Written in journal form as a preparation for a retreat on Henri Nouwen, one of the most revered spiritual writers and guides of our time, this engaging book examines themes of brokenness transcended and integrated into Christian wholeness. Waldron takes full measure of Nouwen's often conflicted personal nature--struggles with loneliness, rejection, depression and sexuality--and professional--from brilliant tenure as a pastoral psychologist at Yale, Harvard and Notre Dame, to his call to personal ministry to the profoundly mentally and physically disabled at L'Arche Daybreak in Canada. He augments it with in-depth accounts of Nouwen's literary works, his interest in painting, iconography, music, and clowning. The result is this poignant, multifaceted work that resounds in its chief conceit--the "walk" or journey toward wholeness is achieved through the balm of healing that we receive when we follow Jesus' example and take on the crosses of the broken and weak. Students and scholars of art, literature, psychology, and religion, followers of Nouwen, retreatants, and the general public, will find this work compelling.

Walking the Compassionate Road is a deeply invitational book that calls us to stop, examine and adjust what we do so as to be more aware, mindful and caring of ourselves so as to be more compassionate towards others. Drawing on monastic life and psychology the book offers practical tips and examples that urge us to reflect on what we do and perhaps more importantly who we are. The author, long experienced in walking alongside people who are busy or disaffected and who seek healing and meaning in their lives, offers a unique perspective on a much sought after virtue, compassion. Self care, humility and compassion are aged-old steps towards wholeness. The author offers an experiential approach that draws the best from psychology and spirituality in a way that the searcher, the busy manager or the tired worker can all use what they need, as they go.

Why do some people lose their faith?Why do some choose to abandon religious beliefs that were once meaningful to them?And what happens when they do?In this no-holds-barred book, Ruth Tucker tackles the tough questions about losing faith. Providing historical perspective, she looks at the stories of prominent Christians, like Chuck Templeton and Billy Graham, who have struggled with faith. She grapples with difficult philosophical and theological issues, exploring the intractable questions that bring people to the point of losing faith--suffering, science, answer to prayer, hypocrisy in the church, and more. Throughout the book, she explores the testimonies of some who have made the choice to walk away--and some who have returned.Tucker writes not just as a detached observer but as one who has also struggled with doubt and disappointment. In Walking Away from Faith, she shares her from her experience and tells you why she continues to choose faith. Reading her story and her interviews of others, you will find help for working through your own questions and doubts. You will also find insight for ministering to your friends, family, coworkers and neighbors who stumble between belief and unbelief.

An appreciation, in journal form, of Thomas Merton as spiritual writer, monk and poet.

Preaching to Those Walking Away will help pastors adapt to a world of YouTube, TED Talks, and video marketing in which traditional preaching styles no longer feel authoritative, engaging, or compelling. N. Graham Standish has long been passionate about reaching out to those who call themselves "spiritual but not religious." Determined to help the church connect with them, he shares methods he has tested, refined, and proven effective--approaches to preaching typically not taught in seminaries. Rather than grounding preaching in traditional homiletical theories and practices, Standish integrates insights from postmodernism, generational theory, multiple-intelligences theory, marketing, communications theory, brain/neurological research, counseling, spiritual formation, TED Talk presentations, motivational theory, and the history of communication styles. Standish developed his ideas about preaching during more than two decades as senior pastor of a healthy, growing congregation that consistently attracted people who had walked away from Christianity and church. More than half a century ago, Canadian communications theorist Marshall McLuhan said, "The medium is the message." But mainline Christianity has been slow to adapt its message to new mediums. The population at large will not adapt to traditional Christian ways of preaching, however, so Standish helps pastors understand the thinking of those walking away and shows preachers how to adapt their thinking about their craft, instead of demanding that those walking away adapt to ours.

Inspired by the ancient spiritual practices of lectio divina and walking meditation, camino divina helps you explore whole new worlds inside yourself as well as re-view the natural world around you by combining mindful walking with inspiring phrases and spiritual exercises. Includes introductions to twelve spiritual luminaries and their work.

Walking On Holy Ground With Persons Suffering From The Alzheimer’s Disease explores the sacredness of the Alzheimer’s patients as well as draws the attention of clergy and laymen alike to acknowledge the sanctity of ministering to those suffering with the Alzheimer's disease. It is important to recognize the sacredness of ‘man’ and as such to value his human dignity. We must respect and revere everyone we encounter daily, irrespective of health conditions and their caste, color or creed. This maxim of reverencing the sacredness in all persons is the crux of this book. This book will help you to minister fruitfully to the Alzheimer’s patients and to address their yearning for God and simultaneously provide them with spiritual sustenance. This book will undergird the prevalent traditional cognitive pastoral care ministry and help to appropriately meet the spiritual need of these non-cognitive patients.

A book of reflections on the life and writings of James Martin, SJ, who has gradually become one of our most important Catholic voices on modern spirituality, the heir apparent to writers like Thomas Merton and Henri Nouwen. .

Activism can often take a toll on social justice seekers, and it is easy to get burned out and discouraged. Perhaps this is because activism and contemplation are sometimes seen as opposites. However, following the tradition of social justice movements in the past, contemplation is actually a necessary step of activism. In Walking with Our Ancestors, Barbara Holmes reveals that the justice movements in the twentieth century came from consistent contemplation practices of those seeking liberation. Contemplation is necessary in the spiritual lives of Africana people to offset the tension of the desire to eliminate oppression while still experiencing oppression. The hope and healing that come with contemplation ease this tension and keep one committed to community and justice. Holmes highlights key contemplation practices of what she calls public mystics, those who led by example and paved the way, including Fannie Lou Hamer, Martin Luther King Jr., Howard Thurman, and Rosa Parks. Through both contemplation and activism, our ancestors paved the way while showing us how to continue the fight for justice. Walking with Our Ancestors is an outstanding and relevant chapter from Barbara Holmes's enlightening book Joy Unspeakable, which explores the contemplative practices of the Black church.