Reflect, Resonate, Reevaluate, Respond
We shake with joy, we shake with grief. What a time they have, these two housed as they are in the same body.
~ Mary Oliver, 1935–2019, Evidence: Poems
I walked a mile with Pleasure; She chattered all the way. But left me none the wiser For all she had to say. I walked a mile with Sorrow And ne’er a word said she; But oh, the things I learned from her When Sorrow walked with me!
~ Robert Browning, 1812-1889, English Poet & Playwright
Until Christ completely cures us and this world, our happiness will be punctuated by times of great sorrow. But that doesn’t mean we can’t be predominantly happy in Christ. Being happy as the norm rather than the exception is not wishful thinking. It’s based on solid facts: God secured our eternal happiness through a cross and an empty tomb. He is with us and in us right this moment. And he tells us to be happy in him.
~ Randy Alcorn, 1954- , founder of Eternal Perspectives Ministry
The reason we don’t want to feel is that feeling exposes the tragedy of our world and the darkness of our hearts.
~ Dan Allender, The Cry of the Soul
All joy (as distinct from mere pleasure, still more amusement) emphasises our pilgrim status; always reminds, beckons, awakens desire. Our best havings are wantings.
~ C.S. Lewis, Letters of C.S. Lewis (Nov. 5, 1959)
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 Father, Son, and Spirit.
~ Larry Hine, Spiritual Director