As somebody who, in my second marriage, insisted on a prenuptial agreement, I can also testify that sometimes it is an act of love to chart the exit strategy before you enter the union, in order to make sure that not only you, but your partner as well, knows that there will be no World War III should hearts and minds, for any sad reason, change.

God dwells within you, as you.

If you're going to answer the call and you're going to transform and you're going to change, get ready. It is not a day at the beach.

But he [Depression] just gives me that dark smile, settles into my favorite chair, puts his feet on my table and lights a cigar, filling the place with his awful smoke. Loneliness watches and sighs, then climbs into my bed and pulls the covers over himself, fully dressed, shoes and all. He's going to make me sleep with him again tonight, I just know it.

Destiny, I feel, is also a relationship - a play between divine grace and willful self-effort.

I equal parts loved him and could not stand him. I couldn't wake him to share in my distress.

Do I really deserve this pleasure? This is American, too-the insecurity about whether we have earned our happiness.