Love, Grace, and a Whole Lot of Real Talk
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Lately, I’ve been knee-deep in my Bible study — not just reading the words, but living them. And whew… let me tell you, it’s been humbling. I’ve been digging into what it means to have real relationships — with God, Jesus, my husband, my kids, and honestly, people in general (yes, even the ones who test your patience before coffee).
We’re told to live with love and forgiveness. Sounds simple, right? Insert sarcastic laugh here. But before you start waving your “what if” flags — like “What if they don’t deserve forgiveness?” or “What if I get walked all over again?” — hold your horses. I’m not saying you should be a doormat, or play the “yes ma’am” card to every human with a pulse. I’m talking about restoring yourself through Christ so you can show up differently — stronger, softer, and centered.
Because for a while there, I was lost. And not just “took a wrong turn on the way to Target” lost — I mean spiritually, emotionally, mentally gone. Somewhere along the way, I swapped faith for fear and grace for control. I decided if no one else was going to protect me, I’d just do it myself. (Cue the independent woman anthem.) But instead of strength, what I really built was a big ol’ wall around my heart.
And behind that wall? Lived a nitpicker. A complainer. The “poor me, I deserve better” version of myself. (Oof, that one hurt to admit.) I was so busy trying to control and “fix” everything that I forgot to appreciate what was already good. My marriage felt tense. My connection with God was fuzzy at best. My kids started mirroring the exact attitude I was putting out — impatient, snappy, and a little too grown for their britches.
That’s when it hit me: our kids don’t just listen — they imitate. If I’m walking around grumbling about everything, why wouldn’t they?
The day I finally turned my heart back to God, everything changed. I didn’t need to chase peace anymore because I was filled with it. God’s love and grace didn’t just trickle in — it overflowed. And that overflow? It spilled into my relationships. I started speaking softer, laughing more, and (gasp) not sweating every little thing.
Take my husband for example. He’s not the “bring me flowers and whisper poetry” kind of guy. And for a long time, I took that personally. (Because obviously if he really loved me, he’d remember tulips are my favorite, right? 🙄) But here’s the truth — he shows love in a hundred other ways. Fixing what’s broken, making sure we’re taken care of, standing by me even when I’m impossible. Those are his flowers.
Now, instead of nagging or nitpicking, I try to step back and see him for who he already is. If I want quality time, I say so. If I need reassurance, I tell him. If I want fresh flowers on the table… guess what? I buy the dang flowers myself and sniff ‘em every time I walk by. (Self-care and sensory therapy, baby.)
We humans love to pretend we’re mind readers, but newsflash — we’re not. You can’t expect someone to fulfill a need you never voiced. That’s not romance; that’s a setup for resentment.
Here’s a little challenge for you — and no cheating:
Grab a notebook and write down every single thing that makes your significant other amazing. Big things, small things, even the weird things. (Yes, even if it’s just “he always fills the gas tank” — that counts!)
Then start actually telling them those things. Out loud. Watch what happens when you start handing out love like free samples at Costco. Because when your heart is full of appreciation, those little irritations? They start to slide right off. Suddenly that dirty cereal bowl or that toilet seat left up (okay, almost suddenly) doesn’t ruin your whole day.
Here’s the thing — not everyone is going to get it. And that’s okay, babe. Remember what Jesus said:
“He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” — Matthew 13:9
Some people aren’t ready. Some people won’t accept the love and grace you’re offering because they aren’t in a relationship with the Creator yet. And that’s their problem, not yours. Walk away. Yes, walk away like a boss and keep your heart intact.
But when it comes to your home — your spouse and your kids — that’s where you lead by example. Be patient. Change takes time, especially if things have been off for a while. The Almighty can do miraculous things, but only for those who are ready and willing to receive them. (Translation: you can’t force it, honey — you just keep showing up in love.)
Love is contagious. Grace is contagious. The more you pour it out, the more it boomerangs back to you. It softens your marriage, it gentles your home, and it shifts the entire energy in your family. (Also, people start wondering why you’re glowing — spoiler alert: it’s Jesus, not your new skincare routine.)
And if you’re sitting there wondering if you’re even worthy of love — I need you to hear this: You are. You were created in love, for love, by Love Himself. You don’t have to earn it, prove it, or clean yourself up first.
“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing.” — Zephaniah 3:17
So take a deep breath, let that sink in, and invite Him back in.
When you’re filled with God’s love, everything else starts falling into place — not perfectly, but peacefully. And honestly? That’s even better.
Share This to Spread the Love, Babes
If this post hit you right in the feels, don’t hoard it like a secret stash of chocolate. Share it with your friends, your family, your coworker who clearly needs a pep talk, or even your neighbor who always borrows sugar but never returns it (yes, we see you). Let’s spread love, grace, and a little bit of sass like wildfire — because everyone deserves a reminder that they’re worthy and God’s love is real. ✨