“In Christ, we are not held to a standard of perfection—we are held close by His arms of Grace. And there is no greater relief to be found in all the world: There is always more grace in Christ than there is guilt in us.”  Ann Voskamp

These timely words arrived to my heart this morning via twitter. Some would say just how frivolous this social media technology is as others can easily expound on some of its beauty. Instead of inviting critical thinking here, wonder if God can really use it, silly it, for the edification and strengthening of His children?

Especially in war zones and in missionary sites where being isolated tends to supersede community. Especially in hospital rooms devoid of much fellowship. Especially to the broken hearted teenager who cannot find hope and is ready for an “out.”

Yesterday was just one of those days. You know those days when you would rather have a “do-over.” Those days when you attempted to articulate your heart when it just was bullied to silence. Those days when you attempted boundary setting but then you were hooked into letting someone else define you. Those days when you look into the eyes of someone you adore and you see the painstaking blow from “a friend” who seemed to have your best interests at heart. Just like the favorite pastime of baseball, the three strikes came over my plate; and it felt like an “out!” But could it be just another beginning? A fresh start to fail or succeed? A clean slate from which to work? An opportunity for greater freedom in the gospel and in gospel living?

Scripture tells us over and over that His Grace abounds. It’s actively present in all our strivings and it’s ready to catch us from the climatic fall. And yes, His grace runs after us with a fury like no other in community, in a tribe of believers who want nothing more than to live before the gaze of God in service to others. This community tends to become family: one who welcomes you; one who delights in you; one who is genuinely happy to see you; and one who simply wants to be with you. Oftentimes, I have found in my own life this grace shows up most profoundly in this sort of family who has a vested interest in your wholeness. The folks who say, “Great job! I’m so proud of you. You were really brave in jumping into that arena!” So as the “out” presented itself yesterday, God reminded me of His Grace.

A grace that meets me in my sin. A grace that is juxtaposed against that backdrop of my failing performance. A grace that welcomes me and others into real family.

Wherever these words fall today, my prayer for you is that you would know GRACE. “Grace that is greater than all our sin.”  GRACE to fail. GRACE to live. GRACE to surround yourself with those folks who long for nothing more than your heart to see this grace. Oh, may God Himself give us wisdom to even set appropriate boundaries when harm comes across our plate. Life’s too short to not pay attention to the those folks around us; choose wisely your tribe of ragamuffins. Always check the motivation behind someone’s cruel comments: hurt people hurt people. Kindness always wins the day even when differences are encountered with a healthy respect.

Happy weekend, dear friends. Bask in the beauty of God’s creation this weekend and listen well to the stories around you. Let’s enter conversations; and let’s show up well with our presence, just like our dear Savior. Bask in the freedom from guilt that you are carrying and rest in His loving arms.

If God delivered you an “out” kind of day or week, take the needed time to ponder. What should I change, if anything? What boundary needs to be placed? What sin needs confession, and where do I need to trust God to work when clearly my words will never make a difference or be heard?