Devotions based on Brennan Manning’s book, The Rabbi’s Heartbeat

The author said that what is denied cannot be healed. If we remain in hiding and deny the reality of our sin, we deprive the community of our healing gift. “In Love’s service, only wounded soldiers can serve.” ( Thorton Wilder)   If we conceal our wounds, out of fear or shame, our inner darkness cannot be illuminated or become a light for others. But when we dare to live as forgiven people, we join the wounded healers and draw closer to Him. The art of gentleness toward ourselves leads us to be gentle with others.  Henry Nouwen implies that grace and healing are communicated through vulnerability and brokenness. Just like AA members who don’t forget their brokenness are able to bring healing to others and lighten their pain. Our own pain and sadness makes us aware of our inner poverty so that Christ can pour his healing into the empty space inside us.  Like Paul we can say that we can boast in our weakness that the power of God would be seen.  ( II Cor. 12:9)