Sunday, August 20, 2017

Weekend Words

This is Brennan Manning...

the face says it all...pain and compassion...sadness and peace...
I think it's a beautiful face

 
And this is what he wrote...
 
“A Word Before All Is Grace was written in a certain frame of mind—that of a ragamuffin.
 
Therefore,
 
This book is by the one who thought he’d be farther along by now, but he’s not.
It is by the inmate who promised the parole board he’d be good, but he wasn’t.
It is by the dim-eyed who showed the path to others but kept losing his way.
It is by the wet-brained who believed if a little wine is good for the stomach, then a lot is great.
It is by the liar, tramp, and thief; otherwise known as the priest, speaker, and author.
It is by the disciple whose cheese slid off his cracker so many times he said “to hell with cheese ’n’ crackers.”
It is by the young at heart but old of bone who is led these days in a way he’d rather not go.
 
But,
 
This book is also for the gentle ones who’ve lived among wolves.
It is for those who’ve broken free of collar to romp in fields of love and marriage and divorce.
It is for those who mourn, who’ve been mourning most of their lives, yet they hang on to shall be comforted.
 It is for those who’ve dreamed of entertaining angels but found instead a few friends of great price.
It is for the younger and elder prodigals who’ve come to their senses again, and again, and again, and again.
It is for those who strain at pious piffle because they’ve been swallowed by Mercy itself.
This book is for myself and those who have been around the block enough times that we dare to whisper the ragamuffin’s rumor—
all is grace.”
 
I read this book a few years ago, but as I was browsing the bookshelves looking for some Weekend Words, I came across it again.
 
If you haven't read it...please do
And if you have read it...read it again
 
It's a beautiful book!
 
Tout est Grace
 
xx
 

6 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. I'm surprised you have not heard of him! But then...I think he was perhaps a bit of a black sheep of the faith :) xx

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  2. He was a wonderful author. I have the Ragamuffin Gospel and my sons read the book ... thank you so much for sharing Lynda :0) mari

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    1. I agree Mari, his autobiography is so honest and real. I have decided to read The Ragamuffin Gospel (before re-reading All is Grace), as I have not read it. xx

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