GRACED

I woke up this morning to a text from one of my long-time friends for over thirty-three years requesting prayer as she headed to surgery around 11:00 am for her dialysis connection that was no longer working. So, I immediately responded with “Praying Now” to include a very simple prayer along with it. She responded right back with an “Amen” and the smiley face emoji with the sunglasses. It’s significant that I tell you this to paint a picture of who “MY FRIEND” really is. From the moment I met this lady, I loved her. Her smile and personality were infectious. A year or so after our meeting, she left American General to go to work for State Farm. After working there, she found out randomly on one of her employee physicals that she had kidney disease. Not sure where it derived from, and long story short she eventually went on dialysis. It’s been over twenty years that she has been on this journey with the dialysis treatment. It hasn’t been very favorable at times but God has “graced” this woman of God with an attitude of gratitude. I know that it may sound like a cliché, but there has never been a time that I have felt a need to feel sorry for my friend. God’s spirit upholds her to the point that you feel like you need to go some where and pray for yourself because God has wrapped her in his love. It’s been such a source of inspiration watching her, I feel ashamed when I complain. I’m not saying we talk all the time, but when we talk, we talk. More importantly when she speaks – I hear the voice and strength that God has given her for the journey she is taking in this life. Y’all know what? God brought her out of that surgery today! They were able to take out the old line that was supposed to be good for only 5-7 years, but lasted 15, and put in a new line without additional extensive surgery! Nothing but God! Which brings me to why I’m blogging today. What has God “graced” you to do?

As I went through my day, I decided to text another one of my dear friend/sister to check in with her, and it turned out to be a check in for me!! Look at God! This particular sister is very soft spoken and moves in a very calming way. Her kindness and love will sneak up on you, and before you know it, you will be looking and listening for that small sweet voice saying “Hey Baby”. Listen, we all have a place in this world and the kingdom of God. It’s the little consistent things at times that matter more than great big random acts of kindness. We all are gifts to one another to be used by God. Never discount your place in the kingdom. The world is filled with loud, boisterous, and harsh people. Kindness is always welcomed, even when it’s not well received. Brennan Manning said “The heartfelt compassion that hastens forgiveness matures when we discover where our enemies cry. The other day I heard it quoted this way – “If you can find where your enemy weeps, they will cease to be your enemy”. Powerful! In order to do this correctly, we have to be clothed with “grace”. How else will you ever get close enough to know? Are you “graced” with meekness in your life? If so, wear it as a badge of honor, not dishonor. Matthew Henry describes the meek as those who are rarely and hardly provoked, but quickly and easily pacified and who would rather forgive twenty injuries than revenge one, having the rule of their own spirits. When you look at it this way, it’s pretty awesome, huh? Yes, I think so. I’m not advocating that kind and meek people allow themselves to be run over. I write to encourage those of you that carry the spirit of meekness to remain true to who God has “graced” you to be.

We have all been “graced” with something or multiple things that we bring to the world to show one another the love of God dwelling in us. Concerning my friend I wrote about above on dialysis, her grace is in her ability to endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. She’s not only a conqueror, matter of fact, she’s “More than a Conqueror” according to the word of God. She defies the odds of what she should look like and how she should feel. To my other friend/sister I spoke with today that doesn’t draw her sword to get through this life, just know that God said “You will inherit this earth Queen”! Matthew 5:5 says “Blessed is the meek, for they shall inherit the earth”. The meek will not only received blessedness in heaven but here on earth as well. While it may not feel like life is easy in the face of adversity, meekness paves way for God to operate on your behalf oppose to you going ahead of God. To all of you that God have so “graced” with the spirit of meekness; great is your reward! To be meek is to be like God himself. The LORD is gracious and full of compassion; slow to anger and of great mercy. Psalms 145:8.

Lastly, I’ve lived to fully comprehend that God has “graced” me with compassion (mercy). Matthew 5:7 says “Blessed are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy.” Lord knows what we all would be in need of; therefore, he causes us to give at times what we need and desire. I choose to give it freely, because I live with this deep understanding all of the time of how much of God’s mercy I am in need of myself. The scripture lets me know that when I give it, I shall obtain it! That’s amazing news to my ears!!! I’m a very emotional person and I have even been joked about being called "so emotional”. It’s ok, because I understand why. I can cry over a little of anything. I’ve gotten a little better as I’ve age, but my heart is so moved with compassion for people that end up in bad and unfavorable circumstances.

The reason I know it’s a grace thing, is because the bible says there is no good thing in this flesh. All good and perfect gifts come from our Father of lights. When you feel a pulling and a longing in you that makes you want good for others and makes you want to do good. It’s a God thing! Matter of fact, it’s a real good chance that it's the thing God has “graced” you to do.

On this week, perhaps over a cup of tea, take some time to think about what pulls on your heart the most. What comes easy for you to do? Is it listening? Slow to anger? Patience? Cheerfulness? Giving? Interceding? Showing Compassion? Selflessness? What does your heart pant after that would allow the world to see God in you? Sometimes your mission or ministry is right at your door step. God can choose to use us and show us what he has graced us with in any situation we encounter in our life. Whatever that thing is, I pray that God will continue to use you in it or show you so that he will get the glory out of your life.

Being “graced” to do something doesn’t always feel good to the flesh and it definitely doesn’t feel like “favor”. Favor is for you; grace is for others and for others to see God in you! The flesh has to die, while the spirit of God in you is glorified. Just remember great is our reward in heaven and on earth!

Until next time, be good to yourselves......

I dedicate this blog to you Deborah Ann❤️