With the rapidly approaching and inevitable inauguration of 2020 among us, I sit reflecting on not only the end of 2019, but also over the conclusion of the last two decades.
Looking back, I remember the hysteria surrounding "Y2K" and the fear that blindly led the masses to prepare for the worse (black outs, computer failures, and even the possible misfiring or automatic launch of bombs, among other things).
Although I had not considered this as a possible "worse" outcome, the most devastating event leading into the 21st century involved my mother's sudden death. In fact, since my mother passed, me and my family (like many others) faced numerous tragedies, obstacles, hardships, and unplanned events. For instance, less than two years after my mother transitioned my aunt lost a short battle with cancer. Less than thirty days from my aunt's death one of my favorite cousins died unexpectedly.
I could continue to list all the bad things that happened from the commencement of 2000 until this time, but that would not accurately show the outcome of my reflection or why I titled this post Reflections of Grace.
Despite all the negatives that happened, God was present in and through it all. I know that some skeptic or person currently feeling the weight of life might read this and ask, "How do you know God was present?"
So, I will answer in this manner: I know that Psalm 46:1 tells us that God is "an ever-present help in trouble," but that is NOT why I stated that God was present. As I continue to reflect, I think about how God showed up through the small acts of kindness from others.
- When I was sad, someone sacrificed their time to just sit with me while I cried.
- When I was depressed people showed up at my house to not only encourage me, but they cleaned my house, they tended to my children, and they showed up over and over again until my spirits were lifted.
- When I was homeless people took me and my children into their homes.
- When I had a vision to start a business people gave gifts of their time, talent, and other resources to help me get started.
- When I failed, people encouraged me to get back up and start again.
- When I applied to law school (at the unction of the Holy Spirit, AND, after all deadlines had passed) more than 12 people wrote letters of recommendations (I only needed 3).
- When I moved to a new city, people took me in, fed me, provided job leads, treated me with dignity and respect and welcomed me as a member of their family.
- When I started my career after a traumatic brain injury, people wrapped around me with love and support.
I could go on and on about all the ways God extended grace to me through the loving and selfless acts of others. Grace means favor in Hebrew. But, Grace is so much more than that. Grace, as a verb, bestows honor and dignity. Grace as a spiritual element strengthens during hard times. Grace encourages revival. Grace renews and inspires righteousness.
God's grace has kept me through some of the most challenging seasons, and I endured because of that same grace!
As 2019 ends and 2020 begins, I encourage you to acknowledge and reflect on God's grace through the smallest of acts and/or gestures. And, if you happen to be full of joy, sitting happily on the top of the mountain instead of being in the valley with those struggling through life's challenges, please take a moment to BE God's vessel in the earth by extending GRACE! May the Lord bless and keep you on your journey, KNOWING that GOD is ever-present!
Happy New Year of Life!
Blessings of Love,
Stacie J. Whitaker-Harris
BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:
- Strengthening Your Walk, Stacie J. Whitaker-Harris, Contributing Author
- Designed for Dignity, Richard L. Pratt Jr.
- Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, Peter Scazzero
- Traveling Light, Max Lucado
- The Cure: What if God isn't who you think He is and neither are you, Trueface, et al
Where God guides, He provides - Isaiah 58:11
