See You Later, Brennan Manning

To me, Brennan Manning epitomized what the apostle Paul knew about God: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:8) Having once been a full-fledged flailer in weakness—Oh, how I loathed it—God met with me in the midst and provided Himself and His love and grace (the cure), and I willingly became His vessel and display for that process, for that life. I was amazed! Weakness was worth what I found, but I wondered if I was crazy or wrong, since no one was talking about personal weakness as a doorway by which to know Jesus. Like weakness was a good thing!

Brennan Manning and his books became a sort of mentor to me. He talked all about the weakness and ugliness in his life, and how, nevertheless—maybe because of it—God showed Himself perfectly wonderful to sloppy Brennan. Brennan fell in love, just as God planned. And, just yesterday, weakness ushered Brennan home to be with the One he loved, the same as it will for me one day. I’m glad he has always gone ahead of me, leaving some understanding for me to follow. He was one of my highest heroes.