Join us in a discussion of WITH OPEN HANDS
Warm greetings! We’ll be starting our book discussion on Wednesday February 25th. If you don’t have a copy of With Open Hands (Henri’s first book on prayer), you can order it from www.HenriNouwen.org/shopcart or contact Steve Ellis at Daybreak Books & Media: nouwenbooks@larchedaybreak.com, 1-800-853-1412.
We’ve posted a discussion schedule in the Pages section, found on the righthand side of your screen and we hope you will take a few minutes to share a little about yourself as we prepare to journey through Lent together. Just click on “comments” below and tell us what brought you to this discussion.
Blessings,
Maureen
Henri Nouwen Society
“With Open Hands is filled with wisdom from a soul deeply engaged in the experience of prayer.” - Sue Monk Kidd
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March 8th, 2009 @ 8:13 pm
Hi,
Just received my book and looking forward to this Lenten study. I’m from the deep south, middle aged, happily married, and a parent of two teenaged daughters. My favorite Nouwen quote is waiting for the “Not Yet.” May the spirit guide us into new ways of following and loving Jesus. Thanks Maureen, I can’t wait to meet you in person someday. We need to have a Nouwen reunion at Daybreak this Summer!
Peace,
Phillip
March 5th, 2009 @ 8:17 am
Hi everybody, I’m in Spingfield, Illinois. With Open Hands is the first Nouwen book I read — maybe in the mid-1970s. I’m been trying to open the clenched fist ever since! In the last two or three months, the concept of “being called” somewhere keeps striking me. I keep hearing it in Scripture readings and in songs. So I’m glad to take this Lenten journey with other Nouwen fans.
March 2nd, 2009 @ 2:14 pm
Welcome Steve and Sharon! It is so good to have you with us. Let us all hold each other in thought and prayer.
March 2nd, 2009 @ 1:59 pm
Steven: I will keep you in my prayers as you head back to Afghanistan. God bless you and keep you safe. I’m sure you have so much to share with this community. I look forward to hearing your insights on this little book of prayer.
Much peace
Diane
February 27th, 2009 @ 9:10 pm
I tried to post earlier but am not sure if it registered. It was very good to see there is a Lenten discussion on “With Open Hands”. My family lives in Detroit and thankfully my husband still has a job in the auto industry. The Henri Nouwen meditations that come each morning on my computer are a God-send of inspiration and comfort to me. I very often forward them along to people whom I know are dealing with problems and need for direction. There is such wisdom and insight and truth in his writings and I am very, very thankful that you continue on in helping all of us, many, many others deepen our reading experience of knowing and benefitting from his teachings. Thank you Maureen and Jack Given.
February 27th, 2009 @ 11:34 am
Maureen and all:
Looking forward to the discussion. I am heading back to Afghanistan on March 15, and will do my best to keep up and perhaps add a comment.
We are so Blessed.
Steve
February 27th, 2009 @ 11:09 am
I have to say prayer and praying have been a challenge to me. I just lacked the discipline. In ‘With Open Hands” I just read of a new and different approach to praying : understanding- and I’m excited. For me to share with you and you with me is a blessing. Thank you
February 27th, 2009 @ 10:19 am
Welcome Deborah, Judy and Louise and thank you for introducing yourselves to us!
I have been with the Henri Nouwen Society for almost ten years and work in Richmond Hill, Ontario, just 3 km from L’Arche Daybreak where Henri lived for the last ten years of his life. The Society shares office space with The Henri Nouwen Legacy Trust, L’Arche Canada, L’Arche Canada Foundation and Intercordia Canada. There are 7 ‘full-time’ people in the office and a few folks who work part-time. As you can imagine, it is a very congenial working environment and I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to communicate with many people around the world who love Henri and his writing.
I will be posting a question or two every week, just to get us started (the schedule can be found in the “Pages” section) but please feel free everyone, to pose your own questions along the way. We’ll want to keep the discussion as open and engaging as possible so that it bears fruit for everyone.
Many blessings,
Maureen
Resource Coordinator
Henri Nouwen Society
February 27th, 2009 @ 3:36 am
Hello all! I am just writing to introduce myself and say how much I am looking forward to joining this group during Lent. My name is Louise and live in the U.K. in Devon. I am married with 2 teenage daughters (interesting times !) and have just completed an MA in fine art photography.
Although I have not yet received my book I have picked up Henri Nouwen’s writings intermittently,currently often dipping into a daily readings book. They are perhaps now that much more precious to me with their deep compassion.
I look forward to meeting you all via this site and reading all your insights. Deborah, I managed to read the opening introduction on Google and was also struck by the ‘open/closed’ metaphor and ways in which intimacy once welcomed can sometimes feel a little threatening. I am hoping this season will be a time for me to be brave!
February 26th, 2009 @ 8:04 pm
Hi everyone.
I, too, was struck with the opening metaphor. I am in the midst of a transition year, and I find that I want to hold on to the very wonderful experiences at my former school even as I embrace the new challenges at my new school. I feel very “in between”. During this Lenten season, I hope that I can nudge myself forward through reflection and prayer.
Just a few items about myself. I live in St. Louis and have been married for 19 years. I have two teenagers (16 and 13). I was first introduced to Henri Nouwen’s work through a college friend. More recently, his work Bread for the Journey has served as a guide for a colleague and me as she underwent chemotherapy. It really provided a firm spiritual base for us.
I am excited about joining this group; I am thrilled that I stumbled across this online discussion group.
February 26th, 2009 @ 12:50 pm
Hi!
I too have been very much impacted by Henri’s writing. It seems that just the right book of his always falls into my hands (and my heart) at just the right time. I have never read this book of his. Since prayer is becoming more and more of a significant part of my life, once again the right book is in my life at the right time.
The opening metaphor, and thus the whole concept of the book, of clenched hands and open hands is so striking to me. I spent some time after reading that asking, “What little coins do I feel compelled to keep in my clenched hands, and Why?” I learned a lot about myself and my fears by doing this. I expect that as I journey through Lent and this book I will see how unnecessary these particular fears are in light of the great love that God has for me.
I look forward to spending time this Lent with Henri and all of you.
Deborah
February 26th, 2009 @ 10:55 am
Welcome Diane and Joe! Good to have you with us. Joe and I exchanged email messages earlier today. Thank you Diane for your beautiful post.
Looking forward to a fruitful discussion. Please encourage friends, family and colleagues to join in.
Many thanks and blessings,
Maureen
Henri Nouwen Society
February 26th, 2009 @ 9:27 am
Good morning all
I am looking forward our latest discussion. I ordered the book from a local bookstore and was just notified that it has arrived! I’ll be picking it up today and can’t wait to get started. I am feeling the effects of “Henri-withdrawals” —I haven’t read a new one in a while (but do keep re-reading some of my “old” favorites such as “Here and Now”)
I am a mom of 2 beautiful daughters, my husband and I will be married 30 years in September, and I teach 7th grade life science in the same small town I live in (great commute!) in Northern New Jersey.
It is hard for me to put into words how much Henri has impacted my life and encouraged me on my spiritual journey. I call him my “guru” and I think he would be very chagrined to hear me say that!
This community of spiritual pilgrims has been a blessing to me and I look forward to once again traveling with you on our journey.
Peace to you all this beautiful lenten season
Diane
February 25th, 2009 @ 6:35 pm
Am I missing something…I can’t seem to find the discussion? Help! I am re-reading this book and am greatly looking forward to some good interaction!