Christopher L. Heuertz’s Unexpected Gifts: Discovering the Way of Community
“The most authentic (communities) are on a continual journey of failing miserably.” (xiv)
“In our own freedom, we still go about making mistakes, disappointing ourselves and others, living with guilt, shame, regret, or fear that the consequences of our worst moments will catch up to us. Many of us have a hard time accepting the flawed parts of ourselves when we’re alone–a struggle that’s even more difficult when we’re in community.” (6)
“Grace in community brings us closer together, not in a way that creates unhealthy fusion but in one that validates the human struggle we all face.
It takes a mature community to create the safe space where a culture of confession is celebrated, where being honest is the expectation. In those kinds of relationships we don’t have to be afraid to share our deepest struggles or tragic flaws. And we learn that confession is the first step of truth telling in that painful dance of transparency.” (13)
“That is one of the most selfless acts of abandoned love: offering yourself to one whose love many not feel returned.” (28)
want to read “The Inner Voice of Love: A Journey Through Anguish to Freedom by Henri Nouwen
“Creative absence suggests awakening to our own recognition that our community sometimes needs a break, sometimes needs space to reorganize itself, and sometimes needs the freedom to grow without the dominant voices, the typical expectations that sometimes stifle us.” Â (47)
living authentically between brave and terrified 