Currently Reading Life of the Beloved: Spiritual Living in a Secular World By Henri J. M. Nouwen see related

Reviewed by:  Fred

Well, it's a busy summer so my review will be short.  Suffice it to say that God touched me through the tender words of His servant Henri.  They are full of blessing and beauty which are much needed in a world that isn't always nice. 

In fact that's one of the first subjects Henri brings up as he tries to explain the spiritual life to his friend Fred.  The world around us tells us repeatedly that we must earn our love, but God always calls us His beloved children:

"These negative voices are so loud and so persistent that it is easy to believe them. That’s the great trap. It is the trap of self-rejection. Over the years, I have come to realize that the greatest trap in our life is not success, popularity, or power, but self-rejection.

"Self-rejection is the greatest enemy of the spiritual life because it contradicts the sacred voice that calls us the “Beloved.”

I used to think that was a bunch of psychobable.  I don't any more.  Self-rejection in the face of a God who went to extravagant lengths to show us just how much He treasures us can turn ugly.  It takes us consistently and predictably where we do not want to be.

It is life changing to realize we're beloved, chosen, blessed, broken and given by God's loving hands.  Henri crystalized this for me better than anyone else has to date.  I thank God for him.