Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound) That sav'd a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found, Was blind, but now I see.

I once was lost but now I'm found, was blind but now I see.

The name of freedom regained is sweet to hear.

I saw an angel, I saw my fate.
I can only thank God it was not too late.

But where was it when I first heard that sweet sound of humility?
It came to my ears in the goddamn loveliest melody!
How grateful I was, then, to be part of the mystery,
To love, and to be loved!
Let’s just hope that is enough.

But now I see I was not plucked for naught,
And after in life's vase
Of glass set while I might survive,
But by a kind hand brought
Alive
To a strange place.

This whole week, I’ve been reflecting on this idea of grace. The grace of the families who lost loved ones. The grace that Reverend Pinckney would preach about in his sermons. The grace described in one of my favorite hymnals -- the one we all know: Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now I’m found; was blind but now I see. According to the Christian tradition, grace is not earned. Grace is not merited. It’s not something we deserve. Rather, grace is the free and benevolent favor of God as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings.

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears reliev'd; How precious did that grace appear, The hour I first believ'd!

Look at these beautiful souls, rid of their demons and cured of their sinful urges. Can’t you tell they’ve been saved? I can.

It was a glorious thing, to be given hope, when all had seemed lost.

Hark! Hark! my soul, angelic songs are swelling
O’er earth’s green fields and ocean’s wave-beat shore;
How sweet the truth those blessed strains are telling
Of that new life when sin shall be no more!

Saved by a bell
Suffer in hell
But you were too blind to tell!
Saved by a bell
Suffer in hell
And you made it through so well!

My soul is full of whispered song,— My blindness is my sight;
The shadows that I feared so long Are full of life and light.

Hark, the glad sound! The Savior comes,
The Savior promised long;
Let every heart exult with joy,
And every voice be song!