A friend of mine posted on her Facebook page that the "word" God gave her for 2013 was "surrender". And this got me thinking...what might my "word" be for this year?
So I asked my Father.
And He whispered two words to me: Strength and Dignity.
"She is clothed in Strength and Dignity. She laughs without fear of the future." Proverbs 31
Do you know what this means? It's means that 2013 is the year that I will walk more fully into who God has made me.
Now that is exciting!
For years I have allowed myself to be characterized by weakness and shame (notice that these words are the opposite of strength and dignity).
I question myself. Constantly.
I compare myself and find myself lacking.
I doubt my ability.
I assume that I can't
I don't try.
I feel less than.
I can't see who I really am.
I struggle with a consistent need to "hide" myself and just be perfect.
I lack confidence and assume that is how I should be.
All my life I have struggled. And struggled. And struggled.
For the last several months I have walked though an intensely difficult set of circumstances. So difficult that on most days the only place for me to turn was God.
He has become my peace. He has become my strength. He has become my Daddy.
All because He is loving enough to let me walk through the fire. And believe me, I was (and still am) aware of His presence every step of the way.
The awesome thing about all of this?
Fire refines. It cleanses. It brings a new beginning.
And two new words.
STRENGTH AND DIGNITY.
A new me born out of weakness and shame. Fear and uncertainty.
This is my year!
What about you? Are there any words that God is using to frame your life this year?
Those are wonderful words. I am sorry to hear that you have had such a difficult several months. I hope you find your strength and dignity! I will keep you in my prayers.
Posted by: Amy | January 08, 2013 at 07:03 AM
Every Christmas we do this thing. It is with "stars" and there are about 50 or 60 different words on the front and an explanation of the stars on the back. Anyway, we sit around and cut these stars out for my sisters congregation and we each pick one for the year. Mine this year was Humble. Now this is something you may need, pass on to someone, help someone with, etc. Every year, it seems the right "word" has come into each of our lives. It is awesome. I am not sure if I have explained it well enough, but it is a great thing to do and one of our traditions. :) Thanks for letting me share.
Posted by: Bobbi | January 08, 2013 at 07:07 AM
This is so your year!!
It seems like you are already way deep into learning some wonderful lessons.
So, why don't you let us show you what you are to us. See, we already see the strenght and the dignity in you. We are just going to hold on to you until you see what we already see.
LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU!
Posted by: Mindy | January 08, 2013 at 07:54 AM
I feel Gods presence the most when going thru a difficult time. I know that he is always present, I just don't seek him as much when things are good, although I try to praise and thank him everyday.
I think prayer would be my word, I am trying to spend more time in prayer this year.
Posted by: patti krueger | January 08, 2013 at 07:56 AM
{{hug}} Though I am mostly a lurker, I have always loved your blog. I love the cloth that you choose for its beauty and colors. I have always though incredibly highly of you, and I am glad that you are choosing to too. :)
Posted by: Melody | January 08, 2013 at 12:47 PM
I think my word for 2012 would be "endured". But only by the grace of God.
My word for 2013 will be "light". So others can see Him through me.
Very excellent post.
Posted by: Kim | January 08, 2013 at 08:42 PM
My word for 2013 is "Listen". I pray that you will grow in both Strength and Dignity as this year progresses and that the hard times will pass - for a while at least.
Posted by: Teresa in Music City | January 08, 2013 at 09:01 PM
I can so relate to the words weakness, fear, doubt and insecurity. I'm astounded that at almost 43, I still struggle with who I am.
Posted by: julie | January 09, 2013 at 12:13 PM
You remind me of strength and dignity.
Posted by: Kendra | January 17, 2013 at 07:41 AM
My word for the year is 'Go'. I was inspired by Philippians 3:13-14. "forgetting what is behind" - I've been allowing things in the past hold me back. This year I'm going to leave those things behind and "press on toward the goal to win the prize that God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus".
Posted by: lyn briggs | January 20, 2013 at 08:03 PM