Grace is something I have been so thankful to receive my entire life (just ask my parents). Growing up, I was a hard-headed, independent, fierce little girl. If I had it in my head that I could do it, there was no way you were going to tell me “no.” When grounded in the right way, this can be a great asset in life. However, at the age of 4, when the “no” was “no, you cannot go play in the sandbox during a thunderstorm,” it did not serve me well to fight to the end, thinking I could indeed do such a thing. It was not a fun time for my mother, the enforcer of this cruel rule. Who was she to say no? Why not? If I went out there and got hurt or struck by lightning, I had assessed the risk and was willing to go for it! Nonetheless, my mother stood her ground, stayed strong throughout my fit throwing, and closed the door on my grand idea. In the end, my mother would be tired and frustrated with me, but when I would calm down, accept my circumstance, and apologize, she would always be there with a warm hug and an “I love you.”
As I reflect on memories like this, I cannot help but think how many times I tried to tell God what I am going to do. Even when He was saying, “My child, this is not safe, helpful or fruitful for your life,” I would convince myself that I knew better. Many times, I would walk the direction I wanted to go, and consequences, pain, or guilt would ensue. Instead of running back to God, I would sit in my shame feeling unworthy; worried this was the time I went too far. However, just like a parent embracing a strong-willed tyrant after a tantrum, God is always there saying, “Welcome home.” That is the beauty of this all-enduring, everlasting God of ours. He does not tire of our continual shortcomings and failures. He is there, ready to embrace us when we decide to come home. Even though we must live through the consequences of our decisions (good or bad), we are never forced to live through it alone or under the stronghold of shame. With God’s grace, we get to overcome thinking we are not good enough and remember that God loves us so deeply, He created us in His image.
As a parent, I pray that I can stay strong in the times of pushback from Carter to keep her safe, but also teach her in those moments of the grace and love of God, just as my parents did for me. During this time of Lent, take time to reflect on the moments when God’s grace was given to you. The gift of grace can change the course of someone’s life… and our life too.
Sarah Cohea, Edmond Campus Director of Youth Ministry
