grace
n.
Seemingly effortless beauty or charm of movement, form, or proportion.
A characteristic or quality pleasing for its charm or refinement.
A sense of fitness or propriety.

A disposition to be generous or helpful; goodwill.
Mercy; clemency.
A favor rendered by one who need not do so; indulgence.

my grandmother putting on red lipstick before going to the grocery store

same grandmother, taking the rollers out of her hair when the ambulance was on its way because she thought she was having a heart attack.

my other grandmother, hiding her cancer from everyone so no one would fuss and worry.
she was admitted to the hospital and passed within days

a little girl in a new dress and patent leather shoes

a saving grace

Hebrews 2:9

but we behold Jesus, who has been made a little lower than angels, crowned with glory and honor for having suffered death, that he by God's undeserved kindness (grace) might taste death for every man.

We're gracious when we listen silently to one another's pain.

We're gracious when we are strong for someone else.

We're gracious when we hold another to our hearts or allow ourselves to be held.

We're gracious when we uphold our principles; not because of ego but because it is right.

We're gracious when we give love no matter what the cost.

We're gracious when we lose but are not beaten.

And we're gracious each time we rise and face a new day with undiminished hope.


-my friend Kevin Coy

to paraphrase maya angelou (and i'm bold enough to do that), "many of us say we aren't eloquent. The most eloquent thing you can say is 'I love you'".

starkitty said:

Well, that was graceful!



Seriously, good thread... the ones of your grandmothers are touching. Indeed graceful.

thank you az...

i love grace, the very concept and display.

i'm seeing it as a combination of age, beauty and experience

or inexperience with shaky confidence (but confidence nonetheless)

a baby girl using her tiny fingers to pick up cheerios

starkitty said:

Those are especially graceful.

"for you naked, I would dance a ballet..."

ballet is graceful - but i may need to rethink this one

starkitty said:

It certainly is. None more so than Miyako Yoshida. My favourite principal at the Royal Ballet. She's the epitome of grace.


.

Grace: An elderly lady walking down the street with her Hat, and gloves..

So beautiful.

Amazing grace!
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved.
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far
And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
and mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

When we've been there ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun,
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.

John Newton 1725-1807 (stanza 6 Anon)