We’re aware that some people select a word as their personal theme or focus for the year. Good News Wants to Know… what would you choose as your word of the year for 2022 and why?

 

The one word that really seems to be bouncing around in my head lately has been “FOCUS.” This would be in relation to a couple of things. One being the ability to prioritize what’s important task wise in the daily grind of life in busy South Florida and what is not. Then placing my attention, time and energy accordingly. The other more important element of this word I find empowering is in relationships. Our interactions are most fruitful and meaningful when I focus on the person in front of me, resisting the urge to let my mind wander. Placing people over things and purpose over problems is how and what I hope to ‘FOCUS’ on in 2022.

Eddie Vega, Senior Pastor, Fuel Life Church

EXPECTANCY

My experience is that a posture of expectancy creates an environment for the miraculous to happen.

In the Bible, 2 Kings 4 indicates that the oil kept flowing only into as many jars as the widow collected. If she had more jars, the oil would’ve kept flowing. Expectancy matters! Trust this works.

Alan Platt, Global Leader, Doxa Deo

My word for 2022 is ” inspiration.”

Inspiration – inspire others – be inspired by others.  Unlock your potential by using your talents from God to make this a better place for all of us.

Passion, intuition, commitment, risk, reward, satisfaction, and faith all play an important part in becoming the light in a very dark world.  This beacon of light will be an inspiration for others and will inspire you to do more, be more, help more and achieve more than you dream possible.

Put your faith in the one that inspires all of us. Your light will be an inspiration to others!

Andy Mitchell, President/CEO, The Fairwinds Group

For 2022 God’s Word for me is “submission.” His will, not mine. This is the foundation for two themes God is working on in my life: To live by faith, not feelings or emotions, and to walk in and with joyous hope.

William “Bill” C. Davell, Director, Tripp Scott PA\

Resilience is the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties. As we wrap up another year in the pandemic (and with additional challenges stemming from inflation, supply chain issues, etc.). Resilience comes to mind. When we remember that through God all things are possible, we realize the challenges we’ve experienced, and continue to experience, often aren’t as daunting as they may seem.  

Brian Mudd, Program Director, Host of The Morning Rush & The Brian Mudd Show, iHeartMedia

The word that I would use as a theme for 2022 is OPTIMISM! There are many things that can pull us back in life and in business. However, I challenge everyone to find the good in everyone and everything. We have so much to be thankful for and this new year and a new legislative session in Tallahassee gives me cause to be optimistic about the future.

Chip LaMarca, State Representative, Florida House District 93

One of my words for 2022 is Growth. I really want to ask the Lord to show me areas in my life that I need to grow in. Whether it be spiritual growth, professional/work growth or marriage and family growth, I want to be all the Lord has for me in 2022.

Chris Lane, President, First Priority of South Florida

My word for 2022 is Leadership. I believe great leadership is needed now more than ever. We are seeing unprecedented numbers of people reevaluating their lives and livelihood. They are making choices to leave long-held jobs due to toxic work cultures and bad leadership. Everything rises and falls on leadership, and I’ve dedicated my journey to helping leaders and leadership teams be better today than they were yesterday and better tomorrow than they are today. A leader who embraces Jesus’ example and creates a positive and healthy work culture is not only needed desperately but is attractive to those seeking a great place to work and thrive.

Craig D. Huston, Huston Consulting Group, LLC

My word for 2022 is COURAGE! In these difficult times when good is being called evil and evil good, we need to have spines of titanium to stand up for Truth and not to give in to the fear our culture is trying to inflict on us. This could be a time of great Harvest for His Kingdom as we boldly bring hope to those who are discouraged and fearful.

Deborah Cusick, FAU Campus Volunteer, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship

My word of the year for 2022 would be “Jesus.” When reflecting on the last year and looking at all the people and situations that are happening, the word seems more needed than ever. I consistently meet people who knowingly, or unknowingly, have a void in their lives that can only be filled by Jesus. I too, in many ways, am reminded that He is needed not just by others but by me too. May His name be on my lips more readily both privately, publicly, and professionally in 2022.

Dennis DeMarois, Executive Director, Gathering Palm Beach

I would choose innovation. I love to think BIG and to accomplish the potential I have in mind for the business, the mission work we are leading and our personal lives. I look forward to brainstorming and working alongside those ready to think and execute outside the box.

Don Campion, President, Banyan Air Service, Inc.

My word for 2022 is “Freedom.” Having gone through prostate cancer recently, I find that fear wants to hold me hostage. Fear has sought continuously to set up boundaries for my faith. I’ve come to understand just a little better when Jesus said, “You shall know the truth and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). This means, for me, that my freedom is just on the other side of my fears. So, I’m choosing to walk past the self-imposed boundaries of fear to get to the true freedom that Jesus promised. “Surely God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid” (Isaiah 12:2).

Fidel Gomez, Pastor, Calvary Chapel Hollywood

“Countercultural”

I feel many in our culture are looking for an alternative! Many realize how wrong things are in our culture now but aren’t sure how to resist with “love.” Godly love!

Fred Scarbrough, DVM, Founder, Scarbrough Animal Hospital and Hope South Florida

My word for the year is RESTORATION…as one person said to me when I shared it – with emphasis on the REST. These last couple years have been truly a whirlwind of sorts and it is time for REST and RESTORING. I decided on this word because I need to refocus my energy in restoring personal wellness as well as professionally restoring the culture of my organization as we all come back together. It just seems like a fitting word for the new year.

Germaine Smith Baugh, Ed.D, President and CEO, Urban League of Broward County

Uncertainty

Building material cost and delivery is challenging for the construction industry.

Gregg Wallick, President & CEO, Best Roofing

In our present world, as so many have experienced pain, loss, grief and loneliness, my word for 2022 is Empathy. As the Lord shows us daily throughout our lives, we must also love one another unconditionally. Putting ourselves in their shoes and understanding what they are feeling. Listening to hear and loving without judgement. This is my wish and my heart’s longing in 2022. 

Helen Wayner P.A., Century 21 Hansen Realty

My word for 2022 is Grow. I am looking forward to making the most of 2022 and learning all I can regardless of what comes my way. Every obstacle is an opportunity to trust God and see Him move.

Jesse Carroccio, Station Manager, WRMB Moody Radio

Gracious.

Don’t take offense at the behavior of others and seek opportunities to bless all. 

James ‘JT’ Taylor, Managing Director, Automotive Retail, Truist Securities

Leaving behind the old, renewed by the birth of our Savior, Victory is on the horizon. No matter the trials of refinement we know who won the war, we are redeemed through His blood and made anew creation. Claim and walk in Victory!

Dr. Jessica Vera, President, Chief Executive Officer, Elite Foundation

My word for 2022 is “Joy.” Joy is “the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good.” The biblical definition of joy says that joy is “a feeling of good pleasure and happiness” that is dependent on who Jesus is rather than on who we are or what is happening around us. Joy comes from the Holy Spirit, abiding in God’s presence and from hope in His word. Joy is a fruit of the spirit of God, found in the presence and the righteousness of God. As we believe in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we have joy in our hearts. May the joy of the Lord be your strength in 2022.

Ken Kerrigan, Pastor, Calvary Chapel Cornerstone Church

Intentionality. My goal is to be very intentional on how I spend my time, talent and treasure. We know we can’t ‘do it all’ so I want to be intentional on how I steward the resources God has blessed me with. Better yet, I’d like to have “Spirit-led intentionality.”

Laura C. Bishop, Executive Vice President of Advancement, Palm Beach Atlantic University

My word for 2022 is “Redemptive.” For many years now, I have always liked taking a break from business for the last two weeks of the year and starting the new year fresh. Putting away the old and starting something new, with a clean slate. Even the cares and concerns and issues of the previous year that migrate into the new year can be seen from a new, more redemptive perspective. As Christians, we believe we have been redeemed from our sins to start a new life in Christ. Each new year is a reminder for us to be redemptive going forward.

Mike McDermott, PA, Seniors Real Estate Specialist, The Keyes Company

This year our word will be Clarify. 2021 was often chaotic and confusing and those are not Godly attributes. The waters became muddied. There is a lot of debris socially and spiritually, and that is very distracting. We intend to identify and prioritize that which is important. In essence, clarify our goals and objectives so that accomplishing them is simple because they are so very clear.

Dr. Michael Rozenblum, Genesis Physical Medicine and Chiropractic

My word for 2022 is Accountability. In order to be an effective leader who displays integrity and growth as a person and for the organization, accountability is essential. Today’s world is bombarded by fake news, dishonest politicians and corporate scandals where there seems to be no repercussions for their wrong doings. We must not allow ourselves or our society to succumb to such behaviors. Accountability is a strong deterrent to these shortcomings and our own blind spots.

Milan Stefanovic, Chief Operations & Personal Lines Officer, Bass Underwriters

My word for 2022 is a scripture I’ve been meditating on for several weeks. With things in the world shifting so rapidly, this word has brought me strength and comfort: 

“Wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of your times, and the strength of salvation; the fear of the Lord is His treasure” (Isaiah 33:6 NKJV).

In these unsettling times it is only the wisdom and knowledge that comes from God that is able to strengthen and guide me.

Oksana Horton, Artistic Director, Torch and Trumpet Theatre Company

My word of the year for 2022 would be that we all pray that the kingdom of God comes into the earth as it is in heaven. That is to say that God’s righteousness peace and joy come into the heart of all mankind. When we pray this way, we are simply praying that all mankind will allow God to come into their hearts and rule their lives, then they will have peace joy and happiness.

O’Neal Dozier, Pastor, The Worldwide Christian Center

Perseverance is my word for 2022. I am attempting to accomplish challenges with a cheerful and grateful heart and allow the Spirit to direct me for the future. Paul gives us such great examples of perseverance, and like Paul, I am seeking the favor of God, not man.

Patricia Colangelo, EdS, Lecturer, Professor, Trinity International University – Florida

My word of the year for 2022 is RECLAIM. My New Year wish is for me, my family and my friends to be able to reclaim the life that each of us had prior to COVID-19. Let us get back to enjoying being with each other and with strangers without the underlying fear of contracting the virus. Let us travel once again to explore our country and the world, seeing amazing sights, enjoying exotic foods and meeting wonderful people. I pray that through God’s grace our lives will return to normal, even if it will be a new normal, and that we all will be blessed with good health and well-being in the coming year.

Ray Monteleone, President & CEO, Paladin Global Partners

My word for 2022 is FAITHFUL!!! ….Most of all “God is FAITHFUL”!!

These past 18 months all that could be shaken has been shaken, and God has remained so FAITHFUL. My prayer is to continue to ‘Trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding’… knowing that “God is FAITHFUL”!!!!

Coach Rick Andreassen, President and Founder, SAINTS of Florida Homeschool P.E. and SAINTS International Sports Ministry

My word for 2022 is “Better.” Moving the needle forward as a believer, husband, father, grandfather, churchman, lawyer, friend and community volunteer is my goal for next year. And if I have the time, golfer! 

Romney C. Rogers, Managing Partner, Rogers Morris & Ziegler LLP

I began praying about a word for the year for 2021 late last year and the word that God gave me was persistence, meaning never give up despite difficulty or opposition. I didn’t know that we would no longer be able to meet at the place that we were meeting for church services that year, yet despite difficulties, by not giving up and trusting in the Lord, He provided a permanent place for our church that was way better than we could have imagined. This year I feel that God has given me the word boldness, meaning willingness to take risks and act with confidence or courage. Living a life of faith requires courage and not being afraid to take the next step that God is calling us to take. Looking forward to seeing what God has for us in 2022. Happy New Year!

Steve Daigle, Campus Pastor, Calvary Chapel Parkland

 

My word is hope! I have had several things that God has put on my heart to accomplish. I am hopeful that 2022 will be the year that the Lord brings these projects to fruition. My hope is in Him! Until then, I will continue to do the work of the Lord. Romans 5:5!

Tewannah Aman, Executive Director, Broward County Right to Life

Read last month’s GNWTK at: https://www.goodnewsfl.org/good-news-wants-to-know-hiatus/