Gracefully Speaking…
Some of the most successful leaders in the world showed great grace to accomplish the goals set before them. They are the ones with the greatest impact, often without great reward.
Grace is literally “unmerited favor”. I don’t deserve your grace, but because of who you are, you might be willing to show me grace. Grace helps to define our character, can display our motives, and can cause a grown man to cry. Grace says I believe in you and I want to support you. Why not grace.
During the most difficult times in life, grace is something we all need and something we can all give. I know, you are probably thinking- not everyone deserves it. That may be a true statement, but grace is unmerited so anyone can receive it.
How thankful I am. I remember how grace was given to me in the most unexpected but desperately needed times in my life. It soothed my soul and helped me grow. It sharpened my leadership skills. I now vow to give it back to others. It is just the growth I need to get beyond myself.
How can this be that people don’t have to earn it or may not deserve it? As a perfectly imperfect person on this journey finding my way, I admit to having faults and I’ve made my share of mistakes. Just like others, I still look for a place of belonging and want to do well in life. So, for someone to see past my outer shell, it is an act of kindness that is “Leadership Gold”. It inspires faith and hope in this world when often what we see and hear tells us the opposite. Grace is a powerful weapon and is meant for good.
Let’s not make it complicated. We have guidelines for accountability to make sure people just don’t go off the grid and behave poorly. I will support those guidelines for those defined behaviors that are harmful and detrimental to others. We must keep those guidelines in place and enforce standards that promote healthy living and avoid abuse. No-one should be abused. That is not what we are talking about here.
For that every day, struggling to make it, I need help situation; I think we can all have a little grace. Kindness is born out of grace and carries us a long way in healing mentally and physically when we can show grace and move on.
What does this look like in real life? It’s experienced when we help the single mother trying to provide for her family and not condemn her for being single. It’s the smile given to a person who is so different from you that you are uncomfortable, but willing to show respect and be kind. It’s the encouragement to that colleague who may have messed up but now needs to be lifted up. Grace is simply allowing someone to go ahead of you in the line, just because you can. They can do the same for you, but you don’t wait for it and you are not looking for a reward.
Grace described here is…
Grace is not for the angry, for they are not ready to give.
Grace is not for the petty, for they like to judge you and dictate how to live.
Grace is not for the proud, for they can’t seem to come down that far.
Grace is for the person who sincerely cares and wants to make another a star.
Grace is a part of healing and first you must give it to yourself.
Grace is priceless, it may cost you nothing but bring your greatest wealth.
In a world so full of fear and confusion, we could all use a little grace. Don’t confuse this with accountability, it also has its own place.
Grace Giving Tips:
- Connect to an organization in your community (volunteer, donate supplies, give a monetary donation).
- Become a mentor, (at schools, work, and other organizations).
- Perform random acts of kindness: Pay it forward.
- Be quick to listen and slow to speak and/or judge.
- Give the behavior you would want to be given to you.
Grace truly starts with us. Today matters, why wait. Let the leader in you shine. There is no better time than now to show a little grace.
