A Delightful Classic

Being familiar with "The Ugly Duckling" by Hans Christian Anderson, I was excited to familiarize myself with another one of his fables. "The Fir Tree" did not disappoint. This tale, which follows the life of a tree as it yearns to find meaning in the world, offers a great lesson to readers. We need to find joy and satisfaction in the moment we find ourselves. Do not wish away the present and seek something greater in the future. This is a beautiful story with an ending that enlightens and yet leaves one pondering about how to approach life.
The art work by Sanna Annukka successfully illustrates the story. The simple angles and variety of colors helps to draw the reader deeper into the story. As one gazes at the artwork, a person can relive the story in a unique and fresh way.
I received this book as part of the blogging for books program through Crown Publishing Group.

Intimacy and Grace

In her epilogue to "Love, Henri: Letters on the Spiritual Life" Sue Mosteller states, "Henri's letters reveal the ever-evolving, ever-deepening, ever-struggling heart of my strong yet vulnerable friend." This statement, which also appears on the back of the book, certainly encapsulates this collection. Through the careful hand of Henri Nouwen as presented in these letters the reader is exposed to a man of passion, a man of integrity, a man of deep feeling, a man of love, and man of God.
Each letter has the potential to touch the heart of someone seeking after God. Henri's advice given to friends struggling with divorce, spiritual malaise, job transition, and any number of issues always comes from a gentle spirit that guides people toward Christ's cross. The heart felt emphasis on prayer throughout the letters guides readers to discover what it means to commune with God. Henri both offers his heartfelt prayer and encourages his friends to pray. This is a constant theme throughout the letters.
In addition, Henri touches on many spiritual issues such as life and death, restoration and redemption, forgiveness and grace, reconciliation and rekindled friendship, care for the poor and compassion for the outcast.
This collection of letters gets into the heart of Henri Nouwen. As with many letter collections, it often gives an intimate window into a precious soul. That is the richness of the collection even though it sometimes seems a little too raw.
Unfortunately, while most often the editorial comments added between letters are insightful, every so often they break into the meditation that the letters encourage. The biographical information is insightful, but sometimes causes disruption.
Nonetheless, those who appreciate Nouwen and those who need fresh insight into living from a passionate and loving man should dig deep into these letters. Many will return to read them again and again.
I received this book as part of the blogging for books program connected with Convergent Publishing.

Justice, Prayer, and Just Prayer

I have been reading in the Prophet of Micah as of late. In chapter 3 Micah confronts the political and religious hierarchy of Israel. This is the very beginning of a series of sermons Micah gives during the life of Hezekiah (for more on Hezekiah, please consult Kings and Chronicles). In this passage, Micah challenges the leaders of Israel to know justice. Micah wants to know if justice is actually being served. I think this is something we need to ask of ourselves as Christians, "Do we live in a nation where justice is served, do we live in a nation where the greatest good is done for all peoples?" The answer has never been yes.
We have just faced one of the most tumultuous elections in our history as a nation with two candidates who arguably do not know justice. One may have a better understanding of justice in one area and one in another, but neither is truly a person of justice. Donald J. Trump, as we all know, has claimed the title of President of the United States. He needs to become a person who knows justice. I believe he can. As Christians, we are a people who believe in grace and forgiveness. I believe that Donald J. Trump can receive the full benefits of God's grace even amidst the ugliness of past actions. As a church, as the people of God, we need to pray for this. We also need to pray that he would come to know justice, be intimate with justice so that God's love might be felt and known by all peoples. This is my prayer, "Holy and Just God, you have blessed this nation of the United States in the past. You have bestowed upon your people the grace that is ours through Jesus Christ. I pray that our president and other elected people would receive your grace and then be blessed with the knowledge to share that grace with all peoples within our nation and outside of our nation so that justice might be experienced. In Christ's holy name, AMEN."
Let us all immerse our future president, our future leaders, our nation, and ourselves in prayer at this time.