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Monday
Feb122024

The Happy Truth about Valentine's Day

In this Valentine's Day UPGRADE, we can upgrade our understanding of this holiday—what it is and why we celebrate it, and whether Christians should happily take part. First, a little history lesson, and then some positive encouragement.

     What Is the Origin of Valentine’s Day?

I debated a man once concerning Valentine’s Day. “So what’s with Christians and Valentine’s Day,” he said. “Why celebrate a pagan holiday?”

To be honest, I stumbled around with my answers. I really didn’t know much about the celebration’s background, and the theories I put forth were woefully weak. Later, I decided to study it out; and maybe what I discovered will help you too.

St. Valentine’s Day, like St. Patrick’s Day, is popular in Europe and the modern west. While there are texts by Patrick himself that tell us about the godly man and help explain why he is celebrated, the origin of Valentine and Valentine’s Day aren’t entirely clear.

In secular articles, you’re sure to read about the pagan origins of Valentine’s Day. And in religious articles, the story is all about a martyred saint.

So which is right?

Maybe a little of both.

Some historians say the likely origin of the holiday was the ancient Roman festival, Lupercalia, which was celebrated on February 15th. Lupercalia was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, but also to the Roman founders, Romulus and Remus, who were believed to have been cared for as infants by a wolf (a lupa).

The fertility festival was quite involved, ending with young women placing their names in an urn and bachelors drawing names to pair off for the year, a practice that often led to marriage.

Pope Gelasius (5th century) abolished the fertility festival for its “un-Christian” practices, and replaced it with a day honoring St. Valentine.

The term “Volantynys day” showed up in a romantic, 14th century poem, “Parliament of Fowls,” by Geoffrey Chaucer. The poem explicitly linked romantic love to Valentine. The concept behind the poem is that a group of birds gather on “seynt valentynes day” to choose their mates—hence, the day’s romantic theme. By the 15th century, lovers sent each other love notes on Saint Valentine’s Day.

For some reason, Cupid was later added into the Valentine’s Day mix. The Cupid figure was originally Eros, the son of Aphrodite, in Greek mythology. Later, in Roman mythology, the name was switched to Cupid, the son of Venus. In both cases, he was the son of the mythical goddess of love and armed with a bow and two kinds of arrows—gold arrows to spark love and lead arrows to ignite hate.

Cupid was devious and played on his targets’ emotions. In later writings, Cupid was portrayed as a mischievous cherub, and later still, he became something like a mascot for Valentine’s Day.  

February 14 is listed on the “Calendar of Saints” in Anglican and Lutheran churches, but the Roman Catholic Church practiced it as a local celebration. The Eastern Orthodox Church celebrated Saint Valentine’s Day too, but on July 6.

The modern-day celebration is a romantic holiday, primarily developed in Victorian England. It included the giving of cards, flowers, and chocolates. Commercialized Valentine’s Day cards were created in the early to mid-19th century. In some countries, the day is considered a celebration of friendship rather than romance.

The oldest known written valentine is at the British Library in London, written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife—from his prison cell in the Tower of London.

But what about Valentine himself?

Was Valentine a Martyred Saint?

The name “Valentine” was a popular name, with about a dozen early Christians having that name. The Catholic church recognizes at least three Christians named Valentine or Valentinus. All three were Christian martyrs, like Bishop Valentine of Terni who was beheaded.

Tradition, however, embraces Valentine of Rome, an Italian bishop who was killed on February 14, 296 AD, at the command of Emperor Claudius Gothicus of Rome.

As the story goes, Claudius decided that single men would make better soldiers than those who had wives and families, so he outlawed marriage for young men. Feeling this was an injustice, Valentine defied the emperor and continued to perform secret marriages for young lovers.

Emperor Claudius, angered to hear about Valentine's actions, interviewed Valentine and told him he could only escape death if he converted to paganism.

Instead, Valentine tried to convert Claudius to Christianity!

So was Valentine a true Christian? Unlike "St. Patrick," we don't know what Valentine believed about Jesus or salvation.

Only God knows Valentine's heart, just as He knows our hearts.

Stories about him were likely embellished to solidify his commemoration as a Catholic saint.

For example, prior to his execution, it’s said Valentine healed a jailer’s blind daughter, Julia, who encouraged him in prison. Some renditions of this account say he wrote a letter to Julia before his death, signing it, “Your Valentine.”

It’s also said that he gave parchment hearts to soldiers and to persecuted Christians to remind them of God’s love. Some stories suggest Valentine was killed for trying to help Christians escape torture in Roman prisons.

While the Valentine stories are murky, in all accounts, he was heroic and he deeply loved God.

Should Christians Celebrate Valentine’s Day?

So how does all this play out for Christians? A writer at the Bible research site Compelling Truth says that the holiday is “neither biblical nor anti-biblical.”

The Happy Truth about Valentine's Day is that it is permissible to celebrate, but perhaps in a uniquely Christian way.

Christians are free regarding the celebration of Valentine’s Day,” the writer said. “There are many positive things to be said about celebrating love for one another.

There is nothing inherently wrong with expressing love through cards and gifts on a specific day of the year. "But there is nothing inherently righteous about it either," the writer said, "and we should also express our love for one another throughout the year and in a variety of ways.”

Valentine's "sainthood" is an issue for some. It's important to note that in early translations, believers in the Bible are called “saints,” meaning “holy ones” (Acts 9:32; Romans 16:2; Ephesians 4:12; Philippians 4:21)—even though some of them might have had serious sin problems. In some newer translations, they are simply called "the Lord's people" or "believers"—perhaps as a reaction to the misuse of the term "saint."

There is no such thing biblically as "sainthood" as it expressed by the Catholic Church.

  • But there’s nothing wrong with commemorating Christian martyrs or faithful Christians in the past.
  • Neither is there a biblical mandate to commemorate them.

In the article, “Valentine’s Day Belongs to God,” Jon Bloom at Discovering God says, “So what should Christians make of today’s Valentine’s Day?

"As much as purely possible!”

Bloom notes that “Valentine was a saint and Eros (love) in not Cupid’s domain.” So, he says, Christians should be “the most unashamed and exuberant celebrators of romantic love there are, and the strongest guardians of God’s design and boundaries, because God made it for us to enjoy, along with many other things (1 Timothy 6:17b).” For example, Song of Solomon is packed with intoxicating, romantic love. Solomon was intoxicated with his bride!

The mystery of married love is to be celebrated (Proverbs 18:22; Ephesians 5:21-33; 1 Peter 3:1-7), and yet it is only a shadow of what is to come, Bloom said. He calls God the “greatest romantic in existence,” and said our Creator has designed romance to give us “a taste of the greatest romance that will ever exist, of which all Christians will experience.”

What does Bloom mean? At the marriage supper of the Lamb, when we drink the wine with our Groom and enjoy spiritual intimacy with Him that we had only previously known in metaphors (Revelation 19:6-8).

Four closing thoughts:

1. Valentine’s Day should not be something used to divide God’s people.

How should Christians deal with disagreement in the Body of Christ about Valentine’s Day? Biblically! 

Paul wrote about special days:

One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind (Romans 14:5).

In other words, we may not think the same concerning special "days," and we need to be careful in judging other believers. (Be sure, when you take issue with other Christians, that there's a biblical truth behind your concerns; and if you do share concerns, do it in a spirit of humility and love.)

2. Every day is a good day to celebrate biblical love.

Christians may disagree with the whole premise of Valentine's Day, but they can always celebrate the human loves God gives us.

  • We can celebrate the love of a spouse.
  • We can celebrate the love of our family and extended family.
  • We can celebrate the love of friends.
  • We can celebrate the love of those who have served and blessed us.

3. Use Valentine’s Day as a reminder of a greater love.

Valentine’s Day can be a might be a positive prompt for us to remember the love that surpasses all earthly loves.

First, there is the love of God for us in sending His Son, and second, there is the love of Jesus in becoming our Savior (Romans 5:8; 1 John 4:14).

And then their great love prompts us to love others (John 13:34; 15:12; Ephesians 5:2).

4. What might you say to Valentine?

Assuming Valentine genuinely trusted in Jesus, rejoice that you might meet him in heaven.

What would you say to him? Would you want to chat with him and all the others throughout history who died for their confession of faith in Jesus.

I think it would be wonderful to thank Valentine for modeling genuine lovein life and in his martyrdom.

How might you use Valentine’s Day to focus on your earthly loved ones and the One who loved you so much that He died for you?

Dawn Wilson, founder and President of Heart Choices Today, is a speaker and author, and the creator the blog, Upgrade with Dawn. She is a regular columnist at Crosswalk.com. Dawn and her husband Bob live in sunny Southern California, and she has traveled with Him in Pacesetter Global Outreach. They have two grown, married sons, three granddaughters and a rascally maltipoo, Roscoe.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Monkia at Pixabay.

Thursday
Jan112024

Steps to Peace When You Feel Unsettled

Kathy Carlton Willis reminds me of the Energizer Bunny. She accomplishes more in one week than I do in one month! In all her busyness, she's always got a wise and cheerful word of encouragement as she spreads God's truth along her way. However, Kathy is very transparent about her humanness. In this Peace UPGRADE, she reminds us that there are times God allows uneasiness in our lives for a reason—He wants us to find our peace and purpose in Him.

“I’m starting the year feeling uninspired and restless,” says Kathy.

When I (Dawn) read that, honestly, I was shocked. Kathy is one of the most goal-oriented people I know. But knowing her, she didn't stay unsettled for long.

Kathy continues . . .

I live life with intention, and I try not to base my to-do list on what I feel. Productivity can only happen with a plan and with discipline.

But there are times God allows us to feel unsettled because He’s about to help us let go of something and reach ahead to something different.

That’s where I am right now. Even while I wait, God is giving me peace, and I know He will give peace to you as well.

Sorting Out the Essentials

I’ll never forget the year we moved from a 4,100-square-foot historic home to an 800-square-foot rental. As you can imagine, it took a great deal of sorting our belongings into essentials and non-essentials. Learning to prioritize what to keep, what to sell, and what to store helped.

I asked myself these questions.

  • Is it necessary?
  • Will it go with my new surroundings?
  • Do I have room for it?
  • Will I miss it if it’s gone?
  • Does it have special meaning to me?

These questions also come to my aid when I ask God to help me prioritize my life choices.

Is it necessary? When our choices match up with the direction of God in our lives, the Holy Spirit gives us a satisfied peace.

Will it go with my new surroundings? Our locality dictates how we can best reach others for Christ. There are different cultures and traditions we must learn and adapt to (without changing biblical doctrines, of course).

Do I have room for it? There are many good options, but God doesn’t expect us to have room for each one of them in our lives. He will help us determine how to best use the abilities He has gifted us with for His glory and for the good of others.

Will I miss it if it’s gone? I’m sensing God is leading me to let go of some things in my life to make room for the new. This question helps me sort it out and add the essence of what I might miss into a new option.

Does it have a special meaning to me? We allow so many mundane, ordinary activities to fill our lives that we lose our joy. Will the love, joy, and peace in my life bubble over and splash on others so they can experience how special a life in Christ can be?

Do you have any extra life baggage you need to get rid of?

Letting go will deliver a new parcel of peace your way. We can do that as we seek God’s direction.

Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble. (Psalm 119:165 NLT)

There are two great benefits to loving God’s instructions. When we desire to obey His Word, we have all the resources we need for great peace and the ability to not stumble.

There’s never enough reserve in our own selves to work up even a limited version of peace, let alone a God-sized portion of peace. But the good news is that we can always find peace as we find our way back to God.

 You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! (Isaiah 26:3 NLT)

This is one of my all-time favorite Bible verses on peace in Scripture.

Questions to Ask Yourself

  • How do you fix your thoughts on God?
  • Where do you tend to let your thoughts be focused instead?
  • What does trust have to do with being kept in perfect peace?
  • What does fixing your thoughts on God have to do with experiencing perfect peace?

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13 NLT)

Paul gave the Romans so much rich detail regarding the victory we can have as we determine to grow in trusting God.

There is something special about seeing words such as fill, completely, and overflow. We often study about peace because we do not feel filled to overflowing!

If we’re honest, sometimes, we feel empty or drained.

Is there an area in your life in which you are struggling to trust in God for your peace?

Kathy Carlton Willis is God’s Grin Gal. She writes and speaks with a balance of funny and faith—whimsy and wisdom. Over a thousand of Kathy’s articles have been published and she has several books in her Grin Gal brand. Today’s Upgrade with Dawn is inspired by Kathy’s latest Bible study, The Grin Gal’s Guide to Peace. Consider using one of Kathy’s books for your next small group or study. More information at www.kathycarltonwillis.com.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Aaron Burden at Unsplash.

Tuesday
Jan092024

Why Did God Ask Questions in the Bible?

Kathy Collard Miller has the wisdom gained from both the Word of God and practical experience, dealing with many tough issues of life from a biblical perspective. In this Biblical Discernment UPGRADE, she explores the question of . . . questions!

"Does that title question seem silly? After all, God knows everything," Kathy says.

"So why are there more than 300 questions God asked, including the questions of Jesus, as recorded in the Bible?"

Did you know there are so many questions in the Bible? I (Dawn) sure didn't. Kathy's question about questions really got me thinking. Are there questions God might be asking me that I'm not hearing? This is a good study for upgrading our biblical discernment with wisdom for living.

Kathy continues . . .

It’s true God and Jesus asked many questions in the Bible. Certainly, it’s an intriguing thought—why questions?

When I first began noticing all the questions Jesus asked (and His Father), I was surprised. I knew He knows everything, yet He still asked questions.

In fact, in the third chapter of Genesis (so soon!), He asked His first question, “Where are you?”

So why does God ask questions?

Three Ways to Consider the Questions

1. READ the Question Personally.

As we are reading the Bible, God wants us to stop and consider whether He is asking us a similar question.

For instance, if you were to read God’s question of Adam and Eve—“Where are you?”—maybe the Holy Spirit wants you to hear the inquiry of God’s heart into your heart.

He might be saying, “It’s time to evaluate the location of your heart.

Are you in a place of trust or believing lies?

Are you on a mental treadmill ruminating on reasons for worry, fear, and anxiety?"

Second Corinthians 10:5 reminds us we can "destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ."

By evaluating our thoughts, we can stop the arguments and opinions which are lies against our loving and sovereign God—just like God invited His rebellious first humans to come out of their hiding place, stop believing He wouldn’t forgive them, and receive His redemption.

2. EXAMINE the Question Wisely 

When we focus on God's and Jesus’s questions, we might begin to feel a little insecure.

Does Jesus need to ask the paralyzed man by the pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-15), “Do you want to get well?”

Does Jesus require the man’s efforts?

Is Jesus so insecure He is looking for approval or cooperation?

I would suggest Jesus asks this question to help this invalid get in touch with his hopelessness or other feelings and beliefs.

Knowing he has been there for over three decades must have drawn him into believing he would never be healed.

Jesus is asking whether he has a victim mentality. Jesus is much more interested in the man’s heart condition than whether he can run around on his two legs.

All the questions of God the Father and God the Son are about connecting with people at a spiritual level. Physical health will always end in eternal death, but salvation is for eternal life.

Maybe you are seeking health for your body. That’s great! But your loving Lord may be inquiring into your eternal posture, which is more important.

3. LOOK for God’s Character Eagerly.

The questions Father God and Jesus ask most often point to their own perfect qualities.

For instance, going back to the Garden of Eden, God, in effect, is asking,

Do you think I am blind and uncaring where you are hiding?

You have wrong thinking about who I am.

I know where you are—and I care.

With Jesus and the man by the pool, Jesus seems to also be asking, “Is your hopelessness preventing you from seeing my power to heal?”

Notice the intent of God’s questions—they usually point to His love, grace, faithfulness, mercy, kindness, wisdom, and so many other incredible perfect qualities.

He desires to draw us into more intimate connection with Him by learning the truth about Him.

Then we will seek Him more, trust him more and obey him more often.

Which of God’s and Jesus’s questions in the Bible are most meaningful to you?

Can you remember a time you noticed one of those questions and knew God was inquiring into your heart and life? What happened?

Kathy Collard Miller has continued to be in awe of God’s ability to use her through writing over 60 books and speaking in 9 foreign countries and over 30 US States. Kathy’s two books (co-written with her husband, Larry) about God’s questions are: God’s Intriguing Questions; 60 New Testament Devotions Revealing Jesus’s Nature; and God’s Intriguing Questions: 40 Old Testament Devotions Revealing God’s Nature. Her other books include women’s Bible studies, Bible commentaries, compiled books, and Christian Living books. Her memoir about overcoming being an abusive mom is No More Anger: Hope for an Out-of-Control Mom. Kathy and her husband, Larry, of more than 50 years, are parents, grandparents, lay counselors, and live in Boise, Idaho. Visit her at www.KathyCollardMiller.com.

Graphic adapted, photo courtesy of Sophie Janotta at Pixabay.

Thursday
Jan042024

When Only a 'Pat' Will Do

In this Encouragement UPGRADE, Dawn shares what she's learned about a simple method of "communication" that helps us encourage others—beyond words, or even when words won't come.

Since my diagnosis, I've found that people don't always know what to say to me. Some find it awkward to converse about my health changes. Others even avoid me, not knowing what to say.

But my husband has taught me an important lesson. Over and over in my health "adventure," he knows he can't "fix" my problems, and he's a man of few words—unless he's teaching or preaching! But Bob reaches out and pats me on the arm if we're standing or on my knee if we're sitting.

It's as if only a "pat" will do at the time. But it is enough. And here's why.

1. A pat says, "I'm here."

There's simply nothing like "presence" to comfort and encourage.

I've heard of spouses who leave their mate in times of distress or tragedy, and that is horribly sad. But I've found great solace in knowing that Bob has been present with me throughout this myeloma journey and every "side trip" (like bronchitis this week).

Presence matters.

God's presence matters most of all. Sometimes, when life seems puzzling, I feel like Father God reaches down to "pat" me with His presence and give me peace. He might bring a scripture verse to mind, or give me some marching orders for my day. Most of all, it's comforting to acknowledge that He will never leave me (Hebrews 13:5b; Psalm 94:14).

God is with us in all our struggles and needs, and even if He feels far, far away.

2. A pat says, "I'm here and I care."

There's a certain tenderness that comes with a gentle pat of encouragement.

The one reaching out to us loves us, and out of that love flows compassion.

When Bob and I attended my Grandpa Webb's funeral—enroute from Michigan to our new home—my grandmother was surprised to see me. For a while, I watched as people began to offer condolences. (Some of the things I heard were not comforting at all!)

Weary, Grandma sat down. I smiled at her and sat down beside her.

I didn't say a word for the rest of the time as people came by—some expressing love, some offering not-too-helpful advice, some not knowing what to say. I simply held her hand and patted it from time to time until Bob said we had to get on our way.

Later, Grandma wrote to tell me that she was the most comforted by my almost-wordless presence and the tenderness of my touch, my "little pats."

It's so comforting to me to know that Father God is always watching over us, and He sees us in our pain and understands (Psalm 31:7; 34:18; 56:8). God reaches out in love to tell us He cares. As Casting Crowns sings, "Your pain may run deep. His love runs deeper still."

We can take all our burdensome anxieties to God, because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).

Every need, every burden, every fear, every anxiety—take them all to God.

I like what Dr. Michelle Bengtson wrote, in The Hem of His Garment: "He's a God who stops and bends his ear to listen to our heartfelt cries." How wonderful and touching that our God listens and cares.

3. A pat says, "I'm here to tell you I appreciate you."

Like a pat on the back that says "good job," sometimes a pat can mean, "I see how you are dealing with this, and I appreciate you." Or even, "I admire you."

I've received many pats like this over the past five year as I've shared the highs and lows of my health journey

  • It's encouraging to know that someone sees that you're trying to live biblically even in tough times.
  • It's motivating to know that others are watching, and it matters that we persevere in courage through God's strength.

God's pats of appreciation might come to us in many ways, directly or through others—like words of gratitude from people who say you helped them through your ministry, or through words of encouragement you shared with them.

And here's another thing: the believer looks forward to a wonderful "pat" when God rewards for faith and obedience. It only begins with God's, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

4. A pat says, "I'm here to help you, if I can."

Sometimes a person who is struggling can't tell you in the moment what they need when you ask, "How can I help?"

People might go ahead and take care of some your needs (anticipating them), but their little pats can tell you they are people you might be able to count on in a pinch.

A pat can say, "I'm here to help you, if I can, however I can, whenever I can, and if you will let me."

Some words can be fruitless, but a pat—with or without words—can make you feel that a person genuinely wants to help. (I have to admit that some people may give you a little pat as a way of escaping involvement; but that's not true with faithful friends.)

And speaking of faithful friends, Father God is our Helper, our Jehovah Ezer.

Psalm 28:7 says that when we place our hopes in God, trusting Him, we find help. Our faithful Father does not abandon us, but He helps us through the difficulties of our journey (Psalm 121). When we confidently come to His throne of grace, we find the help we need and do not need to be afraid (Hebrews 4:16; 13:6).

Sometimes only a "pat" will do, but it is quite often more than enough.

When has a pat from someone encouraged you? How might you share a little pat with someone today? 

Dawn Wilson, founder and President of Heart Choices Today, is a speaker and author, and the creator the blog, Upgrade with Dawn. She is a contracted researcher/reviewer for women's teacher and revivalist, Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth at Revive Our Hearts, and is a regular columnist at Crosswalk.com. She and her husband Bob live in sunny Southern California, and Dawn has traveled with Him in Pacesetter Global Outreach. They have two grown, married sons, three granddaughters and a rascally maltipoo, Roscoe.

Monday
Jan012024

A Year of Resilience — and a Fresh FOCUS in 2024

Pam Farrel is a prolific writer and gifted speaker who offers solid scriptural resources with practical solutions from the Bible. In this New Year's UPGRADE, she writes about her struggle in 2023, but how focus on the word "resilience" encouraged and strengthened her; and she offers a resource for discovering your own motivating, life-changing word for 2024.

I have been selecting a Word of the Year and Verse of the Year since I was 19 years old—before it was really a 'thing,'" Pam says. "So, for more than four decades, I have seen the power of having a Word of the Year.

"Word of the Year can also be labeled Word of IntentMy One WordOne Little Word, and I love the acrostic of a Word of F.O.C.U.S.

  • F - Follow
  • O - One
  • C - Course
  • U - Until
  • S - Successful

When I (Dawn) read that acrostic—Follow One Course Until Successful—I thought, "What a great concept. Most of us spread ourselves thin with too many focuses." But focusing on one area to grow in spiritual maturity, with God's wisdom and a desire for excellence, sounds like a winning formula for success!

Pam continues . . .

This focus on ONE THING is reflected in the Bible: I have asked the LORD for one thing; one thing only do I want: to live in the LORD’s house all my life, to marvel there at his goodness, and to ask for his guidance (Psalm 27:4 GNB emphasis added).

How to Pick Your Word of the Year

We created a “Looking for Your Word” worksheet,* that gives six methods, six key questions to ask yourself, and six boxes to capture your top six words to help you; and then narrow down to your ONE WORD.

This is a simple list of the six places to LOOK for YOUR Word of the Year:

  1. Look Back – What WORD summarizes what I learned last year?
  2. Look Inside – What WORD captures who you want to become next year?
  3. Look Ahead – What WORD describes the life I desire to live?
  4. Look to God and His Word – What WORD is the essence of my AHA spiritual moment last year?
  5. Look Around - What WORD did God roll across my path organically recently?
  6. Look to Helps and Tools – Is there a repeating WORD or theme in the tests and tools I have used? (Dayspring and Word of Intent usually offer an online quiz.)

The next step after choosing a Word of the Year is to begin to implement ways of weaving it into your daily life.

Bill and I created Your Best Year Worksheets (for womenfor couples).

  • I place key info inside the front of my bullet journal so I can daily review and maintain focus.
  • I also layer in focus by selecting a mug, art, a scent, a song, a lotion, and other reminders I can see or use daily.
  • I add quotes and verses into my bullet journal as I find them too.
  • I usually purchase several books on the topic to read throughout the year as well.

"In the tapestry of life," Charles R. Swindoll said, "God's hand is the thread of resilience, weaving through our challenges to create a masterpiece of faith and endurance."

Last year, when time to select my Word of the Year rolled around, I was barely out of my ICU coma episode, so I knew the year ahead would be an uphill climb to regain my health, wellness, fitness, strength, and stamina.

The politicians were blasting their “build back better” motto, so I just borrowed it for my own personal journey of restoration, rejuvenation, and rebuilding! I usually lay out my goals for the coming year, then I ask myself, “What inner quality or personal trait do I need to enrich or engage to achieve these goals?”

I used the process above and listed many synonyms for strength, stamina, rebuild, persevere, etc. and the word RESILIENCE rose to the top.

I also looked to see if I could find any Bible verses with the exact word in it, or verses that reflected a heart or spirit of resilience:

I found these:

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak (Isaiah 40:29).

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand  (Isaiah 41:10).

I tried to live out resilience for 365 days.

What does resilience look like?

Resilience is the capacity to endure and bounce back from adversity—the remarkable ability to adapt in the face of challenges, setbacks, or difficult circumstances.

Resilience involves cultivating mental fortitude, emotional strength, and the willingness to persist even when confronted with numerous and repeated obstacles.

Resilience is not merely weathering storms; it encompasses the capacity to learn and grow from experiences.

Resilience is a dynamic quality to navigate life's unwelcome, uninvited, and unpredictable with courage and grace through God empowering an inner strength and tenacity well beyond our own.

My prayer all year was one asking God to help me turn adversity into an opportunity!

So how did the FOCUS on resilience serve me?

1. I gathered medical experts who laid out a new medicinal plan to address the core issue that caused my DKA initially, one that would prevent it in the future.

2. I phoned a few friends who had also experienced a coma and asked how they regained strength, especially in the early days of their recovery.

3. I engaged other health and wellness friends and mentors who helped me rebuild my stamina week by week, layering a new activity into my daily life: walk a few more steps, do a few more squats and wall push-ups, or even dance steps!

  • I started with stretching to worship music and scripture;
  • then I joined a Pilates studio;
  • added in daily swimming and water aerobics,
  • then some daily weight workouts and gentle HIIT (high-intensity interval training),
  • and wrapped up the year by signing up for dance classes at the senior center, just a short walk away in my neighborhood.

By proactively and intentionally working on my strength, I was able to keep all my speaking events beginning in January and on through the year. Bill and I also enjoyed renewing activities we love, like our daily prayer walks and dancing at weddings!

God was faithful to strengthen my spirit and my mind as well.

Here is a social media post about all that God was able to accomplish through HIS power in me in the 2023 resilience journey:

"Jumping for #joy! One year ago today, I woke from a coma. God gave me the clear word that my work was not yet complete here on earth. These are the books released in the last year! [Pictured in the post.] And I am currently writing a devotional with my beloved Bill.

"Many thanks to coauthors, Jean Esther Jones & Karla Smallwood-Dornacher (Discovering Wisdom in Proverbs), Karen Whiting (Growing a Joyful Heart devotional), and a thank you to Michelle Rayburn for the honor of writing a chapter and foreword for her #boymombook, and a poem in Renewed Christmas Blessing  (Plus, the WISDOM creative quiet time journal is from our imprint LOVE-WISE.)"

Now I am praying for my new Word of the Year for 2024—praying new goals for my mind, body, soul, and spirit.

I am looking for more victories ahead through Heaven's focus for me and God's power at work in me.

Do you have your word for the new year? If not, consider using some of the tools suggested to discover your Word of the Year, and then live it out in 2024.

Pam Farrel is the author of 60 books including several books to help people set and achieve goals: 7 Simple Skills for Every Woman and The Marriage Meet Up devotional planner for couples who want more purpose, passion and productivity. She is also co-author for the Discovering the Bible Series including newest: Discovering Wisdom in Proverbs: A Creative Bible Study Experience. Discover more about Pam, her resources, and Living Love-Wise, visit www.Love-Wise.com

* To help with your WORD OF THE YEAR, Download How to Discern My Word of the Year worksheet.

Main Graphic adapted: Two images: (1) Background Image8926; and (2) Magnifying Glass by Clker Free Vector Images — both courtesy of Pixabay.

Two memes created at love-wise.com.