As we passed through Easter, I sat thinking how I would describe the season, and I came up with Grace. When I think of Grace, I think of being forgiven unconditionally. I remember a time when I was juggling so many things: my Mom was really sick, I was taking care of my daughter who was less than six months old, and working a stressful job. It was a bit much and at times overwhelming. I went through every emotion you can think of. It was also Christmas time. I had taken vacation at that time, not because I knew she was going but just because I was tired. It could be considered a coincidence because she died the day before I went on vacation. When everything was done and I should have gone back to work, I just couldn’t. I called my boss to say I needed more time and couldn’t come back yet. He just responded, “ I figured as much.” Take an extra week, you need it. He acknowledged my need but without condemnation. He gave me the space to acknowledge the reality of being human. That moment stuck with me. Not just because of his kindness, but because it reminded me how powerful it is to be understood instead of being judged.
The definition of Grace AI gave me just seemed to encompass everything: “There’s something deeply humbling about grace. It’s the quiet power that makes space for failure, for humanness, for becoming. It doesn’t boast, it doesn’t push—it waits, gently, steadily, like water wearing down stone.”
Grace is not a reward; it’s a gift. It’s not about being perfect but knowing you are enough. In today’s world, when we are expected to be more, do more, and prove we are more. It’s grace that says no, you don’t have to prove anything; you are fine the way you are.
Grace is not only when you receive but also when you give. It’s knowing that you have been wronged but being able to extend that grace when it’s not deserved. Believe me, I know it is hard. It doesn’t mean you condone the behavior; it just means we are all human and know that deep down we all need it.
Grace is a choice to see below what is presented on the surface, to believe in the possibility of new beginnings. It encourages us to lead with compassion, to listen more attentively, and to speak with purpose. Grace is a virtue that is essential in leadership, relationships, and our daily interactions, and it can spur transformation. It empowers individuals to rise again and attempt again. In such instances, the greatest gift we can offer is not advice or correction, but the simple, courageous act of believing in someone’s inherent potential.
So if you’re weary, if you’re carrying disappointment or frustration (with yourself or others), take a moment. Breathe. Extend grace. To them. To you. To this season.
Let me know what you think; I really want to know, and I am sure others do too. Try commenting 👍🏽, but if you are not comfortable, reach out to me via any medium. I would love it if you would say something, anything, and tell someone. 🙏🏽 Your comments let me know how you feel and very often give me a totally different perspective on the topic. It could also spawn another blog. 😉. And you can never tell your comment might help others. Always remember life is for living, and you must always live your best life. #lifeisforliving #liveyourbestlife #gratefulforlife #faithgreaterthanfear
See you next Wednesday at 8:00 p.m., Bogotá time.
Hey Andrea,
I Iike this article AND i like your insight and that you linked it to an atteubute of leadership. I do believe that leaders need and need to show grace.
But I have one concern with your definition. It did not reflect a biblical/God-centered definition. Grace firstly, is a gift from God. Sometimes we seek to make these terms “academic” and interpret from a world viewpoint, and not from God’s viewpoint thru His word. I’m not saying you intentionally did that. A lot of times we don’t actively seek to leave out God, but we end up doing it because start with/from the world’s viewpoint.
It is a good article, but I want to encourage you remember that grace comes from God. A biblical definition of grace is God’s unmetited favour. It is because God’s grace has been poured out on us, that we are able to show grace to others – but its not of (our) works, lest anyone should boast. Its God’s unmerited (undeserved) favor.
For your ponderings.
Thank you. It was never my intent to not focus on God as the ultimate factor when thinking of Grace. You are so right, it is a gift from God. Another blog to come. 🙏🏽