

Developing Everyday Virtue Powers
I speak often about everyday virtues because it is important to think of virtue not as some numinous obscure trait that only perfect or sanctified people possess. Our souls are designed and destined for VIRTUE to be an everyday thing. However, virtue has a developmental quality about it. We begin with our own efforts to be and do what is good, and as we allow the power of grace to animate our thoughts and actions, virtue becomes an interior disposition of holiness. (That’s when it becomes a “superpower.”) Great writers and saints like Thomas Aquinas explain the rich theology of virtue. My focus here is to tap into the simple and practical step-by-step experience of it, so we can guide children and teens. This is the TRUTH: God designed our souls for the freedom of loving and living with virtue, not to be captives of self-absorbed pride and fear. Let’s help children use their imagination to embrace that truth … and the joy that flows from it. When I was trained as a catechist in the wonderful program called Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, I learned the profound value of gestures to provide concrete signs of deep spiritual realities that can transform the heart. Examples we can easily recognize are the Sign of the Cross and the pouring of water in Baptism. Children respond to gestures. Just think of all the songs with hand motions that they enjoy.The Virtue Power Gestures
Below are four gestures to help a child know that embracing virtue as their REAL superpower is not only possible, but has a simple process that anyone can experience. The Holy Spirit is our master teacher, our virtue training mentor, who is available 24/7, and who is only one thought away. This is a big game of PRETEND and yet it affects a child’s soul in a profoundly REAL way. You may have noticed at the beginning of this article, that I said we were providing solutions for both children and teens. Teens can be part of this imaginative process if you ask for their help in training younger children as virtue super heroes. While they guide a younger child through the fun of these gestures, their own imaginations are empowered as well. And the process is simple and fun ... no heavy lectures involved. Here is the way to do it. (The bolded phrases help you know what to say to a child) Gesture #1: The Peace Sign.



Read the other articles in this series:
Part 1: Spiritual Survival Skills - Avoiding Toxins Part 2: Spiritual Survival Skills - Escaping TrapsCopyright 2020 Cathy Gilmore
About the Author

Cathy Gilmore
Cathy Gilmore is an award-winning author, educator, and founder of the Virtue Literacy Project, an innovative approach to family virtue formation. Follow Cathy on Twitter @PowerofParable.
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