Chapter 167
Pierre's Moment of Grace
That same evening Pierre went to the Rostóvs’ to fulfill the commission entrusted to him. Natásha was in bed, the count at the club, and Pierre, after giving the letters to Sónya, went to Márya Dmítrievna who was interested to know how Prince Andrew had taken the news. Ten minutes later Sónya came to Márya Dmítrievna. “Natásha insists on seeing Count Peter Kirílovich,” said she. “But how? Are we to take him up to her? The room there has not been tidied up.” “No, she has dressed and gone into the drawing room,” said Sónya. Márya Dmítrievna only shrugged her…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
Practice Radical Grace
Think of someone in your life who recently made a mistake and is clearly beating themselves up about it. Write down what Pierre would say to them - not minimizing their mistake, but helping them see their worth beyond that moment. Then practice saying it out loud until it feels genuine.
Consider:
- •Focus on separating the person from their action without excusing harmful behavior
- •Look for something genuinely valuable about them that their mistake doesn't erase
- •Consider how your response could either deepen their shame or help them heal
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when someone showed you radical grace after you messed up badly. How did their response change how you saw yourself and the situation?
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