Reflections

Listen with curiosity. Speak with honesty. Act with integrity. The greatest problem with communication is we don’t listen to understand. We listen to reply. When we listen with curiosity, we don’t listen with the intent to reply. We listen for what’s behind the words.
~ Roy T. Bennett

We need to cultivate the courage to be uncomfortable and to teach the people around us how to accept discomfort as a part of growth.
~ Brené Brown, Professor/author/Speaker

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There is always a danger that we will make it appear externally that we believe in God when internally we don’t. We say with our mouths that we believe in him, but we live with our lives like he never existed. That is the ever-present danger confronting religion. That’s a dangerous type of atheism.
~ Martin Luther King Jr., (1929-1968)

How quick come the reasons for approving what we like.
~ Jane Austen, Persuasion

The real persuaders are our appetites, our fears, and above all, our vanity. The skillful propagandist stirs and coaches internal persuaders.
~ Eric Hoffer, 1902-1983, Moral/Social Philosopher

Compelling reason will never convince blinding emotion.
~ Richard Bach, Author

He who holds the truth within his heart should never fear that his tongue will lack the strength of persuasion.
~ John Ruskin, 1819-1900, English Author

No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar or under a basket, but on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light.
~ Luke 11:33

This Sunday’s readings: Acts 26:15-32

Reflections

Listen with curiosity. Speak with honesty. Act with integrity. The greatest problem with communication is we don’t listen to understand. We listen to reply. When we listen with curiosity, we don’t listen with the intent to reply. We listen for what’s behind the words.
~ Roy T. Bennett

We need to cultivate the courage to be uncomfortable and to teach the people around us how to accept discomfort as a part of growth.
~ Brené Brown, Professor/author/Speaker

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Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear.
~ Franklin D. Roosevelt

We have faith when we are confident of God’s goodness as experienced through his provision and protection of us. Hope frees the heart to risk in the present, knowing that victory is assured, and no loss today can be measured against the gain of heaven. Love is making known the character of God in order to invite others to the joy of relationship with him. All love is in essence symbolic of a greater love and sacrifice.
~ Dan Allender, Psychologist/Author

In the world it is called Tolerance, but in hell it is called Despair…the sin that believes in nothing, cares for nothing, seeks to know nothing, interferes with nothing, enjoys nothing, hates nothing, finds purpose in nothing, lives for nothing, will remain alive because there is nothing for which it will die.
~ Dorothy L. Sayers (1893-1957), English writer

Evil will win if good people do nothing.
~ P.C. and Kristin Cast, Author, Tempted

There is always a danger that we will make it appear externally that we believe in God when internally we don’t. We say with our mouths that we believe in him, but we live with our lives like he never existed. That is the ever-present danger confronting religion. That’s a dangerous type of atheism.
~ Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968)

This Sunday’s readings: Acts 21:30-40;22:1-2,21-22