Following Jesus is the way to enter into the struggle and find true freedom. The way is the way of the cross, and true freedom is the freedom found in the victory over death. Jesus’ total obedience to his Father led him to the cross, and through the cross to a life no longer subject to the competitive games of this world. Jesus held onto nothing, not even to satisfying religious experiences. His words “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” give us a glimpse of the complete surrender of Jesus to his Father. Nothing was left for him to cling to. In this complete surrender he found total unity and total freedom. – The Road To Day Break, Henri J. Nowen.
I’ve been reading this book called The Only Necessary Thing; Living a Prayerful Life by Henri J. Nowen. This book is a variety of excerpts taken from all of his books. I’ve read Clowning in Rome – which I highly recommend. And, The Way Of The Heart. Both two solid books on a lifestyle of prayer and devotion (i.e. a purposeful consecrated lifestyle). I really enjoy the way Henri speaks of these things. He does in such a manner that leaves a resounding “Yes” in my spirit. The things I think, and feel, and know are truths, and they are the knowledge of God. In Him all the fullness dwells, and in Him we find life and love and freedom. He calls us to come away with Him to those secret hidden places – only to find our true selves, and in those secret places He pours out an immeasurable abundance of His love and grace and frees us up to be who we’ve always been. It’s such a refreshing thought.
I am unique. I am unlike any other human on this earth. I think things and feel things differently than any other human being. I am alone in the way I perceive the world. But I am not lonely. God sees my uniqueness and calls me lovely, I am accepted in the Beloved.
Oh the love of Jesus!
- Meg
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