My friend Alece started a non-resolution revolution of sorts on her blog. Basically, her challenge is to ditch lists and the regret of unkept New Year promises. In exchange she asked that everyone choose one word that they would live, eat, breathe, and walk out during 2011. The only new year’s resolution I have ever kept was to watch more reality TV (I was a smashing success!) so this sounded like a better option for me.
I love the one word idea and I’m thrilled to be focusing on one thing this year. So, here is my one word for 2011:
Submit
This is so fitting for me right now. I’m just returning from a long blog break. I shared that I had to step away from the blog because I felt like I needed to be quiet and listen. What I haven’t shared is how specific God was with me during that time.
When I was at Idea Camp in Las Vegas last September, I facilitated a workshop on the power of confession. I had intended to attend the conference, participate on a panel, do my workshop, hang out with my friends, then return home and blog all about it. I never got to the blogging part. Some of the things that were shared in my workshop hit me in unexpected ways. That was the start of the season of silence.
Basically, during my time away I realized that God was giving me a glimpse of what he wanted me to be doing. The opportunities to speak, write and share my story were only a taste of what he had in store for me. But I realized that I would never be able to experience all that he had for me until I was ready to submit completely. Everything.
Most of what I share is centered around addiction and our recovery journey, about a broken relationship and restoration. However, the truth is there were two specific things that God revealed to me after that workshop that I needed to address:
First, I had gained over 100 pounds during the darkest days of our marriage. Yes, 100. And I’m still carrying that weight around. Second, I had lost faith in the church after we were asked to leave the church I had attended for years. We were asked to leave because of my husband’s addiction, and I wasn’t sure I would ever be able to fully trust or engage in church community again.
God has been very clear with me… if I want to experience all that he has in store for me I have to address these. If I want credibility when I talk about recovery, I need to surrender and submit.
I came to realize that as long as I still struggle with these two things, I haven’t really recovered.
Here’s the problem: I have a MAJOR pride issue. I’ve spent the last few months looking at the pride in my life and all of the complicated, subtle ways that it manifests itself. Ways that reach far beyond these two things and stretch into almost all that I think and do.
Needless to say, it’s complicated.
So, this year I am focused on submitting. Submitting to accountability about my weight. Submitting to pastoral care to address my church/trust issues. Submitting to the church and other women so I can build and flex my severely underdeveloped trust muscle. Submitting to a process of recovery that may or may not include a therapist and/or a personal trainer. Submitting to a select group of people that have full access to my marriage, my finances, my thoughts, and my actions.
I’m surrendering to God’s will.
I am submitting to his plan, his process, and his people (by the way, that last bit scares the crap out of me).
Submit. My one word.
Pushing past myself.
Leaning into others.
Embracing the truth.
Pursuing God.
Submit.
What is your one word for 2011?
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20 Responses to One Word: Submit
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I wish I could give you a big, glowing comment here about how great this post is but I can’t because of how great it is. I’m stunned by it. I’m anxious to see what God does through and with you.
Thank you so much for your kind, encouraging words. I appreciate you.
so proud of you. we will be cheering you on in your corner <3
Thank you so much. Glad to have you in this with me. Your prayer and support means so much to me. xoxo
yowza…thanks for sharing. wow. i feel alot of what you’re feeling & i’m so glad you’re so very open about it! i love your word & i’ll be praying that it serves you well!
Honored to have you along side me
Thanks, girl! I covet your prayers. xo
wow, nicole. i am so thankful for your vulnerability and realness. what an example you are to me. i value and admire the way you have so gracefully let down your guard and invited us in. thank you for exposing your heart — the good, the bad, and the ugly. i swear it only makes you even more beautiful.
you are choosing and chasing the hard this year. and it leaves me in awe. of your humility, your faith, your honesty. you are the real deal. my velveteen rabbit friend.
i am so grateful i get to steal glimpses of your journey this year… come alongside however possible (hopefully in person at some point)… and cheer you on in your brave and courageous walk.
I love you. Thank you for starting One Word. Any seriously? If I don’t see you in soon I think I’ll cry.
As (former) victims, this can be one of the most difficult challenges to face… to submit… but without it, we haven’t fully recovered. Bravo to you on being bold and brave and facing that difficult goal — you’re well on your way to achieving it.
So grateful that you’re willing to share even more of your amazing, wonderful self with us. Peace and power to you.
Thanks for sharing not only your One Word, but your heart as well. I so appreciate the genuineness of your heart. You encouraged me today….thank you!
You may struggle with PRIDE (and who the heck doesn’t?) but I think you have a handle on honesty! Great post.
My word for 2011 is DO…and includes getting off my bum to JUST DO – anything from simply moving my body, to calling people when prompted by the Spirit, to sending that note, making and taking that meal, and even commenting on that blog post – instead of just INTENDING to do some things. Here’s to a great 2011 for all of us. Praying for you!
mine is believe.
love the word sumbit. it’s such a strong word. even Jesus submitted to the will of the Father, even if He had a choice not to.
Hi there!
Over from Alece’s blog and just wanted to say thank you for sharing your heart so openly. I live in Michigan too!
I’m sorry for the rejection you have encountered due to your husband’s past addiction. My husband is a recovering alcoholic whose been sober for some time now (Praise the Lord!). What really changed his life and brought him to a place of healing as well as me being severely co-dependent and angry as a result of his addiction was a ministry called Celebrate Recovery through our church. This ministry has really changed our lives. We’ve met some awesome people with similar struggles who have been transparent, gracious and loving towards us. Such a family atmosphere!
If you want you can email me at holyghostgirl81@hotmail.com. Would love to know where you are in MI and possibly pray for how I can encourage you in finding a church/CR group near you.
Love and blessings as you venture on your journey to submit!
Ayla
Nothing makes me more violently ill than the thought of women submitting to “he” And submitting to a male god is the very heart of male supremacy.
My word is freedom, freedom from male supremacy, freedom from male tyranny, and freedom from male god language.
i’m back. just to say i love you. that’s all…
I don’t know you, but I’m going to go ahead and say, “You go, girl!” Wishing you a kick ass submission year! (Kick ass submission…the oxymoron for 2011.)
YOU are magnificent. Absolutely stunning and inspiring and I am so excited to see what God will do in your life as you risk taking the step forward to address these. Healing always costs… but it is ALWAYS worth it
Celebrating with you as you embark upon this journey
My word is “wonder” 
las vegas outdoor wedding
A very artistic one and APPRECIATE IT A LOT..i thank you for having this
one