Person of Grace
Last month, I did something kind of BRAVE for me.
I reached out to my friend, Meredith (who has graciously guest-written on this very blog a couple of times), regarding a pattern I'd started to notice: shutting people out.
I was so scared. But more than that, I was done with this destructive pattern.
With the realization of this pattern, I knew it was one that I'd had for years. Including with this friend, so when she responded, I braced myself. I have know Mer to be a woman of grace and wisdom- but she had every reason to be bitter and mad! Instead, when I opened and read the texts, I was amazed. Tears of a heart receiving grace and loved edged off the tips of my eyelids and traced my cheeks.
I learned several things that afternoon.
1) That I needed to do this. To reach out and address a harmful pattern.
2) Yes, it was scary.
But fear was what drove me to behave that way- so why continue to live by way of fear?
3) A response of forgiveness and grace is so healing to the soul.
Now honestly, I would have struggled to be quite as kind with a friend who basically shut me out. Grace? Psh.
But wow. I have never received such a gift from a human that I have wronged.
I saw Christ in her that day. More of how my Savior sees me, amidst all my faults, grace is unveiled and grace prevails.
So as God works on my heart about letting people in, even when I am hurting or stressed, I now He will also be softening the walls of my heart toward Him. Unveiling His grace, given so freely.
This blogpost is dedicated to 1) the journey of healing, wholeness, & restoration, & 2) Meredith, a friend who loves at all times. 06/11/2017
Romans 12:18, NIV
Melly xoxo
I reached out to my friend, Meredith (who has graciously guest-written on this very blog a couple of times), regarding a pattern I'd started to notice: shutting people out.
I was so scared. But more than that, I was done with this destructive pattern.
With the realization of this pattern, I knew it was one that I'd had for years. Including with this friend, so when she responded, I braced myself. I have know Mer to be a woman of grace and wisdom- but she had every reason to be bitter and mad! Instead, when I opened and read the texts, I was amazed. Tears of a heart receiving grace and loved edged off the tips of my eyelids and traced my cheeks.
I learned several things that afternoon.
1) That I needed to do this. To reach out and address a harmful pattern.
2) Yes, it was scary.
But fear was what drove me to behave that way- so why continue to live by way of fear?
3) A response of forgiveness and grace is so healing to the soul.
Now honestly, I would have struggled to be quite as kind with a friend who basically shut me out. Grace? Psh.
But wow. I have never received such a gift from a human that I have wronged.
I saw Christ in her that day. More of how my Savior sees me, amidst all my faults, grace is unveiled and grace prevails.
So as God works on my heart about letting people in, even when I am hurting or stressed, I now He will also be softening the walls of my heart toward Him. Unveiling His grace, given so freely.
This blogpost is dedicated to 1) the journey of healing, wholeness, & restoration, & 2) Meredith, a friend who loves at all times. 06/11/2017
Romans 12:18, NIV
"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. "Humbly,
Melly xoxo
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