Rating: 
Summary: Challenging call to live the Love of Christ
Review: There is one review that gives this book one star and that reflects in the overall rating. This is a five star book. I listened to it on tape. When he shared about how his life can be described as either being taken (chosen), blessed, broken or given by Christ I pulled the car over to the side of the road and prayed a prayer of thanksgiving for the revelation that came from that simple word. You don't have to agree 100% with Henri's doctrine to read him, and those who pass him over or this book over because he cannot fit in your theological box will miss a great treasure.
Rating:
Summary: A Word of Joy
Review: There is so much in our every day lives that tries to make us believe that we are no good; we do not count; we don't measure up. Many of us have begun to learn those messages as a small child. Henri Nouwen has a way of letting you know that you do matter and are precious in God's sight. In spite of the fact that I have studied theology, I found that when stressed, a feeling of emptiness often overcame me that I could not explain. I knew that God loved me. I knew that God loves everyone. However, that knowledge was in my head. At a continuing education event, a new friend gave me a copy of this book, urging me to "read it soon". The knowledge that I was loved beyond my wildest imagination sank from my head into the rest of me. I felt joy and love like I had never known before. A silly feeling that I wasn't entitled to all that love was quickly dispelled by the knowledge that God has more love for each of us than we can imagine - even when we become overwhelmed and feel "like bottomless pits of human need". What a liberating word of joy that continues to fill my very being. Read it! You'll be glad you did!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent meditation for your spiritual journey
Review: This is an excellent book for someone who has never read Nouwen's writings. The book carries a great message of hope; that God, who created us in his image and likeness, calls us to live our lives with the knowledge that we are His "beloved" children and that He is always calling us to a deeper love and intimacy with Him.In response to negative reviews of this book because it doesn't beat you over the head with purely Christian messages, there is much to be said for Nouwen's reaching out to people of all faiths and gently leading them to think about what God's will is for their lives, and how they are called to live - in love and in loving others. Isn't that Jesus' ultimate message to all of us?
Rating:
Summary: The Ultimate Reality
Review: This is one of the most exceptional books I've ever read. Nouwen managed to describe the indescribable, God's love for us. The book is short and easy to read, but profound. A reader will need to take time to live with its truths and will probably want to re-read sections. Give yourself a gift of this book--it is a perfect Lenten read.
Rating:
Summary: wonderful
Review: this was his best. a wonderful message everyone should hear and take to heart.
Rating:
Summary: wonderful
Review: this was his best. a wonderful message everyone should hear and take to heart.
Rating:
Summary: Life Changing!
Review: This was the first but not the last book by Henri that I have read. It truly opened my mind and mostly my heart to the fullness of God's love in my life. Although Henri's book was for a secular Jewish friend who even admitted that it didn't have the impact upon his life as he had hoped for, but the impact that I beleive it has made upon the Body of Christ as a whole is remarkable. Henri writes very plainly about his own struggles and some of those around him, he clearly puts his own life out on a limb in his writings by becoming very transparent, allowing us to look into the life and heart of this wonderful priest, man, and brother in Christ. The message of Christ at the Last Supper was truly brought to life in this book, especially as Henri describes the message that Christ was showing us through the bread and wine. This book is a must read for all, Catholics and Non-Catholics alike. I am not a Catholic believer, but I have to say that Henri Nouwen has become my absolutly favorite author. I have read many of his other works and have not been let down. They are very rich with wisdom and lessons learned. Henri truly has made a deposit into my life and mostly my spiritual life. He has opened up my eyes to many things through this book along with the other books he has written. This is a must read book along with anything else Henri has written. My only disappointment is that I was unable to read his books sooner than I have. I also walked away from reading this book knowing without a doubt that I am a beloved son and my Heavenly Father loves me unconditionaly.
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