Why the Name "Grace's Message"?
Good morning from my Mourning Chair. It is a beautiful sunny day in Minnesota. 10 degrees below zero, but lovely from the view of my Mourning Chair, sipping coffee, still in my lovely pink robe my husband bought me for Christmas that says “Juicy” on the back.
I was pondering what to share today, in addition to a weather report and me in my new robe (ha, those are not my legs, but we can pretend.)
Shall I provide a dissertation regarding airplane disasters, the state of the U.S. Government, hostages, war? The price of eggs? No, you can turn on a TV or radio and get your fill of distressing news.
Instead, I will share with you reasons behind the name “Grace’s Message.” The legal name in Minnesota is “Graces Message” because I forgot to put in the apostrophe when I filled out the paperwork. Graces Message is a sole proprietor, not a non-profit. My company is a for-profit that does not make much profit, if any, depending on the year. Oh well, I love what I do and hope it helps others.
Grace’s Message
Why “Grace’s Message?”
The name “Nancy” means "favor," or "grace," coming from the name “Anne.” It was reported my parents were going to name me Nancy Anne (after my grandmother Anna), which would have meant grace-grace. However, my older cousin was named Deborah Anne. I honestly don’t know what difference that would have made, I would have been honored to be named after my grandma — and my cousin! Anyway, “Grace’s Message” is secret code for “Nancy’s Message;” it just sounds more appealing.
My primary focus is on caregiving. It takes a lot of grace to be a caregiver. We may need to show grace to someone who is unlovable at the moment. Grace is needed to forgive ourselves when we must make difficult choices, when we are frustrated, or if we make a mistake while caring for our loved one. Finally, we need to shower grace on the caregivers in our lives; they need words of encouragement, grace, and hope.
I was raised in a religious tradition that focused less on grace, and more on rules. It was a “sin” to do many things: dance, drink, play cards. My minister-Grandpa (whom I loved dearly) was horrified when he noticed my oldest sister painted her toenails. As the eldest grandchild, she should set a better example! Eventually I learned about not just behavior, but about grace, and have found more peace and hope in my faith.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:8-10 NIV
Salvation is a gift from God through faith; in addition God has good works for us to accomplish. I hope my endeavors result in the good work of extending grace to others through Grace’s Message.
Grace for Today
Find a way to share grace and hope with someone today, even if that person is YOU. After all, life is short, hearts are fragile, we need grace and hope to abound.