When we can see the image of God where we don't want to see the image of God, then we see with eyes not our own.
Interpretation
Seeing divinity in unexpected places expands our perspective and empathy.
This quote suggests that true understanding and connection with the divine can be found in the most unlikely situations or people, challenging our biases and preconceived notions. When we learn to perceive the divine presence in all aspects of life, including those we initially reject, we open ourselves to a wider, more compassionate view of the world that transcends our personal limitations.
In practice
This quote can be used in a sermon to encourage people to find God in all aspects of life.
My scientist friends have come up with things like 'principles of uncertainty' and dark holes. They're willing to live inside imagined hypotheses and theories. But many religious folks insist on answers that are always true. We love closure, resolution and clarity, while thinking that we are people of 'faith'! How strange that the very word 'faith' has come to mean its exact opposite.
The gift of darkness draws you to know God’s presence beyond what thought, imagination, or sensory feeling can comprehend.
I cannot illustrate huge differences between male and female spiritualities except in their starting points, style and fascinations along the way. This is significant, however, and has huge pastoral implications: men must be challenged in the world of doing; women must be challenged in the world of relating.
Much of the Christian religion has largely become “holding on” instead of letting go. But God, it seems to me, does the holding on (to us!), and we must learn the letting go (of everything else).
We do not think ourselves into new ways of living, we live ourselves into new ways of thinking.
I've had the good fortune of teaching and preaching across much of the globe, while also struggling to make sense of my experience in my own tiny world.
How can I make difference so that I may bring peace to this world that I love and cherish so much? A name flickers instantly in my mind.
Christian life means sacrifice.
Free as air; that's what they say- "free as air". Now they bring me my air in an iron barrel.
People often ask how I can reject the phrase 'woman writer' and not reject the phrase 'Jewish writer' - a preposterous question. 'Jewish' is a category of civilization, culture, and intellect, and 'woman' is a category of anatomy and physiology.
First there must be order and harmony within your own mind. Then this order will spread to your family, then to the community, and finally to your entire kingdom. Only then can you have peace and harmony.
In the end, one or the other will triumph - a funeral dirge will be sung over the Soviet republic or over world capitalism.
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