Living In The Light Of Grace

About a week ago, I read a wise quote that said, “The past is practice”. He proceeded to add the promising truth that “In Christ, you can accept your failure and live in light of the grace that covers it all”. 
I responded from a relationship prospective : “Sometimes it is hard when another reminds you of failures and that you do not quite measure up. There are certain personality types, like mine, that want to make sure everyone is happy and comfortable. It is easy to become an enabler. When we realize we have always been enough and that God made us in His image, loving us in spite of our flaws, molding us through mistakes we make, we will worry less what others say to us or how they judge us. Getting older isn’t that bad! I say that light heartedly because we do gain discernment as we age and realize no matter what we do or do not do, it can not make someone genuinely love you or show respect to you. How another treats you or loves you is their decision and between them and God. We are only responsible for ourselves, our attitudes, and our actions. Be the best YOU and live accountable to God, living out the purpose He called you to do. There is no need to persuade or argue, friends. That is The Holy Spirit’s job! 
Some of these words can also reflect my burdened heart, as the political events have unfolded over the last several weeks. As I rear my three daughters, I am embarrassed to see how so many ladies have behaved. I am ashamed of how the word “racist” has been thrown around. How can we speak of peace and love and behave with such hate and destruction? I wonder if many have forgotten what patriotism is or that protecting the ones we love (whether it is our immediate family or fellow Americans) doesn’t make us intolerant of others. We are just intolerant of those that try to do us harm. 
We all say things and do things that we wish we hadn’t. There will be a time that each of us will fail. We all have differences, from skin color, special needs, religious beliefs, and backgrounds. How we respond to failure and differences is reflective of our hearts. Are we maintaining respect and dignity? Have we forgotten that although God extends grace, there are also consequences to our actions. 
As my family and I continue our journey with Down Syndrome, I’m sure we will face discrimination and intolerance. I am not afraid because I know this is a calling from God. We chose life! We chose love! I can not make someone accept our differences or be kind to my daughters, but would not ever tolerate cruelty of any form. We can be an example to others by maintaining dignity and educate as we are being educated, then let God convict another’s heart. We can never argue or riot someone to seeing things our way, but we can have laws and boundaries to protect the ones we love. Even God can not change someone who is not willing to change! 
Today is our future past. Even though it is practice, remember there are consequences to every decision and attitude. My prayer, although our issues may differ, is that we can be like “the woman at the well”, having an encounter with Jesus that forever changes us. By sharing our testimony, we can make a positive difference one life at a time and live in the light of grace.