"Christians are the only ones asked to be tolerant in this culture. Only Christians are asked to put aside their views, put aside their opinions, not speak up, not stand out. We’re asked to sit back and take a back seat to the rest of the culture. And it’s time that we stood up for what we believe in."

‎”One often hears Christians say that they don’t want to get involved in political or cultural battles; they just want to “preach the Gospel.” They think that by avoiding political and cultural battles they will retain the credibility necessary to be effective in preaching the Gospel.

But according to Bonhoeffer, this is tragically mistaken. 

If your ability to speak the truth is itself under attack — if you cannot say that certain sexual behavior is wrong, or that taking unborn life is wrong — your ability to be a Christian is itself under attack. The Gospel you will be preaching has been fatally compromised.

Bonhoeffer struggled to get his fellow Christians to see that if one didn’t stand up for religious freedom, every possibility to preach the true Gospel would soon be gone. Time and again he drew a line in the sand and tried to rally other Christians so stand with him and hold that line.” Eric Metaxas

"Don’t let someone steal your tenderness. Don’t allow the coldness and fear of others to tarnish your perfectly vulnerable beating heart. Nothing is more powerful than allowing yourself to truly be affected by things. Whether it’s a song, a stranger, a mountain, a rain drop, a tea kettle, an article, a sentence, a footstep…feel it all – look around you. All of this is for you. Take it and have gratitude. Give it and feel love."

"When I say “I love you,” its not because I want you or because I can’t have you. It has nothing to do with me. I love what you are, what you do, and how you try. I’ve seen your kindness and your strength. I’ve seen the best and the worst of you. And I understand with perfect clarity exactly what and who you are."

I love that you know me. I love your facial expressions. I love the way you say my name. I love the way you want to tell me things. I love your smile. I love your laugh. I love that we have the same sense of humor. I love that we’re on the same wavelength. I love the friendly flirting. I love our conversations. I love that you care, even if it’s not the kind of care that I want. I love how you smell and how it lingers on my clothes. I love your hugs and how they’re warm and safe. I love the way your eyes light up when you laugh. I love how you’re such a geek sometimes. I love that I’m your favorite. I love that our hands fit together perfectly. I love that you’re concerned about me. I love that you make me do that cliche sigh. I love how you make me burst into fits of laughter after everything you say, because you really are that funny to me. I love how you trust me. I love how we’re best friends. I love that I can trust you. I love that you’re close by. I love that I’m able to know you. I love you.