1-What is your ‘go to’ bible verse to get you through the day? Why is it special to you?
My go to scripture is Philippians 4:13. I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength. When I was younger my mom used to say that Bible verse to me when I was having a hard time. And then as I got older anytime anything was happening that was hard, I would say it in my head. When my sister Cindy was diagnosed with cancer, we had bracelets made that we all wore that said Team Cindy with Philippians 4:13 inscribed on it. So, it has helped me through a lot of things in my life.
2- Each of us have gifts and talents. Please share one or more of your gifts and or talents and how you are currently or could use them to help others at Grace or in our community.
I believe God has blessed me with the gift of being able to love those who some think are unlovable, being empathetic and recognizing that someone may be acting out because of a deeper issue. Therefore, I am able not to react negatively but to be more loving, kind, and helpful. I taught High school students that struggled in school and life. It was so easy for me to love them through their difficult times. I was able to recognize that they often acted out negatively because of underlying life situations. I try and live my life with Jesus’ light and love shining through me. Oh, I don’t always do this - but Thank God I know he forgives me, and I start again.
3- What is it that Grace Church has, (like a secret sauce) that engaged you, and keeps you engaged, week after week?
I grew up attending Grace Episcopal Church. I attended Grace Episcopal school. Jimmy and I were married at Grace. All four of our daughters were baptized and confirmed in this beautiful place. Our girls also went to Grace Episcopal School. Our daughter Mary Grace was married at Grace. (We named her after Grace!) Both our grandchildren, Bowen, and Collins were baptized at Grace. Grace Episcopal is home for me. When I walk through the doors, I feel the warmth and love of Jesus. I always say you can feel the Holy Spirit in this place. I feel as though I am getting a booster shot of Jesus whenever I attend a service at Grace.
4- During Lent, several Grace church members are reading and participating in group discussion with the book: “What’s so amazing about Grace?” written by Philip Yancey. Yancey writes: “Many years ago I was driven to the conclusion that the two major causes of most emotional problems among evangelical Christians are these:
1. the failure to understand, receive, and live out God’s unconditional grace and forgiveness;
2. the failure to give out that unconditional love, forgiveness, and grace to other people.”
Knowing that it is easier to share grace with others you know or who are kind, reflect on a recent event or situation. Share how you had a good experience receiving/giving grace or could have done a better at receiving/giving grace.
I recently had a friend confide in me a difficult situation they were having within their family. I was able to share my faith with her and be totally loving without any form of judgment. I could tell she felt a bit of weight lifted off her shoulders. I know that was because of God‘s Grace. My Grandma Gilman used to often say, “oh but by the Grace of God there go I”. Remembering those words help me to treat others with God‘s grace. I am so thankful for God’s Grace and for Grace Episcopal Church.