From The I Ching or Book of Changes:
Inside, the strength of simplicity and self-knowledge.
Outside, the beauty of acceptance and gentleness.
Cultivate a quality of grace in your relationships and in your general way of being. In this way you gain a power greater than any other to open a way through obstructions in your dealings with others. Good fortune is yours if you concentrate on bringing more grace to your thoughts and actions now.
It is human nature to want to use forceful ways to try to get what we want from others and from life. Our egos encourage us to act aggressively, to speak boldly, to intimidate others, to “buffalo” our way through difficult situations. This false power can be momentarily satisfying to our ego and temporary victories can be won in this way, but genuine power and lasting progress come from a different kind of strength altogether.
They come from inner strength, which is characterized by a steadfast devotion to the principles of humility, simplicity, equanimity and acceptance. By gradually letting go of the vain, bullying energy of the ego and accepting the quiet guidance of the Higher Power, one acquires the substance that makes ongoing food fortune a possibility.
This is a time to relinquish self-important maneuvering. Instead, return to stillness and contemplate the inherent wisdom of the principles of the Sage. By practicing quiet strength within and gentle acceptance without, you acquire a grace that dissolves all barriers to progress.
May you experience grace and peace in all areas of your life.
Smiles,
Lee
posted August 24, 2010 at 6:44 pm
Grace secures our place in our
relationship and walk with GOD.
GOD knows it to be a necessity;
so He provides it daily and
freely. You are a testament
to the saving grace of GOD and
the truth of His salvation.
It is good to be reminded of
our need to embrace HIS grace.
May you grow in respect to HIS
grace unto the measure of its
fullness, which is in Christ !!
posted August 25, 2010 at 8:15 am
I needed to hear this message today. Thank you for the encouragement!
posted August 25, 2010 at 10:19 am
Interesting!
posted August 25, 2010 at 8:49 pm
Gracefully stated.