It's Undeserved That's Why It's Grace

Saturday, November 17, my bride and I were invited by the College of Education of LSU to attend the last home game of the season as their guests in the Chancellor Suite. We took them up on the offer and went to see the Tigers win a real back and forth fight over our old rival the Ole Miss Rebels. It wasn't until 15 seconds remained in the game that LSU took the lead for good and held off one last attempt by Ole Miss for a miracle finish. We were blessed with great seats, wonderful company, and Louisiana food. Not to mention the time we spent on campus walking down memory lane as we reconnected to the school that was responsible for bringing us together.

On Sunday, November 18, we went to worship service with the in-laws at the congregation that introduced us to each other. We left the in-laws a little early so we could fill up the truck with gas before service started. After filling up the truck we drove to the parking lot of the church and parked in the guest parking. South has parking lot greeters and when they saw us park in the guest parking two of them came over to introduce themselves and welcome us to South Church of Christ. We knew one of the greeters and caught up with him before continuing on to the building.  As we approached the building a couple were sitting on the raised brick flower bed border with their greeter vests and headsets on. As we got closer the lady greeter began talking like she knew us, but I could not really hear what she was saying so I nodded and continued to enter the building. Susan said Ken, that's Teri. I stopped turned around and asked Teri Carpenter? She said yes and then we hugged each other to make up for the 30 years that had passed since we had last seen one another. The gentleman who was seated with Teri was her husband, Pat, and she introduced us to him. Then she proceeded to tell a story about me that caused the others who were listening to laugh.

We began little chit chat and then Pat said he needed to go to greet some people who were coming up the parking lot. Then Susan said she and Aimee were going to go inside and find a place to sit. That just left Teri and I and I knew this was a moment brought about by the spirit. So, I told Teri that I needed to tell her something and it was because I had gone through a 12 step power to choose program at my former church that I was about to say what I needed to tell her.

"Teri, I harmed you when I first started my time at LSU. You had asked me to escort you to a banquet and after the banquet I was not kind and I hurt your feelings deeply. I want to tell you I am sorry.  I was young and full of myself as well as self centered, and I want to make amends. Tell me what I need to do to make amends".

Teri, listened to me and her eyes welled up with tears, but no tear fell. She then said, "Ken, I don't remember what you are talking about. but I am glad you went through the power to choose program, because it touched your heart and made you want to become a godly man."

Teri, presented a beautiful picture of grace to me. I think she was trying to show me what our Father has been trying to tell us since we first messed up, and that is when you became my child I forgive you and I cover over your sin and therefore, I no longer see your sin, but only you clean and purified by my son. Teri has had a rough go. Her beloved dad died way too early and she loved Bobby deeply. Then her first husband had an affair and threw her out like trash. So she had to fight him in court to get what was rightfully her share to begin with. Yet, through all of the disappointments, wounds, scars, and insults she never wavered in her devotion to her God. She praised him and sought him and she is doing well today and looks great also.

So, Teri like her Father looked at me and said I don't remember your sin because I don't see that Ken anymore. I see a Ken who is trying to be the son his Father wants him to be. She shared a couple of things she would like for me to pray for on her behalf and then we hugged one last time and she went to find Pat and share grace with someone else in the parking lot. Sister, your Father is working powerfully through your heart to bring grace to a hurting world. Thank you for sharing some with me because I really need it more and more each passing day as the old Ken remembers some harm he caused and needs to make amends for it. Your requests are high on my list and I am bringing them forward to our God, because you are a special friend and sister and I care for you deeply.