Inside Out: A Collection of Thoughts

Hello! I know I haven’t been active here lately (I’ve been busy with other creative projects!), but I wanted to take a moment to share some quotes that have impacted me. Starting with a bout of COVID last year, and culminating in my reading this Lent, the Lord has led me to reflect on how desperately we need His grace, how readily He gives it, and how the giving transforms our need into a source of glory and joy.

These quotes give me hope. May they do the same for you.

~✝︎~

“I have learned that my bodily strength
is subject to every puff of wind,
and my spiritual strength
to every blast of vanity.”

~ Philip Yancey and John Donne, “On a Day of Recovery from Sickness,”
Every Moment Holy, Vol. III

“And to keep me from being too elated by the abundance of revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh . . . Three times I besought the Lord about this, that it should leave me; but he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’”

~ 2 Corinthians 12:7-9, RSVCE

“Wounded I sing, tormented I indite,
Thrown down I fall into a bed, and rest:
Sorrow hath changed its note: such is His will,
Who changeth all things, as Him pleaseth best.
For well he knows, if but one grief and smart
Among my many had his full career,
Sure it would carry with it ev’n my heart,
And both would run until they found a bier
To fetch the body; both being due to grief.
But he hath spoiled the race; and giv’n to anguish
One of Joy’s coats, ‘ticing it with relief
To linger in me, and together languish.
I live to show his power, who once did bring
My joys to weep, and now my griefs to sing.”

~ George Herbert, “Joseph’s Coat”

“Then let our tears anoint these broken things . . .
our sorrow sealing them for that day when
you will take the ache of all creation,
and turn it inside-out,
like the shedding of
an old gardener’s glove.”

~ Douglas McKelvey, “For Those Who Weep Without Knowing Why,”
Every Moment Holy, Vol. I

Which quote is your favourite? What have you been contemplating this Lent? Feel free to share in the comments!

May your Easter Triduum be filled with hope as you reflect on His victory and sacrifice. ♥︎

Image credit: Detail from the Healing of the Blind Man by Jesus Christ, painted by Carl Bloch (1834-1890)