In the past, I have had words find me — in a serendipitous manner with a lace of intuition. This year was no exception as my favorite poet and artist, Morgan Harper Nichols, created an Instagram Reel of suggested words for the year. A screenshot determined my word this year, but I am certain it was meant for me (even if it were a millisecond between my word and another.)
I was clouded with so many fearful thoughts of the future, the what-ifs and I can’ts and worry-mixed-with-doubt. It was hard to gain clarity and even find out the truth in God’s sight: what is the best decision and next-right-thing? If only I could see through the fear, I pondered; what would that feel like? A sigh of relief, a breath of fresh air, and peace? Likely all of the above.
Discernment is a tool in our spiritual arsenal – one of the Holy Spirit gifts to us. It guides us to the will of God, which is to say the best possible outcome for us.
This year I choose blossom as my Word because it represents my intention to grow from the roots I planted as a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5) and build back what was broken through the vehicle of relationship.
It was the morning of the most important interview of my career; with emotions running haywire and hormones adding a dizzying effect, I decided that I just couldn't go to my interview that afternoon. The fear shouted so loudly that I couldn't hear the voice of wisdom that knew to show up despite the very big feelings. This was my dream job, after all!
I came across a message that described joy as conviction rather than a feeling. This idea of the word, one that can be a potent player in our life if our perspective is in the right place, caught my attention. We often wait for experiences that fill us with joy, something that fills us with a joyous feeling.
My feet have passed over the same “Protect Yo Heart” sidewalk graffiti three times: in LA, San Diego and New York City. It is always when I need a reminder to protect my heart. I was (and still tend to be) the girl that followed her heart blindly. I ignore red flags and race into a relationship before I get to know someone well enough or think about what I am doing intentionally. While I never regret following my heart, I do regret not listening to God down the line.
God isn't in the business of giving us exactly what we want when we want it (especially if that desire is self-seeking or materialistic). God is in the business of giving us what we need by transforming our hearts, minds, character and actions so they align with His will and desires for us—desires to love and serve each other with kindness, compassion and warmth. And the person we must start with is the one looking at us in the mirror.
Resistance is a form of fear; it masquerades as something like procrastination. There are many forms of resistance but they all have one commonality: they stem from fear. Once we finally understand the root of our resistance, we can work toward facing the fears that have caused such resistance in our lives. With this new realization, we are empowered to work through our fears so they no longer remain the driving force behind our actions.
