Maybe the most sacred function of memory is just that: to render the d — Frederick Buechner

"If we are to believe he is really alive with all that that implies, then we have to believe without proof. And of course that is the only way it could be. If it could be somehow proved, then we would have no choice but to believe. We would lose our freedom not to believe. And in the very moment that we lost that freedom, we would cease to be human beings. Our love of God would have been forced upon us, and love that is forced is of course not love at all. Love must be freely given. Love must live in the freedom not to love; it must take risks. Love must be prepared to suffer even as Jesus on the Cross suffered, and part of that suffering is doubt."

"And now brothers, I will ask you a terrible question, and God knows I ask it also of myself. Is the truth beyond all truths, beyond the stars, just this: that to live without him is the real death, that to die with him the only life?"

"With words as valueless as poker chips, we play games whose object it is to keep us from seeing each other’s cards."

"If you have never known the power of Gods love, then maybe it is because you have never asked to know it - I mean really asked, expecting an answer."

"Life is grace. Sleep is forgiveness. The night absolves. Darkness wipes the slate clean, not spotless to be sure, but clean enough for another days chalking."

"Faith is stepping out into the unknown with nothing to guide us but a hand just beyond our grasp."