--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: That's the strangest thing about this…" description: "\"That's the strangest thing about this life, about being in the ministry. People change the subject when they see you coming. And then sometimes those v..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a54/marilynne-robinson-602_dread_that-s-the-strangest-thing-about-this-li_2044033.png" --- # That's the strangest thing about this life, about being in… ![“That's the strangest thing about this life, about being in the ministry. People change the subject when they see you coming. And then sometimes those very same people come into your study and tell you the most remarkable things. There's a lot under the surface of life, everyone knows that. A lot…” quote by Marilynne Robinson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a54/marilynne-robinson-602_dread_that-s-the-strangest-thing-about-this-li_2044033.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a54/marilynne-robinson-602_dread_that-s-the-strangest-thing-about-this-li_2044033.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a54/marilynne-robinson-602_dread_that-s-the-strangest-thing-about-this-li_2044033.png) > “That's the strangest thing about this life, about being in the ministry. People change the subject when they see you coming. And then sometimes those very same people come into your study and tell you the most remarkable things. There's a lot under the surface of life, everyone knows that. A lot of malice and dread and guilt, and so much loneliness, where you wouldn't really expect to find it, either.” [Marilynne Robinson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marilynne-robinson/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. People often hide deep emotions, revealing unexpected insights when approached sincerely. **In simple terms:** Hidden feelings surface when we engage authentically. Key Takeaway Listen deeply to uncover hidden truths. Themes loneliness truth humanity Mood reflective empathetic Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - counseling sessions - personal relationships - community gatherings Key Concepts psychology empathy social masks Questions to Reflect On - What assumptions do you make about others' inner lives? - How can you create safe spaces for honest dialogue? A Different Perspective Not everyone will share their inner struggles; some may remain guarded. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Come Study](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/come-study-1379863/) [Dread](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dread/) [Guilt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/guilt/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Life Ministry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life-ministry-2421893/) [Loneliness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/loneliness/) [Malice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/malice/) [Ministry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ministry/) [Ministry People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ministry-people-3819216/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [People change](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people-change/) [Remarkable](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/remarkable/) [Sometimes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sometimes/) [Study](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/study/) [Study Tell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/study-tell-3819217/) [Subjects](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/subjects/) [Surface](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/surface/) [This life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/this-life/) ## Related quotes > [“Finally, the New Testament does not teach a separation between life and ministry. 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