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

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!

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