Amazing grace . . .
Most parents I know occasionally second-guess the way they raised (or are raising) their kids. I still do.
Or we regret career decisions. Broken relationships. There’s wreckage‚ despite our best intentions. Damage is done.
When we experience God’s amazing grace, it becomes easier to extend grace to others. And to ourselves.
Sometimes, though, I forget how lost I once was—and how transformed I am now, by comparison.
Recently, I had the chance to co-create something special with my adult daughter, Kristin—for each of us, a newly amazing grace.
What we did
Last week Kristin and I collaborated on a music/movement/spoken-word piece, then shared it at her church, Liferoads.
We blended verses from Psalm 88 (The Message) with two poems I adapted for the occasion from my book, Where the Sky Opens, and the moving song, “Grace Flows Down,” by Christy Nockels.
Kristin’s friend, Laura Fodey, joined us on violin. Thanks to Laura’s quick-thinking husband and his cell phone, along with Troy masterminding sound, we can offer you this casual capture here.
Grace, as gift, multiplies, then keeps on giving each time we receive it from God, and each time we extend grace to others, as well as ourselves.
Here’s the text, for anyone interested.
Amazing Grace . . . I once was lost, and now am found.
What does it mean, being “lost?” Do you remember?
Psalm 88 says it this way:
God, you’re my last chance of the day . . .
Put me on your salvation agenda,
take notes on the trouble I’m in.
I’m camped on the edge of hell,
written off as a lost cause,
one more statistic, a hopeless case.
Abandoned as one already dead
and not so much as a gravestone—
I’m a black hole in oblivion.
I call to you, God; all day I call.
Why . . . why do you make yourself scarce?
The only friend I have left is Darkness.
—Psalm 88, The Message
Amazing! Grace covers me . . .
What might being “found” by God look like, feel like, sound like? Pretty hard to put into words.
Perhaps a poem and some body language gives us a glimpse:
The lone dove at dusk echoes
every day’s hope,
each note a psalm of a self,
a white blossom
where rests fall between sounds
like petals. See the way God
cups each face that he loves, and
his light strikes the hollow
curve of each throat, leaving us
speechless.
And having been lost,
and now, so amazingly found,
how then shall we live?
I am going to start living
larger, looser—
stripped down
to my sapling self, leaning,
leaning toward
that leafless tree Messiah loved
enough to die on.
Because Grace flows down
and covers me,
my knee goes down.
My brow touches earth until,
moved by hosannas, echoing
deep inside stones,
I rise. Forgiven. Free.
Then the tight turn,
lifting fingers and limbs,
my soul like a white blossom—
all the thorns, delicately removed.
Then the wide turn,
leaning toward the next sapling self,
lost, leafless, filled with longing.
Maybe it’s you, or you, or you.
—Adapted from “She Can Only Try to Compose Herself” and “Yes,” from Where the Sky Opens
Lovely. Thank you for this generous gift.
Lou, hello, and you are so welcome. I’m glad it was meaningful.
The “unhurried rhythm of grace”, escorted to my soul through your words and beautiful music. Thank you!
Roberta, thank you for that beautiful phrase. Is it from The Message? I do want to live that way. Thanks so much for your presence here.
your music and body movements brought the words to life. Exquisite is a word that comes to mind as I saw the presentation. Thank you.
Carol, thank you so much for your response. It was a privilege to work with my daughter and a great reminder for me of how deeply God has transformed (and will keep transforming) my life, over time. I don’t want to take grace for granted, and I know that I do, all too often. I want to stay amazed and grateful!
Laurie & Kristin, a beautiful collaboration. Thank you.
Carol, it was such a gift to work together as peers. I loved every moment. I’ll make sure she sees your comment.
I watched this twice and it amazes me to think that’s my mother in law, and sister in law you two are INCREDIBLE!!!
Dear Damon, thank you for dropping by, and for watching it not once, but twice! So glad to be in the same family with you!!
Watching you move was like water moving in waves of blue, an underwater dance of pure joy. You are amazing, my friend.
Jody, such a poetic take, love that it came across that way to you, and via a cellphone, no less. And may I just say, you’re pretty amazing yourself!
Your voice , your body movement make the words come alive for me. “Exquisite presentation of truth” are words that. come to mind. Thank you
Dear Carol, I love that line. I wish I could live that way always! So glad it came alive for you. Thanks for telling me.
The Lord knows and I know what treasure you bring to His house … His table. How reverent your expression of praise! Those blessed to share worship with you and your family must be so grateful. For my part, one has to have experienced the intimate joy of your harmony and then been separated to fully appreciate it. This recording is a sweet reminder and will be tasted often. Like a favorite dessert that makes me think of Christmas! I love you Tall One. And miss you.
Judi, I’m downright glad (and grateful) to provide a kingdom hors d’oeuvre (had to look up the spelling) — with a hint of Christmas, no less! My favorite holiday.
I miss singing and feasting and talking and praying with you, Shorty. Much love to you, and Godspeed and fair winds on all the preparations you’re engaged in these days!!
Beautiful! Moving! A grace-filled prayer.
Thank you!
Love you, friend.
Leesa, thanks so much for watching and listening. It was an amazing joy to collaborate with Kristin, one I won’t forget.
Amazingly Beautiful… You are a gifted soul.. Amazing Grace ❤
Julie, thanks for stopping by the blog, and for buying the book, and for friending me on FB, and for being such a joyous encourager. 🙂
Good no Great Morning Laurie, As always I mark your post to save, savor, ponder, drink in. Maybe not read it completely the moment it comes in, but later, knowing it will once again help me understand or embrace events in my life. My Heart to Yours thank you for sharing your journey and helping make mine a little more secure. Be Well Be Happy My Friend.
Marga, hello, hello. What a beautiful response. Even amid the current chaos, there’s always something beautiful to notice, ponder, absorb. We just have to keep looking, and reminding each other. You’ve lifted my heart today, and in past times, too, when we’ve seen each other. Wishing you a grace-drenched week.