Recently, the country paused to give homage to the late civil rights hero and Congressman John Lewis. Recognized for his integrity and relentless pursuit of justice, he was deserving of every accolade. At the memorial service held at the nation’s Capitol, Wintley Phipps sang Amazing Grace and his ministry of music brought me to tears.
Phipps who is a professional vocal artist, education activist and pastor was a guest preacher at my church years ago. One of the points in his message really resonated with me. He said, “Go where you are celebrated, don’t stay where you are just tolerated.”
That philosophy really helped me! During that time I was contemplating leaving a role and that was confirmation for me. Phipps eloquently, and in simple terms, summarized my situation.
With Phipps on my radar again, I am not only reminded about the message of his sermon years ago, but am challenged to think about how I am treating others in my life. How do I make those in my community feel? If I were to ask my husband, children, parents, sister, work colleagues, friends, neighbors, and extended family if they feel celebrated or tolerated, what would they say? The hard truth is that I can think of few relationships where I have been critical and judgmental.
With this revelation, this is the time to call upon that amazing grace that Phipps sang about at the memorial service. I call upon God’s grace so I don’t condemn myself for failing in the past and I draw upon that same amazing grace to help me be kinder and more patient moving forward. Thank God for His grace (and mercy!).
