Mercy and Grace Take The Win

My oldest daughter, Paige, is now mid-season in her second year of girl’s high school wrestling. Last year, watching wrestling, this mama was a real hot mess; I had no idea the amount of throwing around, twisting unnaturally, and bending forcefully that would be involved in this sport. You could say I was very much a nervous rookie wrestling mom, smacking madly on my Doublemint gum before any flavor could even hit my tastebuds!

This year, however, I’m a little more relaxed having sat through almost another completed season. Although, recently, my mother-in-law wondered why the gymnasium bleacher we were sitting on (while Paige wrestled on the mat in front of us) was shaking rapidly, only for her and I to both realize it was from my leg bouncing up and down uncontrollably. Okay so maybe I’ll never be 100% chill while Paige is in a match, and that’s okay!

It really has been a fun year so far watching these girls wrestle. They’ve learned quickly, as girl’s high school wrestling was only sanctioned into Nebraska just last year. For most of the young ladies wrestling, this is a completely new-to-them sport.

Paige’s technique, skill, and knowledge have improved so much. She has a lot more control out on the mat than she did last year. Sometimes she pins her opponent and sometimes she doesn’t, but regardless she wrestles hard.

I’ve noticed, though, that once her opponent gets Paige on her back it’s typically game over for Paige and she ends up getting pinned almost immediately. There’s a strategy Paige could use to her advantage to help keep her from getting pinned and it’s called “bridging”. Paige won’t do this, ever. Shhhh, don’t let her opponents know this.

Bridging involves lifting the pelvis off the ground so that the body weight is supported on the shoulders (or head) and the rest of the weight is supported on the feet at the other end of the body.

When I asked Paige ‘how come she never uses this move,’ she said ‘it’s because it terrifies her and she’s afraid she’ll get her neck broke.’

Well okay then, no argument from this mom. I get it and I’m in complete agreement. I would never dismiss her concerns and ask that she give it a try just for a chance at a win. Never. So we’ve indisputably settled and you won’t get a bridge out of Paige…reasonably so. On the other hand, there are other ways out for Paige to utilize and get out from under her opponent before a pin would happen and I’m certain as she gains more muscle and experience she’ll opt for those instead.

In learning of Paige’s issue with bridging during a wrestling match I could have argued the matter and urged her to try it regardless of her concerns. But instead she felt comfortable enough to share her biggest fear in wrestling, she opened up, and was met with limitless understanding and no frustration.

As I think about this, I’m reminded of the way our Sweet Heavenly Coach meets us on our mental or spiritual wrestling mat with mercy and grace over our struggles and insecurities. I think of the way that His understanding opens the door to mercy, and grace kindly follows— simultaneously pardoning any potential grudge-holding.

Wonderful and encouraging mercy and grace.

It’s what helps us want to continue onward.

When we take notice of our shortcomings, communicate our concerns to God, and seek forgiveness, God gives to us boundless mercy and grace. Our posture should be one of gratitude, and the desire to embrace this type of kindness while extending it to others.

Who needs a “bridge” anyway when we have the Lord, and the fullness of His mercy and grace, to walk upon the waters alongside us, leading us to the ultimate victory…

Weekend blessings, friends!❤️

Author: alimw2013

About For His Purpose~ My name is Alicia and I'm a thirty-something year old who loves Jesus. Only through God’s amazing grace and mercy I have been redeemed from past regret and shame. Reading His word has allowed me to look past Satan’s forceful lies, to see myself for who Christ says I am in Him. Through writing I have learned why I made the choices I made in my younger years and I now have a better understanding of why I desire to love God like crazy these days. Despite my daily failures, God remains faithful always. I am reassured of His unconditional love for me by every ink-drop spilled out on paper, each committed prayer as I cry out to Him, and deep understanding reflected through reading His word as truth. Yes keeping a blog will make me vulnerable to others’ opinions- there will be some who don’t understand, some who may criticize or judge, but on the other hand if just one piece expressed through my writing grabs someone’s attention and directs them to God, then pouring out my heart in a blog for the world to read is worth it. I choose to glorify Him alone through words streaming across a glowing screen. And it wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t reveal the fact that I’m incredibly quirky; I’m my loving husband’s best friend, my vivacious kids’ craziest cheerleader and spiritual trainer (3 John 1:4). I love anything farmhouse and rustic style. I think cupping a warm coffee mug in the palm of my hands is more satisfying than the contents within. I share a common obsession with my husband for the mountains, but I would (without a doubt) settle for waves crashing against my legs at the Atlantic Ocean just as well, and I almost always have a Yorkie curled up on my lap while writing. *All photos are photographed by forhispurpose.blog and therefore may not be stored or photocopied in any manner.

20 thoughts on “Mercy and Grace Take The Win”

  1. Alicia, I can relate to how you feel sitting there and watching Paige be thrown and twisted around while wrestling. My son had a go at rugby sometime ago and the rough playing with the body hits was something I could not handle.
    Love the connection you made with God being patient with us as we struggle with our worries and shortcomings. I am thankful that he does.
    Have a good weekend 💐

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    1. Yes watching our kids go through what seems like torment is tough…as I think about this I can’t imagine how God must’ve felt as His son hung on the cross…we have much to be grateful for.

      Thank you for reading and sharing Manu.❤️

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  3. These matches would make me nervous too. And so does the thought of the bridge. I’m glad Paige was able to realize the danger and therefore not use the move… I love the spiritual connection here too. “As I think about this, I’m reminded of the way our Sweet Heavenly Coach meets us on our mental or spiritual wrestling mat with mercy and grace over our struggles and insecurities.” This is something to ponder. I sure have been wrestling and struggling a lot lately. But your post reminds me of the loving God we have. I am continually amazed by His immeasurable love. Thank you, Friend! Have a lovely weekend! 💜

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    1. We can get quite distracted by our struggles and forget that He’s already on the other side with the victory, regardless of our situation…He has got us!! Perfectly and entirely. I’m with you and so thankful for God’s love.

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  7. I love the thought of the part that God wants to play in my life of struggles. He isn’t just a spectator but He is actively beside me, giving His mercy and grace, as you said. I am needing both in my life right now, and needing to extend that mercy and grace as we are in a particular struggle. Thank you for sharing these thoughts, Alicia. Have a blessed Lord’s Day!

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  8. Go Paige!!!
    I was competing on the wrestling team when I was her age. Strength-building all around. She will do well.

    She will know more of what Paul meant when saying, “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood…”
    Way to go, Mom!
    God’s grip- Alan

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  9. Praise God he’s our Heavenly Coach–not just standing on the sidelines, leaving us to struggle on our own. Wonderful analogy, Alicia. P.S. I admire your daughter for participating in such a challenging sport!

    Liked by 1 person

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