Four years ago my dad passed away. He had been a Bible professor at Baylor University for 42 years. After his death, I had the opportunity to take some books from his personal library. I knew immediately the book I was seeking…
As a young girl, one of my favorite pastimes was to hang out at my dad’s office and rummage through his desk. He would always keep mints, gum, interesting office supplies, pen knives, change and I was welcome to help myself to any item I desired. Next, I would muse over the mounds of teaching materials and tests to be graded, interesting artifacts and photographs carefully arranged on his desk. Ultimately, I would survey the hundreds of books throughout his office. I was fascinated by the sizes, colors and titles of the many literary treasures. I loved the way the books were arranged in cluster settings on the shelves. Nestled there was the most intriguing little blue book that attracted me, proclaiming its title, “Grace is not a Blue-Eyed Blond” by R. Lofton Hudson. At 8 years old, I never considered reading the book or even contemplating the deeper meaning of GRACE. But as a brown-eyed brunette, the only thing that mattered to me was that GRACE could be me!
Thirty seven years later, facing a life threatening illness, I awoke in the middle of the night with a scripture written on my heart.
My GRACE is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. II Corinthians 12:9
Even still, my interpretation of GRACE was fragmented and incomplete. At the time, I believed GRACE would carry me to a heavenly home. My definition of GRACE was genuinely small and very human.
Today, GRACE has unfolded in the form of a well-worn journey map in my life. For everywhere my eye can travel, my body can be present, my spirit can soar, God provides an elegant path of mercy, compassion and constant presence as i seek to be Bound in Grace.
Love the blog Melinda!!
What an incredible interpretation of grace, thank you for the vivid word picture you just painted…. I’ve always known that head knowledge & heart knowledge are different, but the ability to see grace in daily life is something I struggle with. Truly grateful that God brought our paths to cross on this journey of life.
Well – scratch me off the list – ha ha
Can see you there amongst the treasures of your dad’s library…
I’m so glad your blog is off the ground!
Looking forward to reading this blog! I can hear your voice as I read your words.
How happy it makes me feel to see your giftings unfold…you are brilliant my friend!
well its about time you started a blog! how long did that take you? 5 years?
So perfectly vivid! I could see you painting the shelves of books in your dad’s office with all their many colors, sizes and textures, but truly your writing is just as beautiful and imaginatvie as your paintings that I love so much. You really have a gift. I look forward to your next entry. love you……..
Wonderful words that paint a beautiful story of your life. You definitely have a gift. Thank you for sharing it with all of us. Love you. Kellee
Wonderful interpretation. You painted a beautifully touching picture. Thank you!
thanks for the many thoughts, words of encouragement and wisdom. like you, bound in grace is a daily goal, which includes the observations and experiences from friends like you! i look forward to new topics and feedback, a forum of communication through our stories, conversations and letters.
l would like to be added to the email notification for future posts.
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I’ve only just now stumbled on your art and writings, Melinda, but will be studying them all immediately! So glad I finally found you again after you moved away back in ’87! You were, and will continue to be, such a blessing to my life ; ) Jan Howe