Somewhere we know that without silence words lose their meaning, that without listening speaking no longer heals, that without distance closeness cannot cure. Henri Nouwen closenesscuredistance Change image and share on social
Our first responsibility in the midst of violence is to prevent it from destroying us. Henri Nouwen destroymidstprevent Change image and share on social
Perhaps nothing helps us make the movement from our little selves to a larger world than remembering God in gratitude. Such a perspective puts God in view in all of life, not just in the moments we set aside for worship or spiritual disciplines. Not just in the moments when life seems easy. Henri Nouwen disciplineeasygod share on social
To be a minister means above all to become powerless, or in more precise terms, to speak with our powerlessness to the condition of powerlessness which is so keenly felt but so seldom expressed by the people of our age. Henri Nouwen ageconditionexpress share on social
In solitude we become aware that we were together before we came together and that life is not a creation of our will but rather an obedient response to the reality of our being united. Henri Nouwen awarecreationlife Change image and share on social
The discipline of gratitude is the explicit effort to acknowledge that all I am and have is given to me as a gift of love, a gift to be celebrated with joy. Henri Nouwen acknowledgecelebratediscipline Change image and share on social
The Christian leader of the future is called to be completely irrelevant and to stand in this world with nothing to offer but his or her own vulnerable self. God loves us, not because of what we do or accomplish, but because God has created and redeemed us in love. Henri Nouwen accomplishcallchristian share on social
The spiritual life is not a life before, after, or beyond our everyday existence. No, the spiritual life can only be real when it is lived in the midst of the pains and joys of the here and now. Henri Nouwen everydayexistencejoy Change image and share on social
Most Christian leadership is exercised by people who do not know how to develop healthy, intimate relationships and have opted for power and control instead. Many Christian empire-builders have been people unable to give and receive love. Henri Nouwen builderchristiancontrol share on social
If fear is the great enemy of intimacy, love is its true friend. Henri Nouwen enemyfearfriend Change image and share on social