Outrageous Grace

Grace Fabian

This lady doesn't look so outrageous, does she?

Although her name is Grace, Outrageous Grace refers to her book, and the Lord's work of forgiveness in her life, her childrens' lives, and an entire tribe of people she loves and that she and her husband had devoted their lives to as Bible translators, the Nabak tribe in Paupau New Guinea.

I was privileged to first meet Grace in 2006 when we "just happened" to end up together as roommates at Montrose Christian Writers Conference in Montrose, PA. (By the way the conference is in session this week and if you are ever looking for an encouraging place to grow as a writer in a friendly and God glorifying setting, you should consider attending Montrose!)
Grace and I were both surprised to find out that we'd both been widowed and we were both at Montrose to investigate whether or not we should write a book---mine would be about God's guidance for widows from the Bible's book of Ruth. Grace's would be about God's sustaining guidance and grace after she found her husband murdered while working on 1 Corinthians 13, known to so many Christians as the love chapter. Ironic, isn't it?

Grace's book, Outrageous Grace, has already sold thousands of copies, and is earning recognition as one of the greatest missionary stories of our time! I went to Montrose again last summer, saw Grace again, and received my own copy of it. I couldn't put it down!

I'd heard Grace's story from her own lips when we were roommates. We sat on our beds talking late into the night, just like a couple of schoolgirls. I wept then, and I was moved again as I read her book and discovered the parts of her life she humbly omitted that night---her husband's narrow escape from eastern Europe in World War 2, the stress and injustice of the murder trial and investigation, and how she herself was threatened and physically harrassed in the months following the murder!

Grace now speaks everywhere God gives her a chance, telling of the deep, ever faithful goodness, kindness and love from the hand of God--an incredible message from a widow who's husband was brutally murdered! God's grace IS outrageous, and Grace IS amazing! You may reach her at her website, and I'd highly recommend you invite her to speak at your church!

But do you know what? God offers the same love, grace, and relationship that Grace Fabian has to all widows--even you, even me. We learn about it through this fellowship in suffering-- by reading about a role model like Grace to learn her secrets, by encouraging each other in grief support groups like a local GriefShare or widows group, or by the Facebook group Lifeboat, and most importantly-- by seeking a vital, living relationship with our God who is standing with us.

Make a comment and let me know if I can help you connect with Him or with Grace, or a support group like GriefShare or Lifeboat.Your comment also enters you in the Free Book Give-Away, and Outrageous Grace is one of the many books a winner may choose!
♥ ferree