Giving Grace- Week 1

“Courage is grace under pressure.”

Ernest Hemingway

Special thanks to my dear friends, Laura for suggesting this quote. and to Sandra who spread the word of grace.

As I contemplate the focus for each month, I usually have a life experience that leads me to the final decision. Sadly, the three of us lost our hearts in August when the other corner of our square, Margie, lost her battle with cancer. Margie exemplified grace, she was courageous under enormous pressure, just as Hemingway’s quote states. It was her loving husband who brought to light a critical life lesson as he cared for his wife of over fifty years who decided to end her treatment. I was troubled and not forgiving of those who didn’t show up all summer, or extend themselves, unlike him.  Roger showed grace to everyone, saying things to me such as, they did what they could, or they showed up at the end. He was the GIVER of kindness, forgiveness, understanding and acceptance.

Recently, my three friends and I discussed embracing grace and how to apply it better in our lives. How can you do this? Begin by noticing when you are judging.  Ask yourself the question, are they doing the best that they can? Pause, before you react. Give others the benefit of the doubt. Look for a person who exhibits the behavior of Roger and then observe, and follow his lead.