But the reality is we often become our kindest, most ethical selves only by seeing what it feels like to be a selfish jackass first.

You will learn a lot about yourself if you stretch in the direction of goodness, of bigness, of kindness, of forgiveness, of emotional bravery. Be a warrior for love.

What if I was never redeemed? What if I already was?

Don't surrender all your joy for an idea you used to have about yourself that isn't true anymore.

Whatever happens to you belongs to you. Make it yours. Feed it to yourself even if it feels impossible to swallow. Let it nurture you, because it will.

The story of human intimacy is one of constantly allowing ourselves to see those we love most deeply in a new, more fractured light. Look hard. Risk that.

You have to say I am forgiven again and again until it becomes the story you believe about yourself.

That my complicated life could be made so simple was astounding.

Real love moves freely in both directions. Don't waste your time on anything else.

Be about ten times more magnanimous than you believe yourself capable of. Your life will be a hundred times better for it.

Love is our essential nutrient. Without it, life has little meaning. It's the best thing we have to give and the most valuable thing we receive. It's worthy of all the hullabaloo.

Timeless resources exist, if you will ask the Creator.

I started writing stories in sixth grade. But writing wasn't cool, like being good at sports, or being part of the in crowd, or winning fights on the playground.

I was a big fan of black gospel. As a kid, there were black groups I sang with from my teen years to my early 20s.

The gentleman will sit! The gentleman is correct in sitting!

Excuse me please, one more drink Could you make it strong cause I don't need to think She broke my heart, my grace is gone One more drink and I'll move on.

This is an awesome time to be a knowledge seeker, no better time, but it's also the best time in history to be a complete idiot.

I find myself every so often looking at my ground glass as though the unrecorded image might escape me!

As soon as coffee is in your stomach, there is a general commotion. Ideas begin to move…similes arise, the paper is covered. Coffee is your ally and writing ceases to be a struggle.

People fear they won’t get what they want.

The only way to improve tomorrow is to know what you did wrong today.