I am saddened, angered and exhausted by the rhetoric of the powers that be (in every arena). We hear words that seem satisfactory, in the moment and without realizing it, we are lulled to indifference, mediocrity and eventually sleep. Sleep – a complete unawareness of what is truly happening in front of our own eyes, right around the corner or down the street. Seems while we were sleeping, grace became obsolete.
Grace as I understand it, is unmerited favor, courteous goodwill, refinement of movement, a title, an extension of time and…I’m curious, what’s your personal definition of “grace”?
For those of us who grew up in (or were surrounded by) religious circles, grace may have been a word that was used c-o-u-n-t-l-e-s-s times. Present day has me reflecting on a few things: when did we first hear the word? In what context was the word primarily used? How did we personally begin using the word? Was the word accurately reflected in the way we lived? Have we seen the word lived out by those in our circle?
Have we confused or replaced grace with favoritism and nepotism? Favoritism – giving unfair and preferential treatment to an individual or group. Nepotism – using power or influence to favor relatives and/or friends. In our everyday lives, how much of a role do favoritism and nepotism play?
Despite the behavior of the world around us, are we swift to listen and slow to speak? Do we allow others to complete thoughts even when they slightly differ or are completely opposite of our own? Have we built friendships with only those who talk like us, claim to believe like us, vote like us, etc?
If we avoid building relationships with those who are different than us, are we limiting our own oxygen (by living in a “bubble”)? Are we hindering our own growth (because of unaddressed implicit bias and prejudice, among other things)? If we choose to move outside our areas of comfort, will it not open the door for opportunities to learn and grow in grace?
Have we genuinely accepted grace for ourselves? Rather than judgment and negative self talk on repeat, do we have grace for our own flaws and the “process” – wrestling with a new or less than welcome idea/approach as well as what often may seem like slow movement towards progress? Only then can we extend it to others.
Have we extended grace to the “stranger” among us…those who are different than us, those who are poverty-stricken, the mentally unstable, the homeless (emotionally and physically)? At times, grace is simply space – to be seen, heard and empowered.
What is a practical step we can take in embracing and extending grace today?
Common Day Hero: You model grace. You are quick to admit your flaws. You are brave, kind, fierce and loyal to all who count you a friend (I’m glad to be in that number!). Sanu, I dedicate this post to you.
