On this Saturday of Lent here’s a quote from Catherine de Hueck Doherty, one of Virginia’s favorite spiritual writers:
“Lent is a sea of God’s mercy, warm and quiet and inviting for us to swim in…but we say to ourselves, ‘if I enter into that sea of mercy and I am healed, I will be sort of bound to practice that which Christ preaches, His law of love… It will mean that if I seek mercy, I will have to dish out mercy; I have to be merciful to others.’
…Lent is here to remind us that the mercy of God is ours, provided we embrace that which He has given us to embrace – His law of love – provided we realize that it’s going to hurt and hurt plenty, but the very hurting will be healing. That is the strangeness and paradox of God: that while you hurt, you heal.” Catherine Doherty (Grace in Every Season)
Here’s to entering the seas of God’s mercy this Lent with hearts open to be healed, hearts ready to share God’s merciful love with others.
grace, peace & merciful LOVE
Virginia : )
Photos: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Roses in the Rubble 
I have never heard of this writer, her writing is so true and real, about hurt and how our character can change. God’s love and mercy. Going to Baby Charlie’s Baby Shower…riding on God’s love for new life in our family
Catherine Doherty was a woman of inspiring faith and courage. I’ve been reading her books for so long they have become quite tattered! Will see if I can find a serviceable book to pass on to you! May Baby Charlie arrive safely!!!Hugs! 💞✨🕊✨💞
GL,
Another meaningful blog and quote—reminded me of Hebrews 12:11 …
“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”
Keep writing!! ✍️
Thanks for your encouragement, Cin. What a great verse! Sometimes we may not feel like getting to it, but discipline says: do it anyway, however unpleasant. But later discipline can yield joy. Think of Mama making Dean practice his piano years ago when he wanted to play outside. Yet now his accomplished playing brings such joy to him – and to others. (He serenaded us here on his last visit.) Hugs!! 🎶✨🤗✨🎶