God's Beloved: A Spiritual Biography of Henri Nouwen

"By sharing his own struggles, he mentored us all, helping us to pray while not knowing how to pray, to rest while feeling restless, to be at peace while tempted, to feel safe while still anxious, to be surrounded by a cloud of light while still in darkness, and to love while still in doubt." -Ronald Rolheiser, author The Holy LongingHenri Nouwen, who died in 1996, was one of the most popular spiritual teachers of the twentieth century. Nouwen's vision, so full of light, continues to attract readers around the world. But who was he, really? What were the qualities that made him unique? How were the themes in his writings on intimacy, community, brokenness, and friendship with Jesus related to the paradoxical struggles of his own life?Michael O'Laughlin, Nouwen's friend and student, leads us to a deeper understanding of Nouwen's message and his place in Christian spirituality. By illuminating Nouwen's origins, psychology, and approach to theology, art, prayer, Jesus, and the Eucharist, O'Laughlin gives new shape to Nouwen's legacy, and makes one of the spiritual giants of our time more available. Read more