When I hear the phrase change the world, I think big, limitless, headlining change. I think movements and revolutions and action steps. That is why I nearly didn’t name this series 31 Days to Change the World, because well, frankly, give me a break. Right? Change the world? Who am I kidding? But then there is this.
For 31 days in a row last October, I wrote 31 Days of Grace. And even though I had just finished a 65,000 word book on that same topic, I still had more to say. There aren’t enough words to fill this grace up. There are no corners, boundaries or balance scales. There is no medal or trophy or certificate that accompanies it. You cannot measure it, lose it, squash or outrun it. You don’t have to tryout, live up, or calm down to get it. You simply have to open your hands to receive it.
This grace changes everything.
If I really believe that (and I do) then that means everything changes. My future as well as my past, my failures as well as my successes, my energy as well as my exhaustion. There is no area of life that grace cannot touch, no hurt that grace cannot heal, no fear that grace cannot overcome.
And so this sweeping,revolutionary change we think of, where does it begin if not with grace? The grace that comes from the hand of God is the only thing I’ve found that has no limits, boundaries, or prerequisits. Who can stand against it?
I left you yesterday hiding in Grandma’s bathroom, knowing there is a world out there you were made to go into, but also knowing it can be terrifying to enter. You may be tempted to feel shame for staying firmly where you are: How can I change a world I don’t live in? How can I influence people I can’t see? How can I make a difference when it’s all so big, so much, so out of my control?
A better question to start with: How has this grace changed you? Allow yourself to pause there on the inside of the door. Give yourself permission not to open it quite yet. Sit on the floor of the bathroom, turn your palms face up, close your eyes with thanksgiving, and know that none of this comes from you. This life, these choices, this world on either side of the door — it is all a gift. You are not called to manage outcomes, you are simply called to come out. But before you can come out, might I encourage you to stay in and rest?
Know where your giftedness comes from. Know who supplies your energy. Believe He is the one who changes things. And He lives within you. There are as many stories as there are people, and I wanted to share one with you. My dad is writing 31 Days of Scary Hope (the lone man in a sea of 700 women) and he shared a story earlier this week about my mom. It’s proof that the world can change, and it all begins with grace.
This is the fifth post in a series. Read 31 Days to Change the World from the beginning. Go here to see all of the other 31 Day series happening around the internets. Want to have Chatting at the Sky delivered into your email inbox? Subscribe here for free.
That’s the trick, isn’t it? To remember nothing comes from me. It’s all from Him, all from living in the overflow of His love.
Over the last few years, I’ve felt a sense of guilt for doing less in ‘the world’ than I knew I was called to do. But, this last year, my husband and I just set out to do at least one thing–to read through the Bible within 2011. And that one thing has changed us. Slowly, we’re coming out of our slump. But, you’re right-I can’t change anything-not really-until I invite Christ to come and change me.
Love the theme and so glad you named it such…what else does salt and light do, but change the world?
I love the theme and it is so timely for me—-I am just 2 weeks into a small group study entitled “Change The World”, by Mike Slaughter. Given the different ways this message keeps coming at me, I think that I am definitely being asked to stop and pay attention!
Emily, love the boldness with with you write and so inspired to know your Dad also blogs . . . enjoyed his story. This theme you chose – it speaks to me in the season I find myself in. Bringing lots to the surface and motivating my writing. Thank you!
Emily, I loved reading your Dad’s story about your mom – thanks for sharing! And I love that you encourage us to stay behind the door just a little longer. God and I were just discussing this today
I think too often we feel we have to be doing all the time. But God wants us to remain just a little longer. Great post!
I hope all of this talk is your next book. : )
This quote? “You are not called to manage outcomes, you are simply called to come out. But before you can come out, might I encourage you to stay in and rest?” They are the inspired words I needed to hear.
I read your dad’s post. It’s so good, I forwarded it to my husband. You have an amazing dad with such an incredible story, one we can both relate too. I’ll never tire of hearing that change really is possible.
Amen.
Lord, thank you for the blessing of Emily.
Amen….
Yes, Lord, thank you for the blessing of Emily.
Beautiful post! Thanks for sharing your Dad’s post! I relate to “gentle yet agitated”. I just finished reading Romans 5 before I read this post. I love how God puts all things together.
I have read and reread this post a dozen times now. The tears flow because each and every word feels as if it was written directly for me. I have been stuck right there in that bathroom for so very long. I have turned the knob because I know He wants me to move, but it is so scary. Thank you for this post, this series.
You are not called to manage outcomes, you are simply called to come out.
Words penned by Emily, but spoken by God to my “manager” heart.
Thank you.
Beautifully written, and oh so true. It’s not until you truly receive it for yourself that you can then give it away. Still learning. Thanks for sharing!
“You are not called to manage outcomes” – these words of yours, Emily, they spoke freedom to my soul today. Thanks for encouraging us to stay and rest awhile. I’m giving myself permission to do just that.
Emily,
Thank you so much for this post… your dad’s post was so inspiring and brave. Vulnerability like that inspires me… it is so scary to expose yourself but know that you and your dad are encouraging so many people with your words, me included!
Amen! What a lovely post! I am following all the 31-dayers – slowly making my rounds today – sooooo glad I stopped in to read yours! What a blessing!
Please come and visit me at http://sewnso.blogspot.com/p/31-days-of-sewing.html
Thank you so so much for writing this blog! I just found it through carissa’s lowercase letters blog, and I feel like you are writing straight to me! I cannot wait to read your book. It is so amazing how God can use such little things, like clicking a link on a friend’s blog, to guide us right to where he has a blessing waiting!
What a wonderful post. The reminder that we are only required to enter the world, not manage, change, or conquer it is something I need to remember daily (if not hourly). Thank you for sharing this and for challenging me to let go of the fears and simply step out in faith and accept my gift of grace!
i love how free i feel when i walk daily in His grace; there’s nothing more satisfying than resting in the arms of the saving One. buying your book tomorrow and i’m afraid i will be glued to the pages all weekend long.
Reading this kind of post challenges me to believe, Lord willing, that I CAN change the world if I only will reside in Him, trust in Him, and then be willing to step out. Great post!
And, your Dad is not the lone male in this sea of inspiring females. My hubby dear has also taken on this challenge—to get out there and write again, and to support me in my own 31 day efforts. Go check him out, and tell your Dad to stop by too.
http://aproposvia.tumblr.com/
I was reminded in my quiet time this morning that Jesus asked his disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit. I know I am in a waiting period but it isn’t for the the Spirit…I think its for His grace. There is a difference between knowing about grace and living in grace, that’s what He’s teaching me, I think. Loved your father’s series (thanks for leading us there). Between scary hope and grace God is changing me and that will change the world.
This series is such a blessing but today it really spoke to me. I am on the inside and I don’t know how to get out…I am lost in a feeling of helplessness. I am in grief that surrounds everything that I do. It changes how I see myself and the world. I know that grief will not last forever but while I am here it seems like it. I will continue to pray and seek His face…and know that at some point I will open that door…Lord be with me till then. Dianntha