V: Pure Grace and a Child of God

lamb I love the concept of covenant. I truly believe that when the Lord enters into covenant with us, He never breaks that relationship. I'll probably never have the theological debates over free will and the gift of faith figured out, but I'm glad that I don't need to understand exactly how it all works to have the faith which has been granted to me, for even faith itself is a gift. Pure Grace - unmerited favor.

Our family had the delight of our newest member, Jack, wearing his great-grandfather's Christening dress that he wore in 1907, receive the gift of pure grace this Easter. If only he will grow up to be half the man his jack's baptis-easter 2010 012great-grandfather was, I would be happy. My father-in-law was such a man of unfailing love for his family and honest, kind, and faithful. These are all  praiseworthy attributes which I hope little Jack inherits! So here is a photo of Jack trying on this lovely hand-embroidered dress which is now 103  years old!

Youngest daughter and I took Jack on a visit several states away earlier last week to meet his great-grandmother who is suffering from Alzheimer's Disease. We had a nice visit, but my mother isn't doing well. I always thought that it was a blbaptismessing that Alzheimer's patients at least didn't realize what was happening to them. This is NOT true!! My mother is very aware that something is wrong with her. She paces the floor with anxiety every evening.

For several years she has complained that her head feels funny. Not a headache, but a strange feeling. The struggle to remember names and events and now even words, frustrates her no end.

So as this Easter season concludes, I remember that the promischurches for Jack for a hope and faith, also stand true for his great-grandmother. Although she is failing mentally and physically from age-related illness, the promise for new life from the One who created her and  who's shed blood is pure grace, still holds true.

I love this third stanza of an old hymn by Edward Mote "On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand".

His oath, His covenant, and blood
Support me in the whelming flood.
When every earth prop gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
All other ground is sinking sand.

HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED!

Comments

Vickie said…
V, Love that hymn, too. My MIL is in the same boat as your mom. She knows something is wrong but cannot understand why. She often wishes for God to take her home.

Your little Jack is a cutie and it's neat that you have this beautiful dress for him to wear. Wonderful legacy that his G-Grandfather left for him. Sounds like big shoes to fill.
April 7, 2010 at 11:09 PM
Robynn's Ravings said…
I love that assurance, too, that if I cannot save myself, surely it is not up to me to KEEP myself saved. I have come to heartily embrace our reformed theology in that area (we are Reformed Presbyterian).

I'm so sorry your mother is going through this. Very difficult and something we all loathe and hope we never have to walk through. Why is a great deal of this life so difficult sometimes? And it seems to be growing more so. Signs of the times.

Beautiful baby and beautiful generational connection. Loved it. :)
April 8, 2010 at 1:31 AM
Zuzana said…
Lovely post. I think eventually we all need something to believe in. Our faith and our beliefs are simply our own.
I loved the tale of the Christening dress. Beautiful pictures as well.
xoxo
Zuzana
April 8, 2010 at 4:12 AM
Vee said…
That is a great old hymn. Yes, I do think that those with this disease know that something is wrong. The good news is that one day, and not that far away, those who've counted on the Lord, will be whole again. It keeps me going.

What a beautiful dress for Jack to wear with so much history. He's a beautiful little boy.
April 8, 2010 at 10:00 AM
carla said…
Such a blessing for Jack to wear a christening gown of such heritage!

My 95 year old mother has Alzheimer's. She has struggled with it so valiantly. Some days are better than others. And yes, she also gets frustrated when she can't remember a word, or a thought she was expressing. We, too, live in another state and go see her as often as we can. It's been almost 2 months since I've seen her, and will be a bit longer as I heal from the surgery.
April 8, 2010 at 11:20 AM
My Farmhouse Kitchen said…
oh...an your doggy rescue....

it takes TIME...took me over ONE YEAR before she stopped hissing at me. Over a YEAR !

and it took forever to let me pet her...i am still the only one she lets touch her..if anybody new walks in the garden gate pixie runs away...

scares me and makes me so sad to think how a human can damage an innocent animal in no time...

i just don't undersatnd it....

hang in there..the doggy is lucky to have you...she'll come around...

kary
xxx
April 8, 2010 at 5:56 PM
Tanna said…
V: This is such a touching post. A story of a new life starting out with hope and promise and a blessing of all who have gone before, connected symbolically through the beautiful christening gown... and a life, reaching a time to be set free of this clay vessel. God watches over all. Blessings to you and yours.
April 8, 2010 at 9:40 PM
Eggs In My Pocket said…
Such a sweet little one! Loved your words! blessings,Kathleen
April 8, 2010 at 9:59 PM
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