Positive Strides

Hey girl, I saw you at the store the other day. You were on a mission. It was evident that you had inked a mental note of everything they needed and the race to gather it all before you punched the clock at work was real. I saw you rushing, yet carefully reading. I saw you with your arms full, juggling to respond to the teacher’s email, and send off that text about after school arrangements.

You looked strong.

You looked determined.

You were poised.

I lost sight of you as we went in our own directions until I reach the parking lot.

There you were in the driver’s seat with tears streaming down your cheeks and collecting on your lap. I saw your hands grip the steering wheel and read your lips as you prayed. This time you didn’t look as strong as you did tired. You didn’t look quite as determined as you did defeated. Poised was replaced with brokenness.

I saw you, but you didn’t see me.

As quickly as I could, I stashed my purchases in my car and walk towards you. I was keenly aware of what you needed in that moment and I was equally as unsure of what qualified me for the task other than an alignment of space and time. There was no room for doubt as my pace increased and I drew near. You quickly gathered yourself, using a glovebox napkin to freshen up and erase the minor breakdown. Your hands found the gearshift and you fixed your gaze ahead then drove off.

You didn’t see me.

I was right there.

I was there to help.

I stood there watching you drive off into the uncertainty of your day. My heart broke. In that moment I was a witness to your vulnerability. I saw what scares you. I sensed your fear. I understood your pain.

How could I possibly know? Because standing there watching you attempt to brave your day, I was wondering how to brave mine. Our paralleled loneliness was never more glaring then in those moments where you didn’t see me and I couldn’t get to you.

This is the point in which we activate our internal “fix it” mode and we grab our so-called “most efficient” source of communication – the cell phone. Our text thread goes a little something like this:

“Hey girl, I just saw you at the store. How have you been?”

We prompt our desired detailed response with this carefree communication only to be dismayed when we get back:

“Oh hey! It’s good to hear from you. I’m fine. And you?”

“I’m doing well. How are the kids?”

And so on it goes…

This volley of obligatory pleasantries is not exactly what we have in mind when we want to help, but without an open and trusted environment those self-protective answers are all that any of us are really willing to offer.

That’s when the cycle of mental torment ensues. Do I continue to reach out or mind my own business? Should I open the door of vulnerability and share my story or remain silent? Do I forge a deeper connection or stick with the obligatory commentary? Cut the crap or continue the cover-up?

More often than we care to admit, this is when we retreat. After all most of us are wired that way.

Stand up tall.

Exude confidence.

Remain steadfast.

Protect yourself.

Be strong.

But in all of our boundary building, striving, and pressing on we develop an almost impenetrable shield of armor that we seldom remove for fear of being seen as any of the following:

Weak. Sad. Afraid. Unqualified. Rejected. Different. Or worst of all – lonely.

The trouble is that none of us are willing to brave that step outside of our comfort zone. Just like you, my friend in the driver’s seat, and the 200 other people inside that store at any given moment that day, I am absolutely terrified by the idea of being vulnerable to others.

Please just let me take it to God and He will handle it, right?

Spiritually speaking – yes. There’s not one thing God‘s sovereignty can’t override and in my own interpretation, He will indeed uphold that truth. However, his design also calls for compassion, belonging, love, and connection.

Too many of us are sitting in our own loneliness, missing that connection. We are unsure of where it all started and how it will end. All we know is that even surrounded by people we feel alone in our thoughts, struggles, and misunderstandings.

Rather than be part of this perpetuation, I want all of us to unite in our loneliness. We can meet one another in pain and joy to promote healing with one small step of bravery.

So, let’s cut the crap and discontinue the cover-up. The only way that we will truly see into each other’s eyes is to offer to take a look. As people we have to rewrite our relational boundaries with one another to include the words “trouble me.” Meaning – Trouble me with your worries. Trouble me when you think I’m busy. Trouble me when you’ve prayed for peace. Trouble me when you’re unsure I’ll understand. Trouble me when it seems stupid. Trouble me when it’s late. Trouble me because I’m too nervous to trouble YOU. Trouble me so I can offer you a place of trust and belonging.

Trouble me because of that random text you got when… you didn’t see me.

That’s the last of it. Everything is packed, get in. It’s time to roll! We’d be shimmied into whatever space was available as we backed out to head forward. Cramped and loaded down, we would set off with giddy anticipation. Enticed by the promise of something fresh, something different, something new, we couldn’t help being excited for our journey. And with our house nothing but a memory as it faded into the horizon of the rearview window, inevitably one of my parents would say, “I hope we didn’t forget anything,” followed by, “What we don’t have we will just have to buy.” Any of that road trip talk sound familiar?

It never really dawned on me, until recently, that each of those statements carry deeper meaning. One was based in fear and the other in faith.

Over packed and surrounded by too much stuff we still worried about what we DIDN’T have.

FEAR.

While also understanding whatever we didn’t have would be provided for if absolutely needed.

FAITH.

Friends, we are leaving 2020. As we do, it’s important that we pack LIGHT. If we can better define anything after facing a year of waves of adversity, it’s the meaning of essential. Often we overpack. We habitually take entirely too much with us only to tote it all around and have to unpack it later. Materialistic items aside, to grasp the real word here, we need to look deeper than all of our stuff.

2021 is no different than any other journey. It’s a trip in which we all have a boarding pass. Where our flight takes us is unknown, but regardless it’s time for takeoff!

Pack only what benefits you, not weighs you down. Perhaps your carry-on is all that you need. That’s the bag that holds everything we value, the one we can’t go without. It’s where we keep our essentials. In that bag is our heart, because when everything else is lost or too much to handle, that’s the one we use to carry on. Inside it we find all the things we can’t buy or easily replace.

Love.

Trust.

Faith.

Kindness.

Compassion.

Integrity.

Forgiveness.

Honesty.

Hope.

Purpose.

Joy.

Each of these makes up who we are and fills this bag. In it is what fills us.

The rest of our stuff is stowed away because we simply can’t carry it all. There’s just too much and if we place value on everything all we really end up with are baggage fees and our hands full. Contained in these bags are all the things we THINK we need and some of which we can’t seem to part with even though they serve us no purpose. Oddly, these bags are the biggest and bulkiest of our luggage. They store our egos and conversely our weaknesses. There is a compartment for our selfishness, another for our mistakes, one for our resentment, and another one for validation. There are pockets stitched specifically for hurt and others for internalizing. And if we search, there are even secret places to stash every little trinket of vulnerability that we’d rather not be seen.

Oh what a trip 2020 was, but it’s over! The number shifts by only one digit and that doesn’t change much, but YOU can. Take only what you learned from 2020. Take only what will help you grow. Take only what you have room for in your carry-on.

The underlining message of faith in the statement “What we don’t have we will just have to buy,” is that of provision. There’s absolutely no guarantee we will find what we THINK we need, but rest assured, what you seek you will find. We need to first recognize what we DO have then decide how we can use it. If favor is needed beyond that we need to humble ourselves enough to ask then have the faith that we will receive provision. Chances are we already have everything that we need. Take the hassle out of your trip and the load off your back. Hold tightly to your carry-on and leave what you have no need to carry at the turnstile.

Wherever 2021 takes you is still a mystery to each of us. We will undoubtedly experience the bright peaks of joy and the shadowy valleys of darkness. But, know this, both need a source of light to be possible. Whether your flight through 2021 brings shine or shadow, both require Light.

So, don’t forget to pack Light in 2021. Happy New Year to you all!

As long as I am in the world, I am the Light of the world. – John 9:5

Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path. – Psalm 119: 105

Clink…

Clink…

Hey! I’d like to say something.

Can anyone hear me?

Guys, quiet down so you can hear me.

No…Seriously.

Ugh, our world is so loud right now. It’s deafening really. Like a table full of hungry guests we are all simultaneously calling out for what we need. It’s downright selfish the way we ask “what about me?” when we should be proclaiming “we can do this.”

It’s really a matter of empathy. We can be sympathetic, but that’s surface level and quite honestly offensive at times. I mean, to say “I get it” or “at least you have…” to someone who’s struggling isn’t helpful. Being empathetic? Now that’s the difference maker. That’s where your words carry very little value in comparison to your presence.

Believe it or not, a Greater Power placed empathy in our hearts before they could first beat. Now here we are – humans, trying to navigate a time and space that feels as if we can’t see eye to eye on anything.

We can.

Put your fork down people. Forget about your plate for a minute. Eyes up. Ready to listen now?

Good! I’ve got news.

I’ve been given the answer you all want. The one you watch the news about and wonder when it will change. It’s been whispered in my ear and I’ve been trying to get you to hear me over the clamoring around this table.

The answer is WELLNESS. There go the eye rolls, but take a second and hear me out because if that was your first reaction – YOU are exactly who I’m talking to.

Wellness isn’t just weights and workouts. I’m talking TOTAL WELLNESS. The mirror isn’t the end all be all.

To be truly well we need to work on our mind, body, and heart. Each of them needs to be exercised to reach a place where we are long, lean, and strong in empathy, kindness, and compassion.

You can be a drop dead smoke show sweetheart, but if your insides aren’t just as toned, you’re not totally well. Period. Nothing screams illness like hatred. Unhealthiness takes shelter in the rude. You’re unfit if you’re living in the world of “what about me” and focused on the lack versus the plenty.

We all have been blessed in someway.

We all have been wrong in someway.

Our focus needs to shift from what’s happening around the table to what’s happening inside me as I sit at this table.

Have you challenged your beliefs lately?

Have you questioned your own tolerance?

Have you given grace where you needed it?

Yes – YOU!

This change we all want is within the WELLNESS of YOU!

This world isn’t so dark when you seek light.

The people aren’t so terrible when you truly see them.

The adversities face aren’t so unsurmountable when we unite.

The hatred has no strength when faced with love.

The confusion isn’t so prevalent when we communicate.

The noise isn’t so loud when we actually listen.

In a world full of differences there is one thing we can all agree on – wellness. Together we can change the conversation. Together we can unify. Together we can eat in peace.

The real question is are you ready to stop shouting your order and take a closer look at what you consume?

How about we make it a healthy serving of wellness.

Fifteen years will be completed this week. Countless efforts, achievements, lessons taught and learned will all be finished. In such an accomplishment we have to celebrate, right? There has to be big fanfare and the spotlight must shine down for everyone to acknowledge what’s been done, correct?

Nope.

I’m only looking for two words – WELL DONE.

Truth be told, I’ve seen this end nearing far longer than anyone else. On Friday I will no longer be listed as a name on the school roster after a decade and a half of service. While many feel that time and those efforts should be highlighted with a culminating celebration of closure, I can’t help but to find it a blessing that it won’t be possible in the midst of our social separation. My wish was to fly out under the radar. In fact, I prayed for the opportunity to do my part and quietly exit. Don’t get it twisted, celebrations have their place. I do believe that. But no amount of cake, balloons, trophies, or list of accomplishments can outshine the KNOWING of a job deserving of a WELL DONE.

Those are worldly representations of what I’m truly after. I seek HONOR. My goal is to carry it quietly. I want to walk through life with honor tucked safely in my pocket at all times. Knowing and doing the right thing in each and every situation is by definition, living with the purest of hearts. Yes, to error is human and our worldly perceptions will limit how flawless we can be. And when we do bring anything but honor, we then have the opportunity to redeem ourselves in grace, dignity, forgiveness, and love. Perfection is unattainable in this world, but honor is not. We must strive for an honorable life, not a perfect one.

Our society wants credit for everything.

You took the trash out? Show me the money!

You paid it forward? Post about it!

You heard a rumor? But you told everyone you didn’t share.

You went to work all week? Blow that paycheck!

While we are so busy trying to be perfect, we lose sight of what’s honorable. What we need is honor. We don’t need a pat on the back for doing the right thing. Guys, it’s the right thing to do!

In my time teaching there was one thing I looked for more than anything else. With each passing day, in each passing school year, I’d seek and thankfully find kids doing things for the sole purpose of it being what was right. That’s where honor is born. It doesn’t live in the “caught you being good” ticket. It is modeled, learned, and lived through character.

This message isn’t a reprimand but, a reminder to all of us, myself included, that honor is silently lived and quietly celebrated in the whisper of a WELL DONE.

The post pandemic life is coming. Doors will open, work will commence, people will emerge. And yet we continue to question, was is it all for nothing?

This time has been far from easy for many. We’ve questioned a lot in the last few months, but how about its purpose? Not the flattening of the curve – that’s surface level. I’m talking about that “other side” of the story. All my parents out there can attest to the fact that we have a knee-jerk reaction when we hear one side of the story, but our response is changed when we know both.

Take working and distance-learning for example, we didn’t know true focus until all we had was distraction. If we are being honest with one another, the time at home sounded perfect until you realized the impact it had on your productivity. No need for the mom shame letters. I love my children. All I’m saying is this time at home, in the same living space, trying to define our roles as parents versus workers brings a whole new meaning to the word focus. We can’t know focus without distraction.

The same can be applied to this new norm everyone is anxiously awaiting. We have isolated ourselves and endured weeks of uncertainty. No friends, no family, no gatherings, no parties, NO FUN – right? Trust me when I say this, there is more fun to be had! But, we had to endure to enjoy. We had to have it all taken away to realize just how important it is to us.

Listen, you can’t unknow what you now know. Go ahead and reread that. You had to have learned something about yourself, or this situation, that will, or has forever changed you. If you haven’t taken the time to seek the reason for all of this, I challenge you to do so.

For me, I now see the power of two. Two sides. Two parts. Two ingredients. Each piece having its own meaning, but together they reveal purpose. You need one to fully understand the other.

We need to inhale to exhale.

In order to give we need someone to receive.

To apologize we need forgiveness.

To experience confidence we must first know what it feels like to be scared.

There’s no trust where there’s no transparency.

To hear our voice we need those who will listen.

A book needs a reader.

A guitar needs an artist.

There’s got to be a why in order to fulfill a want.

To learn we must be willing to be taught.

Compassion lives side-by-side with vulnerability.

To have friends you must first be one.

We have to know what’s serious to appreciate what’s laughable.

To every fire there’s a spark.

To combat illness we need wellness.

Answers first need prayers.

And as in the case of the COVID quarantine, we need stillness to supersede our movement.

But the greatest of these still remains. To have faith you must know fear.

I personally am in the most pivotal place in my existence and coincidentally right smack dab in the midst of the same uncertainty we’ve all experienced these last few months. In it I see the most powerful pairing: ACTIONS make our FAITH complete.

If I don’t act, I can’t lead.

If I don’t trust, I can’t shoulder up as a pair.

If I don’t lead, no one can follow.

If I don’t write, I can’t share.

If I don’t reach back, I can’t help.

It takes two. There’s power in two. WE work best as TWO. We were designed to rely on one another. Where I complete one side of the story, you complete the other – and then we fully understand.

Take my hand. I have TWO. One with a firm grasp on what’s good in the other to reach back and take you with me towards total wellness.

Have the FAITH 2 ACT.

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. – Ecclesiastes 4:9

I once felt so small inside of those four walls. Initially wondering if I’d be accepted, would I be heard, and could I possibly make a difference? I was naïve to my impact. In standing before each new class, I didn’t always acknowledge my gift. In fact, it was often downplayed.

Over time that degree I earned began to stand for more than the right to teach. With each passing year and new set of students I grew to understand that my certification was less about the credentials and more about purpose. That’s when I felt my presence fill the room. My confidence strengthened each time I made a connection with a child, received a former student thank you, and adjusted my approach to education. You see, for me, the last 15 years haven’t made me a more skillful instructor, they’ve made me a teacher in its truest essence.

It wasn’t until the more recent years that I let go of the world’s proper practice and let in the legacy I wanted to leave behind. As crazy as it seems, I never really minded whether or not academics were mastered under my watch. That didn’t fill me up. What gave me breath was helping them see the world through kind and compassionate eyes. I lived for the days when they did the right thing without reward or recognition. Suffice it to say, I cared more about modeling character that could be simply applied than and I did about book knowledge. Truth be told, most teachers feel that way, but for me there was something more.

That once big classroom started to feel too small. I could feel myself pushing its limits. A breakthrough was coming. I’d love to say that like a flip of a switch clarity was delivered in that mounting pressure I felt, but that’s not how He works. Months of prayer, heart work, and patience have allowed me to see my truest role as a teacher. It’s far reaching and touches lives, but it’s beyond those four walls. It has taken me all this time, practice, and service to realize that the true potential of my impact busts right through the ceiling of that classroom. It’s clear now my reach was intended to extend and break through the barriers we set up to define our work. It’s not the space or place that allows me to use my gift. It’s the heart.

I stepped out of my classroom this week for the last time to step into a new way to touch lives. The decision to do so brings me peace because my faith has brought confirmation after confirmation. While I leave behind all that’s good, I know I’m headed for what’s great! I have chosen the bigger life, filled with passion and purpose by using my God-given talent to teach and serve in a mission for wellness.

Imagine it… the dawn sunrise flooding your bedroom as you rub the sleep from your eyes. It’s the day you have anticipated for months. The one that brings freedom, newness, a chance to emerge. You’ve prayed for this day. You’ve endured. You’ve survived. It’s here!

But you’re not ready.

Wait, what? You’re not ready?

How can that be?

Oh no, please don’t tell me you took that hall pass. It would be so sad to hear that you wanted to fill your day with faith but instead followed fear. I know you don’t want to look back and see that the extra time you were given, was spent on others. Please say your time was productive not used to mindlessly scroll through screens. You didn’t sacrifice your time for theirs, did you? Oh, you snoozed? Everyday? No. No. No. You weren’t binging on boredom meals and bad TV were you? And that schedule, did you have one?

Who approved that plan? C’mon, you’re better than that.

I absolutely agree you’ll get laughs and likes when you jokingly post that, like life, your summer bod is on hold. I’m certain others are with you on your “No Bra Movement.” But, two weeks straight sis? And dudes, I have no doubt you’re quarantine beard feels manly, but Teen Wolf called and he wants his look back.

Truth be told, I’ve wrestled with this post for days now. Positive Strides has always been just that. Positive. There’s no deviation here from the mission to share an uplifting message. But, help me out here friends… How is your quarantine “time out” helping you emerge from this ready to face it all –including yourself? There’s a difference between nice and kind. A nice friend would tell you what you want to hear. A kind friend though… You need one of those. They look after you & tell you what you need to hear. So, here’s your daily dose of kindness.

Let’s go people! This is your reset. You have to desire more in this moment. You have the opportunity to explore your best version day after day. Are you willing to be at the starting block when everyone else is miles into the race as we reconvene within our communities?

I don’t want our summer months to surprise you in all the wrong ways.

Be ready.

Be well.

Be intentional.

Be better each day then you were the day before. But, not just for June, July, and August. For your life!

The way I see it is that this time apart from others is a rare opportunity to test ourselves. If we are being honest, it’s hard to be isolated and remain upbeat because we rely on others. We look to the outside world for approval. Why else would we snap off pics in the mirror for a bestie to review before we head out if we weren’t looking for the nod? We tend to make fun of ourselves publicly when referring to our weight or how we eat because that’s easier than working for what we want. The laughs provide the approval we seek. There’s a sense of belonging in the humor, but it’s a lie. You wouldn’t tug at your shirt, readjust your pants, or stress over the upcoming swimsuit season if you truly thought your discomfort was funny. Right?

The same goes for your mental state. It feels as if many perceive this time as one where if you’re not enjoying every aspect of the family and free time, then you’re doing it wrong. That couldn’t be farther from the truth.

Who is making these rules?

Who gets to decide how you feel?

Who ultimately holds the stamp of approval?

YOU DO! No one else gets the right to hold that power over you.

So here’s the deal. Your day is coming. The one that you’ve been waiting for since the moment the rug was snatched right out from underneath your feet. Prayers will be answered and a new norm will be born. You can do it. You can do hard things. But I’m not asking you to do hard things. I’m asking you to SHOW UP for yourself. If you don’t, who will? When that day arrives, will you approve of yourself?

If that question resonates than perhaps it’s time to see the blessing in this darkness. Take advantage of the isolation and separation.

Establish a new routine. One that fits THIS time. Do all the little things.

Get dressed.

Style your hair.

Drink the water.

Sit down for meals.

Plan your day.

Exercise.

Listen.

Learn.

Grow.

And I know what you’re thinking before you even utter the words. You’re absolutely right, no one will even see my efforts. So, why do it?

Because you SHOW UP when no one applauds you for it. The work you do in the dark allows you to shine with your own light. If you can maintain routine and navigate this time, a time of crisis, you’ll be prepared to face any future challenges. You show up for the one that matters most. YOU.

Emerge from this time proud of yourself. Open the door to normalcy with confidence. Knowing you pushed back when you could’ve laid down and quit feels so much more honorable.

Sweat out your doubts.

Nourish your body.

Work out your weaknesses.

Say yes to yourself.

Be intentional with the little in order to conquer the big.

BE WELL!

Hey YOU… Don’t ever look for approval any further than the mirror.

Have you ever been asked, “what’s your type?” Leg man? Sucker for a smile? Get lost in others’ eyes? We are designed to be attracted to one another. Physical characteristics call out our desires, but they are only surface deep.

What’s my type? Oh, I can’t resist the fight in a person. Nothing peaks my curiosity more than witnessing someone rise above adversity. That “Oh yeah, watch me” type. I admire their presence and power. I get lost in the determination in their eyes. And nothing is more captivating than the smile they sport as they whisper “SUCK IT SATAN” in the ear of evil.

Crisis brings out that beauty. It’s the enduring mind, strong body, and a passionate heart that turns heads as we walk through the door of uncertainty. Jaws drop in admiration for those who are dressed in inevitable success despite the circumstances. They don the clothes of courage. Every hair perfectly placed with purpose. Their shoes laced with peace. And the smell of their determination permeates the room. Eyes fixed on their faith, we are charmed by their resilience.

THOSE people make my heart race. The ones who respond in confidence are the most attractive to me. They are MY type.

I know you’re thinking I’ve made my type seem almost unreal. How can anyone possibly exude all of that right now?

It’s done and all the small ways.

By getting up and showing up for the day dressed and poised for forward progress.

By working hard when it’s hard to work.

By keeping your character in check when no one is checking on your character.

By maintaining a routine when a routine is difficult to maintain.

We aren’t defined by where we are, but rather WHO we are in that place. Show up and show out dressed to impress. Resilience on point!

Anyone else feeling like these last five days have been one h*#% of a year? All joking aside, the fact that we are just inundated with news, opinions, and recommendations has everyone ready for flight or fight right now. It’s the uncertainty that has us reeling most of all. But, if there’s anything I’m clear on & wish to pass along it’s that we are in a holding pattern of purpose.

Last Sunday I waved to my family as they pulled out of our driveway to head to the shoreline of North Carolina. With no school in the foreseeable future they jumped on the opportunity for sunshine and sea air. The GPS led them to Holden Beach. I remained at home because I had many clients booked for the upcoming week and wanted to be there for them. Then came the two week shutdown that brought everything work related to an immediate stand still. Decision time? To stay solo or join my family some 8 hours away? Well, you should know I’m writing this while the sun inches its way up and over the horizon of the ocean painting a picture perfect sunrise. Sounds amazing, right? Yet all I can think about is getting home. The reality is being home doesn’t necessarily change our situation, but it provides comfort and control.

In times like these, as unprecedented as they are, personalities emerge that reveal our truest selves. I feel called to be a part of the solution. I want to help. I want to lead. I want to give hope. I want to lead the charge. But how?

This is done by example. Leaders lead through their actions. So, what actions have I taken?

I’ve made my bed everyday.

I’ve started each morning with a run.

I’ve said my prayers.

I’ve played with my children.

I’ve done laundry.

I’ve read.

I’ve wrote.

I’ve texted friends and family.

I’ve used Zoom and FaceTime.

I’ve eaten healthy.

I’ve drank water.

I’ve gone for walks.

I’ve written in my gratitude journal.

Doesn’t seem like a very impressive list does it? What it does show is that I’m doing my part. I AM helping. I’m controlling what I CAN control.

You know what I haven’t done?

I haven’t speculated, worried about, and questioned every scenario.

I haven’t taken to social media to voice my opinion of recommendations.

I haven’t been to a store in over a week.

I haven’t visited friends.

I haven’t been negative.

I haven’t bought into the fake news.

I haven’t stayed glued to the news.

I haven’t tried to shoulder this massive pandemic as if it’s my own.

I am doing what I CAN do in the most responsible way. And if there’s anything I can pass along as a helper, it’s to remain intentional with what you can control. You have goals? Chase them! You know they don’t change just because the gym is closed. Want more right now? Get creative with what you have. Above all continue to live in faith not fear. If you are showing up everyday in those small ways as you distance yourself from others, you might just find what an amazing person you really are.

Use this time for self discovery.

Family connection.

Growth.

Spiritual awakening.

I once was interviewed on the Rambling Runner podcast about running. In it I was asked about staying focused and positive through injury. My response to that inquiry was “There’s power and purpose in patience.”

This time in no different. We must remain calm and show patience. Seek the purpose in this “Holden Pattern.”

It’s in the midst of crisis that we discover we can be better. When the wheels have come off and things seem unhinged, we have space for opportunity. We are granted with the chance to rise up and follow what’s true. You see, I believe God shows up in two ways. He’s either blessing us or teaching us and if you’re asking me, they are the same.

Lately the world has been a buzz with the effects of COVID-19. Media, social platforms, and over reaching recommendations have forced every person to take action. It’s in these moments where we seem most divided. We allow our own personal opinions and affairs to cloud what’s truly warranted. Instead of panic, hysteria, and judgement, these moments are actually a call for solidarity, obedience, and faith.

Each of us has a part in this global illness, contagious or not. This unprecedented time sparks fear. But faith and fear don’t work with one another. To have faith is to remain calm, have clarity, and be reasonable. People, we have younger generations watching us right now. They are witnesses to our coping skills. What message does it send to buy out stores, stock up on medications that expire, and rant on social media with an “every-man-for-himself” outlook? One day we will be the elderly person, the one more susceptible to illness, who was fearful to even face the crowd. When that day comes, wouldn’t you want some compassion? This is our opportunity to teach. To serve. To obey. To promote wellness. I don’t know about the rest of you, but those are things I hope my children have a firm grasp on as they grow older.

Listen, we are an intelligent generation. With the right perspectives, we can change the way we deal with adversity to show those who are learning from us just how to react.

Each of us could rattle off a number of activities or goals we had lined up to accomplish in the upcoming weeks. Myself included. Highlighted on my list are the Boston Marathon, a conference to Charlotte, and watching my children thrive in their chosen sport. One by one they were taken away, just as your plans were changed. But the reality is, nothing changed for me. I’m still running because it’s a passion. I’m still learning without the conference. And with the recommendation for social distance, I’m now able to draw near to my family and share in their beloved sports in our own backyard.

Honestly, this call for quarantine is exactly what we all need for our own well being. We need to learn how to slow down. Now is our chance. We need a break from the day to day in order to be present in the moments that matter. Here is our opportunity. And now more than ever, we should be focused on wellness. Total wellness. Mind, body, and spirit. By exercising, eating right, expressing emotions, and tuning into what we need rather than what we don’t have, we can arm ourselves with the power of health.

Let’s unite. Let’s walk through this time of uncertainty with dignity and grace. Let’s stand for something. Stand in solidarity.

We have more to GIVE.

More hope.

More love.

More thought.

More training.

More coping.

More compassion.

More self restraint.

More wisdom.

And we have more to GAIN.

More faith.

More memories.

More time together.

More connections.

More strength.

More self discovery.

In my mind the goal remains the same. Show up everyday in small ways. Right now, we need to show up knowing we have more to give and more to gain.