Hello, Friends – I was deeply moved by the following message (and music) from Rev. Dan Holloway, sent out last week on his Substack page, and now graciously shared with you when I asked him if he would let me post it here as a guest Sunday message on TruthUnity. Dan has been serving Unity churches for over 30 years. Go here to visit his website, go here to see his Substack, and go here to see his profile on TruthUnity.

I’ve been sending emails on Sunday for over 15 years. I'm now adding other emails that go out on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. They offer early radio addresses from Eric Butterworth, info and insight from teachers of Metaphysical Bible and Fillmore Metaphysics, and inspirational pieces by facilitators of Fillmore-friendly Events and Classes. To choose which ones you want or do not want, scroll down to the bottom of this email and click on “Change your subscriptions to our newsletters.” That will open a box where you can see what's available and make your choice. – Mark Hicks, July 13, 2026

Grace often arrives when we least expect it. Sometimes it comes as an answered prayer. Sometimes as a second chance. And sometimes as a quiet reminder that we are never alone.

Have you ever looked back on your life and realized that something wonderful happened that you couldn’t have planned? A door opened at just the right time. Someone appeared with exactly the help you needed. An unexpected idea changed everything. To me, those moments are expressions of grace. Do you feel an element of grace in your life?

Grace is here for each of us, if we keep our eyes and ears (and heart) open. Too many of us, though, may not feel like we deserve to get a break in life. Or we are spending too much time comparing ourselves to others, who always seem to get the breaks.

Grace often comes from unexpected sources, at unexpected times, and in unexpected ways. It may show up as the right idea at the right time, a forgiveness, or a way forward when none seemed apparent. We may receive guidance of some sort, or an ability to change our perspective, or a serendipitous event.

In Celebrate Yourself, minister and author Eric Butterworth wrote, “It is true that ‘as you sow so do you reap.’ Yet, God’s desire to express completely through you and as you is so great that you never completely reap the harvest of error, and you always reap more good than you sow. This is grace.”

At the core of grace is an inner realization that we are always one with God and that the only separation is in our mind. Grace is available to all of us, not to just a chosen few. It also calls us to become a blessing in the lives of others. I have often heard—and in years past even said—the expression, “There but for the grace of God go you or I.” Over time, I’ve come to hear those words differently.

When we see someone struggling, grace isn’t about comparing our good fortune with their hardship. Instead, it may be an invitation to become an instrument of grace in that person’s life. Sometimes that means offering practical help. Sometimes it means supporting an organization that serves those in need. Sometimes it simply means holding another person in prayer with compassion rather than judgment.

I believe that although we cannot call upon and demand grace, we can be open to it.

Persistent worry, negative thinking, judging by appearances, or comparing ourselves with others can make it harder to recognize the love that is already present. Gratitude, faith, and an open heart help us notice grace when it quietly appears. Grace can show up in the smallest of ways and yet make a great difference.

In the late 1800’s, Alexander III, Tsar of Russia, repressed many, especially the Jewish people. His wife Maria, though, was known for her soft and caring heart. Alexander once wrote an order to put a prisoner in exile for life. The order read, “Pardon impossible, to be sent to Siberia.” Maria ostensibly saved that prisoner by simply moving the comma in the order, which then stated, “Pardon, impossible to be sent to Siberia.” The prisoner went free.

We can increase our awareness of grace in our lives by staying open to all the possibilities, by holding faith, and by believing in workable outcomes. We don’t need to fine-tune all the details. We can’t, anyway.

My wife Kathy once needed a gall bladder operation.

We had no insurance. We called several surgeons and hospitals, hoping for a gall-bladder-removal sale of some sort. The average price in Houston at the time was $16,000 to $25,000. We couldn’t afford that, but we knew Kathy needed the operation. Finally, I came across a Doctor Paul James in the phone directory. I thought his two “Biblical” names might work in our favor. We made an appointment to see Dr. James and explained our situation.

To our surprise, he was affiliated with a teaching hospital and had taught this operation to interns hundreds of times. One intern in particular was just about to finish his residency and become a full surgeon. Dr. James explained that although he would be present in the operating room, this intern would perform the surgery, if we would agree to this arrangement. Seeing few options, we said yes. After stepping out and making a phone call, Dr. James returned to the room to discuss the cost.

Kathy and I each took a deep breath. We both trusted that if we had to pay the operation cost all back over the coming years, we could do so. Dr. James then handed us a form. “Please fill this out and provide a $25 check for processing. That’s all you need to do. The operation and hospital stay are covered.”

Amazing grace! This divine love is ours and does not depend on us earning it. Grace is a gift from God.

Years after this experience, I wrote a song called Living Grace. It is a reminder that grace isn’t something we earn—it is something we awaken to. Sometimes grace appears in dramatic ways. More often it comes quietly, through an open door, a caring friend, an unexpected answer, or a deep inner knowing that we are never walking alone. I hope the song blesses you.

Simply open your eyes,open your mind, and open your heart to accept the love of God in all its forms!

Reflection:

• What unexpected expression of grace have you experienced in your life?
• How might you become an instrument of grace for someone today?
• Spend a few quiet moments opening your heart to God’s presence. Instead of asking for grace, simply become aware of the grace that is already here.

© 2026 Dan Holloway
13 Grand View Drive, Bunnell, FL 32110