Relatable Dysfunction: Grace

Relatable Dysfunction: Grace: My sister told me yesterday to give myself a little grace. After days of long overdue deep self reflection and really unearthing feelings...

Grace

My sister told me yesterday to give myself a little grace.

After days of long overdue deep self reflection and really unearthing feelings I have been reluctant to let myself acknowledge for over 43 years, let alone allow myself to feel, I was about to explode.  Crying, weeping actually, in short bouts were all I could muster.  And, although my "go to" reaction is to suppress emotions and think critically about action items, I found my inability to do so was actually in my best interest.  The hardest part of this entire process, and it is a process, is acknowledging my weaknesses.  The greatest, most exhilarating part, is acknowledging His strength and love for me.  My sister helped me realize that in the midst of my "breakthrough", I failed to give myself any grace.

What did I do wrong?  Why was I wronged?  Why did I feel the way I felt? Was I good enough?  Had I made too many mistakes?  How would people see me? Was I too damaged to be helpful to anyone else?  I am angry!  I'm not supposed to be angry....  Why me?

What I know is that God has forgiven me and loves me more than I could even understand.  He wants me to be successful and be a blessing to others through my story. I didn't come from royalty, or for that matter, a family of college graduates, and I have made more mistakes than I can count.  But I continue to be grateful for the things I've been through in my life.  These trials and tribulations are my story. They have shaped and formed who I am and He continues to use the lessons I've learned to shape who I am still yet to become.  God's grace surpasses all understanding.  How beautiful is that?

My advice to anyone struggling right now would be to have complete faith in Him and as per my sister's kind words, and give yourself a little grace too.  You are on the right path and God has a plan for you.