Humbly let go. Let go of trying to do, let go of trying to control,
let go of my own way, let go of my own fears.
Let God blow His wind, His trials, oxygen for joy's fire.
Leave the hand open and be. Be at peace.
Bend the knee and be small and let God
give what God chooses to give
because He only gives love and whisper a surprised thanks.
This is the fuel for joy's flame. Fullness of joy is discovered only in the
emptying of will. And I can empty. I can empty because
counting His graces has awakened me to how He cherishes me,
holds me, passionately values me.
I can empty because I am full of His love.
I can trust.
let go of my own way, let go of my own fears.
Let God blow His wind, His trials, oxygen for joy's fire.
Leave the hand open and be. Be at peace.
Bend the knee and be small and let God
give what God chooses to give
because He only gives love and whisper a surprised thanks.
This is the fuel for joy's flame. Fullness of joy is discovered only in the
emptying of will. And I can empty. I can empty because
counting His graces has awakened me to how He cherishes me,
holds me, passionately values me.
I can empty because I am full of His love.
I can trust.
(emphasis mine)
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| Attribution |
Ann has a powerful ministry to all of us, doesn't she? Once in awhile I listen to her little video about the book, to hear it again and again and again. It doesn't get old - every word is so full and rich and deep. Thank you for sharing these lines. I am working on trust in a particular area, these words help me understand more (which I need again and again...).
ReplyDeleteMaureen, Ann's ministry is very powerful. It amazes me how many women she has reached through this extraordinarily small book. I'm reading it now, I think, for the third time. It's highlighted in yellow, pencil underlined, etc. I find joy, solace, and wonder on every page. I think we all are always working on trust somewhere in our lives. I'll keep you in my prayers.
DeleteBTW, visited both your blogs and find both intriguing. Your story of the piano touched a chord (no pun intended!) for me as a pianist. And your Travel Lighter blog's post for today was beautiful. Don't you just love Deidra's community?
Blessings!
I downloaded Ann's book on Kindle but haven't looked at it yet... perhaps I should after reading this post.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing Sherrey.
Wendy, I hope you have the opportunity to start reading Ann's book. It is a life changing experience!
DeleteThanks for stopping by!
Sherrey
This book is incredible... it is deep, it is thought provoking, it is wonderfully gifted, it is a call for us to move deeper into a relationship with God. May we all be challenged.
ReplyDeleteEverything you've said about the book is so true! I think that's why I'm drawn to it again and again . . . it's just there asking me to move into that deeper relationship, it calls me. And yes, it challenges. :)
DeleteBeautiful words that my heart desperately needed today Thank you my friend.
ReplyDeleteSo happy that my words touched your heart, Barbie. And so glad that you're back among us in this world of blogs and sharing.
DeleteI love to read my Scriptures and put my name in them as the one who is being trained and blessed and loved by the ONE. Thanks...
ReplyDeleteI like this idea . . . makes it all seem so much more personal . . . that ONE to one relationship. :)
DeletePowerful quote. I had the privilege of hearing Ann speak a year ago, and, wow... her thoughts and writings definitely inspire. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteCaroline, how luck you are to have had the opportunity to hear Ann speak. I find her to be one of the most inspiring of women Christian writers and thinkers today. Glad you stopped by.
DeleteHi Sherrey!
ReplyDeleteYes, these words console and refresh. I read Ann’s book last year, then gave it away to a friend who just lost her husband. Thank you for sharing these wise words.
Have a blessed Memorial Day!
Hi Debra, how good of you to pass Ann's book along to a friend. I'm sure it was great consolation during her time of loss. I'm glad you stopped by.
DeleteHope your Memorial Day was filled with family and blessings.
Dear Sherrey,
ReplyDeleteAnn Voskamp's book is amazing. It's on my list of books to read again. There is too much in it to take in at once. Thanks for sharing.
Donna
Donna, I agree there is far too much depth and thought provoking writing in Ann's book to be consumed in one reading. That's why I keep coming back to it over and over again.
DeleteSherrey
Very beautiful!! Thank you for sharing this excerpt. It's so true - when we empty ourselves of "self" we are ready to be filled with Him!! Popping over from On In and Around Mondays. A Little R & R http://jukiczr.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteRosilind, thanks for stopping by. Yes, we have to empty ourselves of "self" to be filled with Him, don't we? Amazing that we can't seem to remember that over the long-term. :)
Delete