Opening to Grace
It’s difficult to think about grace much less inhabit it in our fast-paced, distraction-filled world. But grace is a salve for our harried souls; it’s at the heart of living a full and compassionate life.
I was raised in the Baptist church where I was taught that grace was “the unmerited favor, kindness, and mercy of God.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
My translation: Despite humanity being a miserable mess, God grants us his undeserved love and redemption, anyway. Grace is salvation; our one path beyond sin, ignorance, and eternal damnation.
Shame is a heavy burden, especially for a child. Shame preempted my life-long mission to overcome my innate unworthiness. I would do anything to be worthy of God’s (and the world’s) approval.
As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to understand that Grace is not something we have to earn but something that we are. Grace is humanity at its best.
Yet many of us have a difficult time opening to the Grace within which also interferes with our ability to share Grace with others.