"The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing... not healing, not curing... that is a friend who cares."
Henri Nouwen
The Return of the Prodigal Son REMBRANDT Harmenszoon van Rijn
(b.1606, Leidan, d. 1669, Amsterdam)
(Cover of Henri Nouwen's Book: The Prodigal Son)
Some of you have heard me rant and rave about Henri Nouwen, but in case you don't know...
Henri Nouwen is probably one of my favorite authors and thank you to the friend who introduced me to him (you know who you are). His passion for humanity and love for God has inspired me in so many ways. The internationally renowned priest and author, respected professor and beloved pastor Henri Nouwen wrote over 40 books on the spiritual life. he corresponded regularly in English, Dutch, German, French, and Spanish with hundreds of friends and reached out to thousands through his Eucharistic celebrations, lectures and retreats. Since his death in 1996, ever-increasing numbers of readers, writers, teachers, and seekers have been guided by his literary legacy. Nouwen's books have sold over 2 million copies and been published in over 22 languages. (http://www.henrinouwen.org/.)
Of the many books that he has written, I have read The Prodigal Son, Reaching Out: The Three Spiritual Movements, The Way of the Heart, The Wounded Healer, Inner Voice of Love, and The Life of the Beloved. Each one bringing great transformation to my life and truly opening my eyes to humanity, compassion, forgiveness, my relationships with others, and so many deep questions that at some point we have wrestled with.
A Taste of Nouwen....
"One of the most satisfying aspects of writing is that it can
open in us deep wells of hidden treasures that are beautiful for
us as well as for others to see."
"Spiritual reading is a discipline to keep us reflecting on our
lives as we live them."
“For as long as you can remember, you have been a pleaser, depending on others to give you an identity. You need not look at that only in a negative way. You wanted to give your heart to others, and you did so quickly and easily. But now you are being asked to let go of all these self-made props and trust that God is enough for you. You must stop being a pleaser and reclaim your identity as a free self.”
“Much violence is based on the illusion that life is a property to be defended and not to be shared.”
Ummmm... How can you not be moved to read one his books based on these small nuggets!!!!!
I have currently finished reading Spiritual Direction: Wisdom for the long walk of faith. The difference between this book and the others is that it is a compilation of his works, but written by two authors using the voice of Nouwen. Did I struggle in the beginning with reading this book? Yes, because I wasn't sure if it was going to be authentic to Nouwen. However, it turned out to be just as insightful and enlightening as any of his other books. They tackled questions such as, "Where have I been and where am I going? Who am I? What is Prayer? Who is God for me?"
After each section, there is a time for reflection and journaling, which I felt was so needed. So many times we rush through books without truly taking the time out to pause and digest what we have just read. We are so quick to move on to the next book without allowing the essence of the book to truly change our lives.
My challenge to you: If you are hungry to live life a little differently than you have been, if you are craving for transformation, or you are hungry for some spiritual enlightenment? Well, this is the author for you. He is definitely not an author whose books I would complete in one sitting. On the contrary, I would enjoy his insight on life, take a few weeks to soak in all that he is trying to share about his personal experiences, in order for our lives to be a bit more enriching and rewarding.
Happy Reading!!!!!
