Virtues
- Abbi
- Nov 10, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 18, 2023

Virtues
Hope leaps from the dust.
Joy laughs, and whirls you into a dance.
Kindness beams with sparkling eyes.
Peace washes over you in cool waves.
Courage lights you on fire, then throws you off a cliff.
Freedom beckons onward, to wilder places.
Faith reminds you that you’re not home yet.
Love conquers all.
Story behind the poem: This is yet another poem I wrote for the Bluegrass Accolade. As a writer, I'm aware of the power of language, and how even a single word can evoke deep emotions and bear a personality all its own.
As I was pondering what to share about this poem, an idea for an exercise popped into my head. If it feels too strange, skip it. But I thought it might encourage some of you, so here it is:
Think of a positive adjective (tranquil, passionate, radiant, etc.) and hold it in your mind. What imagery does the word evoke? Perhaps certain colors, or something in nature? What would this word sound like? Violin music? Gentle rain? When have you experienced this word in a distinct, impactful way? Lastly, in what ways does Jesus embody this word? How has He shown Himself to be an embodiment of this word in your life? Spend a couple minutes dwelling on these questions and various aspects of the word.
Hope you enjoyed this exercise! Hearing, speaking, and focusing on hopeful words truly is life-changing. Here are two verses that I think wonderfully articulate these themes:
"Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose."
- Proverbs 18:21 (The Message Bible)
"And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."
- Philippians 4:8 (New Living Translation)
Praying this blesses you! Have a good week! :)
I love this one, Abbi! You‘re an incredibly gifted writer.
“Courage lights you on fire, then throws you off a cliff.” 🔥
Sorry that the spacing for this post is messed up on mobile devices! I'll try to fix it later! :)
Abbi