Unashamed - My Unexpected Word of the Year

I never intended to have a ‘word of the year’ this year. I like the concept; I chose one last year, and it was good. But I thought maybe by choosing my own focus I would miss out on other things God wanted to teach me - He should pick my the word, if I have one. It wasn’t a lightning-bolt revelation, and it wasn’t until part way through the year, but God gave me a word. 

Unashamed.

I place a lot of value on being honest and genuine; it’s what I strive to be. But God brought to my attention areas I don’t live like that. I avoid opportunities to share my faith. I choose my words when I’m talking about what I believe – not to make sure the truth is clear, but so it sounds similar to what people are comfortable with. I wonder what people think of my family and friends sometimes. I try to make myself as ‘normal’ as possible, and feel intimidated when someone questions my decisions. I’d rather not talk about my struggles until they’re in the past. I’ve realized I live a lot of my life being ashamed: of my faith and my God, of my friends and family, and of myself, my choices, tastes, and struggles.

I was surprised to find the Bible full of the concept of being unashamed. Before sin, no one was ashamed, which means striving to live unashamed is something God would have us do. He promises so many times that in Him, we won’t be ashamed:

They looked unto him and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed. Ps 34:5

…ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end. Is 45:17

…and thou shalt know that I am the Lord: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me. Is 49:23

For the Lord God will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like 

a flint; and I know that I shall not be ashamed. Is 50:7

Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame… Is 54:4

…my people shall never be ashamed. Joel 2:26 & 27

Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. Rom 10: 11 & 9:33

I don’t have to be ashamed. I can make my faith a natural part of conversation instead of trying to hide it. I can answer when someone asks why I do what I do instead of hesitating. I can smile when people I claim do something I wouldn’t do. I can wear what I’m happy and comfortable in without worrying what others think. I can own my decisions instead of justifying them. I want to be bold, brave, free: unashamed.

Just because God’s been teaching me this, I see how it applies to my life, and I’ve experienced it, doesn’t mean I live unashamed all the time. I have insecurities and fears, and want to hide my light under a bushel sometimes. I’ve been busier and more stressed this year, and it’s harder to live unashamed. I’ve been using tiredness as an excuse. But the call is still there, and maybe it’s the next step in teaching me there’s no way I can live like this on my own. It’s got to be His strength alone.

Unashamed isn’t just my word for 2017; I want it to be my life. Part of me whispers it’s too hard, but I know it’s part of God’s plan to restore us to Him and that’s the very best thing. If God will claim me as part of His family, I can own Him, who He’s given me, and how He’s made me.

And now, little children, abide in him, that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. 1 John 2:28

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So that’s a big part of what God’s been teaching me this year! I have so far to go, living the unashamed life, but from the tiny experiences I’ve had: it’s the best and most freeing thing. How do you see living unashamed? Did you have a word or focus for 2017? What have you been learning this year?