Thursday, May 13, 2010

Grace

I have seen a Salvation Army commercial that features different people saying, "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a--- crack head, drug addict, alcoholic--- like me; I once was--- homeless, broken, sad, lost, but now I am--- sober, happy, found." The message that I can relate to is that God is there in the midst of our brokenness, our addictions, and our afflictions. When I feel forgotten and in trouble, God will find me if I seek Him.

I needed God's grace yesterday. It was a rough day. But ultimately, at the end of the day, I was able to ask for the grace to be able to deal with the situation. I knew that I needed to put myself in the care of my Higher Power.

Grace is a gift which is given but hasn't been earned. I have heard that grace is given to everyone, but not everyone accepts the gift. After a situation that left me struggling to regain my emotional balance, I was able to unclench my fist, relax, be open and let grace come to me.

I found a place of stillness within. And with grace I was able to fall asleep and awake this morning with another chance to do God's will.

22 comments:

  1. yeah, thats good. hope tomorrow is a better day.

    you ever read Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning?

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  2. What I love about this post is that grace is such an amazing feature to us and to all who ask...it's not really a gift for me it's something I have to ask for from my higher power.
    When I go to bed sober and wake up sober there is the grace again...
    Thank you Syd.

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  3. Far as I understand it (and was told) Grace also means you don't ever need to feel you need to strike deals with God when you ask for something. Because what is so freely given can never be repayed.

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  4. Oh my, there must be something in the air. Thank you for your wonderful share today. Hallelujah! I am not alone. :)

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  5. I ask god for graces, sure (I don't call them "graces" though. More like "HELLLP!")

    but, I'm not certain which I need, and which my Ego just wants. But God takes care of all that, I guess. THANK GOD!

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  6. Syd, I had a very similar experience today. God's grace is amazing, everlasting and all enduring. I am so glad I was reminded of that today. I am so grateful that I had the courage, and that you also had the courage, to unclench your fist, breathe deeply, and accept God's grace. Much love to you.

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  7. I could relate to this post today. Thanks, Syd.

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  8. good for you syd. simple but not easy. Requires the death of the ego. To relinquish everything. you have to surrender to win.

    I anticipate that there will be bumps in the road during this transition to another chapter. Thankfully you have rendered prodigies of service that will enable you to match calamity with serenity in the 'certain' low spots ahead. All the work you have done prepares you for the low spots ahead. Thats when we are able to appreciate that in the midst of our reactive humanity, there is an alternative view of stillness available to us which speaks to us. im glad you were able to hear that alternative place speak to you amongst all the outward conditions of difficulty.

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  9. I can identify with this post Syd -- the stillness within despite the turmoil and outward dilemma.

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  10. God be with you! Oh and Brian had a great book recommend, least in my experience anyway, I love that book!

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  11. Some days are a struggle aren't they? I am happy you let it go and were able to sleep and wake to a whole new day.

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  12. I'm so glad that you let us see the "human" side of you, Syd. I have a sponsee whose husband had just been deployed (for the third time) and she sees little of Grace right now. I think your blog entry will help her. Thanks.

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  13. I'm glad you found some peace over the situation, Syd.

    You are loved.

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  14. love this

    Syd,sorry I haven't been commenting as much. I've been reading.

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  15. Grace to me is the ultimate gift from our higher powers. I feel grace everytime I'm in meetings and I hear someone talking about their thankfulness that grace was bestowed upon them. My daughter's name is Grace and she if full of grace. "HP's blessing" in every way. Have a nice relaxing weekend!

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  16. As time passes these bad days are not so close together. I have made it through 8700 days one day at a time.

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  17. I love that hymn. Your write honestly and bravely.

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  18. needed....thank you Syd.

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  19. Take good care of yourself Syd, you never know who might miss you.

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  20. I am one who believes that God's Grace is out there in abundance everyone all the time and that we have to seek it out, find it and accept it. I had heard somewhere that the individual who penned Amazing Grace was a sober alcoholic. I don't know if that is true or not.

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  21. I love this post. Thank you for the reminder.

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  22. I know I'm late on this, but I've seen that commercial mentioned in Al-Anon and AA before. Interesting to see it make a comeback again.

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