One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp
Week 10: Chapter 9 — "Go Lower"
Read Chapter 9 of One Thousand Gifts. Key Scripture: Philippians 2:5-11; Matthew 11:29.
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Voskamp arrives at one of the book's most counter-cultural arguments: that the way up is down — that humility and surrender are not the obstacle to joy but the path to it. Come ready to examine where pride is blocking your gratitude.
Discussion Questions
7 questions1.Voskamp argues that pride — the insistence on being in control, on having things go our way — is the root of ingratitude. Do you agree? How does pride interfere with the ability to receive gifts with open hands?
2.She writes about the posture of the Eucharist — kneeling, receiving, not taking. How does that physical posture describe a spiritual orientation toward life? What does it mean to kneel before a gift rather than grab for it?
3.Philippians 2 describes Christ emptying Himself, taking the form of a servant, going lower and lower — unto death. Voskamp uses this kenotic movement as the template for a gratitude-shaped life. What does it mean to "go lower" in your own relationships and daily choices?
a.Is there an area of your life where pride or the need for control is making gratitude difficult? What would "going lower" look like there?
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