God's grace

Brennan Manning died recently.  When I read this, a dim light went on in my memory.  Why was his name familiar?

I looked for further information and read that Manning was a former Franciscan priest, author, public speaker and a man who fell fully, completely in love with God's grace.  Among others he wrote a book titled, "The Ragamuffin Gospel:  Good News for the Bedraggled, Beat-up and Burnt Out."  It was that book that I had casually skimmed back in 1990 when it was first published.  I would like to think that I've matured in my faith since 1990 and that my journey through cancer has given me the eyes and the heart to give me deeper insight into the beauty of God's grace, so I'm going to really read the book this time.

"To live by grace means to acknowledge my whole life story; the light side and the dark.  In admitting my shadow side, I learn who I am and what God's grace means".  This quote was included in Manning's funeral video and it speaks to his gratitude to his "Abba", as he often called his God. 

Manning knew that he was loved by God not because of any merit of his own, not because of some mysterious test that he had somehow passed, but rather because God had first chosen to love him, Brennan Manning.  It was simply because of God's grace that he was a child of God.  Manning understood the truth of Ephesians 2:8,9 which told him, "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 man can boast."-(NIV).

I have tried to be honest throughout this personal journey and I know that I have not always been lovable.  I have not always responded to my situation in a manner that is appealing to God.  But it is God's grace, His never ending grace, that gives me the secure knowledge that I will always have His love no matter if I shine or if I fall flat on my face in ugliness.  

Our God is an Awesome God!  ( And for you fellow Rich Mullins fans, it was because of this book that Rich named his band The Ragamuffin Band.)

I'm looking forward to reading The Ragamuffin Gospel with seasoned eyes and a seasoned heart.

On the health front:

Chemotherapy took place as usual and I was told that I would be back on Monday and Tuesday for The Nasty Shots in order to keep chemo treatments on schedule. Ugh!  But....I will do whatever it takes to bring this old body up to speed in order that I might enjoy an active life once again.

Keep praying... and thank you from the bottom of my heart.