My word of the year – Courageous
For the last four years I have chosen a word of the year – a word that I can reflect on and use to
improve myself and my life. To be perfectly honest, I should say that it has been God that has chosen my
word for the year. Usually in November or December, God begins to bring a constant theme into my
life and my surroundings. At some point in January I finally recognize that it is something He wants
me to take a look at and work on. The first year the word was
Wisdom..
I liked that one. It sounded noble and worthy.
It didn’t really work that way though……..
I came to realize that one of the ways you gain wisdom is by
making lots of mistakes, learning how NOT to do something.
That was when I realized that my “Word of the year”
might not always be fun to live out. And that is why I am so afraid of this years word..
Courageous..
Does the fact that I am afraid of it show how much I need it?!
I looked up the word on Wikipedia - because as we all know, that is the utmost authority on all things..;-)
I love words, and I love digging in to their meaning.
They started out with this quote from Maya Angelou: -
Then this one by Winston Churchill:
As I read these I began to look at places in my life where I respond out of fear.
And how that affects the other qualities I have.
Have you ever found yourself afraid to take a
stand because you were worried what others might think of you?
Do you ever choose not to do something because you can’t face the possibility of failure?
Do you ever believe someone won’t really like you, unless you wear a mask?
Do you ever find yourself so bogged down by your circumstances that you
can’t even bring yourself to face the day?
I find myself in those situations…and I am tired of living that way.
I want to be brave enough to stand up for something I really believe in. I want to have perseverance
to stay with something, even if there is a chance I may fail.
I want to be honest about my opinion when asked.
And maybe even when not asked.. And I want the ability to enjoy life with a zest and vitality,
even when my circumstances could bring me down.
Bravery Perseverance Honesty Zest for life
These character traits take courage..and they don’t always come naturally.
In fact, in my life anyway, I don’t think they have ever come naturally.
I have struggled with anxiety and people pleasing my entire life..
So, what am I going to do to try to change that? How am I going to create courage?
Not by myself, that is certain..
I am going to try and face some of the things I am afraid of..
I am going to speak where I might prefer to stay silent.
I am going to to be honest with my answers, and realize that the friends
that don’t like me when I am transparent, may not really be my friends.
I am going to talk more often about my faith on my blog.
And know that even if I lose some readers,
I am not afraid to stand up for what I believe in.
I am going to take my strength from my God -
And gain courage from His presence and His love for me
and the fact that he will never leave me.
There is a song out right now called Courageous – made to go with the movie of the same name.
It has one line in it that I have kept in my heart,
“The only way I’ll ever stand, is on my knees with empty hands.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am setting a goal of spending
more time on my knees this year-
Because I believe that is where
I will find the strength,
to truly stand.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My friend Layla at The Lettered Cottage, is hosting a blog party called
“This little word of mine, I’m gonna let it shine”
(it starts tomorrow)
Go there and see what words other bloggers have chosen to focus on this year -
Have you chosen a word yet?
gina hendricks
38 days ago
You won’t loose me; I love reading blogs from women of faith. Good for you. My word? I don’t know. I will have to think on it. Something the opposite of broken.
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gina hendricks
38 days ago
You won’t loose me; I love reading blogs from women of faith. Good for you. My word? I don’t know. I will have to think on it. Something the opposite of broken.
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Sharyl@Thelittlebrownhouse Reply:
January 15th, 2012 at 10:14 pm
Thank you so much-
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joanne
38 days ago
you know, you just might encourage someone else (me) to learn to stand on her own, with her Lord, by being courageous yourself. Great word. I look forward to seeing how God uses it in your life. My word…listen.
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Sharyl@Thelittlebrownhouse Reply:
January 15th, 2012 at 10:14 pm
Thank you – your words brought tears to my eyes;-)
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ChrisF
38 days ago
Oh Winston, you legend!
I totally and utterly agree – courage is so important. It’s the foundation on which we must build on, for ourselves and our loved ones.
Thank you for sharing.
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Sharyl@Thelittlebrownhouse Reply:
January 16th, 2012 at 7:28 am
You are welcome – and thank you!
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Tammy@InStitches
38 days ago
That’s a great one. Don’t worry you just gained one reader, me !
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Sharyl@Thelittlebrownhouse Reply:
January 16th, 2012 at 7:27 am
:.-)
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Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality
38 days ago
Sharyl, I love your word! Courage is a wonderful thing to have and get more of & yes, only through God can we get true courage to face everything that comes our way. Have so enjoyed getting to know you online & look forward to hugging you in person at Haven. xoxo
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Deidre
37 days ago
Perfect word!!!! God was dealing with me about that very thing just yesterday at church. I want to be courageous, too!!!! I know we can do it with His help. :0)
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Lori Williams
37 days ago
Thanks Sharyl for the idea that God would give us a word to focus on this year.
I believe the word He has given me this year is RELATIONSHIPS. I want to be less selfish with my time and focus on building my true treasures. These treasures are built in relationships with others.
He has put a ministry on my heart about women mentoring other women and has given me the desire to try to put it in action this year at our church.
The verses He gave me are: Proverbs 27:17 (As iron sharpens iron so one man sharpens another) and Hebrews 10:24-25 (And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching)
Anyway, thanks again for sharing the idea of a word focus for the year.
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Alison
37 days ago
Sharyl, I also came up with the word Courage. Courage to make changes in my life and courage to deal with the failure and rejection that might come from taking those steps to grow. Loved reading your blog this morning and having some of my “homework” on the word already done. To an awesome and courageous 2012!
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Carol
37 days ago
Wow. What a word! And stepping out in obedience is your first act of courage! Be blessed!
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SheilaG
37 days ago
Your word is close to mine, Courage. Thank you for sharing the struggles and I look forward to more expressions of your faith. God made us to encourage and lift each other up. I pray for a courageous heart for you this year.
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Landy
37 days ago
I’m proud of you, Sharyl. It is hard to stand up for what you believe in since it seems to not matter to many what their words or actions do to others. You and other faith believers inspire me to be a better person and to speak truth even when it’s not well received. Hold fast to God, for you know the scripture tells us he will never forsake us or leave us. : )
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Sandy
37 days ago
Wonderful choice of words, many attributes can be gained from it. Blessings on stepping out in courage where ever or when ever you are called to.
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Linda @ it all started with paint
37 days ago
Hello there one of my favorite bloggers and blog friend,
I’m standing right next to you at Layla’s party. One your right (or would that be left? Oh, I’m #25) with a glass of Pinot Grigio in my hand …
I thought it only appropriate that we, you know, socialize …
I must tell you that I find you ‘authentic’ … your blog a real voice, and a voice that I keep coming back to for more …
Just be that person you are here. I feel courage that you may not realize you possess. And if others don’t agree, too bad. We can’t please everyone. We can only please ourselves.
xo
Linda
itallstartedwithpaint@gmail.com
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Melesa
36 days ago
You’ve shown courage just choosing this word…I love it! I haven’t chosen a word yet, but have been thinking a lot about it lately. I asked my husband what his word would be and he immediately chose “overcome” He said that he has a lot to overcome this year. I hope I have a word call out to me. I know “Hope” Well, that just slapped me silly, didn’t it? I don’t know how you could possibly lose any friends on here. I fell in love with you from the very first visit and it makes it better that you have faith in the Lord and want to spend more time with our Maker. I have chosen to exercise my mind and my body this year. I’m not diligent yet, but I’m getting there. I just got the Max Lucado study bible and I really enjoy using it in the morning during my study and prayer time. I “HOPE” you have a blessed day! Melesa
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Cindy Conner
36 days ago
Love your post today! Thanks for sharing.
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thistlewoodfarm
36 days ago
This post really spoke to me! Courage is one thing I am lacking in and I needed to hear this post! Thank you for being an authentic voice in an all too rushed world!
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thoroughlymodernme
35 days ago
Love ALL your words. So inspiring!
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Lorie W.
31 days ago
I’m so proud of you for sharing! Way to go!!!!
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