Amazing Grace

By,  Melissa Cox 

With downcast eyes, Joy stood nearby as her friend Stormy leaned toward the other women in line. 

While the conference/concert goers waited for the doors to open, Stormy’s eyes flashed as she hurled her words: 

“There will be no saving seats tonight!”

Earlier that day during the women's conference, Stormy and Joy encountered the very same same group of women, and a heated argument brewed over seats that were claimed but unoccupied. The guardian of the reserved seats insisted Stormy and her friend sit elsewhere in the 3,000 seat arena. They did, but Stormy was very vocal about the inconvenience and her displeasure. 

Now, hours later, either by chance or intent, Stormy was once again addressing the woman who’d saved seats earlier and her group of friends. The surrounding spectators stepped back, held their breath, and waited for the response.

But before a battle could erupt, Grace stepped out of the group and approached Stormy. With a calm and gentle voice, she smiled and said, "If you want my seat, I'll be glad to give it up for you."

What else could Stormy say? Her argument and temper were completely diffused. A conversation ensued and Grace and Stormy talked about their life journey; they even exchanged phone numbers. 

Joy was so relieved Grace stepped in when she did.  She had been trying to settle Stormy down for a long time, but Stormy wouldn't, or maybe couldn't, hear her.  Now the two of them would be able to have a good time and enjoy the evening’s events in peace.

All thanks to Grace.

When you encounter women like Stormy, how do you respond?  Will Grace’s kindness help change your response?

Bio: Melissa Cox has lived in Wilmington with her husband and daughters for almost 10 years. She has been leader of a Women’s Prayer group for three of those years. Ironically, it was at the Women of Joy conference that her small group encountered “Stormy” and God poured out HIS amazing grace to teach a lesson in peace to all of them.