The State of Grace ~ A Little Reminder To Carry Along
Posted: Friday, February 20, 2009
by Camille Strate
JoyZAChoice
Today seems like a perfect day to offer a reminder. It's a shining, sparkly day here in the foothills. The winds have calmed, the sky is soft, the mountains powdered with snow. They say it's going to be warm. Right now, it's just right. So why not offer a reminder to those who may be in need of a little lift? No good reason not to, I say!
When I was a kid, the word 'grace' was exclusive to the ritual we performed before dinner. We'd all sit down at the table & my mom would appoint one of us to "say grace". I had no idea it had any other meaning. It was a 'thing'...a prayer of thanks. Not a movement or a feeling or a 'state' of anything. Just a prayer. As I write this, I can't for the life of me remember those words. Just goes to show you how well one can erase those things that meant nothing. We recited the words by rote. We didn't feel them. We didn't even think about what we were saying. Just little robots reciting words we'd been taught. Sad. My parents had nothing to do with that, really. They didn't know we weren't feeling it. They didn't know their kids were little robots. They did the best they knew how. Not their fault. And as years passed & I moved further into my own spiritual path, I realized just how little I was 'connected' to that All Powerful Source. Being reared in the Catholic church had some pretty nasty effects on this Free Spirit. But then...not everyone is meant to follow the paths of their parents.
Anyway, I hold no grudges against the Catholic church or the nuns who instilled such terror in the little souls they had in their charges. Nor do I hold my parents accountable for the effects of those teachings. I was different. I still am. Only now, I hold those differences as a blessing, not a curse. I know that The One doesn't care about how we go about our rituals...merely that we keep our connection connnected. That we live the kindness Jesus tried to teach. That we love & honor & cherish all other Beings. And that when we're a little lost in the fog...we ask for that Grace...so we may steer clear of the reefs that could tear our boats apart. God is Grace. Grace is God. All we have to do is remember. It's that easy.
I'm pretty sure, by mere virtue of my own experiences, that Grace is available to all at all times. I'm certain, too, that were we to choose to carry Grace with us, there would be far less despair & far more love. Grace is not something elusive. Grace is a state of 'I Am'. It is ours to have & to hold til death do us part. And then some...
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Top-level comments on this article: (5 total)Hi Camille.I love your reminder. It takes the meaning of "being graceful" to a new level.Hugs,Dianne
Camille,
You knew some of us had a grasp of our own spirituality and knew about Grace. You knew some probably did not. Your article embraces all of us. It gives us a gentle reminder that in our times of despair or when needed most, His Grace is sufficient. I often refer to it as unmerited favor. I'm thankful for your growth and this reminder. Have a lovely weekend, Camille.
Basking in Grace,
Avis
Camille, Beautiful! In gratitude, Barbara
Camille, I hope this comment finds you well, and in good health. I love the word "Grace". It means so many things to so many people, and I, Like you, remember saying "Grace" At the table....I remember I would let it roll out like a well rehearsed, speech before a debate team..."God is great,God is good,and we thank him for this food,by his hand we must be fed,so give us Lord...Our daily Bread....Amen"That was it. But you know, looking back, that little tiny prayer did allot for my young mind to let me know that while I was saying "Grace", that I was thanking a higher power that my parents exposed me to. God rest my mothers soul, this was a must for us to be baptised and to know the true meaning of the word Grace. I like you love the term and word "Grace". Great article, and I'm glad you are having a great day where you are at...lets hope the weather holds that good....Loved the article, Thanks for sharing it....Your fan and Friend in pen.....Gary
Hi Camille. Great reminder of the need for grace. A lesson I need to re-learn over and over.
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