While in New York City, I was much impressed with the world-famous skyscrapers. I watched with fascination as a new skyscraper went up. As I considered the work, the Holy Spirit quickened to me that building one's spiritual life is much the same as building a skyscraper strong enough to withstand the altitude and winds and turbulent weather. The higher the building was destined to one day soar, the deeper the foundation.

So it is with us: We must dig a deep foundation. Then we add humility. Then the blood is applied as we fall prostrate at the feet of Jesus, overcome with the revelation that the way up is indeed the way down.

Neighbors may laugh and friends may never understand, but keep right on digging deep, watering the foundations with weeping. The greatest builders remove every hindrance to stability by blasting away all the debris. Now, as holiness is formed, you are ready to build higher--and finally, the results of that secret work may be outwardly visible. See? He has exalted you!

--Aimee Semple McPherson
1923