I remember my high school class motto because we borrowed my mother’s high school motto:
Give the world the best you have and the best will come back to you.
While being able to summarize what your high school class is all about is of questionable importance, being able to summarize what YOU are all about is very important.
Unlike a bucket list, a list of your lifetime goals, or a description of your blog or business, a motto communicates in one sentence or more what you want people to know.
I have read about the importance of a simple description for blogs so people know what to expect. I have struggled to really refine my own tagline, but the recent survey I did of what people want to see in my blog suggested people either didn’t care or wanted me to keep my broad focus.
I’ve written about the importance of having a singular focus as we work throughout the day.
But only recently did I read about summarizing your whole existence in one motto. Surprisingly, it’s easy for me to give you my life motto–the sentence I’d be okay with having on my headstone, the words I want my children to know, the truth I want to share with the world.
I discovered my motto as I did an interview with Felice Gerwitz on my book, So You’re Not Wonder Woman. Here it is:
Psychology can’t save you; God can.
I have a Ph.D. in psychology and experienced nearly every problem that plagues modern women: overeating, disorganization, messed up relationships, depression and out-of-control finances. My smarts and the knowledge gained from the field of psychology did nothing to help me. Nothing. In fact, I think it drove me deeper into depression. And no wonder.
Therefore once more I will astound these people with wonder upon wonder; the wisdom of the wise will perish, the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish.” (Isaiah 29:14)
Although people are impressed by my education and I understand that, I’m only impressed with the God who forgave me for the sake of His Son, Jesus, and then transformed me.
My prayer is that even if you don’t believe my motto, you’ll know that I do. I have nothing to offer you, but God has wisdom, help, and hope for you. If He uses me to share out of the abundance of His riches with you, I am blessed.
In a sentence, what is your motto?
Having a motto is a great thing – it’s essentially a one-sentence mission statement. I’ve had some in the past, but I need to revise mine. It’s definitely something worth sitting down and thinking about.
I would love to hear your motto when you have it down! Hope you enjoyed a great vacation, too.
Hey Melanie girl!
There are some good, honest thoughts and questions here… May God grace us both with more wisdom and discernment from His Spirit, for our personal vision ahead! Keep seeking, keep sharing sister! 🙂 ~ Blessings out, Amy
I’d love to hear your motto Amy if the Lord gives you one!
Hey Melanie, I just found your blog. I appreciate your openness about your faith.
I’ve got a sticky note beside my computer that says, God did not put me on this earth to be just ordinary. I love it, although the tag line I have for my blog is “To inspire people to do the things that inspire them.”
Stay Strong and Be Inspired.
That’s a great blog tag line, Geoff. Loved your blog post on disappointment by the way. I have written a couple posts on the subject. I have struggled to cope with disappointment my whole life. I like to think I’m getting better at it. 🙂