This is another post in the One Word Series 2025. This next post archives the next One Word chosen for me in 2013. I have combined two posts from that journey into one. I pray it encourages you in your own one-word journey!
Although I would not have initially chosen the word Less, I could see the wisdom in it, even if reluctant. A scripture had also come to my mind at the time (John 3:30). However, the next word delivered to my mental inbox was a different (but similar) story!
This time I was driving my car and chatting with Jesus (please tell me I am not the only one who talks to God in the shower and while driving) and sharing with Him how I could see that Less could be my word for two years because it really is ongoing…this business of Him being greater and me being less.
Instead, He seemed to impress upon me that He had a different direction for me. Now I know He is my Lord. He is God. But l turned to that invisible but present passenger and thought to myself, “Um, no”, in response to the gentle impression I was getting.
I felt Him directing me to the word Release.I know someday He will speak and I will say “Yes, Lord”. This is my heart’s desire- though not always my first response. I still am mostly a kicking and screaming kind of disciple. But I am also still willing to surrender after the initial response. And He takes that willingness and molds it. So here we go again. I know there is wisdom in His choice. I surrender the many words I would choose that are swimming around my head, and I lean and trust in the One who really is trustworthy and knows best.
A Short Time Later…
Little did I know that when I picked my One Word, Release, this year, it would come complete with a provocatively perfect theme song! As I was listening to Pandora one day, I found myself drawn to an unfamiliar melody. I sauntered over to hit the thumbs-up button when, to my surprise, I noticed the tune playing, which had captured my attention, was titled “Release” and was from an album called Porcelain by Helen Jane Long. Listening in stillness, entranced by the beautiful complexity of the music playing, I felt as though I received a gift. Once I began exploring more of Helen’s music, I realized that I had a new favorite artist.
This musical rendition of Release is hauntingly mysterious.
It reminds me of the way God invites each of us into a uniquely beautiful path; just as a musical piece is intricately woven together, His good and perfect will is both complex and masterfully orchestrated in our lives. We just need to tune our ears to His perfect lead and follow the melody of His song for us.
I am learning to let go of that which is no longer useful to me on my journey.
I am also learning that sometimes to walk away is grace.
People, Places, Things.
All belong to Him.
I keep nothing for myself – this is the gift and beauty of my journey.
This is the gift that leads to freedom.
And you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.
John 8:32
Please listen to this exquisite piece of music by Helen Jane Long and be blessed. Click here if you are joining in via e-mail.
Release:
Thank you for taking the time to read another post in this look back on the One Word choices of my past! Do you have your One Word for 2026? Has this post helped you move closer towards it?
Enthusiastically, Dawn
Enthusiastically, Dawn 