Today is the start of our journey through The Inner Voice of Love. I am looking forward to it partially because there has been so much interest. I’m amazed at the number of people who have said, “That is my favorite book!” And so, with that in mind, let’s meet each other - let’s gather together as Paul encourages us to do in Hebrews 10:25, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
So, as we start out on this journey together, please introduce yourself. Tell us something about yourself, your hopes and expectations from this blog and maybe why you like The Inner Voice of Love.
I’ll start. My name is Jack Given and I live in a small town whose name means “Vale of Paradise”, outside of Chicago. My wife and I had read a book called Ruthless Trust by Brennan Manning and went to a spiritual workshop he was giving in Minocqua WI. It was at that workshop that I first heard the name, Henri Nouwen. I ‘googled’ (isn’t that the way everybody educates themselves these days?) him and began to read his books and get the daily reflection newsletter. I also joined a reading group blog. When it came to an end, I said, “Wait!! We can’t stop!” And I petitioned Maureen of the Nouwen Society to set up a blog on the daily reflections so that we could dialogue, raise questions and encourage each other in reviewing and applying Henri’s Bread for the Journey.
Well, that was 2 years ago and now I’ve been blessed to be a part of several online book discussions, challenged by thoughts, ideas and tears shared in the comments on the daily reflections and here I am about to embark with you on a trip through The Inner Voice of Love!! The Inner Voice of Love takes the wealth of Nouwen’s spiritual life and discipline and puts it into the ‘down and dirty’ crevices and failures of our lives and gives us hope. It was written by a man who knows what it is to walk through valleys and shadows and I’m challenged by his life, application and experiences.
All of us have a story. Tell us a little of your story and your being here with us in this blog.
PS And let me edit in this apology. Being born before 1960, I lack the “computer friendly” gene. And I mis-posted something and then tried to correct it which didn’t happen. SO….if you posted an intro for yourself and can’t find it, here’s an opportunity to put mercy into practice (mercy for my ineptitude) and re-post in the comment section under this post. Thank you!!