Morning Briefings

It is the still, small voice that the soul heeds, not the deafening blasts of doom.

– William Dean Howells, American author and literary critic

He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge.

– Proverbs 14:26 as noted in
Proverbs for Parenting

When you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.

– Will Rogers from
Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity

Although being nice can be a worthy attribute to cultivate, it must never deter us from speaking the truth and from loving in tough ways.

– Sr. Melannie Svoboda, S.N.D.
Living Faith

The course of American history demonstrates the difficulties, the struggles and the great intellectual and moral resolve which were demanded to shape a society which faithfully embodied these noble principles. In our time, too, particularly in moments of crisis, Americans continue to find their strength in a commitment to this patrimony of shared ideals and aspirations.

– from the address of Pope Benedict XVI on the White House Lawn, April 16, 2008 as reported by
Whispers in the Loggia

One thing I’ve learned is that no problem ever goes away on its own. For any human obstacle to be overcome, there must be inner work.

– Dr. Arthur Caliandro
Simple Steps: Ten Things You Can Do to Create an Exceptional Life

Your pain and suffering are real because they are yours. You must embrace them and realize that they, too, are a gift of life because they take you out of yourself and, for a moment, make you one with all others who have known loss or pain or suffering.

– Kent Nerburn
Letters to My Son: A Father’s Wisdom on Manhood, Life and Love

While it is certainly worthwhile to seek advice from others, ultimately a calling is between you and God.

– Ray Pritchard
Leadership Lessons of Jesus: A Timeless Model for Today’s Leaders

Be still and know that I am God.

– Psalms 46:10

As a teenager, I felt immeasurable wiser and savvier than my dad. But as I grew older, I saw my dad as more of a man because he let me share in some of his fears and regrets. Because of that courage in showing me that he was just another guy, I saw him even more as godlike and supremely lovable.

– Vincent Staniforth
Questions for My Father: Finding the Man Behind Your Dad