The Power of Perspective (July 2026)

Several months ago, I wrote a post about how our perception of others—or how others perceive us—can influence the way we interact with one another and even cause us to miss blessings in disguise. But perception reaches far beyond our relationships. It shapes how we interpret our circumstances, our challenges, and even our purpose.

In The Energy Bus, Jon Gordon writes, "We can't control the events in our life, but we can control how we perceive them, and our perception and response to the events determine our outcome." That statement made me pause and reflect on some recent events in my own life.

At first, I viewed those events as challenges, obstacles, and uncertainties. But after spending time in prayer and reflecting with the Lord, I began to see them differently—as opportunities. Opportunities to watch God's hand move in mighty ways. Opportunities to live out Philippians 4:8–9 and Isaiah 26:3. Opportunities to grow my faith instead of feeding my fear.

The truth is, I had been constantly ruminating on every event, task, and assignment in front of me. My perception was rooted in uncertainty and fear. I allowed past disappointments to convince me that history would repeat itself. A few things didn't work out the way I expected, and almost immediately, I wanted to quit.

That negative energy became heavy. It weighed on me so much that some days I barely wanted to get out of bed. My body began to literally ache as though the weight of discouragement had become something physical resting on my shoulders.

Then, through the encouragement of my accountability partner—my husband—I went to the gym.

I didn't feel like going, but I went anyway.

As I worked to strengthen my body, I also began rebuilding something even more important: my hope, my faith, my trust, my purpose, my joy, my peace, and my clarity.

During that one-hour workout, somewhere between the weightlifting, the squats, the worship, and a little motivational music, the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart:

"Latesha, change your perspective. This is spiritual warfare designed to keep you distracted and unproductive. Fight."

And fight I did.

Why am I sharing this with you?

Because I believe there is something God has called you to do, experience, overcome, or fight for. And perhaps your current perspective is casting a shadow over what God is actually trying to reveal.

Choosing positive energy doesn't mean pretending everything is okay or denying what is happening in front of you. It means choosing to trust God enough to change your outlook, even before your circumstances change.

Negative energy drains us. It steals our focus, our motivation, and sometimes even our hope. Positive, faith-filled energy, however, strengthens us. It inspires us. It equips us to lead others, persevere through difficulties, and keep moving forward.

So whatever you're facing this month, no matter how overwhelming the assignment may seem, stop for a moment and ask God to shift your perspective. Ask Him to help you see what He sees. Sometimes the greatest breakthrough doesn't come from changing your circumstances—it comes from changing how you see them.

A changed perspective just might be the fuel you need to keep moving toward everything God has prepared for you.