Above all else, guard your heart...

Above all else, guard your heart- for it is the wellspring of life. (Proverbs 4.23)

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

One Word.

One word.

It really can't do much, right?

In a culture where verbose resolutions are made to be broken, maybe one word is all we need.

In case you haven't heard, several people have ditched their pattern of broken resolutions and picked up something simple. One word.

You can read about where it all began below.



Over the past couple of days I've tossed several words around trying to decide on what would not only fit what needs to be changed in my life, but what would also stretch and challenge me in ways I don't yet know.

Then, about five minutes ago, I realized none of those words completely encompassed all that I hope for and fear when I think about 2011. My word is an unknown secret to most and a lifelong quest for all.

My word?

Purpose.

Defined both as a noun and a verb indicates not only a static, tangible thing but also a dynamic, moving action.

Noun:
the reason for which something exists
an intended or desired result; end; aim; goal
determination; resoluteness
the subject in hand; the point at issue

Verb:
to set as an aim, intention, or goal for oneself
to intend; design
to resolve (to do something)

on purpose: by design; intentionally
to the purpose: relevant; to the point

Purpose and I have a history.

It's taunted me in my failings.
Covered its face in my searching.
Shown me glimpses of its shadow in the light.

But purpose still doesn't have a name.

To be honest, the word terrifies me. The definition alone screams my past failings and whispers my unknown future. To live the definition requires something beyond myself. Actually, it requires getting rid of myself completely. It requires me to live as I was intended to, resolutely and determined, and find the thing for which I was created.

No pressure, Christina.

And isn't it ironic my personal verse for 2011 falls into the exact same category.

I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.
Ephesians 4:1

Live a life worthy of your calling.

Talk about a new year's resolution.

So here's to 2011, a year in which I will resolve to do nothing but find my purpose, live with a purpose, and have a purpose in all I do.

Who knew one word could change so much.

7 comments:

  1. I love it! Excited to see God at work in your life this year!

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  2. Great stuff, Christina! 2011 is going to be a banner year for sure, and I'm honored to serve alongside you and see the way your One Word, purpose, shapes your year!

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  3. Wow. POWERFUL! Thank you so much sharing this, Christina. All of these OneWords are adding up to be something so beautiful. I've been challenged by every single post.

    Here's to 2011 and all it has in store for you this year as you pursue purpose!

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  4. Wow...what an awesome word. That's the kind of word that seems daunting but in the back of my mind makes me think that it's going to be easier and easier as you discover what your purpose is going to be. Good luck this year!

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  5. Awesome!
    I have a saying at work, and it sort of seeped into my own ONEWORD as well. "Everything is ON PURPOSE." Totally true. Living so that everything you do is on purpose... we just have to choose which kind of purpose we want our life to count for, good or bad.
    Love you girl, so proud of you and what an example you are to your girls that you coach, the folks you lead, and me!
    I'm certain that our friendship is ON PURPOSE!!

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  6. christina! such a powerful word. can't wait to see what God does with it this year... what He does with YOU!

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  7. You are incredible lady! Great posting! You inspire me to start my own blog....except I would need you to write it so eloquently!

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