As esoteric as the Desert Fathers and Mothers appear on the surface, I was fascinated by the true portrait of humanity that painted itself through their teachings.  Even though they had gone to the extreme in their lifestyle, they never became un-relatable.  The depth of teaching on the heart of man is deep, profound, and simple.

To the Desert Fathers and Mothers fasting and weeping were not simply disciplines, but they were lifestyles that enabled them to embrace a deeper, more intimate union with the Spirit of God.

When external matters define you, you begin to sacrifice your humanity for something material. You are a not an Apple, Android, Honda, Ford, Mac, or PC person. You are you.

This is the power of the gospel, Christ died while we were sinners. He did not die for your perfection, he died for your brokenness.

For most, practical wisdom is not found in systematic approaches. Sure, you can broadly group the sayings and writings into categories like the active and contemplative life, but who is the one being helped with those categories?

“When I think from what evils the Lord has freed me, I am nourished by incorruptible food, and I cover my shoulders with the hope of my salvation.”

“Tears are like rain, and man is like a farmer; when they come, he who cultivates the earth of his heart must strive not to lose any of the rain but, rather, to collect all of it in his small garden and irrigate it.”

“If you want to find rest here below, and hereafter, in all circumstances say, ‘Who am I? and do not judge anyone.’”

“A mind without purity cannot approach the knowledge of God; if it tries, it tires the body out, but without achieving anything.”

"When patience is multiplied in our souls, it is a sign that we have secretly received the Grace of Divine consolation. The power of patience is more powerful than the joyful thoughts that descend into the heart."