An Unknown Superpower**
The irrational & Illogical Beauty of Grace
Grace, a truly complex thing to talk about. There are many different perspectives and explanations that are given for the topic. Grace is just as hard for a Christian to explain as it would be for a non-believer. I even struggle myself to fully grasp the concept of Grace. However, a well known theologian by the name of Karl Barth believed Grace to be like some sort of “superpower” which I found to spark my mind and imagination on the meaning of the word.
This power is what I would envision how Superman feels as he flies around, or as Barth would describe it as “standing in the air.” No limitations, no laws, no clear explanation just the sky and Superman using it to carry him around to save the world. The sky in this case would be Grace, I would be Superman, and the world would be my life. Grace can carry someone through life; forgiving mistakes and sins made by said individual making life less stressful and a strain. Yet, I did not come to understand this without insight from other well known people.
I got this understanding of Grace after reading a quote made by lead singer of the band U2 where he claimed that “Grace defies reason and logic. It interrupts, if you like, the consequences of your actions.” He is ultimately saying that Grace takes away the punishment of a mistake someone made, no explanation it just does. This statement basically goes hand in hand with my previous reference to Barth’s description of it being as a “standing in air” — no logic. Standing on air interrupts a person from falling to gravity; interrupts the consequence of not being on the ground. Furthermore, Grace to me, if there were any way to explain it, is in a sense is just another form or word for a pardon — but from God.
Pardons are, in definitive terms, the action of forgiving or being forgiven for an error or offense. Furthermore, in government, and court, terms to give pardon is when a person with executive power, such as a president or governor, forgives a person charged for a crime or convicted of one. Thus, this prevents any type of persecution and removes punishments and penalties given by court officials and sets that individual free. I mention this in a way to get a better understanding of this “superpower” and its abilities. I feel as though that’s the easiest way to explain it, at least in my understanding, but if it was that simple I wouldn’t still be confused on what this power is and I also would’ve been done with this essay in one paragraph. Maybe this synonym could be used for the person who grants this power; maybe instead of God he should be called the Pardoner: great forgiver. Secondly, I believe that you do not have to believe in Grace or the lord himself to receive such forgiveness.
Anyone can be given this superpower. From your grandma to the prisoner in jail for robbery, anyone is a possible recipient of Grace. It just finds its way to people one way or another, whether it is noticed or goes unnoticed, someone will experience this power at some point in life. It comes unselfishly to help us as humans, God’s creations, in a way to help us and guide us. Its an ability used and given to us by God to help us grow and prosper. As Terrence Malick once stated in the movie, Tree of Life, “Grace doesn’t try to please itself. It accepts being slighted, forgotten, and disliked. It accepts insult and injuries,” all so that we, the people, can thrive throughout our lives. This power is the only thing in life that does not require some type of cost or criteria to meet — maybe that’s what makes it super. Furthermore, others have had similar descriptions such as famous writer, of True Grit and others, Charles Portis
Charles Portis could definitely agree with some points of Malick’s statement because he believes “[y]ou cannot earn it or deserve it,” that “it” being Grace. Grace is just something you do not need to work for because it is just a given power to the lord’s children. Just like how Superman, Green Lantern, or many other superheroes are passed down their power by some other higher being; whether it be their parents or a master. No work is needed, no prayer, no begging, no money, it is just open to all; just as Portis also mentioned in his statement that in the world “[t]here is nothing free in this world except the Grace of God.” Finally, Grace does not always have to be received by God, however, it’s power can also be given from one person to another another person.
People get hurt, it is an inevitable part of life, but sometimes that pain can be caused by another person. This can cause anger, pain, and hate to build up making one’s life more stressful than needed causing them to make decisions they will later regret. Grace, however, can be the factor that rids someone of that cancer — it can be the superpower that conquers the evil that was creating a villain. I believe Mandy Hale would agree with this after reading this quote in her book, The single Woman: Life, Love, and a Dash of Sass,“[l]ove people who hate you. Pray for the people who wronged you. It won’t just change their life…it’ll change yours.” However, through all of this the question of Grace still remains; what is this mysterious power?
You are most likely still unable to give a clear answer for this because like I’ve been describing this entire time…it’s something you don’t understand but understand all at once. I believe Grace is just that driving force, whether reasonable or not, that helps a person find the light after being raised around and corrupted by the darkness and sin of society. I am not the only one who thinks this, my friend Caitlynn once said in class, “by moving on we redirect that negative energy away from us and allow love and light in.” Whether it was someone’s whole life or in the very moment they are corrupted and commit sin, Grace wants you to be free like a bird or Superman flying though the sky. The super power that guides you to happiness, that saves one from darkness, and unchains you from the guilt of your passed mistakes. Maybe that’s all the logic or explaining needed for the subject of “Grace.”
