Finding Grace

Bird Girl, Jack Leigh

It’s been said that justice is getting what you deserve. And mercy is not getting the bad thing you deserve. Grace is getting a good thing, even when you don’t deserve it.

Natashia Deon

Webster offers many definitions of grace. When I think of grace, two things come to mind. First is the grace of the spirit, which encompasses a sense of inner peace that steadies us. Second is a gracious way of living our lives, where kindness and generosity towards others serve as guiding principles. This means treating individuals with respect and meeting life’s challenges with humility and patience. Now, more than ever, I find myself holding on to both these interpretations of grace, as they provide me with comfort and direction in an increasingly chaotic world. 

We live in a time of war, economic uncertainty, and worldwide protests. Our medical system is stretched to its limits.  Small businesses are forced to close their doors, leaving behind empty storefronts and a ripple effect of job losses. As marches against social injustice unfold not only around the world but also in our backyards, we are called to reflect on the deep-rooted issues that have led us to this moment. If there ever was a time for grace, this is it—a moment when compassion, understanding, and solidarity can pave the way for healing and change, reminding us that together, we can navigate through these explosive times.

So much is beyond our control. However, we have the power to shape our lives and seek strength and guidance from within and from those around us. There’s no right or wrong answer; it’s whatever gets you through the night, as John Lennon once suggested, reminding us that we all have our own paths to follow. It’s something steady to hold on to until we reach the other side, a beacon of hope that can illuminate even the darkest moments. Knowing that one day, this will be behind us allows us to gather resilience and courage, turning our struggles into lessons and our pain into purpose, ultimately shaping the narrative of our lives in a way that encourages growth and understanding.

It is often said that crisis brings out the best in people. Whether that is true or not, surviving the dilemma makes us stronger and more resilient; it allows us to discover depths of courage and tenacity we may not have realized we possessed. We pull through it with the confidence that we can rise to the occasion, tapping into our inner resources and creativity. In moments of adversity, we are compelled to adapt, innovate, and find solutions we had previously overlooked. We can do what needs to be done, finding purpose in the struggle and forging connections with others who share our concerns. Ultimately, reminding ourselves of the strength found in unity and human spirit.

Peace be with you.