Virtue will inspire you to never turn back…..

As we approach the summer months, many of us have been making plans to vacation with friends and family and recoup on some much needed rest and relaxation. We begin looking at our budgets and researching various destinations.  There are so many things to consider:  will we travel by air, train, bus or perhaps pull out the roadmap?

No matter what means of transportation we use, there’s a set of directions that we must follow to reach our destination.  Some will opt for the shortest route possible, while others will take the scenic route. I recall a time when my husband and I were traveling to attend a friend’s wedding. The trip that was expected to take 8 hours but it ultimately turned into 14 hours. The truth is, we followed the roadmap directions turn by turn—this was before the revolution of GPS!  However, the map never indicated that we would experience bumpy roads, dead end streets, detours, multiple accidents, and poor driving conditions.

Can you imagine how many times I said “I’m never taking a road trip again”; or how many times I requested, or better yet insisted, that we turn around? After much frustration, we made it! Although, we have now the memory of our worst trip ever, the pain that once was a nightmare now causes me to laugh. I can recall the inspiring conversation we shared on the road, and our determination to reach our destination as we persevered against all odds. I am also grateful that God allowed us to arrive safely, especially when we drove pass cars that slide off the road and no doubt experience some tragedy. The reality of our situation changed when I stopped complaining and adopted an attitude of gratitude.

This simple illustration is one that reminds me to never turn back! You may feel the need to turn around because the journey seems to long, or maybe you have decided not to go at all.  Regardless of where you are in the journey, I have one message to speak into your life- DON’T STOP NOW! You are closer to your destination than your starting point. I want to encourage you to listen to the voice of the GPS (GOD’s Promise to Succeed) -it never fails. God works better than a roadmap because He already knows what lies ahead of you and makes the necessary provision before your arrival.

Isaiah 42:16
  And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.

For those who have decided not to go at all- let me give you an extra push. Push you from a place of fear into your future of FAITH! We have to be careful when it comes to fear because it cripples us. Our mind is convinced that if we don’t move forward and stand still we are safe, when in reality you’re stuck! No progress comes from being idle. Eventually, you will become frustrated as you watch years literally pass you by. Don’t allow the enemy to trick you; God has promised you the kingdom…. it’s waiting on you!

Isaiah 41:13
For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

Today, I encourage you to stay on the road to your destination. Live a life that’s full of love, peace and joy!

Be strong, courageous, and wise….be virtuous!

Welcome to Insight to Virtue

Welcome to my new blog, Insight to Virtue!

In my journey to becoming virtuous, I have uncovered the power of living a life that reflects virtue. My journey began after my mother returned to be with our Heavenly Father in 2005. With tears rolling down my face, I was reminded of the gift that God gave me in my mother. I decided that I could no longer remain silent and this message needed to be shared; I found myself empty and grieving my best friend. The routine of seeking her for counsel, unconditional love, and the support that got me through the most challenging moments of my life was broken. When we experience the loss of a love that great, a void is created that only God can fill.

My mother, Lavoncia was my lady of virtue and her name was one of distinction. She was creative, ambitious, desired the best in life, and appreciated quality in all things. Although those are all worthy qualities, it was her virtuous living that I admire and pursue. Proverbs 31, describes a virtuous or noble women in depth; it instructs and challenges us to be clothed with strength and dignity. It commands us to speak with wisdom, to care for our husbands and children. She was indeed a virtuous woman because she feared and loved God, and her children “called her blessed.”

This May, we celebrate the jewel we call Mother. In honor of her legacy, I decided to launch this blog and share my personal insights on virtue with hopes of inspiring, encouraging and ultimately empowering others.  

As I share my insight on how to live a life of virtue, I pray that you close the gap between your place of brokenness and move into the promises of God. Author, Yolanda Marshall writes in her book From Victim to Virtuous, that “there is a gap that exists between living life as a victim and one of virtue. It is within this void that discovery, recovery, healing, deliverance and freedom bridges the gap between victim and virtuous.” 

 I encourage you live virtuously!
Latricia Chisholm