I am going to believe in grace

“The last shall be first and the first shall be last.” This is exactly, when it comes down to it, why most people do not believe in grace. It is fucking offensive.”

― Nadia Bolz-Weber, Pastrix: The Cranky, Beautiful Faith of a Sinner & Saint

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My New Year’s resolution this year is simple

And there is only one

This year I am going to believe in grace!

I am going to believe that God has turned myself

and everyone around me

into the beloved Children of God

just by speaking

(and God spoke, and the world began, and Christ was born, and I am God’s child)

I am going to believe in grace

that God loves me and accepts me

that God is present in me

that God’s Presence rubs off and is somehow mysteriously present through me

in this world

I am going to believe in grace

for that guy carrying a gun in McDonalds

for Donald Trump

for that person who shouts hate at a young Muslim girl

for that one who seeks to refuse sanctuary for a refugee

for that fearful one

that hateful one

that 1%er greedy one

I am going to believe in grace

No matter how offense if it is to believe in grace for some of “them”

I am going to believe in grace

For if I cannot believe grace for them

I cannot truly believe grace for me

(at least not without really claiming privilege and merit which is just silly)

So this year

I am going to believe in grace