Jesus announced a great reversal of values in His Sermon on the Mount, elevating not the rich or attractive, but rather the poor, the persecuted, and those who mourn.

When I pray for another person, I am praying for God to open my eyes so that I can see that person as God does, and then enter into the stream of love that God already directs toward that person.

I have learned that faith means trusting in advance what will make sense only in reverse.

Yet as I read the birth stories about Jesus I cannot help but conclude that though the world may be tilted toward the rich and powerful, God is tilted toward the underdog.

In a nutshell, the Bible from Genesis 3 to Revelation 22 tells the story of a God reckless with desire to get his family back.

Grace, like water, flows to the lowest part.

The proof of spiritual maturity is not how pure you are but awareness of your impurity. That very awareness opens the door to grace.

Any discussion of how pain and suffering fit into God's scheme ultimately leads back to the cross.

No one ever converted to Christianity because they lost the argument.

In the stories of extravagant grace given to us by Jesus, there are no loopholes disqualifying us from God's love.

I doubt God keeps track of how many arguments we win; God may indeed keep track of how well we love.

When all you see is darkness, turn to hope, and your heart will see the light.

We were orphans before we were ever the sons of these songs.

What vanity needs for its satisfaction is glory, and it's easy to have glory without power.

When a man is not amused, he feels an involuntary contempt for those who are.

He reveals that he has been a poor politician, a bad judge and a malevolent individual.

Is this love, baby, or is this just confusion?

I have always been the girl who keeps on trying. I try! I try!

So since I'm still here livin', I guess I will live on. I could've died for love-- But for livin' I was born.

Some of the funniest moments I've ever experienced have been in the midst of tragic situations in my life.

A thought once awakened does not again slumber.