#devotion

She sang, as requested. There was much about love in the ballad: faithful love that refused to abandon its object; love that disaster could not shake; love that, in calamity, waxed fonder, in poverty clung closer. The words were set to a fine old air -- in themselves they were simple and sweet: perhaps, when read, they wanted force; when well sung, they wanted nothing. Shirley sang them well: she breathed into the feeling, softness, she poured round the passion, force: her voice was fine that evening; its expression dramatic: she impressed all, and charmed one. On leaving the instrument, she went to the fire, and sat down on a seat -- semi-stool, semi-cushion: the ladies were round her -- none of them spoke. The Misses Sympson and the Misses Nunnely looked upon her, as quiet poultry might look on an egret, an ibis, or any other strange fowl. What made her sing so? They never sang so. Was it proper to sing with such expression, with such originality -- so unlike a school girl? Decidedly not: it was strange, it was unusual. What was strange must be wrong; what was unusual must be improper. Shirley was judged. ↗

— Charlotte Brontë

#empathy #expectations #expression #faithfulness #feeling

I never force myself to be devout except when I feel so inspired, and never compose hymns of prayers unless I feel within me real and true devotion. ↗

— Franz Schubert

#devotion #devout #except #feel #force

When we contemplate the heroes of Christianity, and compare our feeble efforts with their astonishing performance and self devotion, we should fall into despair, were there not a few softening features, by which they are brought back to the ranks of humanity. ↗

— John Strachan

#back #brought #christianity #compare #contemplate

True love is a developed and intense appreciation for someone. It’s that perfect awareness that you are finally whole when she’s with you, and that hollow incompleteness you suffer when she’s gone. ↗

— Richelle E. Goodrich

#derian #devotion #eena #incompleteness #love

As I pedaled my bike slowly home, I realized one more thing. I didn’t have to wonder if I’d ever be passionate or happy again. I was happy, even as I tasted tears on my lips, along with Will’s last kiss; even though part of me dreaded this day, my first without Will. I was happy because I knew I’d never forget Will. Even if parts of this summer faded from my memory over time, even if Will’s face grew vague in my mind, I’s never forget what it had felt like to be with him for a few short months. What it had been like to be sixteen and in love for the first time. I wouldn’t forget that – not ever. ↗

— Michelle Dalton

#love

I know that she deserves the best and purest love the heart of man can offer," said Mrs. Maylie; "I know that the devotion and affection of her nature require no ordinary return, but one that shall be deep and lasting. ↗

— Charles Dickens

#love #women #love

...you have changed everything for me- you rearranged the furniture and now you've changed the view from my window!... ↗

— John Geddes

#devotion #perspective #change

Our father. We have killed him, and we will kill him again, and our world will kill him. And yet he is there. It is he who listens at the door. It is he who is coming. It is our father who is about to be born. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. ↗

— Frederick Buechner

#crucifixion #devotional #religion #religion

I love you Hyung-nim. Always...if you ever feel the need to rip me to shreds and eat me, do it. My blood, my flesh, everything is yours. I won't leave you. I love you Hyung-nim. ↗

— Hajin Yoo

#love #love

Find your place in life, and GROW! ↗

— Anita R. Sneed-Carter

#grow #inspirational #jesus #life #live