This morning I made some time to read for fun. The book I had been on the waiting list for from the library came in at long last, and I was excited to finally be able to sit down and start reading. This book, Tattoos on the Heart by Gregory Boyle, was recommended to me by Deborah Ann over at Heavenly Humor. While reading, I came across this quote from Denise Levertove that particularly stirred me:"It's when we face for a moment the worst our kind can do, and shudder to know the taint in our own selves, that awe cracks the mind's shell and enters the heart."
Have you ever had that kind of experience? Have you ever seen another human being do something wretched only to realize that you weren't exempt, that some bit of that same poison existed in you as well? Did that awareness crack open your mind and enter your heart? What affect did that have?
8 comments:
I wrestle with those thoughts on a regular basis.
Finally, I am more concerned with my own behavior than someone else's.
I have experienced that via the cruelty of one person in my life.
Me too David. When I was younger it was easy for me to see myself as "good" and different from "bad" people. But over the years, as I've had to come to grips with my own defects of character, I've come to see that there are inklings of the same yucky stuff in my own heart. I'm grateful that God's used this awareness to change my heart and empower me to be more accepting of people exactly how they are.
Thought I was alone on the ride...only to realize we are all in the same boat!
Tattoos...That's what my coworkers and I were talking about last night at work. Some inmates found out how to change the colors of their eyes [the white part]...but deep inside, I was hoping that someday, they will have His tattoo in their hearts. Blessings to you sister.
What a reminder that very thing is to be thankful for God's grace...His grace in not allowing us to be the evil we are capable of! Our very thoughts are enough to damn us to hell...if only we could all see that we could understand the love we should have for others. I know I need help in that area.
Many times I see faults in other just to remind myself that I am caught in that same shell game. What do this say to us? Poison doesn't discriminate and I might as well stop having this dishonest belief. God bless.
Aw, so glad you're liking it!
I have had that exact thought...who knows what I'm capable of doing? In a moment of rage, or doubt...And so I can't judge anyone else, but can only offer up a silent prayer that God spared me of this same action, and then offer mercy...
*ouch*
my toes....
Great thought provoking post!
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