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 completed 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. Robert Waldron, renowned author and lecturer, is the recipient of four fellowships from the National Endowment for the Humanities. He conducts retreats on Merton and Nouwen spirituality. His previous titles include Walking with Thomas Merton: Discovering His Poetry, Essays, and Journals. Waldron lives in Boston, Massachusetts. |
