When I think about elegance, in many ways it seems almost synonymous with “grace.” But what is grace?
Dictionary.com defines grace (in this sense) as “elegance or beauty of form, manner, motion, or action.” But if we think more deeply, this elegance or beauty flows from a sense of control. In other words, when a person has self-control, no matter what is happening in the current situation, they seem to have a certain grace that may be in stark contrast to what is happening around them.
A few years ago, I attended a church where the pastor, who was in his late 40s, died suddenly one day. His wife, who was and is one of the sweetest people I know, could have fallen apart. After all, her husband of many years, father of her children, and primary financial provider, had been taken from her without warning. Instead, she was able to draw strength from her relationships with family, friends, and especially God, and she remained poised and in control in the midst of her grief and sorrow. Now, she’s able to make use of the experience others who are going through the loss of loved ones. To me, she was a prime example of acting with grace under the most horrible circumstances.
Do I always act with grace and elegance? No. That’s something I need to continue to cultivate in my own life. But, it’s something that I believe we should all aspire to, and it’s something that’s possible for all of us.
By the way, I know that when the world seems to be crumbling around you, grace and self-control are the last things on your mind. The sense of hopelessness can be overwhelming. But there is comfort to be found in a relationship with God; for me, that’s the only thing that has kept me from going over the edge at certain times in my life. If you’d like to know more, if you’re feeling completely hopeless in your life, please send me a message. I’d like to help.