About 2 weeks ago at school, we were asked to write down what we were thankful for in these paws (we are the tigers, get it?) and they would tape it up on this big wall in our cafeteria. As I was looking around to see that everyone else was writing, I noticed people saying: Jesus, God, family, friends, jobs, CU, etc. Even though I am very thankful for all of those things, I felt it in my heart to write down "Grace." I might've gotten a few looks from people when I wrote that down and taped it on the wall, but it really got me thinking. If I had to describe this past year in one word it would be: grace. I've had a serious relationship with Christ for almost 2 years now, and I had heard the word grace being used by all my mentors, pastors, friends, etc., but I never really knew what it meant. Why was everyone talking about it? What was the big deal? And it wasn't until I decided to ask God what grace was, that I figured out why it was such a big deal. Now you might be thinking that I'm weird for not knowing what it was but hey, I have no shame in asking God to explain stuff to me lol. He wants to hear from us anyway.
When I asked God to show me what grace was, it was like I couldn't avoid the term. Any sermon, any verse, a lot of conversations, were about grace. Simply put, Grace is God's unmerited favor, or an undeserved gift. Grace is getting what you don't deserve, and not getting what you do deserve. Grace is the opposite of karma. Grace is unconditional love towards a person who does not deserve it. A great thing about grace is that we live in a world that's about earning and deserving which results in judgement, which is why everyone needs grace. As one quote states, "judgement kills, only grace makes you alive." It was like all this information hit me at once, right when I asked God what grace was. And it was then that I finally knew what Jesus really did on the cross for me. He took all my ugly sin and hung shamefully on the cross as I killed Him, just so I would never have to be ashamed of the things I've done, because He loved me so much. It makes me emotional just thinking about it. When I finally had this realization, all the hurt and anger I had inside of me was easy to let go of. And anytime the devil tried to bring adversity in my life with people, I knew how to handle it, because grace had been poured on me. Now that's not saying that I always handle things the right way, because I don't, but I know how not to let hurt and anger harbor inside of me, because I remember His grace. Honestly friends, knowing His grace is such a relief. Whatever you think you've done that is so horrible, it's not. His grace is sufficient. And in the words of Andy Mineo, you're never too far to be made new. And for that, I am thankful.
On another note, I am thankful for Michael. We met this man 2 days ago at the salvation army. He was covered in tattoos and looked like a tough guy. One of my friends felt God telling him to go talk to Michael. As he did, Michael started to open up to him and telling him about the hard life he has had. We found out that the next day, (thanksgiving) was his birthday. My friend promised Michael that he would come back the next day and see him. So we came back the next day with some World Rebels gear for Michael. He was very thankful and said he didn't know how to react because he hadn't received a birthday gift in 16 years. After talking with him for awhile, he opened up to all of us and my friends spoke truth to him and after some emotional moments, Michael received the best gift last night...the gift of salvation! I am so thankful for bold friends and people like Michael who are going to impact the world for Jesus through his amazing testimony. He already impacted me more than he will ever know. Pray that Michael sees God's grace in his life and that he knows he can impact so many people with his story. Last night blessed me.
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