Santa Cruz Sunday #18

 

 

Some words below to remind you of your belovedness today. 
Happy Almost Valentine’s Day!
 


Define yourself radically as one beloved by God. This is the true self. Every other identity is illusion.
― Brennan Manning, Abba's Child

 

Followers of Jesus are supposed to be walking billboards of God’s radical affection for everyone. That’s what he meant by being the light to a world that can be very dark for so many. We need more light-bringers these days.
I’d love to see Christians intentionally declaring the value of all people more often; that they’d step proudly and loudly into their classrooms and workplaces and family gatherings, wearing the message on their sleeves—that everyone is beloved as they arrive here, that they are fiercely loved without caveat or condition.
And as you study and work and play and live in this world, please remember that regardless of what anyone tells you on signs or on shirts or in sermons:
Be greatly encouraged.
You are fearfully and wonderfully made—and God adores you.
-John Pavolvitz, Stuff That Needs to Be Said
 


A Prayer of Accepted Tenderness
Today, O Lord, I accept your acceptance of me,
I confess that you are always with me and always for me,
I receive into my spirit your grace, your mercy, your care,
I rest in your love, O Lord,
I rest in your Love.
Amen.
-Richard Foster, Prayers from the Heart
 






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