Wisdom From the World
“I do not believe that sheer suffering teaches. If suffering alone taught, all the world would be wise, since everyone suffers. To suffering must be added mourning, understanding, patience, love, openness, and a willingness to remain vulnerable.” – Ann Morrow Lindbergh, (widow of aviator Charles Lindbergh and author whose son was kidnapped and murdered)
“What gives me the most hope everyday is God’s grace; knowing His grace is going to give me the strength for whatever I face. Knowing that nothing is a surprise to God.” – Rick Warren (Pastor and author who lost his son to suicide)
“The deepest level of worship is praising God in spite of the pain, thanking God during the trials, trusting Him when we’re tempted to lose hope and loving Him when He seems so distant and far away. At my lowest, God is my hope. At my darkest, God is my light. At my weakest, God is my strength. At my saddest, God is my Comforter.” – Touching Lives Spiritual Inspiration
Wisdom From the Word
“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and His rule.
You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.” Matthew 5:3,4 (The Message)
“Martha said, “Master, if you’d been here, my brother wouldn’t have died…
When Jesus saw Mary sobbing and the Jews with her sobbing, a deep anger welled up within Him. He said, ‘where did you put him? (Lazarus)
“Master, come and see,” they said. Now Jesus wept.
The Jews said, ‘Look how deeply He loved him.” John 11: 21, 33-36 (The Message)
“Don’t let this throw you. (crucifixion) You trust God, don’t you? Trust me. There is plenty of room for you in my Father’s home. If that weren’t so, would I have told you that I’m on my way to get a room ready for you? And if I’m on my way to get your room ready, I’ll come back and get you so you can live where I live. And you already know the road I’m taking.
Thomas said, “Master, we have no idea where you’re going. How do you expect us to know the road?”
Jesus said, “I am the Road, also the Truth, also the Life. No one gets to know the Father apart from me…” John 14:1-6 (The Message)
Keep Me Real, Lord!
“Lord, there are times when the pain in life literally knocks me to my knees. Help me in moments of defeat, death and despair to trust your love, to grieve and to remain vulnerable. Help me to reach out to trusted friends.
Lord, when those friends reach back towards me in their grief, keep my arms open, my spirit soft, my mouth shut, and my help practical. Help me to weep when others weep.”
