Each year I choose a word of the year that walks with me, guides me, forms me, teaches me lessons along the way. This is a spiritual practice I have enjoyed for more than 10 years and find it deepens my self-knowledge, adds clarity and meaning, and helps me grow closer to God.
Some years the word is fun; some years it is challenging. Some years I find a word easily; others I have to dig, wait, search for just the right one. But occasionally the word finds me. That happened this year.
I usually begin in late fall listening and looking for what words sound interesting or keep reappearing. I start a list and keep it handy on my desk and jot down possibilities. Later I write them in my journal and begin to prayerfully consider each one, seeing if one bubbles more to the top. I may circle a few that draw my attention. I may write down a couple of new ones.
One morning mid-December I quietly sat with my journal open staring at the words: hope, now, behold, walk, near…all circled. All whispered. All waited quietly. Nicely. Gently. Like introverts. They seemed to smile at me.
I am not sure what exactly happened next, but I was startled. Like something crashed into my lap. I jerked my head up. I had my eyes closed and opened them suddenly expected to see something in reality in my hands but nothing was there. I could have sworn I heard a rumble then a thump. What happened?
Lord what is this? Deep inside my heart I heard a Voice answered:
Courage.
What? Courage? No way. I was quite comfortable with the quiet easy words already written in my journal. You want me to take courage as my word of the year? No! (Yes, I am quite good at arguing with God I am now embarrassed to admit)
Courage jarred my spirit. Then I remember my spiritual director reminded me to always pay attention when something shakes our souls –it is significant. Maybe I should take my time and listen to this moment.
But courage? Courage scared me. Courage brought tears to my eyes. To be honest I was shocked on how deeply this word affected me. And when I realized that – I knew. I knew courage WAS my word. This word I would never have chosen on my own. Courage chose me. Courage is a gift from God. I would be fool not to choose this word.
Courage stretched me out of my comfort zone. At least a first step and I imagine will continue to do so.
And of course, there are several wonderful Bible verses about courage. The one that I am started with in January in this one:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1: 9
I have also felt the words I have circled in my journal still contained life. They call to me as gift in the form of breath prayers for 2025: “Behold” “Come near.”
I am not sure where courage and I will journey together but we will walk together into 2025. I will explore its meaning, quotes, what others say about courage and other insights as the year unfolds.
Am I scared? My imagination drifts to what may happen in the future that I may need courage to face. Yes, that is frightening. But I am also reminded I am a Child of God and trust God.
Yes, but I am finding this word feels now like I can face forward. Courage is life-giving. I sense a calling to enter into the new year knowing God is with me. Courage invites me with energy to come. Let’s go. Life awaits. Joy and sorrow may all be ahead, but all will be held with Love.
Do you have a word of the year? Let’s share it if you have this practice?
I love how you pictured those sweet, calm words smiling at you—and then COURAGE walks into the room!
it was quite the experience too!
My WOTY is DARE, from the Greek word tolma, which means bold courage. It looks like we will be on this journey of courage together this year. I look forward to the wisdom and encouragement you will share.
( a One Word Friend)
We are on the same path!! I didn’t know that greek word – good to know! Thanks!
Take courage, my friend, I hear Him say! And you are.
Bless you in your steady 10 year One Word journey. This is something that never has worked for me so I’ll just sit on the sidelines and cheer you all on. I love how you keep us posted as to how your Word plays out for you along the way.
You go, girl!
Different practices for different people, Linda. I find word of year practice to help me but some years not as much as others. Often depends how much time and effort I listen and put into the to word too and how much ego I put into the word or how much I let the Holy Spirit lead me. This one is being Spirit led for sure!
This is so exciting, Jean! But I totally understand your being startled and a little apprehensive too. Courage is a bold choice. I know you’re up to the challenge though. I’m certain Courage will serve you well in 2025, and we’ll all be a little braver at the end of the year because of what you’ll learn and share!
yes I was certainly startled! I love how YOU encouraged us to explore and keep up with digging deeper with our words. I am blessed to connect with you!!
Hi – just read today’s email…if you are looking for new everything, have you thought about substack? I am so tempted to use it, but I have my wordpress site, so changing seems to be a big step…at the same time, substack has everything at one site…I need God to speak clearly to me on this issue!
Blessings on your search and decisions…I just did a Hebrew word study on the word diligent from Proverbs 21:5, and it was very inspiring…part of its meaning is to make the quick decision!
In Him,
Cindy
Thanks for stopping by Cindy and yes Substack is one way I am thinking about. Medium is another. I have to explore both. I probably will remind on wordpress for awhile then move later in the year to one of those platforms. Let’s both keep praying for guidance and courage for this decision.
I too am thankful to know you are well, Jean, with every intention to continue blogging. With Martha I’ll visit here each week so I don’t miss any posts. As for your word of the year, I agree COURAGE is a challenging one! I look forward to learning and challenging myself as you share your insights about COURAGE throughout 2025. Meanwhile, I have yet for a word to grab my attention this year! I may need to spend some focused time prayerfully inquiring of God what he’d have me focus on.
thank you for continuing to stop by. I know it isn’t as convenient. I was so frustrating. Tech isn’t easy, you know. I guess one reason I need courage right now, right? Your word will appear at the right time. One year I think it was February until I was sure of my word of the year.
Thank you for your encouragement, Jean! Recently the word INTENTIONALITY turned up in several places. God may desire I explore how I can be more intentional in various areas of my life.
May that word bless you throughout the year. It holds lots of wisdom!
When a word shakes us to the core, just as “courage” did for you, that’s when we know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that God has spoken that word to us. Mine is “grace,” and it, too, jumped out at me when I wasn’t even expecting it.
Sorry to hear that your blog is acting up, Jean, but so glad you let us all know that you had this recent post. When I didn’t see your usual Tuesday offering, I did get a bit worried! I will make a note to check on you every Tuesday until you’re able to straighten everything out. Take courage!
Grace is a wonderful word, Martha and will guide you well I am sure.