Why Be Beyond Grateful!
4 Action Steps to Show Gratitude
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This post was originally published in December 2020. Since then, I've launched The Open Door Anthology and expanded my work with faith-driven women entrepreneurs. For my latest thoughts on gratitude and grace, subscribe to Insight & Ink.
I’ve needed His grace more than I care to admit, discuss, or even think.
God’s grace is that unmerited favor that He shows to us when we do not deserve it.
When I deserved His punishment, it was through grace that He whispered to me:
“I’m not a victim, I’m a victor.”
Those were some of the most liberating words that I had ever received into my spirit.
Grace under pressure and God’s grace is sufficient for me are two sentiments for which I can identify.
We see grace in the form of God giving us a free pass, the right to the tree of life, salvation, something wonderful for free. We may have gotten a break today. Meaning, instead of receiving punishment, we received a free pass.
Three amazing things about Grace and Works
We don’t have to work for grace. Grace given has nothing to do with our efforts, contrition, or trying to do right because we feel remorse for our actions.
We cannot do enough good things to earn us grace. Grace given has nothing to do with our efforts to be "good enough."
It's not about works! We can not do enough to earn God’s grace.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. Not by works, so that no one can boast. - Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV
How amazing is that? Grace is simply given. We CANNOT say that any actions we’ve taken has earned us the grace of God. As a matter of fact, it’s more accurate to say that we did wrong and God extended to us His grace.
He still blessed us.
He gave us another chance.
We didn’t get the punishment we know we deserved.
Honestly, we may not say it, but we recognize that our actions were wrong in any given situation or at a certain time in life. And we recognize that God basically ignored that and gave us something good instead.
For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; -though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die- but God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. -Romans 5:6-8 ESV
We know the choices we made are deserving of strict punishment.
But God shows his favor on us, undeserved and unearned.
We were given freedom not to get the punishment that the legal system or the rules on our jobs would rightly give to us.
This same scripture is about us being saved from the wrath of God. Listen, we couldn’t get it right, couldn’t keep it right. Jesus came to be that mediator. To be the middleman between God and us. Jesus took the sins of our lives upon himself. THAT’S GRACE.
GRACE In Action
Let’s talk about Grace, Grateful, Gratitude, and Gracious. These words are similar starting from grace, yet different in implementation.
Grace is shown to us, yet undeserved.
Grace is courteous goodwill or saying a prayer of thanks before we eat our food. It’s also simple elegance of movement.
Action Step: Take the time to thank God for His undeserved grace and mercy shown to you.
We’re grateful for what was done for us.
Being grateful is showing warm or deep appreciation for the kindness shown. It’s being thankful that the accident didn’t hurt us.
Action Step: In what ways can you express gratefulness for something that was done for you?
We show our gratitude by taking action for others.
Gratitude is expressed when we show thankfulness through our actions. Writing a letter to someone to say thanks is an inexpensive way of showing gratitude.
The small business, BARE Love, chose to recognize people who are a rare example. They did this through a concept called Bare Love Tuesday.
This boost to individuals showed them that they were making a recognizable impact through their business and acts of service.
Action Step: Who can you bless with an expression of gratitude?
We choose to be gracious in how we respond and treat others.
Being pleasant, kind, and courteous; that's being gracious. Being gracious also means showing good taste, style, and having class. Most often, women show classiness through appearance, then action.
Here's what I've learned: when we care for ourselves well, our gracious attitudes flow more easily to others.
My daughter, LaQuanda, understands this deeply. She founded Crown Me Wig Collection, where she makes and sells premium wigs. She crafts these beautiful pieces for women who want that luxury, upscale beauty experience.
LaQuanda extended this service by making wigs for women experiencing hair loss. Whether it’s alopecia, cancer treatment, or medical conditions, the women feel beautiful and confident again.
Let’s face it, not every woman is comfortable displaying her hair loss.
When wearing their wigs, women look in the mirror and can smile once again. They feel the return of their dignity, even when their circumstances have tried to steal that from them.
Consider:
Gifting a wig consultation to someone going through treatment
Donating to organizations that provide wigs to women in need
Simply taking time for your own self-care so you can pour into others with grace
When we elevate ourselves through intentional self-care, we show up differently for the people around us. Visit Crown Me Wig Collection here
Action Step: Who could benefit from your gracious acts of kindness and service?
4 Powerful Ways to Focus
Show Grace
Be Grateful
Express Gratitude
Extend a Gracious Attitude
As we celebrate the season, we see various ways to express our gratitude. We can extend a gracious attitude toward those who are struggling with loss of loved ones, financial devastation, or feeling isolated during this season.
What other ways can you think of to express these same sentiments? Drop your recommendations in the comments below and help someone else find their way to gratitude.
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