I’m sure you’ll agree that one of the greatest (and most familiar) hymns of the church is Amazing Grace, written by John Newton. I don’t believe there has ever been a song written that captures the very essence of the transforming power God has over our lives as believers quite like that hymn.

However, I must admit that as a child, every time I would hear this hymn sung in church, there was one phrase that would always leave me confused. Just didn’t make much sense to me.

“Amazing Grace, How Sweet The Sound, That Saved A Wretch Like Me…”

Wait just one minute! Did anyone hear what I just heard? Amazing Grace, How Sweet The Sound?

Every time I heard that phrase I would look up and around at all the grownups singing, just to see if anyone was as puzzled as I was. Never found one.

Finally, I mustered enough courage to ask someone. But not just anyone.

I went to see Leola Ford. She was one of the senior members of our church’s choir.

Leola was somewhat of a source of inspiration for our church, and especially for me. Strangely enough, it was not because of her singing. But rather it was because Leola Ford was blind.

After service one day, I asked her a question that my inquiring mind just had to know. She seemed like the right person to ask.

The Question: Does grace have a sound?

I remember the look on her face like it was yesterday. But more importantly, I remember the answer she gave me. It is one that has stayed with me for quite some time. Leola reached out to locate the top of my head, and as she gave me a few light pats, she leaned over and whispered these words:

“Live A Little Longer. You’ll Hear It.”

While it didn’t make sense to me then, fast forward several years, and I now understand exactly what she meant. Grace indeed has a sound.

It’s the sound my minivan made last week, just as I slammed on the brakes to avoid colliding with that metal object that flew off the back of a truck in front of me.

It’s the sound of my wife’s 87-year old grandmother blowing out the candles on her birthday cake last month, as she endures the inconvenience of dialysis treatment every week.

It’s the sound my new neighbor’s keys make, as she opens the door to a home that someone else last summer no longer had the money to keep.

The sounds of grace are all around us.

If we could ever (as believers) become blind to some of the things we complain about regarding our lives, and open our ears towards a faithful God, we may be surprised to discover a symphony of grace and salvation.

God’s grace is more than amazing.

It’s the sweetest sound I know.

by Milan Ford

9 Responses to The Sound of Grace

  1. Dee says:

    The sound of grace is Milan Ford sharing a great revelation of this unmerited favor that we enjoy every day. God bless.

  2. Tebby says:

    Its all grace that we woke up this morning well and with peace. Grace indeed has sound..we dance to each day of our lives.Thank you for sharing that awesome revelation.

  3. Lila says:

    Yes, its amazing how sweet the sound is. The Lord sheds His grace on thee. Thank you for sharing your story. It was very sweet of you. God Bless you and the ministry.

  4. Patricia says:

    So true, if we would believe more that God’s grace is with us we would see it manifest more. God told Paul that his grace was sufficient enough.

  5. Elizabeth says:

    Oh, what revelation!

  6. Joel says:

    Thank you Milan Ford for this post. When I read it, it brought me to tears. I myself never understand the song amazing grace either. All I knew was that it was a good song growing up. Now that I’m older, went through a divorce, lost my home, family, all material things. I still can say that God’s grace is amazing. Simply because I have my mind, & a greater understanding of God’s covenant concerning marriage. Oh, you better believe His grace IS amazing. He’s restoring everything that I lost through sin. This grace has taught me how to love beyond the physical appearances of people, because beyond our mess, there’s a treasure hidden by Our Father. And only those that see with through the EYES OF GRACE, can see that treasure in others. God bless you Milan Ford for this eye opening post.

  7. GeeMa. says:

    Milan, Your message is so full of the Holy Spirit. As I began reading, with each word my heart would catch, with joy. Then the GRACE question came up. Oh my goodness, tears filled my eyes for sometime, somewhere I too must have had my own Leola Ford, for I knew her answers before I began reading them. You took my Grandmothers favorite song, “Amazing Grace” giving life to its meaning through the beauty of every day grace. Thank you so much. God bless you. GeeMa.

  8. Elizabeth Gee says:

    Thank you for sharing!! Amazing Grace did sound to me through your message. May his grace bless you and keep you stronger till he comes or we go up to his Glory! He is coming soon! SHALOM

    • Magdalyne Kamande says:

      I watched the John Newton story …in a good film AMAZING GRACE, i would recommend everyone to watch it, and with time i have gotten to understand grace, its in everyday’s activity. You have to see it in each and everything,and above all even if all doesnt look good,nothing beats the grace at the cross, for that one sacrifice that was made for me

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