“So much of God’s activity in our lives can only be seen in the rearview mirror. As we look back at our own histories, the guiding, guarding, blessing hand of God can be traced. We glimpse the ribbon of God’s grace.” – Pastor June Barrow
In 2017 during a Wednesday in the Word women’s study, Pastor June Barrow led a meditation that affected church member Zarie Jones on many different levels and led her to reflect upon the “ribbon of God’s grace” that was evident throughout her life.
“That was the genesis of this letter,” she said, referring to the document she gave to her son and her daughter as a Christmas gift in 2018. “My children are adults and it has been a challenge to figure out what to give them because, like us, they buy what they need. So, for the last few years, I have created personal items for them, special things that speak to our memories and our lives together as a family.”
Zarie said her kids seem to like these special mementos, but this particular Christmas gift “took me a while to complete,” she added. “I laminated it so it would seem more permanent.”
Zarie’s letter to her children purposefully explained the various ways God’s grace was extended to her and her family—details they may never have known—beginning with her
grandparents. Following the invisible, spiritual ribbon woven through their lives, Zarie offered glimpses of many challenging and unforeseen circumstances that, in hindsight, had turned into blessings. For example, her father survived WWII then moved his family to Detroit, far from relatives but across the street from a minister who planted the seed of the gospel in their hearts.
With unknowing witnesses helping to guide her way, Zarie recognized how the path of her life was guarded by God’s perfect plan as she quietly learned to depend on Him for
direction.
“I realized that God uses every moment to bring us to Him,” she said. “By His grace, our move to Naples happened. And by His grace, we found First Presbyterian Church. Here, we have heard God’s Word faithfully proclaimed and met many devoted Christians who strengthen and enrich our faith and support us.”
Zarie was pleased to share this story with the Epistle. With her permission, we have included a short excerpt from the beginning and end of her Christmas legacy letter to
her children.
My precious Son and Daughter, In looking back over my life, I can see the ribbon of God’s grace in my life, how He has steered my life. Grace is God’s undeserved, unearned, deep love and acceptance, a gift from Him. He gives it freely, despite our flaws and neglect. I have found that sometimes it is difficult to see it in the moment, especially in times of difficulty or sadness. But God is always there, extending His grace and mercy to us. I feel a yearning to share these deeply personal thoughts with you. Although it is my heritage, it is yours, too, because it influenced me, and I have influenced you.
We don’t know what the future holds. However, we need not fear, because this ribbon of grace stretches from the past into the future, forever. By sharing this with you, I hope you will begin to look for God’s grace in your life. It is there! My life has not been perfect or without difficulty but, by looking back, I can see God’s Hand loving, guiding, protecting, and holding me. You may not realize it, but He is doing the same for you.
Love from Mom,
Christmas 2018
