Sometimes, we receive an email that has a profound impact on us. I received one last week from Mary Jane Copps, “The Phone Lady.” Mary Jane shared about the 'One Word' concept she has been using for the past seven years. Here is what she wrote in her blog post: “For the seventh year, I’m sharing with you the concept of 'One Word.' I was introduced to this idea at the end of 2015 by my colleague and friend Jeanie Burke. It involves choosing one word to express your resolutions/hopes/wishes/goals for the coming year. I’ve been amazed at the impact of this seemingly simple exercise. There’s a lot of information available on the 'One Word' concept. My research indicates the idea became a movement due to the writings and work of Jon Gordon, Dan Britton, and Jimmy Page, and you can find more information on their website, Get One Word. Simply put, instead of making a list of specific resolutions, which are often abandoned or forgotten by February, choose one word as your theme for the coming year." (The link to her post: https://thephonelady.com/one-word-for-2022/) Mary Jane talked about the impact of choosing one word. Over the years, she has chosen words such as Dare, Learn, Imperfect, Be, Open, and Thanks. What she has learned and accomplished based on the focus of that 'One Word' is very inspiring. Mary Jane stated that her word for this year is “Accept.” As I was interested in the background of 'One Word,' I looked for information on the authors of “One Word' that will change your life.” I discovered that: Dan Britton is “a speaker, writer, coach, and trainer whose mission is to help people pursue their passion. He serves as the Chief Field Officer with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes where he has been on staff since 1990.” Jimmy Page “serves as a Vice President of Field Ministry and is the National Director of the Health & Fitness ministry for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.” and Jon Gordon is “a graduate of Cornell University and holds a Masters in Teaching from Emory University. He and his training/consulting company are passionate about developing positive leaders, organizations and teams.” http://getoneword.com/authors/ I felt confident in the intent of this concept and therefore in sharing it with you. If you make New Year’s Resolutions and experience varying degrees of success, this may be something to consider! 7 Steps to Choosing Your "One Word" for the New Year
1. Ask God if there is a particular focus He would like you to have this year. Perhaps it will
be “a lens you can see things through,” such as decisions you need to make, emotions you have, or something you have always wanted to do. 2. Sit quietly with the Lord and see what 'One Word' comes to your mind and heart. 3. Go to the dictionary to define your 'One Word.' 4. Go to “The Word” and choose a specific verse for your 'One Word.' 5. Memorize the verse, posting it in places where you will often see it. 6. As things come up during the day, remember your 'One Word' and see what God reveals to you, equips you to do, or prepares you to think differently about. 7. Journal what you learn.
I want to share that I have chosen my 'One Word,' “Empower.“ The definition of empower is: “having the knowledge, confidence, means or ability to do things or make decisions for oneself.” Synonyms include “authorize, entitle, permit, allow, delegate, give someone permission, equip and “give the green light.” The Bible verse I have chosen is: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13) If you are like me, there are things you want to do which you have not yet done. I am not determining any New Year’s Resolutions this year. Instead, I am going to focus on “Empowerment” as I realize that the power to do something (or not) comes from the Lord. I will depend on Him, and look at issues or circumstances through the lens of His Word as I consider my 'One Word,' Empower. I am excited to see what God will reveal to me as I turn to Him to empower me.
May God richly bless you this year as you turn to Him, and His Word, to work on and express your resolutions/hopes/wishes/goals for the coming year. Have a fantastic 2022! Bonny, Christian Women at Work