Wednesday, June 26, 2013

"grace" by t. greenwood :: literature

 
Grace. According to Webster's dictionary, is 'disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency.'  Recently, while doing a walk thru at a local book store, I came across this intriguing novel.  I haven't read anything from this author previously so wasn't sure of the writing style I could expect.  The inside flap shared a glimpse into what would turn out to be the complex life of the novel. 

The story within the pages of this novel dealt with so many aspects of life we face every day.  Bullying, grace, parenting, sorrow, joy, fear, solitude, hoarding, and so much more.  With her novel, T. Greenwood made me extremely angry to the point of almost not finishing, then made me smile, cry in disbelief and ultimately feel relief. She reminded me to be careful to judge, to not keep in the feelings I may have and to talk . . . most of all to talk to those around me and not assume the conclusions my mind comes to are fact.  There are so many complexities that surround the lives of those around us. Be careful with how you view others.  Don't let your preconceived notions of who you think they are judge how you treat them. 

In my house we have chosen a verse from Ephesians to focus on this summer.  Ephesians 4:29 "Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear."  It was shortly after we made this choice that I read this novel and it couldn't have been a better example of why all of us need to work on this skill.  The skill of building people up and ultimately always acting with love and kindness to everyone we interact with. 


**** The act of graciousness is amazing and this book follows close behind.  It has been awhile since I have read a book that so aptly invokes such strong contradictory feelings in me.  To be so angry and then so happy, to laugh and then cry.  Wonderful.  It is not an easy book, dealing with some real issues that many of us have to face in real life.  That said, I encourage you to check it out, pick it up at your local book store, buy it online or borrow it from a friend.  You will be glad you did and just possibly, will look at the next unknown person you see walking down the street a little differently and with a little more grace.