BLOG: Girl, You Walk Worthy While You Are Out There

"Girl, You Walk Worthy While You Are Out There"

Growing up, when I was going somewhere without my parents, Mom would say with a smile, “Girl, you walk worthy while you are out there”. Her words were both instructive and encouraging. I knew what she meant. Sometimes these words were an admonition “Girl, you better walk worthy!” 

Walk worthy has become a guiding phrase for my life along with cultural phrases such as ‘be sweet’ and ‘come correct’ from my great-grandmother. 

Walk worthy is from the scriptures. As a spiritual and religious family, scriptural references were a practical aspect of my home training. The phrase is a mantra for me, a power phrase. 

Mom and I did not sit down and formally outline a walk worthy plan. I knew what she meant. Walk worthy is beyond behaving yourself. It is deeper, a mantle of sorts, a set of self-leadership principles and standards. This mantra means we have poured a lot into you, you know what to do and you are ready to do so. We expect leadership of you, for you and for us. You are a worthy steward of the foundation you have received. You are loved and prepared. 

LESSONS LEARNED

• Embrace what you know
• Behave with good intentions 
• Whatever you do, perform it well
• Show up as your best, from the inside out
• When necessary, walk your own way based on your experiences
• Having opportunities in life is a privilege. Make the most of each opportunity.
• Your gifts are not for you alone. 
• You represent more than yourself
• You and your presence matter

My mom spoke faith and favor into my life with her words. It was a destiny moment, a gracious and loving action.

What words to live by did you receive from a significant person in your life?

How have those words impacted your leadership style?

What is your personal mantra?