"Luke 17:33 says, 'Those who try to keep their lives will lose them. But those who give up their lives will save them.'

"Heaven may have a shrine to honor God’s uncommon use of the common. If so, it’s a place you don’t want to miss. See Rahab’s rope, David’s sling, and Samson’s jawbone. Wrap your hand around the staff that split the sea, and sniff the ointment that soothed Jesus’ skin and lifted his heart.

"I don’t know if these items will be there. But I’m sure of one thing – the people who used them, they’ll be there. The risk takers: Rahab who sheltered the spy. David, slinging a stone, and Samson, swinging a bone. Mary at Jesus’ feet. What she gave cost much, but somehow she knew what he would give would cost more."

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