“Most of the time, it’s your thinking, not your talent, that holds you back.”

The purpose of influence is to “speak up for those who have no influence.” It’s not about you.

Failure isn’t a character quality. It’s just an event. How you respond to failure is your character.

If God only used perfect people, He would have no one to use.

God specializes in giving people a fresh start.

Life minus love equals zero.

Love leaves legacy. How you treated other people, not your wealth or accomplishments, is the most enduring impact you can leave on earth.

You don’t bring glory or pleasure to God by hiding your abilities or by trying to be someone else. You only bring him enjoyment by being you.

God doesn’t intend for you to handle all the pain and stress in your life by yourself. We were wired for each other. We need each other.

God changes caterpillars into butterflies, sand into pearls and coal into diamonds using time and pressure. He’s working on you, too.

Other people are going to find healing in your wounds. Your greatest life messages and your most effective ministry will come out of your deepest hurts.

Nothing else you do will ever matter as much as helping people establish an eternal relationship with God.

You weren’t put on earth to be remembered. You were put here to prepare for eternity.

Pride builds walls between people, humility builds bridges.

When God is at the center of your life, you Worship, when He’s not, you Worry.

Wearing a mask wears you out. Faking it is fatiguing. The most exhausting activity is pretending to be what you know you aren’t.

You cannot fulfil God’s purposes for your life while focusing on your own plans.

A despot doesn’t fear eloquent writers preaching freedom- he fears a drunken poet who may crack a joke that will take hold.

He tasted deeper, holding himself over me, and suddenly he was everywhere; his knee trapping my leg, his lips grazing warm, rough, sensuous. He splayed his hand at the small of my back, holding me tightly, driving me to sink my fingers deeper into him, clinging to him as if letting go would mean losing part of myself.

We’re each of us alone, to be sure. What can you do but hold your hand out in the dark?

Just hold on. Just for a minute.” “Are you all right ?” I found my gaze dropping towards his chair, afraid some part of him was pinched, or trapped, that I had got something wrong.

I cannot hold with those who wish to put down the insignificant chatter of the world.

I have a painting where somebody’s holding a chicken, and underneath the chicken is somebody’s head.

No matter how bad a state of mind you may get into, if you keep strong and hold out, eventually the floating clouds must vanish and the withering wind must cease.

Stay with me tonight. Let me hold you even if that’s all it is. Let me keep you safe.