Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Push Thru It! Grace and Grit

My friend's face showed grace, vulnerable and childlike, as she wiped away a stream of tears, poised to eulogize her 65-year old Dad, who had been killed in a car accident.  "My Dad raised me to have a balance of grace and grit," she shared.  Her stature and presence revealed grit as she spoke with clarity and fortitude as the only daughter of a dearly loved man, whom she proudly called her father.  

My first experience of her grit was when she chastened me for ruminating thoughts following a breakup.  "Shake it off and keep on moving," she declared in passing as she dusted her shoulder of broken relationships and emotional pains which may have slowed her.  Tragically, now, she would forever be shaken and moved to reflect upon the tapestry her father had woven to shape the woman she is today.   

Grace - Seemingly effortless beauty or charm of movement, form, or proportion
Grit - indomitable courage, toughness, or resolution

Grace and grit are the heroes of life's challenges.  Grace is the chin-up propeller for a life of integrity, and grit is the hunker-down fuel to navigate rugged terrains. They are ingredients that make the choice to rise above fiercely determined when it would be easiest to shrink and fold.   Still dizzied by an amusement park visit with my daughter, I reflect on the push and pull of our hands towards the array of colorful rides that promised to soothe or jolt us.  If grace is the polished, steady ride on the cascading merry-go-round at the carnival of life, grit is the sweaty-palmed return to the back of the line for the harrowing rollercoaster of ups and downs, twists and turns, slow approaches and uncertain drops (Okay, so I see why my daughter wouldn't go on the rollercoaster!).  Grace helps you to let go and rise  gently to the occasion; grit helps you to hold on with vigor and conviction.   

  • Where is grace important in your life?
  • Where do you need grit? 

Dedicated to Dads who raise daughters with grace and grit and daughters who honor them by touching others with their spirit.          


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