Taken
Nouwen uses this word to describe the core identity we receive from God before anything we do
Beloved
Nouwen says that a blessing must be done in this way in order to truly be a blessing
It must be spoken / named
True or False: Nouwen says its better to acknowledge that someone is alone in their pain, rather than say there are others who may also be in similar pain
True
Nouwen distinguishes between talents and gifts, and encourages us to give our gifts rather than only our talents. What are some examples of "gifts" that he provides in the book?
Friendship, kindness, patience, joy, peace, forgiveness, gentleness, love, hope, and trust.
How did Fred and Henri Nouwen meet?
Fred visited Yale to write a New York Times Article, and interviewed Nouwen
According to Nouwen, this cultural habit most often causes us to forget that we are chosen by God
Comparison (or measuring our worth by achievement / success)
Nouwen says we live in a world filled with _____, which drown out our ability to recognize blessings.
Curses (negative words, criticism, labels).
What is the definition of brokenness as Nouwen uses it? I.e. what type of brokenness is he referring to?
A broken heart. Feelings of isolation, loneliness, rejection, uselessness, and worthlessness. Broken relationships, and the sense that we no longer have anything to offer anyone.
What is the activity Nouwen says makes us especially vulnerable—an experience that can be either one of the greatest moments of our lives or completely unbearable?
Eating together
Additional note: Nouwen compares our desire to eat together with an even deeper desire to be food for one another.
What is the name of Fred's wife?
Robin
Nouwen advises us to get in touch with our chosenness even when we are surrounded by rejection. What are the 3 tools he advises us to use?
(a) Silence negative voices, withdraw into prayer, and practice gratitude
(b) Unmask lies, seek voices that name your truth, and celebrate your chosenness with gratitude
(c) Discern false expectations, build self-confidence, and affirm worth through service
(d) Avoid rejection, focus on disciplines, and hold chosenness privately.
(b) Unmask lies, seek voices that name your truth, and celebrate your chosenness with gratitude
Nouwen advises us to ignore the loud voices of the world that tell lies, and listen to the quiet truth of blessing. What are the 2 ways we can practice this?
(a) Silence and gratitude
(b) Community and service
(c) Prayer and presence
(d) Reflection and patience
(c) Prayer and presence
What are the 2 ways Nouwen gives us to respond to our inner brokenness?
(a) Acknowledging it and working toward healing
(b) Accepting it and offering it to God
(c) Naming it and holding it with compassion
(d) Befriending it and placing it under blessing
(d) Befriending it and placing it under blessing
What are the 2 ways we can practice the principles of "giving" on a day-to-day basis
(a) Giving oneself in life and giving oneself in death
(b) Offering oneself fully and surrendering completely
(c) Living selflessly and embracing letting go
(d) Sharing life generously and releasing attachments
(a) Giving oneself in life and giving oneself in death
What is the name of the community that Henri Nouwen lived in?
(a) Covenant House Community
(b) New Life Fellowship
(c) L'Arche Daybreak
(d) Servants of Hope Community
(c) L'Arche Daybreak