Happy Monday! 

I hope your weekend was restful and you managed to indulge in proper self-care. Sometimes that looks like engaging in a favored activity. Other times it simply means rest. Whatever your particular brand of indulgence, taking time to allow your mind to rest from the stressors of the week is essential in maintaining a healthy work/life balance.

I was considering the virtue of fortitude recently. I read somewhere that we can have forethought and fairness, but fortitude gives us the will to persevere beyond the point we might otherwise give up. It’s more than courage, as we must first become strong enough to face the challenge. Fortitude helps us push beyond ourselves to reach just a little bit more, withstand just a little bit longer, or find ways to be just a little bit wiser.

This quote from Major Taylor is an encouragement to continue the fight:

Marshall Walter (Major) Taylor was an American cyclist and is considered one of the greatest sprinters of modern times. He was one of the first Black athletes to win a world championship event and is regarded as a pioneer in the sport. He also championed an end to racial discrimination, which he encountered on and off the track, becoming a role model for athletes of color.

Taylor’s words ring true for many of us who have felt the effects of prejudice. His fortitude inspires all who aspire to success, particularly when deemed improbable, incapable, or ill-equipped for the task. We pay homage to Mr. Taylor this month, as with other pioneers of color.

To carry on without fear is indeed a marvel, but when we face adversity, we must sometimes pull from previously untapped depths from within. Perhaps we face a health crisis or struggle financially. Maybe we have given our all to our careers only to be overlooked by the advancement committee yet again. Or maybe we’re trying to improve ourselves and keep running into the same tired brick walls that have kept us in addiction, unstable mental health, or learning disabilities.

Fortitude is the mindset that we can’t and won’t stop trying. We will fight on and await the day of ultimate success. We will explore new avenues and create inroads for ourselves through education and awareness. Often, we need assistance or guidance to ensure we choose the most effective paths or treatment options. Please know there’s nothing of disgrace in asking for help. Requesting assistance takes its own brand of courage.

Let’s look at a few verses from Scripture:

“Be strong. Take courage. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you.” Deuteronomy 21:6 (MSG)

“This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, so that [inspired and aided] by them you may fight the good fight [in contending with false teachers],” 1 Timothy 1:18 (AMP)

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:1-5 (NKJV)

My prayer for you this week is that you’ll be blessed with an extra portion of fortitude to move through any barriers you’re facing. In addition, I pray for the courage and fearlessness to face adversity with an inner knowing that you have the power to choose a different path. And I hope peace and joy will overwhelm and encourage you in all your endeavors.

Be Well & Be Blessed!

Lucinda