The pandemic has been center stage for what seems like forever. Over fifteen months ago, we first heard about a novel coronavirus. No one could have anticipated what has happened since. Pause and consider the sweeping changes we’ve had to wade through. (death, hospitalizations, sickness, lockdowns, masks, social distancing, civil unrest, isolation from loved ones, online school, impact to kids, impact to businesses, depression, suicide, cancelled celebrations, cancelled sporting events, cancelled travel, changes in worship, etc.)
My list is not even comprehensive, but that’s a lot of stress inducing loss and change. No wonder we are weary. Overarching all of it has been the constant angry debate about how best to handle it. And… the fight continues. No one has been immune. The cumulative effect has taken a toll.
Cautiously Excited
It seems as if we’re a pack of prairie dogs poking our heads out to assess the evolving landscape. I’m cautiously excited. Aren’t you? Still, I sense that for many, fear lingers. Another new normal will take time. The way I see it, we’ve all lived through trauma that we aren’t confident is over.
When it comes to trauma, I have some unwanted experience. For starters, it stinks. It leaves you fragile, timid and depleted. You’re especially vulnerable to inevitable triggers that take you right back to the darkness.
Take it From Me
But… drawing from my personal experience, there was one gift that was far and away the most helpful for my healing. It wasn’t a delicious casserole, or practical advice. It was the gift of grace. Grace for my limited capacity, my fragile emotions, my frazzled nature. Grace for my fear and sadness, my impatience, my unavailability.
My supporters have been the best. You know who you are! Practically your gift of grace towards me translated to extra kindness, extra sensitivity, extra understanding and extra patience. And it was your gift of grace that can be credited for my ability to re-assimilate back into life.
Calling all Christians
The way I see it, we have a huge opportunity. During this past fifteen months, we Christians have shamelessly added to the division. We have disagreed about too much and blended in to the rest of the angry world. Could we please agree that grace should be our post pandemic priority? What if everyone of us left our home today with more kindness, more sensitivity, more understanding and more patience. Imagine what that would look like.
I get it. Most of us are weary and have no margin to up our game. More of anything is asking too much. How can we be a grace gifter, when we’re still suffering from our own PTSD?
Here’s the thing…
The only way we stand a chance is to access the Lord’s limitless grace and power.
James 4:6 And he gives grace generously….
2 Corinthians 2:9 My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
Trick Birthday Candles
Grace is a curious thing. The more you give grace, the more grace you have to give. I’m reminded of those annoying magic re-lighting birthday candles. Every time you blow on them, they re-ignite brighter. I dare you. Extend grace generously and see what happens. You may never burn out. You can’t out-give God.
Dear Gracious God, We praise you for not only having the answer, but being the answer. Thank you for your sufficient and abundant grace. Forgive us for our judgmental spirit that seeks to keep us divided. Even though we’re weary, we want to be grace gifters. Compel us to stay plugged into your limitless power, so we can be kinder, more sensitive, more understanding and more patient. Thank you Father for encouraging us with signs of a post pandemic world and the opportunity that it presents. Thank you for the privilege to burn brightly on Your behalf, one gracious act at a time. Amen.
I accept your giving grace challenge Debbie. Thank you for all you are and for sharing your heart with us so faithfully each Wednesday!
Amen Sharon.
Once again you’ve pierced the heart of the matter. You’ve given me direction for my prayers, acknowledging that it is only through our own practice of grace that ruptures in our relationships—family, friends, co-workers, church family, on and on—can be healed and made right. I know that. I also know it’s going to be hard as we experience, everywhere we go, constant daily reminders of our differing views, even when we go to church. Covid has left us exhausted and angry, deep wounds that keep being reopened as our divisions don’t resolve, but rather continue to flaunt themselves. Yes, the salve is grace.
Well said Dorma. May we have the courage to trust the power of grace. Love you my friend.
What an appropriate challenge, Debbie! I accept! And I know that the more I stay close to our Grace-Giver, the more grace I’m able to spread around. I am such a wimp alone. And he reminds me through people like you that he uses even me to extend his grace. Hallelujah, what a Savior!
I knew you were up to the task Anne. You’re going to rock this challenge.
Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses. How did I miss this part of that verse? I have always loved the first two sentences about Grace and God’s power being made perfect in weakness. But boasting about my weaknesses? That never occurred to me. So here goes. I have been unable to hike or do much of any exercise for over a year now due to what should have been a minor injury. My immune system has gone Haywire. And yes, finally, I am depressed and require medication which isn’t helping much. These weaknesses are so new to me, someone who is always been strong and Incredibly active. None the less, I accept your challenge Debbie. To give Grace at every opportunity because God’s grace is not only sufficient for me, it is more than sufficient for me to share with anyone and everyone I know or simply meet on the street. You are a blessing Debbie, thank you
Halleluah Terri! I am proud of you sister. May you feel the endorphins from His empowering grace. I think I see a glimpse of one relentless candle. 🙂
Endorphins from his grace oh, I love that thought! Thanks again Debbie
Oh how I gladly accept this challenge, I don’t like that I have become impatient , critical and hair triggered to vent any and all things that upset me. The Political atmosphere in Washington on down to the guy who tailgates me down the Highway. I’ve gotten very good at expressing myself, which is bad on all accounts. With your reminder in my head, and God’s Grace, I KNOW I can do better ,be better, for always change begins with one . This time the one , begins with me. Thanks Deb for this jump stsrt, my personal reboot post Covid Vaccine. God Bless !
Cat
Woohoo. Another one for the good guys. I like your phrase… a personal reboot. May you begin running “cleaner”.
Good Morning, Debbie,
I accept your Grace challenge. It has been especially hard being separated from my Mother while she lives in assisted living. Yes, we can visit her–outside or inside, with an appointment, for one hour. Only 4 different families per time slot. (1 person per family per visit, can visit at a time.) We cannot go to her room and visit. All people involved are fully vaccinated-staff and residents, visitors. Masks are required for the inside visits-which are in the reception area of the facility. It is hard for Mom to hear. We can bring her home, for visits and that helps. Yes, Debbie, the frustration level has been high and I have failed, at times to practice Grace. With God’s guidance and help I will prevail.
Thank you for your reminder of grace as we re-entry into a new normal.
Ginger
You’ve got this Ginger. You’re a music person… Remember the phrase… and let it begin with me.
Amen to this challenge, Debbie. It has been so hard for me to extend grace to several of my acquaintances and all because of the vaccination conflict/debate. This was very timely for me.
Thank you, again.
Amen Kerry. You are not alone. But we have access to the power.
Thank you! I take the challenge!
Yes! You’ve joined the winning team.
How very timely for me. You helped me see how much God has spread His Grace on me. Now I am challenged to utilize His Grace as I interact as the town opens up and I meet new people.
God Bless and Keep You.
Amen Martha. Everyone will feel just as new as you do. You will be loved in your new state in no time.
I gladly take the challenge, Debi!! It immediately puts a different light on everything!! It reminds us God is Good!!! Thanks, for your inspiration!!!
Way to step up Mary! We need everyone on the side of grace.
I accept your challenge Debbie! I pray we will all have the grace to see how others feel, to see their point of view, and to love as Jesus loves.
Yes! I like the notion you suggest… seeing people with Jesus’ eyes.
Debbie, the past few months, I’ve been trying to focus on “It’s better to be kind, than right”. Needless to say, I have to often remind myself! Thank you for reinforcing this with your message on “Grace”.
Amen Cathy. It sure is a struggle since we’re right all the time. Isn’t it. HA!!! Thanks for your message.
Such a wonderful reminder! I accept the challenge and have tried very hard to keep level headed when you face division and arguments that seem pointless and endless. I admit my patience can sometimes grow thin with behaviors of others. Thank you for another great blog!
Woohoo. Another one for the good guys.