“Grace is the benevolent, powerful, unwavering energy of the universe that guides you to the best version of yourself.” Deepak Chopra.
“The Holy Spirit bestows grace upon us all the time, but especially when we ask for it directly through prayer.” Sonia Choquette
I have been contemplating the word “Grace”. Deepak Chopra says in the quote above that grace leads us to the best versions of ourselves. Sonia Choquette reminds us that The Holy Spirit grants us grace through prayer.
When you think of the best version of yourself, what comes to mind? I think of complete peace. But I also have to admit, the best version of myself probably looks good. She probably has money, friends, and some kind of status. She is in a happy marriage and fulfilling job.
Recently, President Obama did a eulogy for Reverend Clementa Pinckney, the minister who was shot in Charleston, South Carolina. 9 people were shot and killed during a bible study group in Charleston. This was a hate crime against African Americans.
President Obama declared during the eulogy that each victim of the shooting had grace. He added: “As a nation, out of this terrible tragedy, God has visited grace upon us for he has allowed us to see where we’ve been blind. He’s given us the chance, where we’ve been lost, to find our best selves.”
I am also reminded of Cassie Bernall. She was a victim of the Columbine shootings. The shooter asked Cassie if she believed in God. After Cassie proclaimed, “Yes,” she was shot and killed.
The 9 people shot in Charleston and Cassie Bernall now make me think of grace in a different way. Maybe my best self has nothing to do with anything I thought it did. Maybe grace is always staying true to yourself no matter what. Maybe grace is always staying close to God. Maybe grace is doing what is right in the face of fear, judgment, and danger. Maybe staying true to your identity, even though it may have consequences, is true freedom granted through The Holy Spirit’s grace.
The shooters did not succeed with what they wanted to accomplish. Those that were bestowed grace in the face of their guns succeeded. They made more of a mark than guns ever could. The power and grace of God always wins.
Peace, Love, and Grace,
Elizabeth
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References
http://www.cnn.com/2015/06/26/politics/obama-charleston-eulogy-pastor/
photo: flickr creative commons, Art4TheGlryOfGod by Sharon, https://www.flickr.com/photos/4thglryofgod/14430052851/in/photolist