[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$f7N1ETnr0OfBAaYmuVML_Qowe9YUyNmAUCup8fDhHDwI":3,"$fsak1qj-dpP2xtenmT18i58qiNbU0ph6zGKwSdToXS9s":12},{"author":4,"tags":11},{"author_id":5,"author_name":6,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"bio":9,"short_bio":9,"bio_jsonld":9,"slug":10,"image_url":9},94685,"Margaret Guenther","M",4,null,"margaret-guenther",[],{"quotes":13,"pagination":53},[14,22,30,36],{"id":15,"quote_text":16,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":19,"source":20,"quote_tag":21,"commentary":9},3249592,"Dear God, help me pay attention! Dear God, help me keep my mouth shut! Dear God, let me put myself out of the way! Dear God, let me be wholly present to this person, your child!",6,false,{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"id":23,"quote_text":24,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":25,"author":26,"source":27,"quote_tag":28,"commentary":29},3249584,"We all need friends with whom we can speak of our deepest concerns, and who do not fear to speak the truth in love to us.",true,{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],"**The Backstory**\n\nThis poignant quote is a reflection of Margaret Guenther's deep understanding of human nature, gained through her extensive experience as an Episcopal priest and spiritual director. As she navigated the complexities of faith and doubt in her own life, Guenther came to recognize the importance of authentic relationships in our spiritual journeys. The era of her writing, marked by societal shifts and personal struggles, underscores the relevance of her words.\n\n**The Hidden Insight**\n\nWhat lies beneath this seemingly straightforward statement is a nuanced exploration of the interplay between vulnerability and confrontation. Guenther's quote reveals that true growth and understanding can only emerge from relationships where individuals feel safe enough to expose their deepest concerns, while also being willing to receive candid feedback that may challenge their assumptions.\n\n**How to Use This**\n\nTo apply this mindset in your own life, cultivate a network of trusted friends who embody the qualities Guenther describes. Regularly schedule deep conversations with these individuals, creating space for open discussion and honest feedback that can help you confront areas where you need growth and development.",{"id":31,"quote_text":32,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":33,"source":34,"quote_tag":35,"commentary":9},3249580,"Often what we call “play” is competitive or compulsive, because the aesthetic dimension of true play, its holy uselessness, goes against our grain.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"id":37,"quote_text":38,"author_id":5,"source_id":39,"has_image":18,"author":40,"source":41,"quote_tag":42,"commentary":9},714029,"It is a necessary part of a rule of life to cherish our bodies, care for them, and see the beauty in their intricate design. But too often, most of us - men and women both - come to dislike them as the years pass, or at the very least to feel that they need major remodeling... We fight to stave off aging or at least to disguise it. Yet in his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul reminds us of the sanctity of the body (1 Cor. 6:19-20)...",2,{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[43,48],{"id":44,"tag":45},3499105,{"id":46,"tag_name":47},14434,"spiritual-direction",{"id":49,"tag":50},3499106,{"id":51,"tag_name":52},41775,"spiritual-disciplines",{"currentPage":54,"totalPages":54,"totalItems":8,"itemsPerPage":55},1,10]