There are other characteristics that we display without much planning for them either. Some are positive but they can also be very negative. When we have a relationship with our Heavenly Father we develop, with the help of God, more positive reactions. His love for us, by His death, instills gratitude for the price He paid for our sins. That is ultimate GRACE. His constant walking with us and guiding us in times of joy and in sorrow also make us realize how much He loves us. Some one has written that grace is a five-letter-word that is often spelled J-E-S-U-S....He was the once-and-for-all-perfect human image of grace, of love, and of truth. This is displayed in the scripture that says, "no matter what we have done, no matter the depth of our transgression, the darkness of our hearts-grace overrules them all".
Today I would like to retell the story written by Dr. Jeremiah in the book entitled GRACE GIVERS: On the morning of Sunday, Nov. 8, 1987, Irishman Gordon Wilson and his twenty-eight-year-old daughter, Marie, went to watch a parade in the town of Ennisskillen in Northern Ireland. As they stood beside a brick wall waiting for units of British soldiers and police to come marching by, an IRA terrorist bomb exploded behind them. A half dozen people were killed instantly by the blast, and Gordon and his daughter were buried several feet deep beneath a pile of bricks. Gordon could feel injuries to his shoulder and arm, but was unable to move. Then he felt someone touch his fingers. "Is that you Dad?" Marie whispered, "Yes, Marie," her father answered. He heard the muffled sounds of people screaming from pain, and then the much clearer sound of Marie's screams. He squeezed her hand tightly, repeatedly asking her if she was all right. Between screams of pain, she repeatedly assured her father that she was okay. "Daddy, I love you very much." were the last words Gordon Wilson heard his daughter say. Four hours later, after they were finally rescued, she died in a hospital from massive brain and spinal injuries. Later that evening, a BBC reporter asked to speak with Gordon. After he described what had happened, the reporter asked him, "How do you feel about the guys who planted the bomb?" His words were stunning, "I bear them no ill will," Gordon replied. "I bear them no grudge. Bitter talk is not going to bring Marie Wilson back to life. I shall pray tonight and every night that God will forgive them." Gordon was asked many more times about his feelings. "I was hurt," Gordon said. "I had just lost my daughter. but I wasn't angry. Marie's last words to me-words of love-had put me on a plane of love. I received God's grace, through the strength of His love for me, to forgive." Gordon Wilson had experienced God's grace, His all-pervading love and forgiveness. When that grace touches our lives, we feel forgiven and free at the core of our being and we find grace to forgive others. And that kind of grace and forgiveness can bring peace where there is strife, healing where there is despair. That kind of grace can change our lives and the lives of those around us-even those who hurt us-forever. That is the epitome of love that I will continue to strive for.. My book, I've Always Been Rich is still on the market at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Christian bookstores. Marilyn Rensink mjrevmom6@aol.com
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