“Father, help me to see the dark threads, too, as part of Your design. And so learn to trust You in all things.” — Elizabeth Sherrill [Read more…] about Dark Threads
Christianity
Active Love Crosses Boundaries
“The biblical definition of love for oneself is not experiencing affectionate feelings but active care. As the apostle Paul put it, ‘For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourished it and cherishes it’ (Eph. 5:29). We do not love ourselves merely in ‘spiritual ways’ but holistically. And we do not merely love ourselves in ‘material’ ways. Man does not, after all, live by bread alone (Deut. 8:3; Matt. 4:4).” — Russell Moore, Onward: Engaging the Culture without Losing the Gospel
Humility and Excellence
“Humility is the foundation of excellence.” — Coach Sean Quinlan
Excellence rarely develops in the absence of humility. Without a spirit of humility, other traits like perfectionism and showmanship emerge. Neither have anything to do with excellence; rather, they demonstrate pride and arrogance.
Do What’s Right
“The time is always ripe to do right.” — Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior
Martin Luther King, Junior Day took place several weeks ago, but the above words still resonate. “The time is always ripe to do right.” It is. The right time to help the widow and orphan, to feed the hungry, and to give a hug to the frightened is right now, right here.
Fight Your Way Forward
“For the ones who fight their way forward.” — V.E. Schwab
I read V.E. Schwab’s dedication in A Gathering of Shadows, and it resonated. I know people who “fight their way forward.” They bear chronic illnesses with grace and beauty. They take their work seriously but not themselves.
Always Excel
Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord [always doing your best and doing more than is needed], being continually aware that your labor [even to the point of exhaustion] in the Lord is not futile nor wasted [it is never without purpose]. — 1 Corinthians 15:58, The Amplified Bible