Discovering more joy does not, save us from the inevitability of hardship and heartbreak.
TUTU DESMONDDiscovering more joy does not, save us from the inevitability of hardship and heartbreak.
TUTU DESMONDThere comes a point where we need to stop just pulling people out of the river. We need to go upstream to find out why they’re falling in.
TUTU DESMONDDear Child of God, I write these words because we all experience sadness, we all come at times to despair, and we all lose hope that the suffering in our lives and in the world will ever end.
TUTU DESMONDOut of the cacophony of random suffering and chaos that can mark human life, the life artist sees or creates a symphony of meaning and order.
TUTU DESMONDWe are fragile creatures, and it is from this weakness, not despite it, that we discover the possibility of true joy.
TUTU DESMONDI do believe there are monstrous and evil acts, but I do not believe those who commit such acts are monsters or evil.
TUTU DESMONDWe learn from history that we don’t learn from history.
TUTU DESMONDForgiveness does not relieve someone of responsibility for what they have done. Forgiveness does not erase accountability. It is not about turning a blind eye or even turning the other cheek.
TUTU DESMONDWhen we see others as the enemy, we risk becoming what we hate. When we oppress others, we end up oppressing ourselves. All of our humanity is dependent upon recognizing the humanity in others.
TUTU DESMONDIt is through weakness and vulnerability that most of us learn empathy and compassion and discover our soul.
TUTU DESMONDReligion is like a knife: you can either use it to cut bread, or stick in someone’s back.
TUTU DESMONDIn the end generosity is the best way of becoming more, more, and more joyful.
TUTU DESMONDWhen the missionaries came to Africa they had the Bible and we had the land. They said “Let us pray.” We closed our eyes. When we opened them we had the Bible and they had the land.
TUTU DESMONDTo protect our children, we must talk to them about rape.
TUTU DESMONDIf you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse, and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.
TUTU DESMONDWe are made for goodness. We are made for love. We are made for friendliness. We are made for togetherness. We are made for all of the beautiful things that you and I know.
TUTU DESMOND