Life becomes bright wherever one learns to give thanks for the smallest things.

— Friedrich von Bodelschwingh (1831–1910), Theologe, Diakonie-Gründer

Friedrich von Bodelschwingh

Friedrich von Bodelschwingh (1831–1910) war ein deutscher lutherischer Theologe und einer der prägenden Pioniere der Diakonie, der ab 1872 die Hilfseinrichtungen in Bethel bei Bielefeld aufbaute. Er widmete sich der Fürsorge für Menschen mit Behinderungen und Wohnungslose, stand dabei jedoch auch für ein stark patriarchalisches Leitungsverständnis und eine konservative Ablehnung politischer Reformen. Für Bibelleser veranschaulicht sein Wirken eine radikal praktische Nächstenliebe im Dienst an Ausgegrenzten, die zugleich eng an die kirchlich-gesellschaftlichen Strukturen ihrer Epoche gebunden blieb.

All quotes by Friedrich von Bodelschwingh (177)

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Man is unhappy because he doesn't know he's happy. It's only that.
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Go forth, my heart, and seek joy in this lovely summertime, in the gifts of your God. Behold the beauty of the gardens' adornment, and see how they have decked themselves for me and for you.
Paul Gerhardt

Great are you, Lord, and highly to be praised. Man, this tiny part of your creation, wants to praise you. You yourself stir him to delight in praising you, for you have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.
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For all that has been - Thanks. For all that will be - Yes.
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The world is more than its burden, and life is more than the sum of its gray days.
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A good sleep is grace and so are good dreams. Most tears are grace. The smell of rain is grace. Somebody loving you is grace. Loving somebody is grace.
Frederick Buechner

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