Grace: The Gift We All Need, But Struggle to Give
Grace: The Gift We All Need, But Struggle to Give
Hey friends,
Let’s talk about grace—that quiet but powerful force that sustains us each and every day. Grace is something we all receive, often without even realizing it. Yet, when it comes time to extend that same grace to others, we often find it so difficult. Why is that?
What Is Grace, Really?
Grace is defined by Merriam-Webster as:
“Unmerited divine assistance.”
Let that sink in: unmerited. That means we didn’t earn it. We don’t deserve it. Yet, God gives it freely. Each breath we take, each moment of peace, each morning we wake up—it’s all due to His grace. It’s not because we’ve been perfect. It’s because He’s good.
We often look at others and ask, “Why are they so blessed when they don’t even try to do right?” That’s a hard question, especially when you’re giving your all—helping others even when you’re hurting, encouraging people while your own heart is breaking, giving your last dollar to someone who might misuse it.
Life isn’t fair, but God is. The appearance of success doesn’t always equal a blessed life. True blessings aren’t in the Gucci, Armani, Chanel, Benz, or Benjamin Franklins. They’re found in love, compassion, and grace—both divine and human.
“What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul?” — Mark 8:36
Grace in Nursing
As nurses, we see firsthand that money doesn’t prevent pain. It doesn’t stop disease, it doesn’t heal trauma, and it doesn’t guarantee peace. During the height of COVID-19, it wasn’t just the poor who died alone in hospital rooms. Death didn’t discriminate, and neither does suffering.
That’s why grace is essential in nursing.
I always tell new nurses and students: “Leave yourself at the door.” No matter what you’re going through, your patients didn’t do it to you. Your job—your calling—is to meet people where they are: in vulnerability, fear, and pain. Not to judge. To care.
Let me share something personal:
When I started dialysis at age 35, I had just graduated from nursing school the year prior and failed the NCLEX-RN with 75 questions. I was devastated. Sitting in that recliner on my first dialysis treatment, I was being told that everything in my life had to change—my food, my fluids, my dreams.
Now imagine a nurse walking in and saying, “Here’s your medication. I need you to hurry up—I’ve got 10 other patients.” Even if they didn’t say it, maybe their body language did. Would I have felt grace in that moment?
Or maybe I asked for a glass of water. The nurse, calmly but urgently, says, “Put on your call light—the CNA will bring it.” And I lose it. Not because they were rude, but because my whole life was unraveling—and I just needed to feel seen.
Grace for Our Coworkers
We also need to give grace to our coworkers. Let’s be real—some personalities are easier to mesh with than others. But that doesn’t mean anyone is less deserving of grace.
You don’t know what someone is going through. Maybe they’re in an abusive relationship. Maybe their child is critically ill. Maybe they had to shower in the dark because their power was disconnected.
Grace is a gift. And sometimes, your kindness is the thing that stops someone from walking off the edge.
And for our patients, a sense that someone genuinely cares can promote faster healing—emotionally, mentally, even physically.
Grace for Yourself
Let’s not forget—you deserve grace too.
Be gentle with yourself. You’re doing sacred work in a hard world. You matter. Your effort matters. And God sees you, even when no one else does.
Let’s End With a Prayer
Dear God,
God of grace. God of love.
We humbly ask You to grow our hearts. Let us extend grace, just as You extend it to us daily. Help us stay calm when we feel attacked. Help us be patient, present, and full of love.
Let our words be graceful. Let our presence be healing.
In Jesus’ name, AMEN.
Love always,
Nurse TLC Life 💙