Fearless & Humble - my words for 2019. Selecting a word(s) has been a simple but powerful way for me to focus on a broad intention. I'm not a News Years Resolution kind of girl. But words - I'm all about words! January 1st doesn't determine my word. I respond to rhythms, seasons, changes in me, and sometimes the calendar is involved. I give myself freedom. My word is used to focus my thought & actions, not boss me around. I select a scripture too.
When my girls were little my word was Delight. Raising little kids is grueling and beautiful. I had a bad habit of turning my blessings into burdens. I had to focus my mind. I did it through my word for the year. Delight. I want to delight in my children. For my eyes to shine when they see me. For them to feel loved all the time, even if I'm correcting them, disciplining them or straight up losing my mind (it still happens occasionally regardless of what word I choose).
Another year I chose Rest. What a great year! I read books about rest, sabbath, and slower rhythms. I learned what was restful for me and to identify fake rest - things that seem like rest but don't truly restore. No joke, I learned to take a nap. It was life giving and important. Walks are restful - if I leave my phone at home. Silence is restful. Social media is not. What is restful for you?
For two years I chose Shalom and it was life changing. Shalom - deep peace, completeness, fullness, wholeness. I wrote it on a chalk board in my living room. It sparked conversations with guests. Talking about it reminded me of my intention and helped me clarify where I was on my journey. It was the year I found the book Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Pete Scazzero. God always brings me books, conversations, inspiration and support to grow related to my word. EHS began an incredible journey that continues.
Fearless & Humble. Fearless because if God is for me, who can be against me. Fearless because "The Spirit in (me) is far stronger than anything in the world." 1 John 4:4. Fearless because "God's Spirit is on me; he's chosen me to preach the message of good news to the poor, sent me to announce pardon to prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, to set the burdened and battered free, to announce, "This is God's year to act."' Luke 4:18-19
Humble because it's not about me. Every stage, platform, words written or spoken - they are opportunities to point to Him. Every open door is because of Him. He is the source of my strength, creativity, perseverance, vision and passion. When I keep that in mind, I do the next indicated step and trust Him with the results. I can be Fearless & Humble.
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