Gloria

“The difference between real leadership and the false leadership of the Leader was this: real leadership derived its authority from God, the source of all goodness. Thus parents have legitimate authority because they are submitted to the legitimate authority of a good God. But the authority of the Fuhrer was submitted to nothing. It was self-derived and autocratic, and therefore had a messianic aspect. Bonhoeffer stated, “Whereas earlier leadership was expressed in the form of the teacher, the statesman, the father… now the Leader has become an independent figure. The Leader is completely divorced from any office; he is essentially and only ‘the Leader.‘“ A true leader must know the limitations of his authority.”
― Eric Metaxas, Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy

“God isn't looking for perfection. He is seeking men and women with faith greater than fear.”
― Michele Rigby Assad, Breaking Cover: My Secret Life in the CIA and What It Taught Me about What's Worth Fighting For

“I was out alone and as I walked, I thought of my wretchedness. Temporal trouble and sorrow seemed as if it would crush me, and spiritually I felt utterly destitute, and then a wicked, angry feeling arose, as if something said, 'What do you gain by seeking the Lord?' and I mentally answered, 'Nothing but misery.' Just then some lines came into my mind which a friend had sent me:
'He has come down in mercy,
And spoilt my earth-built nest,
Ans given me grief and conflict,
For happiness and rest.
Tis well! The joy was worthless,
It flowed not from His love,
The peace was all delusive,
It came not from above.”
― B. A. Ramsbottom

“Serving God isn't easy. It is gut-wrenching, difficult work. It is not for the faint of heart. But if you listen for his voice, are open to his leading, and obey his will, you will experience adventures beyond your wildest imagination and climb mountains you never dreamed possible.”
― Michele Rigby Assad , Breaking Cover: My Secret Life in the CIA and What It Taught Me about What's Worth Fighting For