“In Every Pew Sits a Broken Heart”

ruthIn July 2014 I was drawn to the book In Every Pew Sits a Broken Heart: Hope for the Hurting by Ruth Graham, daughter of Evangelist, Billy Graham.

Nearly a year later, I still recall certain passages from her very frank, honest and open writing. I strongly encourage you to pick it up, read it and see how her words impact you. It could be life changing, or at least behavior changing.

Here are some that have great meaning to me:

Failure in never final.” Page 16

“God specializes in restoration. It is his best work.” “He loves to create out of chaos.” Page 18.

“Once we take off our masks-once we expose our ruins-we give others permission to do the same. And that is when the real ministry and healing takes place.” Page 20.

Isolation and Hiding Marital Strife: Page 103. “Marriage is bigger than whatever problems arise between two people, bigger than just one couple.”

Page 114. Cost of isolation-when our emotions shut down our hearts become cold. “For when our hearts glaze over and shut down, when we can no longer feel, we run the risk of our love growing cold-our love for others and, ultimately our love for God.”

“The longer you carry a secret, the heavier it becomes.” Page 127

“Busyness can be a virtue during difficult times. So often when we are hurting, we become self-focused-to our own disadvantage. Ultimately, though, excessive busyness can hinder us in discerning God’s path for our lives during times of transition.” Page 214.

Page 221. Cultivate Stillness. “Regular intervals of unstructured time promotes relaxation. We become calmer, more centered as we learn to slow down. Anxiety recedes. We are no longer as quick to become angry or provoked.”

“I found the only way to endure the ride was to stay off the roller coaster.” Page 349.

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Copyright. April 2015. Linda Leier Thomason.

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