I'm back and full steam ahead in 2020. For the last few years I have chosen a word for the year. Last year it was "discipline". As I chose this word I was thinking it represented discipline in working out, eating better, managing and saving money, reading my Bible. I'm sure many of you had the same hopes. Sometimes I wonder as we make these great plans of how things will look if God is thinking "that's so cute she is making all these plans". See, in January of 2019 I had absolutely no idea just how the events in my life would shape that word into a whole new meaning.
In the spring there were some major shifts in my world. I had no idea what to do. I had absolutely no control over what was happening to my world. However, in those months that followed my word - discipline- took on an entirely different meaning. I was completely humbled at the feet of Jesus, and asking Him daily how to walk through all the things. It was a time I was completely broken, but I was always comforted by people Christ put in my path to encourage me. I was comforted by the words that Jesus put in my heart on a daily basis. There were days I was sure I would never laugh or smile again. As a believer I had no idea how Jesus was going to work this for good as it says in Romans 8:28. However, I did believe. It wasn't going to happen in my own strength because I had none. Then, in the summer I took my annual girl's trip and one of my peeps snapped this picture.
Still I believed and pressed on and one day God opened new doors to people and places that would become a place to heal personally and lead professionally. I tell you this story to say that God had a whole different definition and plan for my word - discipline that I would need to navigate 2019. I would need the discipline of humbling myself. I would need discipline in owning Exodus 14:14 - "The Lord will fight for you, you only need to be still" If you know me, you KNOW I don't do "still" well. However, through all the trials of 2019, I can say that I love Jesus more than I did before. I know his promise of provision like never before, and I am blessed in truly knowing how much I am loved not only by my heavenly father but those in my world.
As 2020 approached I began praying about my new word. Several I was tossing around, but one stood out the most. It was FEARLESS. Listen, I have to say I was a little afraid of the word - ironically. :) However, I know more than ever it's a fearlessness of knowing that I truly can do all things THROUGH CHRIST - not on my own. It scared me a little to think how God was going to grow that word in me this year. However, being brave means you do it even if you are afraid. This year's blog will be about the ways I am choosing to be fearless with the hashtag #fearlessin2020. Now it's out there. My peeps must hold me accountable.
Happy New Year, my friends.
BE BRAVE.... BE BLESSED .... and KNOW YOU ARE EQUIPPED.