GRACE

GRACE: pardon, mercy. a disposition, act or instance of kindness or clemency.   

GRACE dismantles barriers.  

GRACE oozes acceptance.  

GRACE unites.  

I was with a friend recently who had been profoundly impacted by grace bestowed upon him by his mother near the end of her life.  The countenance on his face clearly demonstrated the grace that had entered his life.  After our conversation, I immediately searched for my personal take home.   Clearly, as a mother I want to generously dole out GRACE to my children everyday of my life instead of waiting for my exit from this life. 

You see, my friend had done a few things in life he wasn't proud of and his shame and lack of communication kept him from receiving or giving GRACE

When was the last time you did something you later regretted?  I'm curious to know how you treated yourself afterwards? Harsh and judgmental?  Next time, try responding with GRACE.  Truth told,  we're not perfect and  we will disappoint ourselves and others repeatedly.  It's a fact, Jack!  So, when we fail to act in a less than admirable fashion, possibly out right despicable, we have two choices.  

1. We can respond with self hatred, judgement and criticism.  Not very appealing, eh?  Option one is a downward spiral to the pit of hell. 

2. We can respond with GRACE.  Acknowledge the ugliness of our behavior, take a deep breath, make amends in relationships if needed and seek to understand what lies beneath the behavior.  

Ancient Christian scripture says it is GRACE or kindness that motivates changed behavior.  Life Coach guru, Martha Beck, offers a similar perspective. 

 "The dirtiest, most low-down part of you is the person to which you must offer your compassion, because this person is in fact a wounded and terrified child.  He or she has adopted bad habits in a misguided attempt to make the world feel safe."  Martha Beck, The Joy Diet   

Grace works.  When I let grace loose in my world, good things happen.  Grace heals.  Grace speaks peace to fear, anger, pride, selfishness and greed.  Dispensing GRACE heals relationships, dismantles judgement and sets people free to be real and vulnerable.  

Grace says "I forgive you" and  "I'm sorry."

Allow GRACE to permeate your relationships in 2010 and I promise you'll create a story worth living and sharing.