Tim Hansel > Quotes

“Pain is inevitable, but misery is optional.”
― Tim Hansel

“The disillusionment with our own abilities is, perhaps, one of the most important things that can ever happen to us.”
― Tim Hansel

“There is a difference between memorizing Scripture and thinking biblically.”
― Tim Hansel

“When our striving fails, He is a God who comes to find us - even when we can't find ourselves. All too often we think we have to change, be good, to grow in order to be loved. In truth we are loved in order to change and grow and be all the things God wants us to be.”
― Tim Hansel, Through the Wilderness of Loneliness

“I'm reminded of a conversation between a little girl and her mother as they walked out of church. The mother asked her how she liked church that day. The girl replied that she thought it was good, but that she was a little confused. "The pastor said that God was bigger than we are. Is that true?" she asked. The mother responded that it was indeed true. "He also said that God lives inside of us. Is that true, Mommy?" Again the mother replied, "Yes." "Well, then," said the girl, "if God is bigger than us, and if He lives inside of us, then shouldn't some of Him show through?”
― Tim Hansel, Dancin' Toward the Dawn: Discovering Joy in the Darkness of Loneliness

“You can't laugh if you don't feel. You can't know true joy unless you've cried.”
― Tim Hansel, Through the Wilderness of Loneliness

“I thought of Jesus' words, 'Come to me... and I will give you rest.' (Matthew 11:28). It is interesting to note that He didn't say, 'Do this and it will give you rest' or 'Don't do this and it will give you rest.' He said, 'Come to me... and I will give you rest.' It is an intimate relationship He offers.”
― Tim Hansel, Through the Wilderness of Loneliness

“It is difficult to receive when your fists are clenched. it is impossible to embrace when your arms are crossed. It is difficult to see when your eyes are closed. It is hard to discover when your mind is made up. And a heart that has sealed itself off from giving has unknowingly sealed itself off from the ability to receive love.”
― Tim Hansel, Through the Wilderness of Loneliness

“A map is not the same as being there. A map shows you where to go and how to get there. It shows you where the high places are and what they will be like. but it is no substitute for the wilderness itself. The Bible is a map and a survival manual for the Christian life. The Holy Spirit is the compass and our personal guide. But we still have to put our boots on and explore the wilderness ourselves. We can't get there by taxi. None of us knows exactly what we will find. There will be difficult places as well as awesome beauty. There will be hard grinds and oases. There will be moving experiences and some experiences we would like to avoid altogether. But the more time we spend in the wilderness, the more comfortable we become there. The rugged terrain turns into veritable adventure. The unique beauty is an invitation to the mystery of living, and we begin to appreciate the gift of each day.”
― Tim Hansel, Through the Wilderness of Loneliness

“Solitude doesn't transform things; it simply makes us see things that we couldn't see before.”
― Tim Hansel, Through the Wilderness of Loneliness

“Solitude is a flower born of simplicity. It needs to be tended slowly and patiently. A quiet heart never comes easy, never in a hurry.”
― Tim Hansel, Through the Wilderness of Loneliness