What Do You Think? Wednesday
Yesterday my family buried a prince of a man: Daniel Thomas, my grandfather who lived more than nine decades and had the wisdom to prove it. With his wit and few cents, he snagged and married my grandma, moved from LA (as he liked to call lower Alabama) to Michigan, made a living as a truck driver, sent two kids to school, and pulled enough resources to help dozens of others. He knew no no’s, gathered a bunch of yeses from well placed questions, other observations and a dazzling smile. He knew how to ingratiate himself to people and never let illiteracy or Jim Crow laws and attitudes stop him.
He knew what to do.
He knew what to say.
He knew how to get over.
He knew the power of grace.
But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.—Luke 6:35.
He loved those who despised his skin color and the fact that he couldn’t read; he spent time and money to make so many comfortable and only expected that we would do for others, too. He was favored of God and man, for certain the son of the Most High, who is kind to ALL, even the ungrateful and evil ones. And if to the ungrateful and evil ones, even to our loved ones who don’t express to us love.
Granddad’s spirit still hangs over my cloud of unforgiveness toward those I expected to express their concern for me during my family’s bereavement. That spirit wants to clear the dark cloud that wants to rain revenge, to tell them “Forget you,” and never show an act of kindness again.
“… [D]o good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. . .”
This I must learn.
This I must do.
This is how to get over.
This displays the power of grace, a great testimony for a strong black woman in recovery.
How have you struggled with displaying grace to those who have wronged you? What lessons have you learned in the process?
Copyright 2011 by Rhonda J. Smith
I’m so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers today Rhonda! There have been very low points in my life when people I thought would be there, have been missing in action. Through these times, I have discovered those who are truly for me. The lesson was painful, but helpful for developing relationships in the future.
Love and prayers go out to you today Rhonda! May God give you and your family peace and comfort during this time.
Dianna,
Thank you so much for your condolences. As you can see from my post, I know I’m in the middle of a painful lesson. Yes, it hurts, but you have definitely helped me to have the bigger picture perspective. I appreciate that.
Kennisha,
As you point me to the Comforter, I feel comforted. Thanks for your empathy and helping me to “think on these things” during this difficult time. I feel your hugs!
Thank you, Rebecca. I appreciate you taking the time to express your love.
Rhonda, I send my condolences and love to you and your family. In my experiences I’ve learned that those who you least expect will disappoint you and hurt you. I pray that time will heal your bruised heart. Even kind words never seem sufficient enough when we are hurting. His grace is sufficient. Embrace the lessons learned and move past it. Showers of blessings.
Dr. Deana,
Thanks for taking the time to express your condolences and love. Yes, God’s grace is sufficient. I will take it, learn my lessons and move on. I appreciate your right perspective.
Lifting your family in prayer Rhonda. May the peace of God comfort you all during this difficult time.
Hey Rhonda…am just reading this post and have tears in my eyes. Granddad was an awesome man and I really didn’t think I’d miss him like I do. I’m so very sorry for the hurt you and your family are going through. I’m not even gonna pretend like the flesh is easily subdued ’cause I still struggle too. However, I hope between the words and wisdom of Granddad and the words and wisdom of the Father, your healing will be soon-coming. Love you very much!!
Thanks so much, Dr. Michelle. Your condolences mean so much.
Thanks DeVo. God is amazing with how He magnified Granddad’s main characteristics to teach me a lesson. Yes, with God and Granddad I have no doubt the healing will come soon.