I entitled this stamp, A Lesson Called Grace, after having a conversation with a friend who, in the middle of very good girl talk (might I add) asked me, “Why don’t you ever give yourself grace?”
It took me a few minutes to respond because the over-thinker in me had to go look up the definition. Although I’d known exactly what she was implying, the accurateness of the meaning was most important at the time.
Grace is defined as simple elegance or refinement of movement. It also goes on to say that grace is courteous goodwill. It’s an honor or credit to (someone or something) by one’s presence. The biblical definition of grace holds more significant value in my book. According to the Holy Bible, grace is the ‘love and mercy given to us by God because God desires us to have it, not necessarily because of anything we have done to earn it.’
Grace is not a created substance of any kind. It’s an attribute of God that is most manifested in the salvation of sinners.
The spiritual meaning of grace is unmerited (mercy) or favor that God gives to humans.
Now that I’ve given you a school lesson for the day, back to the conversation that my friend and I were having – I told her minutes later, “I’m not as far as off in my life as you probably assume that I am. I’ve made XYZ mistakes, and although it should be XYZ, it’s not…”
The XYZ is filler for what it may appear to be on the outside looking in.
See, I believed that because my growth wasn’t as substantial as I felt as it should be, that I hadn’t done enough or my achievement wasn’t worth even crediting. But then my friend mentioned GRACE.
God’s grace.
My own grace.
Where is my grace?
A small lightbulb went off in my head, and there it was—my next stamp.
A Lesson Called Grace.
When was the last time you shut down a negative or impending thought before it had the power to alter your mood in a huge way?
When was the last time you closed your mouth and bridled your tongue before saying something ill?
When was the last time you almost lurked a page or texted someone that you know for a fact God told you to let go?
When was the last time you did something that the new you would shake their head at, but the old you would rejoice in satisfaction?
Did you know that there was grace available for the situations mentioned above? Yeah, me neither. I didn’t realize until recently, and now that I do know, everything around me has changed. Drastically.
It was okay for me to have a bad moment but not a bad day. It was acceptable for me to say something that wasn’t right, but as long as I was aware of my actions, I’d given myself grace.
The year is 2020, and we’re all probably wondering what the heck happened and when will it be over. As much as I considered myself a homebody, having the few places I did enjoy going not be accessible anymore crushed me dearly. I would love to go to the coffee shop on a late Tuesday afternoon and get some work done. It’s the atmosphere for me. I’m thankful for my home office, but the vibe in the coffee shop is truly unmatched.
I miss catching a movie solo after lunch and shopping on Saturdays.
I would do anything to just lay my face at the altar at church on Sunday.
I miss going into the stores just to enjoy looking at new products. I miss random girls night at my house. Life has changed for everyone.
After losing my grandfather to COVID-19 and my father saying that this past July he’d lost more people than he’d ever had, I realized that it was time for me to give myself some grace.
I’m thankful for every opportunity and blessing that has come my way since the start of the pandemic. My business didn’t suffer any loss, and in fact, I’ve done better being stuck in the house than I would’ve if I were out and about.
This pandemic has shown me that grace is accessible and it’s available.
I feel more aware of my senses, actions, wants, needs, dreams, and desires.
It’s been a while since my smile has been genuine and I’ve just felt… at peace, and I am here to let you know that it is an incredible feeling.
Grace.
It’s grace.
The power of grace.
God has revealed so much to me in a short amount of time, and I’m in a place where I’m constantly saying, “God, give me more. Show me all you can do. Have your way in my life, Lord.” It’s something about being verbal about wanting Him to keep showing me who’s for me and ultimately if I am for myself right now. I know that’s my confidence seeping through, and I am grateful.
What can grace do for you? E V E R Y T H I N G.
It places you on a pedestal. Grace gives you more momentum for the journey. It gives you an extra push to keep going. I know it is grace that has me still present in the moment, eager to embrace every day as if it’s another opportunity to give myself back to the world. Grace has re-connected me to my passion and my purpose. I feel like I’m creating my best work because of new grace and mercy. I love where I am right now. Happiness is an inside job, and peace is a choice. Grace keeps me optimistic about what’s to come. I’m literally anxious yet patient about what is going to happen next. I’m manifesting new beginnings, new friends, connections, blessings, and opportunities. It’s so much I want to do, so many places I want to go, conversations I’m ready to have. I’m ready for more. Ready for the overflow. The other day, I found myself saying that I was overdue for a blessing, and I had to stop mid-sentence because I’m not on my timing, but God’s. Who am I to think that He OWES me anything? We can never get weary in well-doing. That’s one of my favorite scriptures, Galatians 6:9. I stand on it firmly.
I hope that this passport stamp reminds you not to give up.
I want to encourage you to stand on God’s promises.
You’re worthy.
You’re valuable.
You are next in line for a miracle.
You are amazing.
You’re beautiful.
God’s grace is available for you. I want the world for you. I want the best for you. I want you at your best. I want you to maximize your potential. Walk in your purpose. Tap into your passion. Be great. This next season is called GRACE.
