Welcome to September!!

Fall 2026. Fall Edition 1.

Chillld… I don’t know what September holds, but I trust the Author. God, let’s go!

“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…” — Hebrews 12:2

When we step into a new month, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the unknown. But when we remember that God holds the pen, anxiety gives way to peace. He isn’t just watching our lives unfold; He is actively writing our story. Every chapter, transition, and unexpected plot twist has already passed through His hands.

A new month brings fresh pages, quiet clarity, and the space to write the next chapter with purpose. As the season turns, it is a reminder to quiet the noise, trust the process, and step forward with intention.

“And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.” — Habakkuk 2:2

Intention requires focus. God calls us not only to dream, but to write the vision clearly so we can run with clarity. Fresh pages mean nothing if we remain tied to old distractions. To step into what God has for us this season, we must cultivate the spiritual discipline of quietness—silencing the inner doubt, the external opinions, and the noise of a rushed world.

Whatever goals, reflection, or work lie ahead this month, take a deep breath, pick up the pen, and execute with grace.

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” — Proverbs 16:3

Execution isn’t about striving in our own strength; it’s about holy alignment. Grace gives us permission to move forward without needing perfection, trusting that as we commit our efforts, plans, and creative energy to Him, He will establish our steps.

Chillld, Let’s Hush Up and Write!

Dr. Lu

Finding Your Focus When Everything Else is Shifting

Hey….Faith-Filled Leaders! It’s been a while, and my lost blog mentioned going back to the basics. Let’s stay there for a moment. Okay?

Now, leaders, the world around us doesn’t exactly stand still while we try to create or build. 

Lately, it feels like the landscape is constantly shifting. Algorithms updates alter how we share our work overnight, industry trends evolve faster than we can track them, and the day-to-day chaos of regular life never quite hits a pause button. When everything is changing around you, trying to plant your feet and stay productive can feel like trying to build a house in the middle of a hurricane.

So, as leaders, how do we keep moving forward when the ground beneath us keeps shifting? How do we keep moving forward when relationships seem fickle? How do you move forward?

Chilllld, we return to the basics. We return to a basic principle that never fails, no matter what changes outside our window: Work. Play. Back to work.

The Basic Principle

When change causes the big picture to get too chaotic, successful leaders can shrink their world down to three simple steps. As it is written, “Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways” (Proverbs 4:25-26).

This is how we stay steady when the ground shifts:

  • Work (The Foundation): This is where you put the blinders on. The world might be changing, people might be changing, but your core mission isn’t. Show up, block out the external noise, and put your thoughts onto the page. Focus on what you can control—your effort, your words, and your output. Leave the rest alone!
  • Play (The Release): You cannot pour from an empty cup, especially when dealing with the stress of external changes that can start to impact your internal system. Step away from the laptop. Go for a walk, read something entirely unrelated to your field, or just laugh with those who love you back. Taking time to have fun isn’t slacking off; it’s the reset button your brain desperately needs to process the shifting world around it.
  • Back to Work (The Commitment): The most critical step. Once you’ve recharged, you bring that fresh energy back to the desk. You don’t let the “play” turn into procrastination. You sit back down, take a deep breath, and dive right back into the grind with renewed clarity.

So, child, are you ready to get back focused? What are your next steps?

Let’s talk about it in the comments below!

Connected by Chance, Propelled by Purpose

Faith-Filled Leaders Blog: Encouragement for Faith Filled Leaders from Dr. Lu

A few of my friends during an intimate Vision Mapping Session earlier this month!

Hey….Faith-Filled Leaders! Guess what?

There is something sacred about the “basics.” This year, my annual vision mapping session didn’t take place in a rented boardroom or a sleek event space. Instead, we returned to the heart of where it all began in 2017: my home. Returning to this familiar setting reminded me that while the scale of our dreams grows, the foundation of our success is often built on the simplicity of fellowship, sharing, and genuine care. I am deeply honored and appreciative that, year after year, my friends entrust me to curate a space where they can write out their vision and speak life into their future. Why? Because there is POWER in a written vision! 

So, when we gather to map out our goals, we aren’t just making “to-do” lists or a cute vision board; we are engaging in a spiritual and strategic discipline. There is a specific clarity that comes when you move a dream from your mind onto paper. The scriptures remind us of the necessity of this clarity:

“And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” — Habakkuk 2:2-3 KJV

And as leaders, as we develop our vision, we must be mindful of the people in our circle. It is important to cultivate beautiful and divine connections with individuals who can help us step into our destiny. Because guess what? No leader is an island! 

So, while the “chance” meeting every year might bring people/us together, it is the intentional connection that sustains them/us. So, like us, for leaders to reach their full potential, they must surround themselves with like-minded individuals who understand the weight of responsibility. I’ll tell you why:

  • Iron Sharpens Iron: Being around other high-capacity individuals forces you to level up. When you see your peers pushing boundaries, it gives you the “permission” and the pressure to do the same.
  • The Safety of Fellowship: Leadership can be lonely. Having a circle where you can be vulnerable about your vision—without judgment—is essential for mental and emotional longevity.
  • Accountability Partners: A vision “made plain” is easier for others to help you carry. Like-minded connections don’t just cheer you on; they ask the hard questions that help you reach your destined calling.

So, Faith-Filled Leaders, as we navigate the rest of this year, I am confident that our connections will only grow deeper. Our potential is being pushed to its fullest, not through solo effort but through the collective strength of a community that refuses to let one another play small. Think big. Take up space!

And, chilllld..Our visions will come forth. They will not lie. They will speak.

Faith Filled Leaders: It’s Okay to Look Back! 

Faith-Filled Leaders Blog: Encouragement for Faith Filled Leaders from Dr. Lu

Hey, Y’all Leaders!

It’s Okay to Look Back…

Sankofa: A Ghanaian term from the Akan people meaning “go back and fetch it.” It stems from the proverb, “Se wo were fi na wosan kofa a yenkyiri”—it is not taboo to go back for what you forgot.

As leaders, we often dismiss the past in our rush toward the future. I subscribe to a different model. To me, the past is a foundation; I periodically revisit it to better inform my next steps.

Last Thursday, I had the honor of sharing my journey at HVCU (Historically VCU) during an interview with my colleague, Dr. Nick Williams.

During this moment, I was able to share the trials and triumphs of my parents. The trial- the inability to complete secondary education, or for my father, elementary education (he was born in the 1920’s, need I say more). The triumph- collectively, the two of them reared children who are all successful: doctors, nurses, entrepreneurs, and military veterans, to name a few. While others might frown upon my family due to my parents’ background, the children are proud because the love, care, strategy, lessons, and guidance surpasses any degree.

And this February, I celebrated 45 years of life. Now, more than ever, the lessons from my parents are speaking quietly to my spirit. Their lessons guide me. Their lessons sustain me. Their lessons are now being passed down to the next generation. And it’s beautiful to see the legacy of Light and Lil shining through their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

We are not afraid to look back. We are not afraid to revisit the lessons. It is our foundation.

My leadership challenge to you: Embrace the beauty of your background. Your history isn’t just behind you—it’s what informs your future. It is your power. It is your blueprint for success. Just take a look back! It’s a beautiful sight for the journey!

Until next time, stay FAITH FILLED! Filled with FAITH!

-Dr. Lu

I’m Still Alive! Leaning on Another Power

Faith-Filled Leaders Blog: Encouragement for Faith Filled Leaders from Dr. Lu

Note. Photograph taken by the author on December 13,2025. Own work.

The image above shows a graduation cap from a December 2025 psychology ceremony. While that student was declaring that they made it through their degree and remained “still alive,” those words became the anthem for my own year: I made it. I am still alive.

Leadership carries its own unique weight of obstacles, turmoil, and constant balancing acts. It can be a lonely road; there are moments where you feel truly defeated, stepping into the shoes of a prize fighter who is ready to throw in the towel.

This past semester, I was in that place. I was exhausted, yet I kept pushing. But every time I reached to throw in the towel, a power higher than myself reminded me of Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Holy Bible, 2011).

As I embark upon 2026, the fact that I am “Still Alive” to finish the work is the torch I carry. God is the source of my strength and the origin of my help. Even in the desolate places, He is there. I am still here, and I am ready to do the work—because He is with me always.

So, I encourage you as a leader to lean on your power source. Whatever your belief system may be, there is an infinite power that can give you strength in difficult times. Lean on that strength. Let us work so that we can declare together at the end of this year: we are still alive to do the work.

So, chillld, along this journey, when you get tired or feel defeated? Remember that 2026 is about leaning on a power higher than ourselves to finish the work we were called to do. 

Continue carrying the torch! Let’s keep pushing. 🕯️

#StillAlive #KeepPushing #2026Goals #LeaningOnAHigherPower #EncouragingFaithFilledLeaders

References:

Holy Bible: New International Version. (2011). Zondervan