The Roaring Twenties

As the new year turned to a new decade, all across the media could be heard the throwback phrase, “The Roaring Twenties.”

History records that in 1920, a decade began that proved to be a breakout one for western society. Some things moved forward and brand new things emerged. Thing were not as they had been. Change was happening. (History shows it didn’t turn out all perfect - but the good outweighed the bad). 

In talking with friends, so many said to me that they were ready to close the door on 2019 and move on; they were ready to start over, start again….fresh. They talked about the changes they were hoping for. They were dreaming of better days, a better year. 

Me, too.

I considered choosing the word ROAR as my word for the year, but I couldn’t settle on it. Maybe I am too afraid of it. I don’t know. But, still, secondary to my word for the year, RESTORE, is the word ROAR.

I see C.S. Lewis’s lion Aslan. I feel his gentleness and his power. I remember the scene of his return to life after death and the young girls who saw it first. I remember him breathing life back into the creatures who had turned to stone. He tore down walls and opened gates so that people could be free - forever. 

I read verses in the Bible that talk about the roaring ocean waters that praise God’s name and bring him glory. 

And then, I have been singing this song…

I raise a hallelujah, in the presence of my enemies I raise a hallelujah, louder than the unbelief I raise a hallelujah, my weapon is a melody I raise a hallelujah, heaven comes to fight for me I'm gonna sing, in the middle of the storm Louder and louder, you're gonna hear my praises roar Up from the ashes, hope will arise Death is defeated, the King is alive!

That’s it right there. 

Louder and louder, you're gonna hear my praises ROAR

My secondary word for 2020 is ROAR.

It all makes sense, though, you know? RESTORE and ROAR go together actually. 

I am praising God in the presence of my enemies and circumstances that brought on the biggest storm of my life thus far, and I am trusting in Him and His timing to restore all that has been lost. My faith is growing. 

2020. 

God is the true King. Under his reign, new things will emerge in this decade - things I have not seen before. 

He will RESTORE me.

And until then…and forever after, may my praise ROAR for Him, no holding back.

Let the decade begin!