The fact is that unless we are extricated by the grace of Christ, we remain subject to the violence of a whole mass of innumerable evils.

To me, the human experience does involve a great deal of anguish. It's joyful, but it's bittersweet. I just think that's life.

Life is hard, we say. An oyster's life is worse. She lives motionless, soundless, her own cold ugly shape her only dissipation.

Dignity of human nature requires that we must face the storms of life.

Our life is always deeper than we know, is always more divine than it seems, and hence we are able to survive degradations and despairs which otherwise must engulf us.

I wept to think that life went on even when so much had been lost, that rain still fell and myrtle grew between the rocks.

How do I wake up to joy and grace and beauty and all that is the fullest life when I must stay numb to losses and crushed dreams and all that empties me out?

He (God) is determined to pursue you because He knows the greatest joy in your life will come from His lan for you.

Notice how those who have medicated away their hardships with illegal drugs, alcohol, or sex can seem immature. They may look forty-five, but they have the character of an adolescent. Find a person who has weathered storms rather than avoided them and you will find someone who is wise.

You have to accept whatever comes, and the only important thing is that you meet it with the best you have to give.

We all have within us the ability to move from struggle to grace.

As African American, gay drag queens, we live with more adversity and challenges.