Welcome Everyone!
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!!
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November 1st, 2008 @ 6:56 am
Hi Everyone,
I, also hope it is not too late to join this group. I live in Athens, GA. I have 2 grown son and 2 granddaughters.
A friend told me about Henri Nouwen and I’ve been reading his books for the past 2 years. It seems as though he is speaking to me directly. I find myself underlining every other sentence.
Blessings,
Jack
PS. I’m not really sure how to do this…can anyone tell me…thanks
October 26th, 2008 @ 11:25 pm
I hope it is not too late to join this discussion group. I was on a vacation in Lake Tahoe recently and this book was instrumental in helping me to see that I was looking to people to give me what only God can give. If its ok, I will start w/this week’s reading. I have never done anything on line like this before so here goes. I am starting a new job tomorrow as a Hospice Social Worker. I live in Kansas City - I am 57 and have been divorced for 20+ years. I have no children. I am one of 7 children and have the greatest friends.
October 11th, 2008 @ 10:36 am
Hello everyone. We saw a film about Henri Nouwen during our Adult Forum at church and had a discussion with someone who had stayed at Daybreak while he was there. I became intrigued and took The Inner Voice of Love out of our church library. Our associate pastor told me about this reading group, and so here I am!
I’m New Yorker, a Roman Catholic turned Presbyterian, on a spiritual journey, and glad to have found all of you.
Connie
October 8th, 2008 @ 1:00 am
Hello, everyone. I failed to introduce myself in my prior posts. I am a transplant from PA to TX, mother of 7 adult children, and have 12 grands. I do part-time missionary work, with intention of spending significant amount of time in Mexico in the near future. My “calling” there seems to be to establish a place for dialogue, a place where people can ask the hard questions, a place to grow. Not that I have the answers, but I believe people will find the answers for themselves, if they are free to express themselves, free to explore ideas. It will be accessible to the local community, as well as a place for Americans to get away, to be alone with God, and the stars, and the burros. Contact me, if you want to know more. This is a work-in-progress, in the initial phases. I myself am surprised at the way this has taken shape, but I am sure that in the future I will have many more surprises ahead. Many blessings to you all. It is a pleasure to be in this discussion group with you. I am sure I will glean much that will speak to my life and ministry.
Sylvia
October 5th, 2008 @ 7:32 am
Hi,
My name is Phillip and I am happily married with two teenage daughters and we live in a small town in Mississippi. Big fan of Nouwen for a few years now and looking forward to that “Inner vocie of Love,” this blog!
October 4th, 2008 @ 5:40 am
Hi, I’m Veronica. I live in New Zealand and was introduced to the extrodinary writings of Henri Nouwen about a year ago. I’d never read anything that at once was so radically honest and different and at the same time communicated with me emotionally, intellectually and spiritually in such a familiar and personal way. When I read his work, I’m reassured by the truth evident in the messages and assured that in spite of all of my defects, I am one of the beloved.
It’s so good to have the opportunity to join in this discussion.
October 3rd, 2008 @ 9:08 pm
Hello, I’m very excited to part of this discussion. I found it by accident also - just playing around. I’ve been reading Nouwen for a few years and currently am teaching his book Spiritual Direction to my small group.
I live in Wisconsin and have a beautiful view of the lake from my office. This summer I enjoyed reading as I watched sail boats dotting the back drop. I have two standard poodles that make my life pretty content.
Looking forward to the chats. Eileen
October 2nd, 2008 @ 12:21 pm
Hello,
My name is Sharon and I live in a suburb of Detroit, Michigan. Some friends from the Stephens Ministry Program I belong to introduced me to Henri Nouwen, especially his profound insights on care-giving. For a couple of years now I have been on the e-mail list to get the daily meditations and every day there are such words of wisdom, my soul feels more deeply bonded and thankful for having the opportunity to read the things he has written. I look forward to the dialogue with others and gaining greater insights on this faith journey together.
October 2nd, 2008 @ 5:56 am
Hello,
My name is Carole and I moved to Vermont to be with better air quality. I have a chronic illness which leaves me isolated from other people for much of my time. I’m a lover of Christ and seek communion with other seekers. I’ve enjoyed Henri Nouwen for many years now, and I’m looking forward to this discussion of The Inner Voice of Love.
October 1st, 2008 @ 3:55 pm
Hi Jack and other Nouwen friends,
My name is Mindy and I live in North Carolina. I am a pastor and have been reading Nouwen for years. The book “The Inner Voice of Love” has been especially meaningful to me because of the way Nouwen bares himself so completely, acknowledges his strong sense of being undeserving and seeks to claim God’s voice of love over all the other voices of the world that tell him he is unlovable.
I have used this book in pastoral care on many occasions, especially with people who have been abused and have trouble believing that they are worthy of love. Nouwen wrestles with the voices in his life that tell him he is worthless. He finds in Jesus and the promises of God a different voice - a voice of grace and a voice of love. This book, in its simplicity (with separate short sections) is profound and profoudly connects to our human insecurities.
I found you accidentally (I was googling something for my sermon on Sunday!), but providentially. I look forward to our ongoing conversation together.
Peace to you all.
Mindy
October 1st, 2008 @ 7:06 am
Hi Jack!
I live in central Arkansas, and have throughly enjoyed the writings of Henri Nouwen, even though I haven’t read a whole lot from him. I have 2 children and I think my wife has 3 children, although sometimes I can convince her otherwise (smile).
‘The Inner Voice of Love’ was the first Nouwen book I read, and I loved it. It really helped me with my journey to God, through Christ, and I look forward to sharing it with you and others.
Thanks very much for starting this discussion.
Rob