01/22/2021
So, I did a thing. It was a challenge and it really got me out of my comfort zone. I was asked to write a reflection for the Joan90 Challenge. I want to share it with you. I also had to include a photo of myself being authentically me, something I would have cringed at a year ago, but thanks to The Woman School and my progress with self-image and my health, I have a photo of myself that I like! If you want to learn more you can join the group here: Joan90 Sisterhood
Friday Fast: Perseverance
I pondered what I would write throughout my evening, and in one of those moments that are rare for me, I heard the Holy Spirit speak one word, “Perseverance.” Hours before, I tried to get out of writing this reflection. I e-mailed Kiki to tell her I did not have anything written, but her response was an encouragement, a gentle invitation to persevere. Out of fear, I thought I would not have anything to say, nothing that might inspire another. Of course, that is a lie of the enemy. We all have our own unique perspective and voice, and we can all use that voice to help someone who may be struggling with the same things we are, if only we are brave enough to speak. Sometimes that looks like perseverance.
Before beginning Joan90, I was unfamiliar with the Marian virtues. How beautiful they are! It is incredible to think of the ways God was working and using these virtues in the lives of Our Mother Mary and St. Joan In studying Joan’s life and martyrdom, we can see how she embodied Mary’s virtues. Although perseverance is not a Marian virtue, it does go hand in hand with Heroic Patience. Think of the heroic patience Joan had while fighting physical and spiritual battles. How she persevered even to death, all for God and all by His Grace.
What does Perseverance and Heroic Patience look like in your life? Lately, for me, it has been having the bravery to just begin, and giving myself grace when I falter. I have stopped expecting the process of how I achieve something to be perfect, because when I had that false expectation I immediately gave up. I now realize that I may fail several times before succeeding, but I will not succeed if I do not persevere. Have you, like me, faltered in your commitments to this 90 day challenge? Do you need to give yourself grace and have patience with yourself? Is there something you gave up on that you can begin again? What is God calling you to persevere in today? With the help of Mama Mary and our dear sister, St. Joan, we can persevere!
