As a kid, we rarely went to Church.
The one exception was when I visited my grandparents, Mimaw and Charlie. They went every Sunday without fail.
If I'm being honest, I must admit that I often didn't like going. I didn't know anyone, didn't have any of the Bible verses memorized (like the other kids seemed to), and had trouble sitting still during the sermon.
[Why are Church pews so uncomfortable?]
But I did love the songs. I've mentioned before that I've got a booming soprano voice. Singing was when I felt content. . . happy.
One of my favorite hymns has always been Amazing Grace. And as I heard it sung in my Church this past Easter weekend, it hit me. . .
The world (and everyone in it) needs more grace.
The concept of grace within the Christian Church is that we are all given grace because God desires us to have it. It's given to us freely, not because we've earned it.
We're living in a moment of time when people are hyper-judgmental. One 'wrong' opinion or mistake and that's it. You're a horrible human who should be cast aside (never again listened to).
There's zero ability for redemption. No forgiveness.
I don't know about you, but I find this deeply troubling.
Humans are imperfect. Sometimes we have wrong (even very wrong) opinions. And other times we mess up (in small and big ways).
Yet we're also capable of learning. That means that we can change.
But people are not very likely to change if not extended some measure of grace.
And grace can be given by anyone (regardless of your religious views).
Make no mistake, what I'm talking about is hard. It bucks the trend of categorizing people and opinions as automatically right or wrong, allowing for more nuance.
And it also requires that you look deeply within yourself (because news flash, human imperfection applies to you too).
I want you to imagine what the world might look like if everyone was extended some grace.
How might we change minds (in healthy ways)? What long-term impact could that have?
Not only is this a more courageous way of living, but it's also more enjoyable.
XO,
Heather
P.S. Giving grace to others is important. And so is giving yourself some grace. Living life to the fullest necessarily includes messing up from time to time. Be sure to not beat yourself up over it. Learn, forgive yourself and move on.
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