Bethany E Gaddis

“I felt the smallest flash of understanding of why we call it a sacrifice of praise. It is sacrificial. It costs a lot to still worship the One who allows the wound. It costs a lot to bless the One who both fills our cups and lets them spill. Who gives, and then without explanation, takes away.”
― NICHOLE, Love Story: The Hand That Holds Us From The Garden To The Gate

“At God's party you can show up wearing a crown or a burlap sack and expect not a single compliment or insult because everybody has to walk in heart-first.”
― NICHOLE, Love Story: The Hand That Holds Us From The Garden To The Gate

“broken praise job Lyrics from Music Inspired by The Story If one more person takes my hand And tries to say they understand, Tells me there's a bigger plan that I'm not meant to see. If one more person dares suggest That I held something unconfessed, Tries to make the dots connect from righteousness to easy street… Well I, I won't deny that I've relied on some assumptions. A man's honest life entitles him to something, But who am I to make demands of the God of Abraham? And who are you that you would choose to answer me with mercy new? How many more will wander past To find me here among the ashes? Will you hold me? Will you stay So I can raise this broken praise to you? Who else will see my suffering As one more opportunity To educate; to help me see all my flawed theology? If one more well-intentioned friend tries to tie up my loose ends Hoping to, with rug and broom, sweep awkward moments from the room… But I, I can't forget that I have begged just like a madman For my chance to die and never have to face the morning. But you were the One who filled my cup And you were the One who let it spill. So blessed be your holy name if you never fill it up again. If this is where my story ends, just give me one more breath to say hallelujah.”
― NICHOLE, Love Story: The Hand That Holds Us From The Garden To The Gate

“Love doesn’t just sit there, like a stone, it has to be made, like bread; re-made all the time, made new. – Ursula K. Le Guin”
― Jennifer Jeanne Patterson, 52 Fights: A Newlywed's Confession