Trust is that rare and priceless treasure that wins us the affection of our heavenly Father.
Brennan ManningRead
When I get honest, I admit I am a bundle of paradoxes. I believe and I doubt, I hope and get discouraged, I love and I hate, I feel bad about feeling good, I feel guilty about not feeling guilty. I am trusting and suspicious. I am honest and I still play games. Aristotle said I am a rational animal; I say I am an angel with an incredible capacity for beer.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects the complex nature of human identity and emotions.
Brennan Manning's quote captures the intricacies of human existence, highlighting the inherent contradictions we all possess. He acknowledges that we often hold opposing beliefs and feelings simultaneously, illustrating how our behavior can be influenced by conflicting emotions, such as trust and suspicion or love and hate. The mention of Aristotle emphasizes the struggle to fit our multifaceted selves into simplistic definitions, suggesting that the richness of our humanity transcends rational classifications.
Themes
IdentityParadoxEmotionsHumanityComplexity
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about mental health, one might reference this quote to emphasize the struggle of balancing various emotions.
More from Brennan Manning
All quotes →The sinners to whom Jesus directed His messianic ministry were not those who skipped morning devotions or Sunday church. His ministry was to those whom society considered real sinners. They had done nothing to merit salvation. Yet they opened themselves to the gift that was offered them. On the other hand, the self-righteous placed their trust in the works of the Law and closed their hearts to the message of grace.
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There is the "you" that people see and then there is the "rest of you". Take some time and craft a picture of the "rest of you." This could be a drawing, in words, even a song. Just remember that the chances are good it will be full of paradox and contradictions.
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Do you honestly believe God likes you, not just loves you because theologically God has to love you?
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Suffering, failure, loneliness, sorrow, discouragement, and death will be part of your journey, but the Kingdom of God will conquer all these horrors. No evil can resist grace forever.
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For Ragamuffins, God's name is Mercy. We see our darkness as a prized possession because it drives us into the heart of God. Without mercy our darkness would plunge us into despair - for some, self-destruction. Time alone with God reveals the unfathomable depths of the poverty of the spirit. We are so poor that even our poverty is not our own: It belongs to the mysterium tremendum of a loving God.
Brennan ManningRead
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