As each year draws to a close and I ponder possibilities for the next, I try to find one particular word to carry into the newness. I wait for one that rises to the surface and won’t be quieted. For 2022, it was “surrender” and I have to confess, it was beautiful but also painful at times. Much like life in general. And now as I sit down to write post-holidays after a glorious time spent with family, I unfurl and unpack my one word for 2023, which happens to be “STORY” …
“A storyteller’s job is to find the common threads in this tattered world and hold them out so that a reader will grab and pull until the veil is torn in two and they behold the heart of God.” Robin Jones Gunn
I realize you may be wondering why “story” is suddenly so profound for one who spends her days writing actual stories as a fiction author! Truly, I count it an absolute privilege to be able to serve readers by writing books, particularly where hope and faith and truth are threaded through the pages, but we are all storytellers in real life—and this year I want to pay attention to story in fresh ways.
In an interview on the Make It Count podcast, I was asked what legacy I want to pass down to those I know and love. This was a tough question for me. After much consideration and deliberation, I decided upon a legacy of STORY.
(If you’d like to check out that podcast episode, you can find it here: MAKE IT COUNT with Sue Donaldson.)
After all, it’s through STORY that I am able to “write heartwarming encouragement for your soul” in my work life. But also, we humans love to listen to story, we are connected by story, traditions and cultures live on through story, Jesus Himself used story—there’s immense power in story!
“After nourishment, shelter, and companionship, stories are the thing we need most in the world.” Philip Pullman
Therefore, in 2023, I want to be more intentional with:
- WRITING— as a fiction author, I have a constant stream of stories coursing through my imagination! But I want to use my time and talents wisely, so I pray for wisdom in knowing which ones to pursue and which ones to put down. What needs to be included in a novel, and how much of my personal story to share elsewhere.
- READING— you all know I’m a fiction fan and adore reading for pleasure, but this year I want to weave more memoirs into the mix. Learn from the struggles and successes and loves and lives of others.
- LISTENING— there are times when we need to simply sit and hear someone share their experience. Feed them cake and listen to their story! Make space for them. Make time for them. It’s something I certainly need to work on…
- LIVING out my own story— fully and with integrity, in the most loving way possible, whatever that looks like. Showing others that God is the Author of my life and that I trust Him in all circumstances. Stretching and growing in every chapter.
“Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth;
all the stages of my life were spread out before you,
The days of my life all prepared
before I’d even lived one day.” Psalm 139:16
Friend, we each have a unique story to be shared or used as a catalyst for empathy and understanding. We can all take time to listen to the story of others, to be attentive and compassionate and loving. (How I wish I’d listened more to those of my grandparents!) And through the meandering chapters of our very own life story, we can trust the Author to be faithful always.
“When life spins a bit wild—the best thing to do is fall wildly in love with the Author of Life, who is the author of your Life, and let Him write you a love story, your love story.” Ann Voskamp
I pray that God will give me courage and kindness in my written story, in my spoken story, and in my lived-out story this year and for years to come…
“Don’t forget – no one else sees the world the way you do, so no one else can tell the stories that you have to tell.” Charles de Lint
Do you have “one word” for 2023? We would love to hear in the comments below. ⬇︎
🎉 Happy New Year, one and all!
P.S. My latest STORY is a thrilling, hope-filled, heartwarming read—and I’m fairly sure it’s totally acceptable to still be reading about Christmas when there’s snow on the ground! 😉 The Christmas Cabin is HERE!
Linking up with some fabulous encouragers! Check them out:
INSPIRE ME MONDAYS; LET’S HAVE COFFEE; TUNE-IN THURSDAY; GRACE & TRUTH LINK-UP
Hi Laura, I love your word for 2023. There is so much power in story. And God continues to write the chapters or our lives for our good and His glory.
Hi Karen, thanks so much! 🤗 It’s so comforting to know He is the Author… Happy New Year to you!
Laura, may the Lord bless you as you write the stories He places upon your heart! I’m looking forward to how this word unfolds for you in the days ahead!
Hi Joanne, thanks so much for your kind words! 🤗 Happy New Year to you, friend!
Hi, Laura. My word for 2023 is Now. I tend to be that perfectionist-procrastinator hybrid and unless there is an ‘inciting incident,’ I’ll never finish anything. (look at all those craft projects, like the baby blanket I started for my daughter who will soon graduate high school…)
My choice of Now was influenced by several things: severe health concerns for each of my parents, the passing of my father last fall (just before I met you at hope*writers BTW), living with teens of Gen Z for whom “What are we waiting for?” is a solid question.
My Now includes self-publishing a novel this spring/summer, so I welcome your sage advice!
Thanks for listening to my Story 🙂
Hi Brenda, thanks so much for sharing some of YOUR story here! 🤗 I’m so sorry for your loss last fall and I can see why “NOW” is your word for 2023. Cheering you on as you plan on getting your novel out into the world— and yes to sharing stories! Happy New Year to you.
My word is Increase. I sense God saying that he will be increase in every area of life, including books I publish – LOL. But even more is the sense that he wants to increase my relationship with him. I didn’t think I could love Jesus more than I do, but as the Holy Spirit takes me on a deeper dive into the Word, I’m more in awe than ever! I think he’s giving many people a deep hunger and thirst for him. I look forward to reading some of your work!
Hi Laura, thanks so much for sharing your word for 2023! 🤗 INCREASE is a great one—I do hope that will include your books, too! Blessings to you and Happy New Year!
I’ve found that everyone has a story & it’s important to listen when they share their story because all stories are as important as the other…
We also need to pay attention to our own story & what God is revealing to us through our journey with Him within that story.
You have a great word Laura, it will be exciting to see how the Lord adds to your story this year!
Blessings, Jennifer
Hi Jennifer, so lovely to have you stop by! 🤗 I agree, everyone’s story is worth listening to and it’s exciting to think God continues to write chapter after chapter of our own stories. Blessings to you, friend, and Happy New Year!
Oh, what a great word, Laura!! Endless layers to uncover. I sure appreciate your desire to lean in and learn deeply from a word that is already a big part of what you do. Intentioning to be a life-longer learner is a beautiful and worthwhile endeavor! My word this year is umbrella. I want to look for opportunities throughout the year to share an umbrella—see the right-in-front-of-me people, look for what connects rather than divides us, share grace and lived-in space, home-cooked meals and genuine hellos.
Thanks so much, Twyla—I’m looking forward to seeing where “STORY” leads me this year! 🤗 And thanks for sharing your word… UMBRELLA is such a delightful one and I love the thought of seeking out what connects rather than divides! Happy New Year to you!
Hi Laura,
I love your new word of the year. Mine is “revive”.
Thanks for linking up with Grace & Truth!
Blessings,
Tammy
Hi Tammy, thanks for stopping by! 🤗 REVIVE is such a great word to begin 2023… blessings to you!
Oooo story. I like it. It sounds so full of possibilities. My word this year is goals because I’m so serious about achieving this one goal that I have never had time to buckle down and do before. So maybe my word could also be motivated. Happy new Year!!
Hi April, Thanks so much— I’m glad you like my word! 🤗 GOALS is a great one, too— I wish you well as you set about this one in particular. How exciting!
Oh, I’m so happy to see you’ve chosen Story as your One Word. I chose it myself in 2017! I didn’t do quite as much with it as I’d hoped, but it did help me focus on listening to other people’s stories that year, which was such a blessing. I’ll look forward to following your journey with it, Laura.
Hi Lisa, thanks so much— I’m looking forward to seeing what I learn from my STORY word this year! 🤗 I love that it was yours a few years ago, too. Listening well is something I need to work on… Blessings to you!
I’m linking this as the Featured Post this Friday at my blog for the Grace & Truth linkup!
Oh, thank you so much, Lisa! I really appreciate that! 🤗
Hi Laura, My one word is “Closer” which I will explain tomorrow in my post. However, I wanted to let you know that I’m highlighting your post tomorrow for Grace & Truth Link-Up. You had the most clicks on this post in January. Thank you for participating.
Thanks so much, Maree— how lovely! And I’m interested to read about your word for this year, too… 🤗 Blessings to you!