There are a few character defects that seem stuck to me like glue. Procrastination. Sloth. Sugar. To name but a few.
I read self-help books, talk to others, journal, bang my head against the wall. After so much time, it feels like I should be able just to shake these defects off like an old, worn coat. However, it is not that easy. It takes daily diligence. Constant growth. Then, I begin to wonder…will it ever REALLY change?
Today I went to a meeting a heard a woman's story that reminded me about the Grace of God. We come into recovery so broken and we cannot even imagine a different life. When I first came to AA, I was angry, violent, foul-mouthed, and so full of shame. My future was bleak; my soul was a empty chasm.
Through the 12-Steps we are given an opportunity to transform. We give up, surrender absolutely. We clean house. We examine ourselves honestly, lovingly, and ask God to remove the defects of character that defeat us. Then, it is when we seek to repair the damage those defects have cause to others and ourselves, we feel the grace of God wash through us.
Pause for a moment. Think of a time your righted a wrong, that you made a loving amends. That weight that you felt life from your shoulders was the grace of God.
Here are some of my thoughts on the various definitions of GRACE (found HERE)
"An allowance of time after a debt or bill has become payable." – What a powerful way to think of grace! That there are debts to be paid for my actions, but I am given grace when they come due…a reprieve.
"Freely given, unmerited favor from God" – We cannot earn grace, buy grace, learn grace…we are given grace, as gift.
"Elegance or beauty of form, manner, motion, or action." – What a beautiful thought! That God's grace gives of elegance and beauty. That when we humbly ask for and receive God's grace we are made beautiful…from the inside out.
Finally, the origin of the word grace is GRATUS, which is ultimately GRATITUDE.
Need I say more?
no, you don't. this is the true beauty of grace. one, not many think exists. or think, is meant for them. yet it does. all it requires is honesty, acceptance, and patience... beautiful post!
ReplyDeleteAnd GRACE relieves my fears! It was GRACE that brought me safe this far. And it is GRACE that leads me on.
ReplyDeleteCan you imagine the adjectives the song writer of Amazing Grace went through before he decided on Amazing?
Beautiful, Wonderful, Passionate, Loving, Awesome, Outstanding, Powerful. . . just to name a few.
Great post here!
Indeed, a great post.
ReplyDeleteI too have been thinking about God's grace, coming off some awesome inner work between Advent and Epiphany.
I read that there is nothing but God. In my entire time sober, I bet I've heard the phrase "God is either everything or He is nothing" eight billion times.
Rephrasing as "there is nothing but God" got my attention big time.
No muss. No fuss. Just God.
www.bheretoday.com
Beth,
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love that last line. No muss. No fuss. Just God!
Thank you so much for your feedback.
Shadow & Pastor Sharon - I thank you both always for your comments and community :)
Love,
Peaceful Pandemonium.