GRACE

Grace runs in my family.  It is a legacy that I am honored to carry on.  I almost carried on the middle name Grace, like great Aunts and Grandmothers before me.  Instead I carry on the gift of GRACE given to me by my heavenly Father.  I first saw it in my Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Parents and cousins.  I grew up surrounded by Grace to a point where I took it for granted.

I didn't understand how bad I needed it when I was young and at home. When I was in college I came to appreciate the gift of Grace.  Still later as a Mom I cried out for Grace through dark hours, not even knowing that was what I needed.  God loves me so much, more than any parent can love their child, He gladly gave more than I needed despite my immaturity.

That is when it happened.  When I didn't know what I needed and was able to more than survive, even experience Joy, in the midst of the deepest anguish any parent can fathom but HOW?  I asked. He said, "Grace."

Just a few weeks ago He started reminding me of the Grace I received. Grace?  I said.  What about it?  So I began to search His Word for Grace.  Grace in greek is Charis, which means "that which affords joy, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness, grace of speech, good will, favor, mercy".  Grace give us strength and spiritual power.  God gives grace away to keep us. To keep us.

Aaahh grace. If in our humility we boldly approach the Throne of Grace, God will be merciful and give us the Grace we need. (Hebrews 4:9 & james 4:6)  For it is good that our hearts be established/kept with grace for it is the strength we need to stand firm in all of life. (Hebrews 13:9)  Moreover the sincerity of the Love we show is measured by our ability to give Grace to others. (2 Corinthians 8:1-9)  The sincerity of my love shown to my children, husband, co-workers,family, friends, church is measured by the grace I freely give.  That means I give it before they ask for it, like He did for me.

Now, like the church in Corinth thousand of years ago, I am asked to finish what I promised- to love all those He blesses me with sincerely.  I pray that when the Sincerity of my Love is measured His Grace that keeps me, overflows in me. Amazing Grace.