Second Chances!

 Jesus has given me more than a couple of second chances. I've had more do-overs than a two-year-old on a bad day.  I appreciate that about my relationship with Jesus. At times, it still feels like it isn't enough like I'll never get it exactly right. 

I'm all for other people getting their share of second chances. I attended Terri Savelle Foy's Icing Conference.  (I'm not sure about the rules for borrowing pictures I do not own, so here's the link with all the details about the event. Icing)

There are two main things I carry with me from the conference.

1.  Give Grace

One of the speakers was Fab Morvan, one-half of the Pop Duo Milli Vanilli. If you are old enough to have needed your own heaping of do-overs, you probably remember what happened. Mistakes were made. Watch this!

Fab went on to build a life and a family. He's making his way back. Fab came to the Icing Conference to share a little of his story, dance, and even sing. He sang acapella at times, maybe he had a reason for that.  And the dude still has moves.  For a few moments, during one of his most famous hits, the Nostalgia was flowing. "Girl, You Know Its True!"

However, to a group of "Church Women", he wasn't polished.  He certainly doesn't know "church speak".

Terri Savelle Foy, the headliner and creator of Icing could have had any number of reactions.  Her response was an excellent example of giving grace.  It was beautiful! 

Terri told Fab:  "You may not know it yet, but we overcome the enemy through the blood of Jesus and the word of our testimony!"  (At least those are the words I remember.)  Terri made sure to encourage him and show him Godly love.  She stopped and took time to give grace and minister to him.  That is what Jesus did and does. 

I admire the effort. I'm cheering for Fab and more importantly, I'm praying for Fab.  It takes a lot of courage to have your do-over on stage with everyone watching.  Wherever Fab is, has been, or is going, my prayer is that he accomplishes all that God created him for. 

2)  We Do Not Stand Alone!

I served with nearly two hundred other like-minded women. Smart women, on fire for God, who are doing things.  The enemy wants us to feel like we are strange and alone.  The Bible does say that we are a peculiar people, but we are not alone.  1 Peter 2:9 (It is okay if we laugh at ourselves a bit.) 

Whatever you face today, give grace to others, allow yourself to receive grace, and remember, you are not alone. 

 "and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20 NIV