When our 17-year-old daughter was pregnant with our first grand girl, she planned to name her Alizay. It was even frosted across the top of her baby shower cake. But I’d tripped over a house of ill repute by the same name, and she’d discovered “Alize” was actually a line of alcoholic drinks. So by the time she delivered, she’d scratched that idea, but still had not chosen a new name.
They were practically ready to wheel her out of the hospital when she made her decision.
Gracee.
She would name her Gracee.
Except her obstetrician talked her into deleting the extra “E” on the birth certificate.
When I look at that document stamped with the official seal, I think about another document, a birth certificate, a certificate of debt, stained with blood–tetelestai. Paid in full by grace that finds us in the midst of our wretchedness, covers us with the softness of a baby’s blanket, swaddles us with an everlasting love, assures us we are still enough even when we mess up.
When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. (Colossians 2:13-14 NASB)
So this new life became our amazing Grace, whom my daughter was pretty sure embodied her saving grace from a life that had gotten a little out of tune.
I’m writing over at the Jumping Tandem: The Retreat blog today. Follow me there for the rest?
In the stillness,
Sandy
Hi Sandra…First thing…Your granddaughter is adorable, and how sweet the sound to hear a little one sing those words! It’s like when a child sings ‘Jesus Loves Me’. What a sweet aroma to the Lord!
Second thing…Whintley Phipps!!! I’ve heard him speak of, and sing, this old Negro Spiritual before, but I NEVER tire of it. He sings it the best of anyone I’ve heard. He takes us to the bowels of that slave ship. He gives me goose bumps…and makes me cry every time. I have a great interest in black history, from pre-Civil War to post ‘Eyes On The Prize’, and Mr. Phipps’ rendition moves my heart for the struggle of the black, even to this present day.
(Have you ever heard him recite ‘Sister Caroline’??? Outstanding! What an incredible voice!)
Thirdly…It is comforting to know many others are moaning inwardly over the state of our world in recent times. Creation groans, yes? We must keep looking up, for our Redemption draweth nigh, Amen?!? Thank you for this, Sandra. Beautifully said.
Honestly, Jillie, I’d never even heard of Wintley Phipps before I stumbled over this. And no, I haven’t heard that recitation, but I’ll go looking forward. Thanks for for telling me about it.
And yes, amen. We need to keep our eyes on the only One who can bring calm to the chaos.