Trish Lawson's Reflections

Patience is a virtue.  A phrase most of us have heard many times and one I use often with Johnny and Molly amid impatient moments and my mom will still use with me. I thought, what exactly does this mean? So, in true Trish fashion, I went down the proverbial rabbit hole and was surprised by the origin of the phrase.

Patience (a noun) by definition, is the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset. Virtue (a noun), by definition, is behavior showing high moral standards. 

For example, when my diagnosis of Charcot Foot was confirmed and the treatment options were discussed, I knew that the road was going to be a long one and I had to be patient and follow the doctor’s orders for it to be successful. Almost three years into numerous surgeries, therapies and complete compliance, I still ended up with the “worst case scenario” with my amputation. “Worst case scenario” was the term my doctor used from the beginning of treatment and who knew that would be my moment of Virtue?! So many have asked, “how did you stay so positive?” Make no mistake, I had plenty moments of anger, however when those moments would creep in, I would think about how my dad handled his cancer and treatment with such strength and positivity right to the very end. If he could do all that, I can get through this…I did and I am!

Here is the rabbit hole moment. As I looked up the Patience is a Virtue phrase meaning, I learned it was part of a fifth century Latin poem Psychomachia (Battle of Spirits or Soul War) written by Prudentius. The poet highlights the conflict of vices and virtues, in the poem Patience is one of the virtues fighting the vice which happens to be anger. It depicts the moral battle within ourselves. Other characters in the poem are:

• Faith vs. Idolatry

• Chastity vs. Lust

• Humility vs. Pride

• Sobriety vs. Indulgence

• Good Works vs. Greed

• Concordia vs. Discordia

How many of these battles can you relate to? I know I have a few that resonate with me.

We are on the cusp of another season of patience as we begin Lent in preparation for the celebration of Easter. As we remember all that Jesus had to endure from fasting in the desert while fighting temptations by Satan, to the triumphant entry into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey. He was greeted by waving palms (Palm Sunday) which marks the beginning of Holy Week. On Maundy Thursday, we will remember that Jesus shared a final meal with His disciples. He commanded them to love one another just as He has loved them, all while knowing one of them would betray Him. On Good Friday we will remember the arrest, crucifixion and death of Jesus. All the events lead us to the great resurrection of Jesus and the promise He kept of His return.

In my opinion, Jesus is the definition of Patience is a Virtue.  He knew what he was going to endure; the sadness, betrayal, unimaginable physical pain leading to His death and He still led his disciples with the highest morality when anyone could have led with bitterness and anger.

As we enter into this time of great sadness and triumph, let us be reminded of the greatest sacrifice that was made on our behalf. All are invited to emulate Patience and Virtue as a gesture of great appreciation, not only with ourselves but with those around us.

With love,



Trish