Brianna Brotzman

[Raymond Chang @tweetraychang]

“One can’t be a Christian and a nationalist at the same time.”

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

[Mika Edmondson @mika_edmondson]

For some people, “just preach the gospel” means preach good news to sinners but not to sufferers, only to victimizers in guilt but never to victims in pain

But Jesus defines “the gospel” as good news to the poor, healing for the broken-hearted, and deliverance for the oppressed.

[Adam Grant @AdamMGrant]

Seeking advice doesn't reveal incompetence. It reflects respect for another person's insight.

Requesting feedback doesn't signal insecurity. It demonstrates that you care more about your learning than your ego.

Asking for help doesn't display weakness. It builds strength.

[Rich Villodas @richvillodas]

Race matters must be addressed on 3 levels:

Individually
Interpersonally
Institutionally

Why?

Because it’s possible for someone to have their soul redeemed by Jesus, but still be captive to a system shaped by Satan.

[Rich Villodas @richvillodas]

One of the formational crises of the Church is related to the bad theology that sees racial justice & reconciliation as optional to the gospel.

[Adam Grant @AdamMGrant]

“I was having a bad day” is not an excuse for abusive behavior.

It reflects a lack of self-control and a lack of concern for others.

Intense emotions are a product of circumstance. Caring about how they affect others is a choice.

Willpower requires the will to be respectful.

[Rich Villodas @richvillodas]

All the theologizing about empathy can’t hide the reality that low empathy is often rooted in fear and control.

God-forbid I see the world from a perspective that might challenge what I’m comfortable with.

[Rich Villodas @richvillodas]

Sabbath is one of clearest signs of the gospel of grace. You intentionally accomplish nothing and God still loves you.

Such good news.

[Rich Villodas @richvillodas]

Spent time this week in John 15. “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.”

The world(system) will hate Christians. But it’s important to discern the reason. Do they hate us because we follow the way of Jesus, or do they hate us because we are Jerks?

[Beth Moore @BethMooreLPM]

I can get pretty worked up. But, as I live & breathe, it’s that I care & don’t want people to get sick & many die & leave loved ones devastated. I want to do right by people, protect people where possible, in Jesus’ name.
Lord have mercy.
Christ have mercy.
Lord have mercy.

[Rich Villodas @richvillodas]

Five lies of identity (from Henri Nouwen):

1) I am what I have.
2) I am what I do.
3) I am what other people say or think of me.
4) I am nothing more than my worst moment.
5) I am nothing less than my best moment.

[Dr David Bennett @DavidACBennett]

God created us to work so we could be creative like him, not so we could be exhausted by it all. Remember today that your work is beautiful and an act of loving your maker, not a task to prove your worth.

[Beth Moore @BethMooreLPM]

We will never be enough for people.
Never mad or sad enough.
Never glad or bad enough.
Never woman enough.
Never man enough.
Never vocal enough.
Never quiet enough.
Never conservative enough. Never liberal enough.
But we’re loved by God enough
for that to be enough.

[Rich Villodas @richvillodas]

Before the water turned into wine, someone had to do the ordinary, tiresome task of filling the water pots.

We want the new wine to just appear, but Jesus calls us to fill the jars first.

In short, God often wants us to participate in our own transformation.

[Rich Villodas @richvillodas]

In a world torn by rage and anxiety, one of the greatest gifts followers of Jesus are called to offer is simple, non-anxious presence.

Not a presence removed from this reality, but a presence that refuses to be shaped by it.

[Dr David Bennett @DavidACBennett]

A pilgrim by definition is one who cannot ever really find permanent rest. The holy itch to journey and travel is part of knowing your home only ever lies ahead even as you know it for moments beneath your feet now.

[Dr David Bennett @DavidACBennett]

Never put the full weight of your loves on anything created. It will crush you. Only ever put the full weight of your loves on God and you will ever be joyful.

[Amanda Held Opelt @AmandaHeldOpelt]

Gentle reminder this week: not everyone has experienced America in the same way that you have experienced America.

[Rich Villodas @richvillodas]

Sabbath is not just rest from making things.

It’s rest from the need to make something of ourselves.