A well-placed word can change a life. This goes for the words we say, the words we hear, and the words we tell ourselves.
A Word for the Year
Every year, I pick a word of the year. Originally, this was just a fun thing to do, a way to highlight something in my life. Sometimes the word I picked was forgettable. I’d give you some examples, but I can’t remember them.
Other times, the word I picked would challenge me. One year my word was fearless, and the next year my word was fearful. Both pushed me to face a few things about myself.
I’ve been picking a word each year for over ten years. Some of the more memorable ones have been community and warrior.
My year with “community” opened my eyes to the dangers of isolation and the need to establish deeper connections with people. No more taking the back stairwells hoping to avoid everyone. (Well, I still do that sometimes, but it’s more intentional self-care than avoidance.) Sometimes the word for my year discouraged me like when I picked warrior. I really wanted to stand up for myself more and be bold, instead I just felt bad constantly for being such a wimp. In the end though, I realized that real living is about being more than a warrior—being bold and outspoken wouldn’t win most of the battles I faced. I needed something more.
A Word that Changed Me
In 2023, I picked the word ABIDE, and I had no idea how it would change me. I think my choice of “abide” started out from me being busy and wanting to slow down, but it became so much more. As I walked into scary meetings, I whispered, “ABIDE.” When I felt the weight of my own inadequacy, I remembered I was supposed to ABIDE. When I soared and surprised myself with tiny victories, ABIDE reminded me I didn’t get there on my own. In my work, in my fun, in those quiet moments with nothing to do and nowhere to be, ABIDE hovered over me, pointing me in one direction—away from myself and toward GOD.
I took ABIDE from John 15. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you abide in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) And I spent the year studying what it meant to abide. This sweet word dried my tears, gave me a loving hug, and reminded me that I don’t have to do anything alone. I just need to abide.
The full weight of abiding is a mystery, and I can’t explain it. It’s the paradox of being in motion and yet remaining completely still. I don’t have to do anything but ABIDE, but I can also do everything and abide. I think it’s something akin to being fully who I’m created to be but also fully surrendered and dependent on GOD.
Khesed
I loved ABIDE so much I didn’t want to let it go, so I have kept it and just added on another word. My 2024 word was Khesed. A Hebrew word meaning loving kindness, loyalty, and generosity. I focused on love. Actually loyal love. Fierce. True. Compelling and complete. LOVE.
This word had the opposite effect on me. Instead of wrapping me up in warm encouragement and peace, it challenged me, exposed me, and constantly reminded me that loving wasn’t something that came naturally to me.
2025
I haven’t chosen a word for 2025 yet. Yes, I know the year is practically half over. I’m still walking with ABIDE and LOVE humming in my ears, so I don’t feel so bad for not having picked a new word yet.
You know, the point of the word of the year isn’t really about the word. It’s about going deeper. Thinking about how we’re living—where we’ve been and where we’re going—it’s about not settling or giving up or resigning ourselves to our brokenness. And, in the end, for me, this exercise wasn’t even about the word I picked. It was about the fact that GOD is real. His love runs deep, and he cares for each one of us. All we need to do is abide in HIM.
Let’s Write a Story
So, I have a bright idea to write a story using YOUR words of the year. Have you picked one? Do you have a favorite? Write me back or reply in the comments, and I’ll use ALL of the words of the year that I receive in a short story. Send them to me by the end of the month (May 31), and I’ll send you a story in June!
Also, I’ll be putting out my quarterly newsletter soon. If you haven’t subscribed, I hope you will. Subscribers will get extra perks like stories, the inside scoop on what’s coming up in my writing world, and even some personal videos to encourage. If you received this blog post in your inbox, then you’re all good. No need to subscribe again. If you’re reading from social media, though, here’s a link to subscribe: https://www.marybethdahl.org/receive-stories-blogs-latest-news/
Hi Mary Beth, I love your words ABIDE and LOVE. My word for 2024 was REDEMPTION, and my word for 2025 is CONVICTION. Re: conviction, I’m still discerning whether it’s the Lord convicting me to follow Christ to a new level, or holding fast to my convictions when I write, or some of both.
Hi David! So good to hear from you. Thanks for sharing your words. I’m curious to see where that conviction one leads you. Many blessings to you, friend!
Hi Mary Beth, my word for 2025 is create.