On Tuesday, you linked up photos of grace. Today, you get to use words. Somehow in the last 30 days, I haven’t yet run out of words to say about grace. I’ve talked about what it is and what it isn’t, what it feels like, what it looks like, and why it can be hard to give and receive. I’ve talked about grace in marriage, in parenting, and grace for when you don’t feel graceful at all.
But today is not my turn. Today is your turn. What have you learned about grace? What does grace feel like to you? What difference has the presence of grace made in your life? Or perhaps, the lack? I look forward to hearing your stories, seeing more photos, and learning more of what grace means to you personally. When linking your post, remember to use the permalink rather than your blog’s main page.
To those of you who may wish to link up but have never linked up before, I want to extend a special invitation to you. It doesn’t have to be perfect, eloquent, or succinct. It just has to be authentic. If you are scared of linking wrong, just know you cannot break the internets. There is much grace here. Thank you in advance for your words and creativity.
Richella says
October 29, 2010 at 11:29 PMEmily, I checked my computer one last time before I went to bed on Friday. I had just hit “publish” on my post a few minutes before, and I wondered when the linky would be active. I wonder if I was the very first person to read this post? I don’t know about that, but I think I may be the most appreciative person to read this and all the other posts on grace. To be honest, I can’t get enough. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for having travelled this 31-day journey and for taking us with you. What a privilege to come with you as you’ve pondered and prayed. And every time, you’ve brought us back to the Source. Thank you for your faithfulness.
And thanks for this chance to share. It means a lot.
God bless you, dear one.
Living A Bona Fide Life says
October 30, 2010 at 11:30 AMI just want you to know how much I appreciate all the truth, honesty and beauty that you have poured into the past 30 days. I have LOVED reading what you have written. I really think you should consider publishing this series, in a small gift book format. I would love to be able to buy it and share it with people. Just an idea! š
Marnie says
February 15, 2012 at 10:06 AMYou’ve catrpeud this perfectly. Thanks for taking the time!
Danielle M. says
October 30, 2010 at 1:33 PMThis weekend I have a very different view of grace. My Grandmother has finally slipped away to her eternal home, after walking through the valley of the shadow of death. Our family had a first-hand view of the process.
It was hard.
It was painful at times.
It was ugly.
I suspect it was incredibly lonely for her, too, in spite of being surrounded by others, because no one could do it for her.
And then? It was restful and calm.
And then she was gone.
And in an odd sort of way, after having read these posts that I have so appreciated, I realized that this death…this dying and leaving this fallen version of what we were meant for…is grace.
This week we will fly or drive in from various locales to grieve and celebrate a life that is no more, but that was precious to us. And even in our grieving there will be echoes of grace, because this is not how it was meant to be. This is not what we were made for. This is just a shadow. And it is grace because the ugliness and pain of this not-what-we-were-meant-for comes to an END. And then there is Jesus, the ultimate grace.
Odd how grace does not always look as we think it would.
Emily says
October 30, 2010 at 8:55 PMOh wow. You are speaking from such a unique, holy ground perspective, Iām not even sure what to say. Simply ā thank you. And I am so sorry to hear of your loss ā but also, appreciative of your reminder of grace in the midst of it.
Danielle M. says
November 8, 2010 at 9:32 AMHey there, Emily…
I just wanted to let you know a couple of weeks later, that writing that really helped me in the grieving process. I shared it with my mom, and she was so blessed that she read it at the funeral. The reason I want to let you know this is because I never would have written this, and quite possibly might not have SEEN it, had you not chosen to write for 31 days about something you’re passionate about. Do you realize that??
I might have MISSED it!
And girl, let me tell you that it helped me. A lot of the posts were timely blessings…so much so that I was sad to see the 31 days series come to a close from all you girls. Now I can only cyber-stalk you with half-baked anticipation because the let-down will be too great if you choose not to post that day! š š š
So actually, thank YOU.
susan says
October 30, 2010 at 5:20 PMThank you. For the struggles, the focus, the joy and the love u poured into this series. (u must b exhausted…) thank u to all who have shared&linked&let me ride along. I left a note for Nester that I dont even remember how I tripped over her&into all of you 31-day “lilies”,but I am glad I did and now you’re stuck with me.:D I certainly needed you and for lifting my heart I will be grateful always. May your path always be grace-full & light. -s-
Emily says
October 30, 2010 at 8:56 PMI’m contemplating the idea of 31 Days of Silence for November. š I kid.
Thank you for your kind words, Susan…
deb @ talk at the table says
October 30, 2010 at 5:40 PMoh, em,
you inspire you do.
and I feel like I write about grace so often….where to start š
thank you for always being here in the way that only you can .
you leave room for the other always, always. it feels more than a good girl doing, it feels like a very wise woman.
it is an honour to read your heart.
Emily says
October 30, 2010 at 8:57 PMI’m not sure I have words here, deb. Except to say these words coming from you mean so much.
deb @ talk at the table says
October 31, 2010 at 12:11 PMeven though I took liberties to call you call you em ? š how did I miss that
Faith Hope & Cherrytea says
October 30, 2010 at 6:05 PMincredible difficulty connecting to your site!
redoing the linky , then unable even still to get your button – yikes!
but have done it with another blogsite as blogspot wouldn’t ~
must be some reason…
thx for the invitation to share! and on a fave subject š
blessings on your journey …
kendal says
October 31, 2010 at 4:28 PMBetter late than never. God has been SO gracious to us as Chris has not worked in a year, but had now blessed him with work in the mission field. We have to raise money, but I don’t even feel nervous because of the faithfulness he has shown us over the last year.