A Little Grace

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson || Top: Madewell

I have two big weaknesses in life: Madewell and pizza. If you haven’t picked up on it by now, Madewell is one of my favorite places to shop. It’s the perfect place to find relaxed styles with added flare. So, of course, when I found this striped tee from Madewell, I couldn’t resist. Add it to a pair of distressed jeans, and I am all set for a night out to indulge in my other weakness. Yes, when it comes to pizza, I offer myself a lot of grace. In other words, I don’t hold back. In my world, calories don’t exist when it comes to pizza. Amen. 

The word grace isn’t one we are stranger to. And while we are often told about the grace Jesus offers to us, we seldom think about the grace we must offer to other people.
 
I’ve been reading Savor, a daily devotional by Shauna Niequist, and it just so happens that grace has been the topic of discussion for the last couple of days. She summed up the idea of grace perfectly when she wrote, “Grace is when you finally stop keeping score and when you realize that God never was, that his game is a different one entirely.”

When someone is having “a moment” and that moment affects you, it is hard to offer up some grace. Trust me. There have been times in my life where I have been so angry with people that it brings me to tears. It feels almost unfair to give them grace. Especially when they haven’t said those two little words that we feel like we all deserve to hear.  Yes, “I’m sorry” goes a long way. But life isn’t always going to apologize. There will be times where you have to choose to give grace.

When we are having a moment, we hope that the people we encounter will offer us grace. In turn, we have to get better at offering those around us the same kind of grace. Grace in understanding that their choices may be different from ours. Grace in knowing that there could be more to their “moment” than we really understand. “Grace allows us to grow, to become more of who God created us to be.” And that grace is the same grace that we should share with others.

Today, I pray that you will offer up some grace to the people in your life who need it the most. I hope you will pray for them – even though will be hard. Then, I hope you will extend yourself a little grace in the process. In His eyes, “Grace isn’t about having a second chance; grace is having so many chances that you could use them through all eternity and never come up empty.” – Shauna Niequist  

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32

Kindness is Cool

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson || Dress: Hadley Rae Boutique

There is nothing better than finding a dress that works for both work and play. This gorgeous dress from Hadley Rae meets that criteria and is one that I am seriously obsessed with for fall. Did I mention that it also comes in navy?  Yes, please.  If I have said it once, I have said it a thousand times, the pricing does not get any better than what you will find at shophadleyrae.com. And this dress is a MUST. 

You know what else can be nice? People. Surprising thought, I know. Why? I think it’s because we are quicker to remember the people who are R.U.D.E than the people who are nice. Think about it. At the end of the day, who are you more focused on? The people who lifted you up or the people who brought you down? Since you are human, my guess is that you chose the second option. At least that’s how it is for me. But I am tired of focusing on the bad. 

This past weekend, I think I stumbled upon the nicest little town in America. And while it wasn’t the nicest looking town (that title belongs to Oxford, Mississippi), College Station, Texas, might be home to the nicest people (well, certainly in SEC country). I honestly have never felt so welcomed at a football game. And it wasn’t just the people at our UNBELIEVEABLE tailgate, this sentiment was felt everywhere we went. People would walk by and say, “Howdy” (it is Texas after all) and “Thank you for coming.” Some would say, “Welcome to College Station. We are glad you are here.” At times, it was even a bit overwhelming – but in a good way.

And while the final score of the game didn’t go as we hoped, all the nice people in College Station left me thinking about how I could approach this week a little differently. Let’s take a page out of their book (and maybe their playbook while we are at it) and show random kindness to someone this week. Then, let’s take it a step further and focus on the kindness other people might show us each day. Go to bed thankful for the good, while ignoring the ugly.  Once you do, you will become more aware of the comforting presence Jesus has in your life. 

"Kind words are like honey; they are easy to accept and good for your health." - Proverbs 16:24

The Future Is... Spotty?

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson || Top: Hadley Rae Boutique

Hadley Rae has me swooning over her new arrivals this month, and this shirt is just one of the many pieces that I love. Why? Well, probably because it has stripes on it. Remember, stripes are a staple of my “everyday go-to kind of look.” I also love how the polka dots on the top of the shirt add a unique little twist. And since I am all about a casual look, this shirt hits on all cylinders.
 
While we can all get behind the idea of spots (or polka dots) in an outfit, we all hate when our future seems a little spotty. Of course, the Lord plans our steps; but, generally speaking, we have an idea of where He might be taking us. With that said, every once in a while, a path opens up that we never saw coming. A path that we wouldn’t even wish upon our worst enemy. And when that path presents itself, it leaves us wondering whether God will patch the holes that seem to litter the journey ahead.

This morning, my family and friends from my precious beach town on the east coast are waking up and wondering what they will find in the days to come. I can’t even imagine the overwhelming feeling of uncertainty and worry that has consumed their thoughts these last couple of days. And when a path as devastating as this becomes your reality, you can find yourself asking, “What now, God?”
 
While I’ve never experienced this kind of loss, I do know my God. And I know that He will always provide for His children. In the midst of each unexpected path we encounter in our lives, He finds a way to show us His love. He reminds us that “His love is like a hurricane and we are the tree, bending beneath His weight and mercy. How He loves us with such an unconditional love.” 
 
Today, I pray that whatever path you are traveling down, you will see God carrying you through. Whether it is a path you saw coming or one that appeared out of no where, God will stay by your side. He will provide. For in His eyes, your future is never spotty. 

"God is our protection and source of strength. He is always ready to help us in times of trouble." - Psalms 46:1