Undeserving Favor

Introduction: 

My dear friend, I pray you are finding this article at a time when this inspires you! I hope this article fills your spirit and gives you a sense of peace knowing Christ is with you! What I want to share with you is nothing more than God working in mysterious ways, which I find to be incredibly amazing. 

I have wanted to write this post for a while now, knowing the topic is something close to my heart, being a believer in Jesus. I have been working on sharing my life and thoughts, so having this opportunity to put it on paper makes sharing all the more meaningful. This post will be a bit unlike the others, but I’m thrilled to see how the Lord can use my story for His glory! 

I know personally, I have never related more to what I’m about to say…with that being said, LET’s dive in! 

From the Very Beginning 

I suppose this topic I have in mind has a backstory. A fun and eventful backstory to say the least! I want to share with you the meaning of my first and middle name. To some this topic would bring you boredom, however, I find it to be fascinating and beautiful. 

From the moment my mother found out she was pregnant with me, she was in shock. At the time I wasn’t planned by my lovely parents, but God knew and had a wonderful surprise planned for the Dennison household, haha! Thinking about how my parents felt at the time - already having a little toddler running around (my oldest brother), it must have been overwhelming news for both of them. 

 However, my parents will tell you that it was the best surprise and they couldn’t have imagined their lives any other way. I’m thankful to have this story, knowing they were already willing to be my parents. 

My mother and father had a few names picked out for me, but they couldn’t choose. When they FINALLY decided on a name they thought it to be a great fit. 

~Hannah Grace~ 

Reflecting and Understanding 

Growing up I never liked my name. I remember I would always change it when playing with friends or dressing up and pretending. I had friends who had other “cool” names and would secretly want to be different too. Whatever different at the time meant to me, I wanted it. Seeing the value and wanting to understand who I was came much later in my life. 

Throughout my high school years, I had many friends who would enter my world and leave shortly thereafter. I was the first person others would come to for venting sessions, advice, and support. Being the giver was exhausting and hurtful primarily because I believed that as long as I was needed, I was loved. I know I’m not the only person who has felt this way once or twice before. 

If I was hurt by someone in friendship, I was the first person to say “It’s okay” and move forward. Still staying in unhealthy patterns, I would “forgive and forget”.

My parents and grandparents would frequently say to me;

“Hannah, you are too forgiving”.

It was my grandma who truly described this behavior to me in such a manner that I understood. “A gift of mercy”, she called it. God had given me the heart to forgive and choose to see past other’s mistakes and shortcomings. 

I didn’t know how to use this gift properly until later down the road in 2024 when I was face to face with separation papers served by someone to who I pledged forever. 

Forgiveness changed my life, and having mercy preserved my heart. Jesus taught me what real forgiveness looks like, and how it should bring you closer to Him. Focusing more on Jesus and less on what I would get if I forgave. 

For so long I thought forgiveness was the bridge between being needed and feeling loved. The idea of forgiving and forgetting can be incredibly selfish if we let it. We would call this; people-pleasing. An unhealthy cycle of putting our faith in man, rather than Christ. 

The Evidence of Healing 

I have witnessed incredible transformation through the power of true forgiveness. Whether it’s been through my own circumstances, or through other situations where healing had taken place. It has turned a bitter heart into a joyful heart. It has brought restoration. And it has made a testimony where there was no hope. 

There’s been a common theme of mercy in my life and seeing this led me to lean on my given name. Not only does the name “Hannah” have a biblical origin, but it also means Grace.

Grace upon Grace…

It’s so rich and full of meaning. From knowing what God has done for me that which I don’t deserve, to having the gift of mercy and extending forgiveness over and over.  

When I first had this realization it brought tears to my eyes because I have seen an abundance of Grace from Jesus and others. It holds depth and I love that. 

You are forgiven 

There you have it, friend. This exciting story has changed my perspective on my day-to-day. When life gets to be too much I remember that I have been that one Christ has forgiven. You are forgiven, yet not forgotten. Let God’s mercy reign over your heart. May God be the one you please at the end of the day. And may you see grace evident in your life. 

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭