If we stay where we are, where we're stuck, where we're comfortable and safe, we die there.. When nothing new can get in, that's death.
anne-lamott comfort-zone death prayer
These two things are almost all I want, but unfortunately, neither one is my strong suit. I am very strong on blame, and wish this were one of God's values, but trust, surrender? Letting go, forgiveness? Maybe just after a period of prayer, but then when the mood passes and real life rears its ugly head again? Not so much. I hate this, the fact that life is usually Chutes and Ladders, with no guaranteed gains.I cannot will myself into having these qualities, so I have to pray for them more often, if I want to be happy. I have to create the habit, just as I had to do with daily writing, and flossing.
blame forgiveness happy letting-go prayer surrender trust
A nun I know once told me she kept begging God to take her character defects away from her. After years of this prayer, God finally got back to her: I'm not going to take anything away from you, you have to give it to Me.
anne-lamott character god prayer
.. The three things I cannot change are the past, the truth, and you.
anne-lamott past prayer truth
Human lives are hard, even those of health and privilege, and don't make much sense. This is the message of the Book of Job: Any snappy explanation of suffering you come up with will be horseshit.
life meaning prayer trouble
Here are the two best prayers I know: 'Help me, help me, help me' and 'Thank you, thank you, thank you.
help prayer thankfulness