Trust is that rare and priceless treasure that wins us the affection of our heavenly Father.
Brennan ManningRead
May all your expectations be frustrated, may all your plans be thwarted, may all your desires be withered into nothingness, that you may experience the powerlessness and poverty of a child and sing and dance in the love of God who is the Father, Son and Spirit.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that experiencing vulnerability and loss can lead to a deeper connection with the divine.
Brennan Manning's quote emphasizes the idea that when our expectations and desires are challenged or unmet, we may find ourselves in a state of helplessness akin to that of a child. This state, though difficult, can ultimately lead us to experience a profound sense of love and connectedness to God, who embodies the roles of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, inviting us to embrace joy and freedom, even in the face of adversity.
Themes
FaithVulnerabilityLoveGodHumility
In practice
Example use cases
During a sermon on the importance of surrendering to God's will.
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.
Brennan ManningRead
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.
Brennan ManningRead
Do you honestly believe God likes you, not just loves you because theologically God has to love you?
Brennan ManningRead
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.
Brennan ManningRead
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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