Resolution vs. foundational statement

By Bishop Leonard Fairley

Instead of making New Year’s resolutions, I have decided to try something a little bit different. I have decided to create a foundational statement that will guide me during the gift of this God-given new year.

Foundational statements can be personal statements that help you define your core values. They are statements or quotes of purpose and identity. What are the foundational passages that give meaning to your life?

One foundational statement might be the belief that all life is sacred and created by God in the creator’s image. Or if you want to get philosophical, one of the following quotes might suit you:

Victor Frankl—neurologist, psychologist, philosopher and Holocaust survivor—often refers to Friedrich Nietzsche’s words: “He who has a why to live for can bear with almost any how.”  Frankl believed that suffering is given meaning by the way in which we respond to it. He believed the ability to choose one’s attitude in any given circumstance is one of the last human freedoms. What will be your “why” in this new year?

Albert Einstein said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world. Knowledge will get you from point A to point B, but imagination will take you everywhere.” During this new year, where on your life journey will you allow holy imagination to take you? How will you let holy imagination define who you are and whose you are? What new things will you allow holy imagination to create in your heart, mind and soul?

This quote is attributed to St. Francis of Assisi: “Preach the gospel at all times. Use words if necessary.” Proclaiming the gospel by example is more virtuous than speaking it. In what ways during this new year will you proclaim the Gospel where your actions will speak louder than your words?

One of my scriptural foundational statements is one I owe to my Grandma Gladys, who would never let me forget it: “For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:13 NRSV).

In what ways will you live into the truth that you and every person are fearfully and wonderfully made? What would the new year look like if this were your foundational statement?

I invite you to at least try creating a foundational statement this year instead of making a New Year’s resolution. Remember, you can use a quote or create your own.

Happy New Year!