“Grace Is God Embracing” - An Original Hymn by Hannah Cruse and Leo Adames

“Grace Is God Embracing” 
Music by Hannah Cruse 
Text by Hannah Cruse and Leo Adames 

We don’t often broach the topic of secular work in worship, but we should. My aim in writing this song was to express the woes and salvation of working people. Each verse talks about something we do poorly or struggle with in our capacity as workers. After each verse, there’s an implied “BUT” which leads into the Refrain. The Refrain then assures us of reconciliation, hope, and healing. Our lives in Christ do not end in sorrow, but joy. Despite our misdeeds and misgivings, we are still loved and made whole through God's Work. 

The text is inspired by Ephesians 2:8-9, “It is by grace that you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves; it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast.” Thank you, Leo, for opening my mind about this text and offering excellent critiques. 

Refrain

Grace is God embracing

all our broken pieces.

We praise your Holy work, Lord,

for Love has made us whole.

Vs. 1

Working in this world

can break or boost our spirits.

While some have found their purpose,

some are seeking, unfulfilled. 

This verse conveys how some people never seem to get answers about their "purpose" in life, even after prayer and dutifulness, while some people appear to just know what they’re meant to do. That’s ok. You are right where you’re supposed to be, even if that’s in turmoil for now. You are loved, and you are whole, through Christ our Lord. 

Vs. 2

Sometimes bodies fail us,

and we need time to heal. 

Yet we are pressed into our work

like cogs bound to a wheel. 

When our own body breaks down—from disease, mental illness, overuse, an accident, etc.—we often must still get our work done. Depression, anxiety, or anger are all natural responses to such a situation. However, God accepts and mends all our broken pieces. The word “bodies” also refers to other people who we may employ or rely on in some way. It’s a reminder to treat people like God’s children, not machines. 

Vs. 3

Hard at work at sunrise,

still striving after dark. 

Our values get all twisted

with the weight that's in our hearts.

This verse articulates how easy it is for us to get all turned around in life when we encounter struggle. Struggle leads to pain, which often leads to shame. Shame will make us do crazy things to “get love,” including obsessing about our careers. God holds us through pain and tells us that we don’t need to accomplish anything to deserve love. 

Vs. 4

Beauty lies before us,

abundance freely giv'n.

Let faithfulness replace the fear

that blinds us to God's gifts. 

After verse 3, you might think this song is saying you should just stop working so much. For many of us, working less is not an option in order to sustain our basic needs in this economy. Hopefully, verse 4 clarifies that work isn't the problem; fearfulness (focusing on lack rather than abundance) deprives us of being present with God. God can be found everywhere, especially in our work, when we pursue Faith. 

I came up with the Refrain tune while working at West Plano Presbyterian Church, a congregation that continues to inspire me. The tune is named PLANO in their honor.