“I swim in the ocean of God’s grace”. This was how Dr. Gene Wood opened his sermon two Sundays ago (April 19, 2009). The sermon was about ‘Our Father’s Love’. Dr. Wood talked about God’s love using three parables – the lost coin, the lost sheep and the prodigal son-- to illustrate his point.

            I have read and heard sermons on these parables dozens of times. Each time I learn new insights and fresh revelations that inspire me to be steadfast in my faith.

           When Dr. Wood opened his sermon with “I swim in the ocean of God’s grace,” the words soak deep in my consciousness. I felt a warm embrace and a feeling that Jesus was whispering to me “Yes, my grace will see you through”.

           Indeed, it was God’s grace that gave me the strength and stamina to care for Nanay during the two weeks that she was in the hospital. It was the same grace that sustained me during the 7-day wake. I am confident that God’s grace continues to pour today and for the rest of my life.

            Aside from praying and singing hymns with Nanay, what gave her strength was telling her, “Nay, let us be steadfast in our faith in Jesus Christ. It is our way of praising and thanking Him for all His goodness. It is our way of glorifying Jesus”.

It was also for this reason that I found the courage to stand up and tell the whole world that Jesus is alive and lives in our hearts. All we have to do is acknowledge that we are sinners in need of a Savior. Jesus who loves us so much took the penalty of our sins (death) by being crucified on the cross. He died that we may live. Our part is to believe, obey and follow Him.

I pray that Nanay and I planted seeds of faith to those who journeyed with us through this experience.

Dear Lord, thank you for your presence every second of our loves, especially during Nanay’s confinement in the hospital. Your grace indeed is like an ocean, it is never ending and never drying. You are ever present with us. All we need is to be aware and believe that You are our Creator, Master, Lord, Savior, Shepherd, loving Father and true Friend.

Carmen B. Sibayan