Motions of Grace has been born from the realization that we live in a fallen world that drives us to love extremes. The world is messy. Right and wrong is not as clear as we want it be. Knowing what to do, what to believe, and what to stand for in this ever-escalating age is mind boggling. Navigating a world which displays an endless array of shades of gray makes the temptation to cling blindly to black and white principles incredibly enticing.

But the call to follow Jesus Christ comes with the command to rely on the Holy Spirit in all things. With it brings  the challenge to have courage to stand in the middle of the uncertainty and messy circumstances that we might do his will. We may be called to react differently in two circumstances that seem almost identical. One small factor may change our entire response. We are not in control. We are not in charge. We do not set the course. And we forget that this is exactly what we signed up for.

If we call Christ Lord and we choose to follow him we have to be in active relationship. You cannot follow someone without movement, staying anchored to rigid perception. Memories of relationship, knowledge of Christian principles, or our own sense of morality apart from him simply won’t do. Rules apart from the living heart of God are empty (see how Jesus speaks to the Pharisees).

Letting go is scary. It takes that which God desires most…FAITH.

As we follow our Lord in this difficult yet joyful dance, we must ask ourselves if we are willing to accept:

  • Our smallness and rely on his strength as Lord?
  • The guidance of the Holy Spirit more than our own black/white morality?
  • Walking into uncertainty, trusting Him in each moment?
  • Listening to God and others intently before we speak?
  • Being a part of God’s story, rather than the star of our own?
  • Leaning on Him alone for our daily security, purpose, and direction?

Motions of Grace is the brain child of the Clay family as we seek to navigate a world turned on its head by Covid-19. The black hole of division we see in all sources of media (our primary means of staying connected in social distancing) has been wearying our hearts.

We want this to be a place where people are encouraged. That we come together and embrace the pain, sorrow, suffering, and confusion with courage and not fear. That together we do the hard work of discernment through the Holy Spirit so that we can be faces of reconciliation in a world cowering behind empty platitudes.

So what does this ministry look like? WE HAVE NO IDEA! But it will probably include videos, devos, blogs, and posts designed to bring us together in ways that challenge our fears and instill surrendering to Christ. Also likely videos of us trying to teach spiritual truths to our toddler who has no interest in recognizing anyone’s reign but her own!