Trust is that rare and priceless treasure that wins us the affection of our heavenly Father.
Brennan ManningRead
The men and women who are truly filled with light are those who have gazed deeply into the darkness of their own imperfect existence.
Interpretation
True enlightenment comes from confronting and understanding one's own flaws and struggles.
Brennan Manning's quote emphasizes that genuine wisdom and inner light arise from the deep exploration of one's own vulnerabilities and imperfections. By facing our darkness, we become more aware and appreciative of our flaws, which leads to personal growth and deeper understanding of life.
In practice
In a motivational speech about personal growth, someone might say, 'As Brennan Manning wisely noted, 'The men and women who are truly filled with light are those who have gazed deeply into the darkness of their own imperfect existence.' This encourages us to embrace our flaws.
Trust is that rare and priceless treasure that wins us the affection of our heavenly Father.
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.
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.
Do you honestly believe God likes you, not just loves you because theologically God has to love you?
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.
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.
Grace is what matters. In anything. Especially life, especially growth, tragedy, pain, love, death. About people, that's what matters. That's a quality I admire very greatly. It keeps you from reaching for the gun too quickly; it keeps you from destroying things too foolishly; it sort of keeps you alive and keeps you open for more understanding.
Do not fear the thorns in your path, for they draw only corrupt blood.
No matter how difficult something you or a loved one faces, it should not take over your life and be the center of all your interest. Challenges are growth experiences,temporary scenes to be played out on the background of a pleasant life. Donβt become so absorbed in a single event that you canβt think of anything else or care for yourself or for those who depend upon you. Remember, much like the mending of the body, the healing of some spiritual and emotional challenges takes time.
The key to wisdom is this - constant and frequent questioning, for by doubting we are led to question and by questioning we arrive at the truth.
Reading makes me feel I've accomplished something, learned something, become a better person. ... Reading is bliss.
Progress, far from consisting in change, depends on retentiveness. Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.
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