans. Later she married Arthur Lee East, a successful rancher. No children came from this union. After Arthur’s death, Serita excelled in ranch administration and philanthropy.

There was never a doubt about her devotion to Christ. In her later years, Serita traveled worldwide in ministry to others. On her South American tour in 1959, she provided the funds to build a mission in Chile. She also donated much land and finances to further the cause of Christ and other benevolent outreaches.

In honor of Serita, the Labh Shomea House of Prayer was started in 1974 with an emphasis on silent prayer and meditation. The name Labh Shomea (listening heart) was taken from a dream where God offers the newly crowned King Solomon choices for life. Solomon responded in 1 Kings 3:9 (God’s Word Translation), “Give me a heart that listens so that I can judge your people and tell the difference between good and evil.” And God was pleased with Solomon and gave him more wealth and glory that he ever imagined.

Most scholars believe that Solomon wrote Proverbs 18:13 NIV, “To answer before listening – that is folly and shame.” And we read in James 1:19 ESV, “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.”

This may not be the complete cure for road rage and inappropriate comments on social media, but it cannot hurt. HUSH!

For more inspirational reading please visit www.davidroseministries.com

To purchase the historical non-fiction book GOD and TEXAS by David G. Rose please visit www.amazon.com