Inspirational Documentary Airs on Public Television
Journey of the Heart - the life of Henri Nouwen has aired on many PBS stations. Journey of the Heart, produced by Windborne Productions, is an interesting, rich and inspiring biography of one of the most significant spiritual thinkers of our time. If you have seen this film, please tell us what you think about it. What resonated with you? What surprised you, inspired you? If you enjoyed seeing the film on PBS, we invite you to call the station to let them know and to encourage them to air it again, during prime time.
Journey of the Heart can also be purchased from our shopcart.
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May 14th, 2007 @ 6:33 pm
I watched this moving documentary with a small group of friends. We each were astounded at the depth of the emotional and spiritual impact we experienced in its viewing. Nouwen’s life stood before us as a great testament to God’s use of an imperfect human being to spread His message of redemptive love for all of humanity, to show us the way of community, the value - the eternal value as well as the immediate value - of the Cross. Henri Nouwen lived his life in a way that is inspiring, challenging, and beautiful. Thank you for a work that will transcend time and, for those that can embrace its message, change lives.
May 15th, 2007 @ 11:31 am
I had the privilege of meeting Henri Nouwen when we interviewed him for the television program Cross Currents but it was really through the comments of friends and family that I came to know Henri. Now, I hear his voice as I read his books. This man who was a wounded healer speaks healing into my life through his deep understanding of God and of our belovedness.
It was both a privilege and a miracle that I got to tell his story in a film.
August 3rd, 2007 @ 6:38 pm
I just happened to find the program last night. I live in San Antonio, Texas and I was surprised to find such a wonderful, inspiring film about Henri Nouwen’s life. I have read a few of his books and I subscribe to the daily email inspirational message.
This film was outstanding. It made this man so real, and I could envision his suffering, his aloneness and his trying to discover and fulfill his calling.
I truly appreciate the filmakers and those who participated in order to reveal the depth of his personality. Seeing his sisters and brothers helped me to realize that he was a “real” person and not just a scholarly person writing books. I especially enjoyed seeing how he waved his arms and hands and hearing his demeanor described by a colleague.
Thank you.
August 18th, 2007 @ 5:56 pm
As of Saturday, August 18/07, I just happened to notice that the PBS station for Northern New York and Eastern Ontario (including Ottawa) is broadcasting “Journey of the Heart:…” on SUNDAY, AUGUST 19th at 2p.m. EST. Many of us in this area are glad that we are finally going to be able to see it.
Tom Twaddle
October 2nd, 2007 @ 10:31 am
I caught the Henri Nouwen documentary on PBS by serendipitous (and blessed !) accident. I had fallen asleep with WNED Buffalo on, and was having a disturbing dream which was set in a chapel, in hindsight similar to the one at L’Arche Daybreak. I woke up and saw Henri’s face on the TV. Some minutes later I saw David, a core member of the community whom I knew, talk about Henri. Henri counseled me once with the advice that some questions have to be lived rather than answered.
The documentary helped focus that pearl of wisdom.
March 4th, 2008 @ 4:26 pm
“Journey of the Heart” was beautifully done, and very inspiring. I especially appreciated the openness and and honesty of the narration as well as the comments made by Henri’s friends, colleagues and family members. One came away realizing that this amazing, completely devoted, dedicated servant of God had demons of his own, that he was very ‘human’, that he battled with human frailties as we all do. What was particularly transforming to me was the fact that, in the end, it was a group of rather childlike people who fulfilled his deep needs to be loved and accepted. It was heartwarming to see how safe he felt in their embrace. With them he could freely be who he really was.
The lessons to be learned from the truth of Henri’s life, the way he lived it, the paths he followed, the deep, spiritual insights that came to him which he then imparted to others, are most profound. I must say that I was spellbound by the account and was sorry to see it come to an end. It solidified for me my own conviction that, ultimately, it isn’t the religion, per se, that one belongs to that counts, but the personal connection one has with God, and the depth and breadth of it. As Henri so eloquently said, we are all children of God, beloved of Him. I wonder how many of us really think of ourselves in those terms and, if we did, how it would alter the way we live our own lives, the choices we make, how happy and at peace we might be, how fulfilled. No doubt we would be more loving, forgiving and compassionate.
In my own struggles, I have for some time been working on learning and processing that I am beloved of God. It was a new concept for me but I can say, in all earnestness, that understanding and, more importantly, accepting that my presence on this earth matters to Him, that He has a purpose for me, has enabled me to move through very difficult times. I do believe as Henri says, that it is only God who can really supply all we need emotionally; no human can. I may not practice my inherited religion, or any religion for that matter, but I treasure my spiritual connection with the God who has blessed me in so many ways, when I opened my heart to the truth and beauty and magnitude of His goodness.
July 2nd, 2009 @ 11:49 pm
This movie sounds interesting. I’m the type of person who needs constant inspiration. I guess I’ll grab a copy of this movie from our local movie store outlets.