Choosing the theme of “bold words” for this year in ministry seems as daunting as it is hopeful. While I long for women to influence others with God’s Word, we’ve also experienced an ugly war of words in our culture this past year. So please use this definition of boldness when you think of the words we long to impart:
-Fearless before danger
-Adventurous and free
-Prominent and influential
I see nothing in that definition about being loud & angry, bossy & brash, or judgy and arrogant.
Our boldness comes from the God who made us,
the adventure He’s teaching us to live in through His Word,
and the influence He gives us every day.
Over the holidays, I was struck with the reality that we live in a world that is both
awful and awesome
tragic and magical
deeply marred and breathtakingly beautiful.
On this swinging pendulum of emotion, I need something to steady me. I have found, time and time again, that God’s Word is that lifeline.
Each new year I choose a word or phrase from Scripture to be my Bold Word for the year. There’s usually an informal process that involves, in no particular order . . .
- Prayer
- Reading scripture
- Waiting for a stirring in my soul
On January 1, 2018, I found myself in Lamentations. Yep. I wasn’t feeling particularly “lamenty,” so I can only assume my Bible app directed me to chapter 3 which starts out with lots of hard words — afflictions, darkness, anguish, distress. Yikes! Gladly, those words did not stir me for 2018.
But reading in the New Living translation, these familiar verses hit me in a new way:
Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this:
The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
His mercies never cease.Lamentations 3:21-22
Yet I still dare to hope – now that stirred me!
It’s the lifeline between what’s awful and what’s awesome in that chapter.
How about you?
What bold words have you heard this week, or even today that are stirring you? Can you see yourself as fearless in the face of danger because of the Word of God? Is there freedom in your soul to live out your faith in front of others?
As you join us here each week, my daring hope for you is . . . that God’s Word will dispel your fear . . . set you free for adventure with Him . . . and help you become a prominent woman of God who influences others.
Equip Her 