Life of the Beloved...

Life of the Beloved... by Henri J. M. Nouwen

"Over the years, i have come to realize that the greatest trap in our life is not success, popularity, or power, but self-rejection. Success, popularity, and power can, indeed, present a great temptation, but their seductive quality often comes from the way they are part of the much larger temptation to self-rejection. When we have come to believe in the voices that call us worthless and unlovable, then, success, popularity, and power are easily perceived as attractive solutions. The real trap, however, is self-rejection. "

"The darkness of not feeling truly welcome in human existence. Self-rejection is the greatest enemy of the spiritual life because it contradicts the sacred voice that calls us the "Beloved." Being the Beloved expresses the core truth of our existence...... though the experience of being the Beloved has never been completely absent from my life, i never claimed it as my core truth. I kept running around it in large or small circles, always looking for someone or something able to convince me of my Belovedness."

"I have been taught and instructed with much patience and perseverance. I have been encouraged to keep going when I was ready to give up and was stimulated to try again when i failed. I have been rewarded and praised for success... but, somehow, all of these signs of love were not sufficient to convince me that I was the Beloved. Beneath all my seemingly strong self-confidence there remained the question: "If all those who shower me with so much attention could see me and know me in my innermost self, would they still love me?" That agonizing question, rooted in my inner shadow, kept persecuting me and made me run away from the very place where that quiet voice calling me the Beloved could be heard..... aren't you like me, hoping that some person, thing, or even will come along to give you that final feeling of inner well-being you desire? Don't you often hope: "May this book, idea, course, trip, job, country,, or relationship fulfill my deepest desire." = never fully... satisfied...

"I have called you by name, from the very beginning. You are mine and I am yours. You are my Beloved, on you my favor rests. I have molded you in the depths of the earth and knitted you together in your mother's womb. I have carved you in the palms of my hands and hidden you in the shadow of my embrace. I look at you with infinite tenderness and care for you with a care more intimate than that of a mother for her child. I have counted every hair on your head and guided you at every step. Wherever you go, i go with you, and wherever you rest, i keep watch. I will give you food that will satisfy all your hunger and drink that will quench all your thirst. I will not hide my face from you. You know me as your own as I know you as my own. You belong to me. I am your father, your mother, your brother, your sister, your lover, and your spouse...yes, even your child... wherever you are I will be. Nothing will ever separate us. We are ONE"

"Long before any human being saw us, we are seen by God's loving eyes. Long before anyone heard us cry or laugh, we are heard by our God who is all ears for us. Long before any person spoke to us in this world, we are spoken to by the voice of eternal love. Our preciousness, uniqueness, and individuality are not given to us by those who meet us in clock-time --- our brief chronological existence --- but by the One who has chosen us with an everlasting love, a love that existed from all eternity and will last through all eternity."

Remember..... " Even though i cannot feel it right now, I am the chosen child of God, precious in God's eyes, called the Beloved from all eternity, and held safe in an everlasting embrace."

"Amy, i want you to know that you are God's Beloved Daughter. You are precious in God's eyes. Your beautiful smile, your kindness to the people in your house, and all the good things you do show us what a beautiful human being you are. I know you feel a little low these days and that there is some sadness in your heart, but i want you to remember who you are: a very special person, deeply loved by God and all the people who are here with you."

"God not only says: "You are my Beloved." God also asks: "Do you love me?" and offers us countless chances to say "yes."....