“I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live I live by believing in God’s Son, who loved me and took the punishment for my sins” (Galatians 2:20 God’s Word Translation©).

“If I had not destroyed myself completely, I should not have been able to rebuild and shape myself; that is, if I had not forsaken everything deriving from my own will that appeared good to me, I would not have been able to acquire the virtues**.” Abba Alonius (Alonios), 4th Century

**[prudence (reasoning), justice, temperance (self-restraint), fortitude (endurance), faith, hope, charity (deep compassion)].