By Carla Drummond
Here is a simple definition of GRACE: help, favor, approval or kindness, especially such that is freely given to all humans.
Grace is kind of a big deal right now. Mostly, because we could all use some. For those who are suffering and have lost so much, the intention for loving kindness and prayers for comfort can help propel someone from a very dark place to one of hope. For the one offering Grace, it’s like placing it at a mirror in front of you, inviting the peaceful promise to reflect right back to you.
So let’s be generous in offering our community and also ourselves, Grace. When we get frustrated, snappy or feel exhausted and like we just can’t keep up, we need Grace. Yes, we need it from others but we also need it from ourselves! We’re often hardest on ourselves. “I’m not volunteering enough”, “I don’t have it nearly as bad as others”, “I could be doing more.” Maybe, perhaps and possibly…. but why judge it? Why add insult when you’re already injured. And make no mistake, we’re all still injured. But we still must live our lives. We must move back into a sense of normalcy, even when normal doesn’t seem possible. We need Grace. Grace, because sometimes we wish people would stop asking how we’re doing…but also Grace because maybe they didn’t ask at all if we’re ok. Grace for the person who said something insensitive for whatever reason. Maybe they’re tired also or maybe they’re ignorant – let’s offer Grace anyways and not take any of it personally. Many want to help but they just don’t know how. We can give them the benefit of the doubt, and the kindness that Grace affords.
It’s all ok. Even if it’s not.
Pause. Breathe…. then remind yourself to breathe again. I am breathing in. I am breathing out. We’re over a few months in. It seems impossible, but here we are. Trudging through it all. We can do hard things. Keep breathing. Keep striving to offer Grace everywhere you possibly can. You don’t have to wield a shovel or haul cases of water to make a difference and contribute to the healing of our community. The simple but beautiful offering of Grace may just be the best gift for the survivors.
Carla Ann Drummond is a mother, wife, farmer, coach, connector, artist and writer. She is the founder of Lake Lure Yoga, where she strives to hold space for peace, breath and to inspire belonging in her community.
