Since my friend, Layla, is having a word of the year party (scheduled for early Monday a.m.), I thought that would be fun to join. I am not one to often make New Year’s resolutions. Those seem to be lists doomed to fail for the most part, so why set yourself up for that? But, as I approach my 5 year blogging anniversary the first of February, this is a good time to stop and count my blessings.
Choosing a word for the year seems to be a good way to start the new year off on a positive note. A sweet word can stick in your head and heart and help guide the way through the days and months that lay ahead in the coming year. So, why not a word? I pondered and thought and read some devotions, bouncing a few words around that I thought I could embrace.
And I came back to one that continues to grip me.
HOPE.
At four letters, a little word, but a powerful word.
(via Tumblr)
What do I put my hope in? Who do I put my hope in?
(via itthings)
Oh, that has certainly varied over the years. As little girls, most of us hope for a Prince Charming to come along and sweep us off our feet. A wonderful knight in shining armor that we can fall in love with and one who will complete our lives, bring us happiness and with whom we will live happily ever after. Magical words. You know, just like the fairy tales we grew up reading? Oh yes, I had those hopes and dreams too, as a little girl blossoming into a young woman. I looked for my Prince. Found a few hopefuls and had my heart broken along the way. Married this one and that one. But, unfortunately, my Princes didn’t complete me, in fact made my life worse instead of better in so many ways. I’m sure I was not the Princess they had hoped for either.
(via Pinterest)
Those dreamy young-girl hopes were dashed. Reality was not as I had hoped for in my dreams and life did not turn out as I had imagined.
What do you do when your hopes and dreams don’t come true?
It would have been so easy for me to give up with what happened in my life the last year. To crawl under the covers and go into a deep depression. Hide from the world. I could have easily stopped blogging. How in the world do you talk about the ugly side of life on a happy home blog? Grief, loss, and failure was a big part of all of that.
One year ago, I was sitting in a big house, alone, facing the realization that my life was about to change in huge ways that I couldn’t even imagine. The man I was married to had just run away from facing some big responsibilities, instead choosing to leave me with the aftermath of his horrible choices, all of which created a domino effect. A house that I had lovingly made a home for the past 5 years was going into foreclosure and there was absolutely nothing I could do about it. I was also sifting through lies and truth, trying to get to the bottom of what I was really facing. I still don’t know the 100% complete truth, but I knew plenty enough then to know I had to get out of that situation as quickly as I could. Edited: My ex-husband ended up serving jail time in AL, facing some serious financial fraud charges. Life can certainly turn ugly sometimes.
Feeling pretty hopeless at the time, it seemed that my life was crumbling to pieces. I ran home to the safety of my parents, which is the best thing I could have done.
Oh, that the Lord has brought me this far!
And now, for me, my reality has taken me down the path of gratitude. Instead of feeling sorry for myself, for the disappointments in life that have come my way, instead of wallowing in self-pity, I choose to keep hope at the forefront of my mind.
Not hope in a new man. Nope, not that, not yet anyway. One thing I have discovered in my personal journey is this: No one person on this earth can make you happy and complete. You have to find that in and for yourself and the only one in whom we can find wholeness and healing and true joy, is the one who created us.
Jesus Christ, he is my hope. He is the man that I count on and rely on. I know his promises will always be yes for me, promises for a brighter future, a good tomorrow. And that gives me more peace and contentment than money could ever buy. Not an easy life with no problems, but I know that He is always there to walk with me no matter how rocky the road. And boy, was last year rocky.
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In spite of lost houses, failed marriages, and money woes, I’m hopeful for a future that will be better than anything I’ve experienced thus far. Finding a little fixer-upper house will be one of those things in my future that I’ll be looking forward to the most. I will be so excited when that happens and will wait for the right one, which gives me hope that I can find something affordable. I just know it’s out there waiting for me!
I have no idea if God will bring love into my life again. If He does, then I’ll know it and be ready for it, but it’s not going to be something that drives me. Besides, anyone that comes into my life will have to run the gauntlet of family and friends. They’ve got my back. A complete background check wouldn’t hurt either. 🙂
I can be content single, enjoying my friends, both single and married and loving life. I have a joy and a purpose and blogging is a big part of that. God has blessed me so much this past year in bringing me through the torrential rain, into a place of safety and peace. And gratitude. And joy.
(via Etsy)
Jeremiah 29:11 says it so well and is one of my favorite verses of the Lord’s love for Israel. I can hold this promise in my heart as well.
This year, I will have hope in:
- First and foremost, Jesus as the Lover of my Soul.
- My family, who love me unconditionally
- My friends, who support and love me through it all
- My purpose and work, from sharing this blog with all of you to experiencing so many new and exciting things that I know are going to come along this year, including a brand new blogging conference, Haven, that I’m privileged to head up here in Atlanta.
- New opportunities and open doors that I can’t open myself, but only God can do. I gladly trust Him to do that.
- Enjoying life one day at a time and really reveling in the journey. Living life like never before.
And my hope is this, that these words will speak to someone out there who is losing hope, wondering if there is an answer for you. Does God really care about you and your situation? I hope my life and experiences will speak to you and let you know that yes, there is hope, always. When we trust in the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, He will never let us down. His plans are so much higher than anything we could ever dream of.
We all face trials and difficulties in life and what and who we put our HOPE in will determine the outcome.
I know I’m not the only one who has gone through divorces and disappointments. It happens all the time to so many women. No one ever goes into a marriage with intentions of failing and you can come out of divorce feeling like a great big Loser, with an L on your forehead. For those of you who have experienced hard marriages, I feel for you. I know exactly how it feels to live in disappointment, deception, emotional pain, and loss.
If you found your Prince Charming as a young woman, had his babies, and are now living happily ever after, you are blessed indeed. Be thankful every day for that! It didn’t happen that way for all of us. That was my dream too, to meet my Prince Charming, have a couple of kids, and to live happily ever after following God’s perfect plan.
One thing for sure, I cannot give up. YOU cannot give up! We must keep going and know that there is a reason for it all. Hard times make us stronger. I’m definitely stronger than I’ve ever been, but my strength is not in myself, it is in my Lord. Not on what I can do, but on what He can do. When I am weak, He is strong. It feels so good to lean on Him and not try to fix it all myself, as I so have a tendency to do.
And one thing I know. Nothing is impossible with Him!
Nothing, do you hear me?
Hope.
A small word, with a heaping helping of meaning. Hope endures. Hope believes when we can’t see.
Do you have a word you are clinging to this year? Please leave a comment if you do, I’d love to hear it.
maria says
I HOPE you have a wonderful 2012. My word is service…
Leanne says
Rhoda,
The Lord used you to encourage me tonight! I am going thru a VERY difficult time, and I need to be reminded that I DO have HOPE because I have HIM, even though it seems that my prince has turned out to be a frog!!
I have not thought of a word for my year! I am just trying to figure it all out, like you running to the safety of my parents. (with all my little chicks tucked under my wings. )
Linda says
May God’s richest blessings be yours in 2012. Love your blogs!!
bella says
This is an absolutely beautiful post. I have a feeling you will be blessed in the years ahead. I always enjoy reading your blog.
Beth@A2Z says
What a beautifully written and heartfelt post Rhoda! Watching you this past year has been such an awesome testimony of your courage and grace and your love for God. I’m honored to be your friend and to have watched you triumph over circumstances! Hope all around for 2012! It’s going to be a good year :).
Sheila says
I have followed your blog for some time & knew that there had been something tragic happen to your marriage. These past few months you have shown a sweet spirit, living with your parents, being a part of your sister’s family, and reaching out in the blog world. Thanks for being so open in this post & telling your story. May you be blessed in the coming months with whatever good things God has in store for you.
I think my word for the year is going to be “forgiveness”. Our family has been through several stressfull events over a period of about 8 years. It is so hard to accept when someone you care about is so deceived by others, that they will no longer listen to the ones that love them. I think we are living in times when Satan attacks our families. So…I have a few things to work on–forgiving others & forgiving myself a little bit also.
If you listen to Southern Gospel, listen to the YouTube of Lynda Randall singing “He Will Carry You”.
Blessings!
Katie @ Wildwood Creek says
Thank you for sharing this beautiful post and for inspiring all of us how to make lemonade from lemons. Blessings to you in 2012.
Fairfield House says
Dear Rhoda,
Thank you for this honest, poignant post. You have been through so much hardship and heartache last year and handled it all with grace and dignity. Keep your chin up and remember it’s never to late to start living happily after after! {I know from experience!}
Never lose hope.
Your Friend,
Deborah
Susie Harris says
Happy 5 years Rhoda! You are one special lady 🙂
I know that this year has been a tough one for you. I have lifted you up in prayer and sat back and watched you bloom. The Lord has done some wonderful things through you Rhoda. You have shared your story and strength with so many. Keep letting your light shine. I adore you~
HouseTalkN says
Rhoda! What a beautiful post. Hope is powerful thing!
Have a wonderful week!
Kerry at HouseTalkN
Sharyl@ Thelittlebrownhouse says
I was writing my word of the year post when I saw yours pop up on Twitter. My word is courageous, and one of the things I want to have courage for this year is sharing more about my faith in God on my blog. Reading your post was like a shining message from God, reminding me that we are in His hands. Your attitude and sweet faithfulness through the struggles of life were used to give me the courage to face my own fears. I am so sad for the things you have had to go through, but I want you to know that you have blessed others by sharing them. Much love to you sweet lady 😉
Paula B. says
Bravo, for how you have lived your life this past year and for the inspiring words you have posted here. There are a few of us out there, I am thinking, that were in need of some encouraging words this weekend and this message speaks volumes to us. I often look to the Proverbs quote that you always have on your blog but today, your words have especially lifted me up. Thank you for sharing.
Judy Clark says
Rho:
It was one year ago today that I called your Mother and asked if I could come over. I knew their Daughter, my friend was in trouble. I think that my word for all of us who know you is “thankful”. I am so thankful that you are here with us safe and sound. God has truly brought you to a wonderful place of safety and recovery. May He continue to bless you in the days ahead. You are loved.
Judy
Sarah A says
What a well written post… I will be forwarding this to TWO of my dearest friends who have been dealing with divorce and disappointment for a few years now- I hope it touches them.
Debbie Gilbert says
Rhoda,
I just love what you shared and thank you for telling MY story…… Jesus is the lover of my soul also. I spent many years looking for love in all the wrong places as He quietly waited. The Lord has taught me so much in those dark moments (or months and years) and He will continue to teach me.
At this time in my life, HOPE just seems too far away so I will I have to hold onto your word and those of others until it becomes me. Thank you for giving me a glimpse into your world and thank you for continuing to blog through your difficult times.
In HIS Mighty Name,
Dehbie
Arlene @At Home with the Grimms says
I love your word Rhoda! I think my word for this year will be TRUST. It seems in the last three weeks, the devil has been whispering fearful words into my heart. I want to learn to trust God in every situation. You would think that at 56 years old, I might have learned to resist the devil( so he will flee from me) but he is still around, seeking to destroy God’s children. I have seem Satan really test some of my friends this year( I count you as one of my friends!) and I have seen such great examples of Christian courage. Thanks for being an example to us all!
Sue says
I appreciate your testimony so much and praise God for this blog-avenue that you have to share it.
I can relate in many ways. I have claimed every verse you listed on “hope” over the last few years. Oh my goodness, where would we be without HOPE? And He alone is our hope.
I came across another good word in my time with the Lord this morning: Nevertheless. 1 Chronicles 11 talks about David deciding to take Jerusalem as his capital. The people living there said “You will not get in here. Verse 5 says, “NEVERTHELESS, David captured the fortress of Zion, the City of David.” And verse 9 gives the reason, “And David became more and more powerful, because the Lord Almighty was with him.”
The world, our flesh, and the devil may tell us we can’t, we’re defeated.. . but NEVERTHELESS, with God, all things are possible!!
Renee says
The word HOPE is a wonderful word with amazing power. He who created you will certainly sustain you through this, and I thank you for being so open; your story will surely inspire others. I have learned that God absolutely works all things (the good, the bad, the ugly) together for the good of those who love Him who are called according to His purpose (paraphrased Romans 8:28). Which leads me to my word of the year, PURPOSE. I want to be intentional about all I do this year; to do all things with purpose, and to keep God’s purpose for me at the forefront of my mind.
Kim says
Thank you. This post is what i needed today…
Maurie says
“Hope maketh not ashamed.” I think about that at times and conclude that although some hopes and dreams are piecrust, hope in the Lord’s unfailing love never disappoints or embarrasses us. Thank you for your heartfelt, honest, profound post.