Strength is Hidden in Weakness

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Ah, Ever Mindful folks, this week I have neglected you. I'm getting ready to go to The Mount Hermon Writers' Conference, where I will be surrounded by dear friends. If you are among them, please say hello. You will make me happy.

When I get back, I will have an insightful, practical article for you by my Novel Matters co-host, Latayne Scott, about how to avoid identity theft.

But this week she and I (and all the other Novel Matters ladies) will be gone, Twittering occasionally, but generally unavailable to answer comments.

So I leave you with this little quote to remind that your true identity is made perfect in weakness. I find that comforting, and hope you do, too:

"Some of us tend to do away with things that are slightly damaged. Instead of repairing them we say: "Well, I don't have time to fix it, I might as well throw it in the garbage can and buy a new one." Often we also treat people this way. We say: "Well, he has a problem with drinking; well, she is quite depressed; well, they have mismanaged their business...we'd better not take the risk of working with them." When we dismiss people out of hand because of their apparent woundedness, we stunt their lives by ignoring their gifts, which are often buried in their wounds.

"We all are bruised reeds, whether our bruises are visible or not. The compassionate life is the life in which we believe that strength is hidden in weakness and that true community is a fellowship of the weak." ~ Henri Nouwen