A reflective exploration of life's true meaning through the lens of faith, examining whether earthly success brings eternal gain and challenging readers to prioritize spiritual treasures over material accomplishments.
Carmen M. deChabert
AUTHOR-SPEAKER-COACH, Shiloh 316 LLC
Dallas, TX
4Articles published
1Award received
Her Story
About Carmen M.
Carmen deChabert is a life coach, author, and speaker operating under the business name Shiloh316 in Dallas, Texas. A history major who graduated from Howard University, she spent over 20 years in education, most recently as a U.S. history teacher for three years after earlier roles in the school system in Washington State and Texas, as well as ministry positions including youth pastor and children's pastor. She has written and published around 11 books since 2000, including teacher curriculum materials, books for women and church leadership, devotionals, and a recently completed children's coloring book, all available on Amazon. Among her notable achievements is receiving the Bison Excellence Award early in her teaching career for outstanding student performance. She also founded the Climb Club for Girls, a self-esteem program in Seattle that emphasized qualities such as being courageous, loyal, inspiring, motivated, and beautiful. Carmen attributes her success to the grace of God combined with hard work, tenacity, and endurance, and she emphasizes faith as her core value alongside community, family, and peace.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Carmen M.
01What do you attribute your success to?
I can only attribute anything I’ve accomplished or done well to the grace of God. But I also believe grace gives us the strength to do the work—to keep showing up, keep pressing, and keep moving forward when everything in us wants to quit.
I’m a former athlete, so I understand what it means to stay in the game. Life has taught me the value of tenacity, long-suffering, discipline, and endurance. It has taught me the art of sacrifice and the reality of delayed gratification—understanding that you won’t always get what you want when you want it, and that sometimes you’ll watch other people receive what you’ve been believing and working for.
But I’ve learned not to let someone else’s timing make me question my own journey.
You have to keep the vision in front of you. You have to keep moving, even when progress feels slow. You have to trust God enough to understand that delay is not denial, and preparation is not punishment.
Keep pressing. Keep working. Keep believing. Keep your eyes on the assignment God gave you—not on who got there before you.
By the grace of God, if you stay the course, you will arrive at the place you were created and called to be.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
As a woman of faith, I don’t believe my career and my faith are separate. Colossians 3:23–24 is one of the foundations of how I live and work:
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters… It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
That means whether I’m speaking, coaching, consulting, writing, leading, building a business, or simply doing work that nobody sees, I want to do it with excellence because ultimately, I’m not working merely for people—I’m working for God.
My best career advice is this: Know the value you carry, develop your gifts, and give your work your very best. Don’t build your career solely around a title, a paycheck, or recognition. Build a body of work that reflects your character, your convictions, your gifts, and the impact you were created to make.
There will be seasons when the path doesn't look the way you expected. There will be delays, disappointments, closed doors, and moments when you wonder whether your hard work is producing anything. Keep going.
I believe in grace, but I also believe in discipline. I believe in prayer, but I also believe in preparation. I believe God can open doors, but when He does, I want to be prepared to walk through them.
And I refuse to measure my journey by someone else's timeline. Someone else's promotion, platform, opportunity, or success does not diminish what God has assigned to me.
Work with excellence. Lead with integrity. Stay teachable. Honor your word. Serve people well. Keep your vision in front of you. And above all, remember Who you are ultimately working for.
Because when Colossians 3:23–24 is the standard, excellence isn't about impressing people.
It is an offering to God.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Based on my experience, I would tell young women to count the cost before they build the vision. Really assess why you want to start this business, what you want to accomplish, and—most importantly—what you want the end result to look like. Begin with the end in mind.
Don’t simply have a hope and start running. Be intentional. Be strategic. Map it out. Plan it out. Identify what you need to learn, what gaps you need to fill, and who has already walked the road you’re preparing to travel. Find mentors. Build relationships. Seek wisdom from people who can challenge you, teach you, and help you see what you may not yet see for yourself.
I would also tell her to develop a master plan, but hold it with enough flexibility to recognize that the plan may evolve. Your vision may become clearer as you grow.
And as a woman of faith, I would remind her that prayer and preparation belong together. Ask God for direction, but then be willing to do the work required to steward what He has placed in you.
There will be seasons when things move slowly. There will be moments when you question yourself, encounter setbacks, or watch someone else reach a milestone you are still working toward. Don’t allow someone else’s timeline to distract you from your assignment.
Keep your vision in front of you. Stay teachable. Work with excellence. Count the cost, seek wise counsel, create a strategic plan, and then stay the course.
You don't have to have everything figured out on day one. But you should know why you're building, what you're building toward, and who you are becoming while you build it.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I believe one of the biggest challenges in my field is the need for genuine transformation in a culture that often prioritizes quick results over lasting change. In my work with women, educators, leaders, and individuals navigating transition, I see people who are accomplished on the outside but may still be wrestling with rejection, exhaustion, uncertainty, identity, purpose, or patterns they have never had the opportunity to address.
That challenge also creates an incredible opportunity.
There is a growing need for meaningful coaching, practical leadership development, intentional conversations, and spaces where people can grow—not just professionally, but personally and spiritually. My books and workshops are rooted in that intersection: helping people understand themselves, recognize unhealthy cycles, develop the tools to move forward, and become intentional about the lives they are building.
I also believe there is a tremendous opportunity to redefine what leadership looks like for women. Leadership isn't simply about having a title or occupying a position. It is about influence, character, stewardship, resilience, and the ability to lead yourself well before you attempt to lead others.
The challenge is that there is no shortage of information. People don't necessarily need more information; they need transformation, application, accountability, and the courage to do something with what they already know.
That's where I believe my work has an opportunity to make a difference. Whether I'm writing, speaking, coaching, or facilitating a workshop, my goal is to move people from information to implementation, from surviving to intentional living, and from simply having a vision to actually building toward it.
And for me, that work is ultimately grounded in faith. I want people to recognize that their experiences don't have to define their future, their setbacks don't have to become their identity, and the cycles they've inherited don't have to be the cycles they continue.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
For me, the foundation of everything—professionally and personally—is my faith in God. My belief in God and in His Word shapes how I live, how I lead, how I work, and how I treat people. It isn't something I compartmentalize or bring out only when it is convenient. My faith is the lens through which I make decisions.
If I say I believe the Word of God, then that belief should show up in how I treat people—the wealthy and the poor, the person who can open a door for me and the person who seemingly has nothing to offer me. My value for people should not change based on their position. God is not a respecter of persons, and I strive to carry that same principle into my relationships, my business, my leadership, and my service.
I also deeply value family, community, and connection. I believe we were created for relationship, and there is something powerful about having people around you who can encourage you, challenge you, pray with you, celebrate you, and tell you the truth when you need to hear it.
And the older I get, the more I understand the value of peace.
I don't think peace is weakness. Peace is a power position.
When you have peace, you don't have to be constantly moved by what everybody else is doing. You don't have to chase every opportunity, respond to every opinion, or allow someone else's chaos to become your chaos. You can make decisions from a place of clarity rather than pressure.
For women especially, I think there is tremendous freedom in understanding that everything doesn't require a response, every door doesn't require you to walk through it, and everybody doesn't get to determine the direction of your life.
Peace allows you to remain anchored.
So, if I had to summarize the values that guide me, they would be faith, integrity, family, community, service, excellence, and peace. And I believe those values become most powerful when they are not simply things we say we believe—they become the way we actually live.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Carmen M.
To Live is Christ...To Die is Gain
Finding True Gain Through a Life Lived for Christ Rather Than Worldly Success
To Live Is Christ...To Die Is Gain
In 2011, the world learned of the passing of Apple mogul Steve Jobs. Mr. Jobs was responsible for developing a great deal of technology that has impacted billions of people all over the world. The iPod and iPad totally revolutionized how people listen to music and communicate at the touch of a finger. People held candlelight vigils outside the Apple gates, posted Facebook messages, and mentioned how grateful they were for his contribution to society.
It is a wonderful thing for a man to be celebrated at the end of his days. To have triumphed in life and made a difference must make one feel a sense of comfort and achievement. However, once you have breathed your last breath, the only accolades that will matter will be those spoken to you by God. Have you done well in His eyes or not?
The apostle Paul said in the book of Philippians, "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." This is a message of faith in the fact that his life was a sacrifice to the name of Christ. All that he did and all that he was belonged to Him. He states that even in his death, he wins! Why would he say that? What about living for Christ and dying in Him brings gain?
When we think of the greats who passed on in 2011, such as Steve Jobs and Michael Jackson, we have to wonder if, in all of their glory in life, they found gain in death. The Bible says, "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" Mark 8:36.
Great inventions, the Forbes list, being voted most beautiful, etc.—all of these things fall away at death's door. The old saying, "You can't take it with you," is true when we are talking about things accumulated in this world. Yet those things that we do for Christ will last into the next world. Our salvation, accomplishing what He has called us to do, changing lives, loving people, obeying His Word, etc.—these things will bring a reward in the life to come that even death can't take away.
Those who are wise among us will seek after the things that are eternal. Excel in this life, fulfill your potential while alive on the earth, but don't forget the greatest thing—to live your life with an eternity mindset. If I die today, will God be pleased with what I did with what He gave me? Our hope is not in the earth. Our hope is in the promise of things to come.
Be encouraged, everyone. Know that your labor down here is not in vain. Continue to lay up treasures in heaven and live this life to the fullest. Bring God glory in all that you do, and at the end of your days, may you find great gain.
Shalom.
A powerful testament to finding strength through adversity, comparing the resilience of eagles to our own spiritual capacity to soar through life's storms with faith, hope, and divine purpose.
Built for the Storm
Discovering the Strength Within: How Life's Storms Build Us Into Eagles
Built for the Storm
This morning, I had the pleasure of seeing a large bald eagle flying just a few car lengths ahead of me. It was surprising to all of us that an eagle would be flying around in our area, but before we could ask why, the eagle suddenly turned around and began flying toward our car. Wow! we all shouted. We were amazed to see such a magnificent bird so close and flying directly over us.
It is important to note that I was on the verge of crying at this time. Tired, frustrated, worn out by life and strife, I found myself in a hopeless spot. Lord, why won't things get better? Lord, when will things get better? Lord, how will things get better? Too worn out to hope, yet too committed to quit. I was exhausted.
Seeing the eagle made me remember the fact that the eagle's wingspan is actually created to soar in the storm. When the storm comes, most of the other birds will scurry to find shelter from the rain and strong winds, but the eagle sees this as an opportunity to have a little fun, sharpen his skills, and accelerate his capabilities. The storm is not his battlefield, but his playground. He realizes that he, in fact, was built for the storm, so he faces it head-on with great anticipation.
The Bible talks about those who wait upon the Lord mounting up with wings as eagles in the book of Isaiah. Our patience and trust in God in times of trouble and hardship will build in us a tenaciousness and strength that will enable us to face obstacles that others run from.
I realized today what I have forgotten for so long. I realized that when God created me, He did not create a pigeon or a parrot, but He created me with the same strength and vigor of the eagle. In Christ, I am not easily broken. In Christ, the storm does not destroy me; it only makes me stronger. In Christ, the strength my wings have gained through flying through difficult times enables me to soar higher and longer than those around me. I realized that I was not built to avoid the storm, but to face it head-on. I WAS BUILT FOR THE STORM, AND I CAN HANDLE IT!
The devil tries so hard to keep us discouraged. Eyes down, hearts heavy, and vision depleted. He knows that if we ever fully understand and embrace who God has created us to be, he is truly in trouble. I pray that we will lay down our Eeyore mentalities and embrace the fact that our divine Creator has granted us the ability to soar high above our problems and difficulties.
He has gifted us with supernatural stamina that the world cannot understand. People will look at you and not understand how you are STILL married. They won't be able to comprehend how you are STILL praising God after all that you have been through. As we mount up with wings as eagles, we will run and not grow weary; we will walk and will not faint. (Isaiah 63)
Just as that beautiful bald eagle demanded our attention and awe, your testimony and example will grab the attention of those around you who need to know that Jesus is STILL Lord, that God is STILL able, and that their life is not over because of the storm. The storm is only there to make you stronger! We are not as weak as we think! Turn and face your storm. Look to God for strength and direction, and buckle in for a wild, exciting ride! Nobody said it would be easy, but it will be WORTH IT!!!! Selah.
An inspiring spiritual message encouraging readers to abandon passivity and pursue their God-given dreams with faith. Drawing from biblical wisdom, the author challenges listeners to choose belief over doubt and enter their promised destiny in 2027.
Walk By Faith
Step into your destiny by embracing faith over fear and pursuing the impossible with unwavering belief in God's promises.
It's a new day
For years, I have been sitting, watching my life pass me by instead of purposefully pursuing my destiny. You know the dreams that you have that won't go away, no matter what condition of life you find yourself in. Sure, I'd have moments of inspiration where I would make significant steps toward achieving my dreams, but more consistently, I have allowed circumstances, people, feelings and emotions, haves and have-nots to deter me from following my God-given destiny.
It has truly been a difficult road these last few years. At times, I have wondered how I am even still alive. Nothing else to be said here except, God is good!
So, what do we do when our dreams seem unattainable or we can't pinpoint the who, what, when, where, and how of our big break? When confronted with hopelessness and despair, will we continue sitting, or will we get up and aggressively pursue our destiny? Your answer here will, in some ways, dictate how your 2027 will go! Are you going to take another lap around the mountain, or will you enter into the Promised Land?
In the book of Numbers 13:27-31, ten spies were sent to survey the "Promised Land" and declared it to be an impossible task! But two other spies, Joshua and Caleb, went to survey the same land and declared, "We be well able!" or, in some versions of the Bible, it reads, "More than able!" As a result of the confession of their faith, Joshua and Caleb were able to enter into the Promised Land. The others were not able to enter because of their unbelief.
Unbelief will keep us on the couch, keep us in a dead-end job, keep us in bondage to alcohol, pornography, gluttony, lying, etc., etc., etc. We convince ourselves that "nothing will change, what's the use of trying, things will never get better!" When we doubt the promises and provisions of God, when we doubt that He will enable us to do what He called us to do, when we trust only in ourselves and our ability, we lose sight of the all-powerful God whose Word (promises) cannot return to Him without having accomplished the purpose for which it was sent.
God cannot fail! God in us cannot fail! We must reset our minds to focus on the limitless possibilities in God versus focusing on our limited natural ability. When our eyes are trained to only see the "giants in the land," we will never have enough courage to face those giants head-on, knowing that the King of Glory is going before us to make our victory sure!
In this new year, I encourage you to take an assessment of your faith. Are you a member of the We Be Well Ables, or are you with the It's Impossible crew? The world trains us to believe what we see. I'm not getting anywhere, things aren't working out, bills keep coming, my spouse is acting crazy, the kids are tearing up, on and on go our days, weeks, and years. We are constantly in a state of discontent and restlessness. We buy into what we are told to believe. Television and media venues encourage us to want more, desire more, and to always want the next best upgrade. Our pursuit is often for things instead of dreams.
Think really hard about what dreams you have given up on or put on the back burner. Is there ANY hope for this dream to live? Is your God More than able in you to bring this dream to pass? Are there people in your circle who will encourage you to go hard after your dreams?
There is power in agreement. Find someone to agree with you that, in this new year, each day will be a new day to overcome the impossible and enter into the Promised Land God has promised to you. Each day, a new day. Line upon line. Precept upon precept. Get up and try again and again and again until you find yourself right smack in the midst of your dream.
No more taking laps around the mountain. Stuck in the wilderness due to murmuring, complaining, and unbelief. It is time to enter in. To fully possess all that God has for you. To aggressively take hold of those things that are rightfully yours. Keep your eyes on God! With Christ, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE to them that believe. ONLY BELIEVE!
May God bless you with clear vision and a made-up mind in 2027! May your faith endure the trials and testing that you will face in pursuit of your destiny!
Blessings,
C. deChabert
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