My daughter had a life-sized doll named Grace when she was growing up. My mom lovingly and meticulously measured, cut patterns and fabric to sew Grace outfits throughout the various stages of my daughter’s interest in playing ‘dolly’s and dress up’.
What most people may not realize is that their childhood experiences can either mimic or prepare them for real-life situations and scenarios.
The make-believe world that many of us have likely witnessed when children create imaginary scenarios to pass the time are often perpetuated by real-life experiences or surroundings.
Aside from the benefit of this make-believe world, a quick pivot to understanding or appreciating the definition of the word ‘grace’ provides insight or lessons of a different kind.
Grace is defined as ‘simple elegance, refinement of movement, courteous goodwill, or to do honour or credit to someone or something by one’s presence’.
Conversely, a ‘fall from grace is defined as someone who has ‘lost a state of favour or a position of power or honour’.
Extending grace can be difficult, no matter what the circumstance, especially when you feel like others are undeserving or unwilling to accept it.
Receiving grace can be difficult too, especially when you feel the reason or rationale is different from your interpretation, intended plan or desire.
Examples of grace include not only your poise, elegance, forgiveness, or blessing – grace can be exemplified by letting go of a past wrong done to you, choosing to not respond when someone is rude to you, or by understanding that even the ‘worst’ person is doing the best they can at that moment with the resources available to them, etc.
Name association aside, ‘A Fall from Grace’ isn’t about the social media chatter creative mind Tyler Perry received regarding his 2020 Netflix movie, regrettably, of which received backlash for the countless errors in production and what many called “the messiest movie I’ve ever watched” [Source: Decider.com].
Rather, the movie was meant to focus on how to combat or overcome a fall from grace by providing examples, which I think are pretty solid in fact, such as:
- Do your research (on how you want to make an impact in your life) to properly execute a plan.
- Don’t ignore the signs. If you feel something is not right, believe it.
- Have patience. Be strategically cautious to ensure you don’t lose your footing and end up failing in what could have been a well-laid out and successful plan.
- Protect yourself and your surroundings. (This applies both in a personal and professional context.)
Whether your childhood playmate’s name was Grace, whether you take inspiration from world leaders who have the ability to make sensible decisions during catastrophic and trying times, or whether you believe that every person is or should be trustworthy, kind, and honest, be mindful that experiences can place one either in a position of good fortune, success, or similar, to a fall from grace in a blink of an eye.
Be mindful of your actions and intentions.
Jacqueline Biollo believes in people, possibility, and potential and tries to use her superpowers of relationships and optimism to motivate and inspire others to do the same. Although she’s experienced personal and professional setbacks and stumbles, instead of ‘a fall from grace’, Jacqueline suggests you pick yourself up, dust yourself off, learn from the experience, right the wrong, pivot when necessary, and carry on with poise and purpose. Don’t let a ‘fall’ keep you from reaching your goals and objectives.
Photo: Family archives (circa 2006)
