Trust is that rare and priceless treasure that wins us the affection of our heavenly Father.
Brennan ManningRead
In every encounter we either give life or we drain it; there is no neutral exchange.
Interpretation
Every interaction affects the energy and emotion of those involved, either positively or negatively.
This quote emphasizes the significance of our interactions with others. It suggests that in every encounter, we have the power to uplift or diminish someone's spirit. The idea of 'no neutral exchange' highlights that our communication and presence significantly impact the emotional state of those around us—encouraging us to choose our words and actions thoughtfully.
In practice
During a team meeting, remind colleagues how their contributions enhance the group's success.
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.
When we are unable to receive, we deny someone else the pleasure of giving.
My kids speak of both subtle slights and blatant racism. It's a narrative I never imagined for them.
We keep each other alive with our stories. We need to share them, as much as we need to share food. We also require for our health the presence of good companions. One of the most extraordinary things about the land is that it knows this—and it compels language from some of us so that as a community we may converse about this or that place, and speak of the need.
What I do on court is great, but what really matters is what happens off court, the people who you affect.
All young women begin by believing they can change and reform the men they marry. They can't.
Over time as most people fail the survivor's exacting test of trustworthiness, she tends to withdraw from relationships. The isolation of the survivor thus persists even after she is free.
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