One Word 2012

I can talk about (my problems, my hopes, my obstacles, my goals)…
but can I follow through?

I can dream all day…
but can I deliver?

The best ideas in the world are only a vapor until they become reality. A heart that breaks for justice or desires change or yearns for community can only stay still for so long. At some point, the complaining and the dreaming, the hopes and the fears, the plans and the progress…they become reality or they become history.

This week I worshipped, learned and led our students at the Passion conference. Every song and every speaker spoke what they had on their hearts. We cannot be a people of empty words. We cannot say and sing one thing and then not act. In the words of Passion 2012:

Do Something Now. Indifference is not an option.

The work we do is never shaped like rungs on a ladder, steps to climb that obtain our salvation. But faith without works is dead. And love without action is just a fantasy. So if I desire to live and love like Jesus, and to reflect God in me, I must deliver.

I long to be a wife and friend who says what she means. I long to be a mother who keeps her promises. I long to be a writer who proclaims truth with “authority and affection” in the words of Beth Moore. I long to be a leader who balances passion, patience and integrity.

And more than anything else, I want to deliver on my words, ideas and convictions of my heart.

This year, I want to do whatever it takes to deliver on those ideas. I want this blog to be a place where we speak out the words that define our year, and our lives. I want you to hold me to it. I want to deliver on my promise to read deeply and often in God’s word, and share with you those reflections. I want to give you 30 ways to get involved in ending slavery in our day. I want to bring you resources and reflections that encourage you in your journey.

And I want to pray for each and every one of you who signs up for a One Word 2012.

If you are in, declare it now. Leave a comment through Facebook or right here. Next Wednesday, I hope to display our words in one place that we can return to this year as we pray and cheer and listen to one another. Thanks for stopping by.

Don’t stay silent.

Raise your voice and raise your word.