What Do You Do with Your Brokenness? Use It Abundantly
We’re all broken. Just in different ways.
And that’s okay.
When we accept our brokenness as an offering to the world, by the grace of God, we not only become genuine givers, but we also become healers.
And we ourselves become healed in the journey.
For reminders of this—and for encouragement to live it out—Ann Voskamp gives us 60 small (but large) stories from her life in The Way of Abundance.
If you know Ann’s writings, you know you can’t speed through them, so these short devotionals are wonderful bite-size vignettes of a life well-lived in pursuit of Jesus.
You can pick up these chapters one at a time, as needed, or read straight through. I happily recommend The Way of Abundance for its spiritual wisdom and gentle encouragement.
Quotes from The Way of Abundance
Here are a few of my favorite lines by Ann Voskamp from this book.
“Abundance isn’t about having as much as you want—abundance is about having as much of God as you want.”
~ * ~
“Yes, never stop working hard—but don’t grow tough. Because at the end of the day? Jesus wants our worship more than our work.”
~ * ~
“Maybe we believe in Jesus; we just don’t always believe in Him working in us.”
~ * ~
“Who knew that sometimes if you don’t risk anything—you’re actually risking everything?”
~ * ~
“Every to-do list can be a to-love list.”
~ * ~
“Maybe right now, instead of giving someone a piece of your mind, it’s far better to give them pieces of your heart.”
~ * ~
“The grace that’s in this moment is your manna. Wish for the past and you drink poison. Worry about the future and you eat fire. Stay in this moment and you eat the manna needed for now.”
~ * ~
“It isn’t having that makes us rich; it’s giving. Give sacrificially, live richly.”
* * *
Have you read Ann Voskamp’s books or blog? Please share in the comments.
My thanks to BookLook Bloogers
for the review copy
What a wonderful selection of quotes!
I don’t necessarily agree, though, that one should not become tough. I have to harden myself beyond any rational measure to get through each day now, and while the results may not be pleasant – being ruthless with your own weaknesses can lead to being ruthless with others (or at least that perception) – it’s the only way I can still be of service, the only way I can still give.
But I’m not broken; cancer will break on me.
https://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2018/05/your-dying-spouse-476-they-come-by-night.html
I guess it depends on how we define tough, and in which situation. It’s all about context. In its place, toughness is definitely an admirable quality to have! Great quote and attitude, Andrew: “But I’m not broken; cancer will break on me.”
Thanks for sharing about this book, Lisa! The quotes are great. The Broken Way is on my to-read list.
I never read The Broken Way but from what I understand, many of the passages in this devotional are from The Broken Way. So I know it’s good! Hope you enjoy it when you get to it, Lesley.
Love your quotes, Lisa! They nudge me to add this book to the ever-growing list of books I want to read. I always find great choices on your website. Thanks for that! Now if you could only add more time in each day to read!?
Oh, if I ever figure out how to add more time to each day, I’ll let you know, Pam. 🙂 I’ll be screaming it from the rooftops. ha. I always think I need more time, more time. I know God is telling me back: enough, enough.
I’ve read all of Ann’s books up to this point, but not this one. This book and The Enneagram Journey, I’m sort of waiting for, taking a break from the topic so when I get around to them later, I’ll enjoy them more.
I used The Broken Way in a Sunday School class over the winter, and we really enjoyed it.
If you’ve already read The Broken Way, you’ve likely covered much of this material, Michele. I’d be interested to hear from someone who has read both books to see how much of the material overlaps. The book notes indicate that the devotions come from The Broken Way and her online essays.
Love all the quotes but, especially, the very first. Called to be with broken people. And, to love them. I have been learning this very lesson all week – it just keeps show up again:)
Sounds like you’ve likely had a challenging week then, Jennifer! May God bless you as you pour out to others through your presence and your love.
Nice. I love those quotes. Those are the kind of words of wisdom that only come from Above.
Gotta check her site out again. It’s been awhile!
It’s been awhile since I’ve visited her site too. It’s not one that I can skim through but need to sit with and absorb.
Yes I have read the Broken Way and 1000 gifts. Love her writing – it touches me in so many places! Thanks for sharing ?
Her writing has that effect on me too, Naomi. Sometimes I’ll be reading along and then, wham!, she hits me in an emotional and unexpected way with a profound insight. I love that about Ann. Definitely a gift she has!
Oh, this one is so good, ““The grace that’s in this moment is your manna. Wish for the past and you drink poison. Worry about the future and you eat fire. Stay in this moment and you eat the manna needed for now.”” Ann is a gem but I find that I have to take her in small doses. Thanks for sharing these wonderful teaspoons of her work! Ann’s new book is on my list! Blessings on your day, friend!
That was one of my favorite quotes too, June. It’s something I struggle with, but want to do so badly: stay in the moment. Drinking poison and eating fire are definitely powerful metaphors to only eat manna instead. And yes, I have to take her in small doses too. Her writing is very dense and not something to be scanned over quickly. I have to go slowly.
I haven’t read this one but yes have read her and agree with what you said – you slowly savor her words. What a writer! This is the quote that really got me: “Every to-do list can be a to-love list.” I often feel guilty about my obsession with my to do list but this reframes it in such a refreshing way. Thanks for highlighting this good read.
Ann is definitely a writer who uses her words with such precision. There aren’t many like her. I’m thankful her heart is so inclined toward the Lord because her words definitely have the power to sway us one way or the other!
Ann’s devotionals have been some of my favorite guidebooks along the way. Thanks for the glimpse into this unknown-to-me, Lisa. She’s the perfect companion when we sit at the feet of Jesus.
Bless you for sharing …
Yes, I agree with you, Linda: Ann is quite the guide to take us gently by the hand, straight to the Lord’s feet. She has such a way with words. I have to read her slowly.