When we have nothing to cling to as our own and cease thinking of ourselves as people who must defend privileges, we can open ourselves freely to others with the faithful expectation that our strength will manifest itself in our shared weakness. Henri Nouwen ceaseclingdefend share on social
Ministry is the least important thing. You cannot not minister if you are in communion with God and live in community. Henri Nouwen communioncommunitygod Change image and share on social
The real enemies of our life are the 'oughts' and the 'ifs.' They pull us backward into the unalterable past and forward into the unpredictable future. But real life takes place in the here and now. Henri Nouwen backwardenemyforward Change image and share on social
'How much longer will I live?'... Only one thing seems clear to me. Every day should be well-lived. What a simple truth! Still, it is worthy of my attention. Henri Nouwen attentionclearday Change image and share on social
The greatest trap in our life is not success, popularity or power, but self-rejection. Henri Nouwen greatlifepopularity Change image and share on social
In their poverty, the mentally handicapped reveal God to us and hold us close to the gospel. Henri Nouwen closegodgospel Change image and share on social
Solitude is the place where we can connect with profound bonds that are deeper than the emergency bonds of fear and anger. Henri Nouwen angerbondconnect Change image and share on social
The resistance to praying is like the resistance of tightly clenched fists. This image shows a tension, a desire to cling tightly to yourself, a greediness which betrays fear. Henri Nouwen betrayclenchcling Change image and share on social
In our production-oriented society, being busy, having an occupation, has become one of the main ways, if not the main way, of identifying ourselves. Without an occupation, not just our economic security but our very identity is endangered. Henri Nouwen busyeconomicendanger share on social
People with handicaps teach me that being is more important than doing, the heart is more important than the mind, and caring together is better than caring alone. Henri Nouwen carehandicapheart Change image and share on social