Court of Swans

We ask for thorns to be taken from us, trials to end, but sometimes God does not take them away. He walks us through them. So stay hopeful and believe for the best, but don’t lose faith if the worst happens.

The only thing that stops us from being joyful is ourselves.

But a handsome evil man, surely, was more dangerous than an ugly one. They could get away with more.

But now I realize that even though God is good and just and He will eventually make all things right, sometimes wrongs are not made right in this life.

Could her heart be any fuller?

He was right. Showing emotion wasn't weakness. She may cry, but she would not shrink from doing whatever was needed to defend her brothers.

Showing your emotions does not make you weak. Just as not showing emotions does not make you strong.

How had she ever thought him handsome? He was hideous, his eyes as colorless as his skin.

Judge not that you be not judged.’ You have lived a privileged life, but others have not. They have struggles and face things you will never have to face,

Geoffrey's eye was caught by the crucifix on the wall, of Jesus hanging on the cross, his head bowed. What kind of humility did it take to allow oneself to be nailed to a cross, hanging in agony until dead?

She had once believed that her happiness was dependent on people staying healthy and circumstances being good. But now she felt that joy was not so easily broken as long as it was bound together with love and hope - love of God and good people in her life and the hope that she would always have love, both to give and to receive... "On earth as it is in heaven.

Joy no longer seemed as fragile as it once had.

I don't understand why so many unjust things happen. I know I should accept it as part of life in a fallen world.

O God, why did you make me a woman? So that men could try to take advantage of me? I am no good to my brothers when they need me the most. Am I only useful for making them sweaters?

I used to think God would not allow terrible injustices to stand, that he would protect the innocent, right the wrongs, pay back those who had mistreated my father, my sister, and me. Every wrong, every lie, would be brought to light and made right. But not I realize that even though God is good and just and He will eventually make all things right, sometimes wrongs are not made right in this life.

He had to help them because, though he might be betraying his king's wishes, God was his ultimate authority.

Delia begged God over and over not to let her brothers be executed, to free them from the Tower, to give them justice. God, You are the God of justice. Where is Your justice in this? Why was God allowing their enemies to triumph over them?

When had her brothers become so mature and strong? A week ago they'd all seemed like boys. Now they were men who ignored their own terrible circumstances and seemed only to think of protecting her. But she'd prove that she could take care of herself and help them too. She had to. Somehow she would. Whatever it took.

We ask for thorns to be taken from us, trials to en, but sometimes God does not take them away. He walks us through them. So stay hopeful and belive for the best, but don't lose faith if the worst happens.