Written as though from a heavenly bird's eye view. Surprisingly simple and equally beautiful. The fact and description of our being beloved, and our purpose on earth.

Poignant and helpful in reflecting on my own spiritual journey. I like that Nouwen is familiar with and is writing in the modern context because he speaks to struggles with which I am very familiar and reminds of the need to stay in touch with the truth of being Beloved.

While I don’t agree with all of Nouwen’s theology, I loved the overall idea of how communion (taken/blessed/broken/given) reframed his personal perspective of faith. So much of this was approachable and yet really profound.

Short and more simple/straight-forward than anticipated. Still a good read! Loved the comparison of life as a believer to being bread (taken, blessed, broken, and given). Reminded me of some basic truths, plainly stated so as to be easy to hold on to “The greatest gift my friendship can give to you is the gift of your Belovedness. I can give that gift only insofar as I have claimed it for myself. Isn’t that what friendship is all about: giving to each other the gift of our Belovedness?”

Definitely not a one and done little book. I especially liked the wisdom in the chapters on brokenness and death.

I would read again in a heartbeat! Recommend to all! Easy to read & brought much comfort

I have never been so encouraged by such a small book. In this book Henri Nouwen has a resounding theme that I (and you) have such innate worth and value and a state of belovedness as a Christian. Every person in existence is and was loved by God before the beginning of the Earth. That's a powerful thought.
I've been challenged by reading this book. He talks about how every opportunity to be grateful is also an opportunity to be bitter and the more the latter is chosen the more we descend into darkness.
Gratitude and good self esteem go hand in hand.
I loved this book and would recommend to everyone to read it.

COULD. NOT. HANDLE. Wish I could believe the beauty of this book more deeply.

“When love chooses, it chooses with a perfect sensitivity for the unique beauty of the chosen one, and it chooses without making anyone else feel excluded.”

Any book that Carter Kiser rates as a 5 star is probably pretty good

This is an excellent book. It took me quite a while to read as its contents are challenging. However it was worth the read. I have learnt much from this little book.

Nouwen doing it again, and flawlessly

Very timely read for me. Nouwen writes like you wish your pastor would talk to you. Great short read for those who need to be reminded they are loved.