“Gracious to all, to none subservient, without offense he spoke the word he meant” - Thomas Aldrich

Lately I find that this idea is one absent from many conversations, blogs, and facebook status's I've seen.  Since Creation, people have been full of opinion's and preferences. However, it seems that currently the "in" thing is to forcibly state those opinions or thoughts as long as they are preceded by "sorry if you get offended" disclaimer.   Passion for a topic turns into an aggressive and haughty stance, immediately creating a "I'm right...*cough* I mean- I'm informed, and you're not" debate.

The hottest topics lately appear to be:

organic vs non- organic
breast milk vs formula
home birth vs hospital
vaccinate vs non- vaccinate
spank vs non- spanking
punishment vs discipline
cloth diaper vs disposable diaper
working mom vs home mom
public school vs private school
homeschooling vs unschooling

and so on...

I have my thoughts and views on these topics and will most likely in later posts delve into them, however,  on my journey to live a life of grace, I will strive to express these opinions and viewpoints for what they are- my personal views. Meaning, perhaps not the ideal fit for every person I meet.

"The tongue has the power of life and death,
    and those who love it will eat its fruit."    Proverbs 18:21

As knowledgeable and capable individuals, disagreements on topics will arise.  Its a normal part of life.  Also, when feeling passionately about a topic, it is very hard to understand why someone else would not also feel the same way.  Giving birth to the mindset "don't they REALIZE?! They are conforming to the norm, have lesser priorities, or is simply ignorant" this is a mindset is destructive to not only persons surrounding the one exhibiting it, but also detrimental to the person nurturing the concept.  It creates separation and causes hurt in others.

Somehow being judgmental has become covered and disguised as  "socially awkward" "having a passion for a topic" or "taking a stand for better choices."  But what really happens is that instead of change and progress to something better- bitterness develops and causes digression in people and shifts the focus off awareness of important topics.

If you have to begin a thought with a disclaimer, further elaboration on the topic at hand should be laced with careful consideration and thoughtful prayer.  Its not easy to stand up for personal beliefs, but it is possible to do so in love and grace.  To inform and lift up should be the goal.

"A person’s wisdom yields patience;     it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense."  Proverbs 19:11

Grace·ful : Displaying grace in form or action

A swirl of color, a swish of tulle, an atmosphere encompassed with theme and beauty. Softly yet enduringly, swiftly while unhurried, dainty though hearty. Elegance and grace embodied and materialized with each step and brought to fulfillment with the draw of the curtain.  The Ballet.  The epiphany of symmetry and harmony.

To many people, the ballet and other arts symbolize ideas of grandeur and refinement. A form of entertainment or reminder of finer things. However, to me, the ballet has always held greater significance. Like others,  I find the concentration and poise that goes into each movement and step impressive and the music very moving.  I'm a girly-girl that loves pink ribbons and bows,  so it makes sense that logically the ballet would be something I enjoy.  But aside from that, what holds my attention is the similarity I see between the ballet and what it means to be a woman of grace.

To clarify my meaning, I am not implying that all women enjoy the ballet or similar types of art or that is requirement to be considered "feminine." What I am saying, is that the essence and description of the dance is what stands out to me. 

Delicate in appearance, while abounding with purpose, strength, and intention. These are the words that describe a few of the strong female role models in my life (see the connection?). And attributes that I strive for each day.  Often, I have come across female friends, co-workers, acquaintances, etc, that are strong willed, intelligent, and purposeful with their goals, dreams, and ambitions. Amazing and needed qualities, but often times laced with demanding aggression. I find myself in similar moments (particularly, in times of frustration or arguments where -dare I say- I might be wrong?) Moments in which grace has been tossed out the window and replaced with tactlessness.  Those are the times in which inevitability I may put my foot in my mouth or cause hurt due to lack of care. Which is then followed by the needed apology in attempt to right the wrong committed.

In the ballet, an elegant and impressive ballerina does not simply appear overnight. Nor does that dancer immediately have the ability and endurance for the poised motions of strength demonstrated. Just as it is not innate to show purposeful grace in a heated moment life brings.  However, while practice doesn't necessarily make perfect, it does produce fruitful results when coupled with time and intention.

The idea of this blog came to me when I was mulling over the type of wife, daughter, friend, and Christian that I want to be.  I want to live up to the woman God calls me to be in those roles.  I want to show grace and love, to have strength and purpose, to exemplify beauty and intention.  So while I have two left feet, I suppose I want to be a ballerina in spirit and character.  And so this blog is created to demonstrate my goal of Graceful Living.