Back in March, I expressed in a post on IG that I felt trapped and frustrated. To be honest, I can't imagine anyone who didn't feel the same at some point this year. 2020 has taught us a variety of things but I guess that for many, the greatest takeaway is we've learned to be honest. Honest with our heart, our minds, our spirits. Honest to one another and most importantly, honest with ourselves. What good does faking it do for anyone?

I’ve spent a ton of time in my bedroom this year. It’s been my office, my conference room, my prayer closet, comfort zone, war room, hiding place, safety net, and detachment center. Some of this time was unhealthy but much of it was surprisingly helpful. I’ve never spent this amount of time in introspective reflection. It was HARD.

I want you to know that if you hope for better in 2021, I stand WITH you in agreement, prophesying that it be so. But please, don’t skip over the hard lessons learned. This wasn’t a glitch year, it was one that accelerated new growth. Here’s a recap of a few things that I learned in 2020:

Exploration > Exhibition

Contentment shouldn't be conditional. Thankfulness shouldn't be temporary.

In the midst of confusion, it’s important to remember what is influencing our thoughts, which thus influences our actions or reactions.

I wonder if in the middle of all the chaos our world is facing, that the greatest revival in the Church is not the number of lost souls saved (while that is incredible). Perhaps, it's a revival of radical generosity.

I think the Church has lost sight of her neighbor because she was so busy trying to reach the world. I’m no exception. It’s time to change that.

Maybe you don't need a new word for [2021]. Maybe you just need the obedience and discipline to see your “old” word through. Let us simplify. Let us get back to the basics. Let God’s presence reveal what we need or need not do. Don’t over-complicate.

As long as I’m breathing, I will protect the peace and keep my eyes on Jesus.

I’m rediscovering that the true beauty is in trying new things, exploring unknowns, taking risks, and boldly leading people to Jesus along the way.