Grace

Shelley Douglas, peace activist, writer, and mother, wrote this reflection in 1996 about the “unforced rhythms of grace” and the smallest favors given: “A cool washcloth over a dirty face, tears dried, a breath of air, relief. Forgiveness, pardon, healing. The easy yoke, the love that cherishes the broken vessel, and the picture where we [colored] outside the lines. Children can sense it: We are loved. We forget [we are loved] and we judge. When I want to do good, evil is near —- but love will have the last word.” … and there it is: “Love will have the last word.”

Published in Living the Word, Reflections on the Revised Common Lectionary, Jim Wallis, Editor, Sojourner’s, 1996)