“The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips and walk out the door and deny Him by their lifestyle… That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable.”                                                                                                                Brennan Manning

I was going through the toughest stretch of my life when I was introduced to a man whose life experience helped me understand brokenness.  Brennan Manning passed away last Friday.  I have read his books over and over and had the great joy of hearing him lecture and meet him in person.  Small in stature, a giant intellect, and honesty that made him real.

He was conflicted nearly all of his life with his own brokenness and deep fear that God could or would never love him enough.  He wrestled with religion and the religious and I believe was misunderstood, or maybe more resented for his earnestness to minister to the disadvantaged.  His battle is all of ours and his honesty to face his broken heart and dependence and say so will forever be an inspiration for me.

We will miss a great warrior.  Thank you Brennan.