1. Jesus cries on the cross for us. He suffers and cries and dies in our place. He is forsaken by his father so we don’t have to be.
  2. As I look back, I choose to remember her as a soul redeemed by Christ.
  3. The testimony of every son and daughter of God is, God has brought us through.
  4. What is undoubtedly true, however, is that St. Peter wasn’t left outside. He wasn’t left weeping. He was restored, as am I, as are you.
  5. If the season of Lent is a journey, Holy Week is the destination.
  6. If we just say to God, “We don’t get it, please explain,” he will. He will send us a preacher to point us to his words for more clarification.
  7. The needs of the people remain the same, but now the people are you and me. We still sin, and that sin causes so many challenges in our lives.
  8. It’s scary to share my struggle and to show that I have cracks because once I’ve shown my cards, I open myself up for judgment.
  9. Human history, our history, is the story of two Adams with two very different encounters with the devil.
  10. Unprompted, without any warning, for no reason at all, without any instigation say, "I love you." And that will wash over your parents like a beautiful absolution.
  11. Ash Wednesday's purpose is not to motivate our resolve to redouble our efforts to do better.
  12. To believe God is love and thus loves you is a miracle wrought by the Holy Spirit.