henrinouwensociety

Welcome to Henri’s Bookshelf, a podcast brought to you by the Henri Nouwen Society — where timeless words spark fresh conversations. In this episode, host Dr. Wendy VanderWal Martin is joined by Rev. Dr. Kyle Norman for a rich and reflective dive into one of Henri Nouwen’s most enduring works: Reaching Out. Together, they explore Nouwen’s spiritual vision of the inner journey — from loneliness to solitude, hostility to hospitality, and illusion to prayer. Whether you're a longtime reader of Nouwen or discovering his wisdom for the first time, this conversation invites you to pause, reflect, and reach out — to God, to others, and to your own heart. Let’s open the book… and begin the journey. Check out the 2025 Week 4 Adult 19+: The Spirituality of Henri Nouwen: 4 ways to live as God's beloved With Ver. Rev. Dr. Kyle Norman Here: https://sorrento-centre.secure.retreat.guru/program/2025-week-4-the-spirituality-of-henri-nouwen-4-ways-to-live-as-gods-beloved-copy/ ___________ Book Discussed: Reaching Out https://amzn.to/37BuyjZ (US) https://amzn.to/2AxxCBJ (Canada) ___________ SUPPORT THIS PODCAST: henrinouwen.org/donate/ * SIGN UP FOR FREE DAILY E-MEDITATIONS: henrinouwen.org/meditation/ * MORE FREE RESOURCES: henrinouwen.org/ * FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/henrinouwensociety/ TWITTER: twitter.com/nouwensociety FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/nouwensociety/ PINTEREST: www.pinterest.ca/henrinouwen/

Bruce’s guest today is Dr. Adriana Bara, the National Director of the Catholic Near East Welfare Association, which works in the Middle East, northeast Africa, India, and Eastern Europe. She speaks with HNS ED Bruce Adema about Henri Nouwen’s 1991 letter to Sister Marcia Hobart, an Anchoress who had written to Henri about the Persian Gulf War that was happening at the time. Considering what’s happening in the world today, this is a very relevant topic. Catholic Near East Welfare Association Website https://cnewa.org/ ___________ Book Discussed: Love, Henri https://amzn.to/3fpnolF (US) https://amzn.to/2C2lqcD (Canada) Ukraine Diary https://amzn.to/3LpMHGO (US) https://amzn.to/3ogjyFi (Canada) ___________ SUPPORT THIS PODCAST: henrinouwen.org/donate/ * SIGN UP FOR FREE DAILY E-MEDITATIONS: henrinouwen.org/meditation/ * MORE FREE RESOURCES: henrinouwen.org/ * FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/henrinouwensociety/ TWITTER: twitter.com/nouwensociety FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/nouwensociety/ PINTEREST: www.pinterest.ca/henrinouwen/

Bruce’s guest today is Dr. Luther E. Smith Jr. Luther is Professor Emeritus of Church and Community, Candler School of Theology, Emory University, and is the author and editor of influential books on Howard Thurman, Christian community, and spiritual practices. Luther and Henri Nouwen Society ED Bruce Adema discuss a letter Henri Nouwen wrote to his friend Sue Mosteller about his concerns, even apprehensions about the future. This topic will surely resonate with everyone, and provide encouragement. ___________ Book Discussed: Love, Henri https://amzn.to/3fpnolF (US) https://amzn.to/2C2lqcD (Canada) The Wounded Healer https://amzn.to/2AGOrKz (US) https://amzn.to/3hdDkcr (Canada) ___________ SUPPORT THIS PODCAST: henrinouwen.org/donate/ * SIGN UP FOR FREE DAILY E-MEDITATIONS: henrinouwen.org/meditation/ * MORE FREE RESOURCES: henrinouwen.org/ * FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/henrinouwensociety/ TWITTER: twitter.com/nouwensociety FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/nouwensociety/ PINTEREST: www.pinterest.ca/henrinouwen/

Many of Henri Nouwen's deep spiritual insights arose from experiences of anguish. In the Inner Voice of Love, Nouwen penned spiritual imperatives for himself during the most difficult period of his life. Meant to be a deeply personal journal, friends encouraged him to offer it as a gift of consolation for those who live through the pain of broken relationships and immense loss. In this podcast conversation, Wendy speaks with Diane Marshall, a retired therapist, who was an intimate friend of Henri's. Diane and Henri shared each others' burdens during painful times, and their friendship birthed new hope. ___________ Book Discussed: The Inner Voice of Love https://amzn.to/3fq4CKN (US) https://amzn.to/37kJJOm (Canada) ___________ SUPPORT THIS PODCAST: henrinouwen.org/donate/ * SIGN UP FOR FREE DAILY E-MEDITATIONS: henrinouwen.org/meditation/ * MORE FREE RESOURCES: henrinouwen.org/ * FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/henrinouwensociety/ TWITTER: twitter.com/nouwensociety FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/nouwensociety/ PINTEREST: www.pinterest.ca/henrinouwen/

Bruce’s guest today is Sharon Ramsay. Sharon has worked as a registered psychotherapist and registered marriage and family therapist, helping individuals journey through unexpected experiences in different seasons of life. She also is a board member of the Henri Nouwen Society! Sharon and HNS ED Bruce Adema discuss Henri Nouwen’s letter written to a Free Methodist Church gathering, and the letter echoes themes found in his book “The Wounded Healer.” In weakness there is strength, in woundedness there is healing, and in the gospel there is hope. ___________ Book Discussed: Love, Henri https://amzn.to/3fpnolF (US) https://amzn.to/2C2lqcD (Canada) The Wounded Healer https://amzn.to/2AGOrKz (US) https://amzn.to/3hdDkcr (Canada) ___________ SUPPORT THIS PODCAST: henrinouwen.org/donate/ * SIGN UP FOR FREE DAILY E-MEDITATIONS: henrinouwen.org/meditation/ * MORE FREE RESOURCES: henrinouwen.org/ * FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/henrinouwensociety/ TWITTER: twitter.com/nouwensociety FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/nouwensociety/ PINTEREST: www.pinterest.ca/henrinouwen/

Bruce’s guest is Rev. Dr. Sam Lee. Sam is a co-lead pastor at Spring Garden, Baptist Church in Toronto. He has over 15 years of ministry experience with children and youth ministry. His dissertation focused on central role of spiritual identity in youth, integrating Henry Nouwen’s book, The Life of the Beloved. Sam and HNS ED Bruce Adema discuss one of Henri Nouwen’s letters that talks about the value of Church to those that are “spiritual but not religious.” Does the Church matter any more? ___________ Book Discussed: Love, Henri https://amzn.to/3fpnolF (US) https://amzn.to/2C2lqcD (Canada) The Life of the Beloved https://amzn.to/2Y22R0H (US) https://amzn.to/2MQX73m (Canada) ___________ SUPPORT THIS PODCAST: henrinouwen.org/donate/ * SIGN UP FOR FREE DAILY E-MEDITATIONS: henrinouwen.org/meditation/ * MORE FREE RESOURCES: henrinouwen.org/ * FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/henrinouwensociety/ TWITTER: twitter.com/nouwensociety FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/nouwensociety/ PINTEREST: www.pinterest.ca/henrinouwen/

In this episode, Wendy and Sandy expand on Henri Nouwen's wisdom in his book, Aging: The Fulfillment of Life. Their conversation considers the opportunities and challenges for those in the third act of life in our current context. Sandy shares insights and reflections from her work in accompanying others through conscious aging. Sharing stories and reflections on death and dying round out this engaging episode. No matter your age, you will glean tidbits of wisdom for intentional self-reflection and heart-felt connection with the elders and wise sages around you. Sandy Reynolds is a speaker, writer, and coach dedicated to helping individuals live authentically. As the creator of Disappoint More People, she empowers others to break free from societal expectations. With an MA in Leadership and over 20 years of experience in leadership and coaching, she specializes in soul-centered aging, spirituality, and overcoming people-pleasing. A Certified Sage-ing Leader® and Death Doula in training, Sandy integrates wisdom, ritual, and personal growth into her work. www.sandyreynolds.com/ ___________ Book Discussed: Aging: The Fulfillment of Life amzn.to/2Y8i28C (US) amzn.to/30ToCSk (Canada) ___________ SUPPORT THIS PODCAST: henrinouwen.org/donate/ * SIGN UP FOR FREE DAILY E-MEDITATIONS: henrinouwen.org/meditation/ * MORE FREE RESOURCES: henrinouwen.org/ * FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/henrinouwensociety/ TWITTER: twitter.com/nouwensociety FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/nouwensociety/ PINTEREST: www.pinterest.ca/henrinouwen/

Bruce’s guest today is Mary Tutterow. Mary lives in South Carolina and is an author, speaker, and workshop leader. Her books, “The Heart of the Caregiver” and “The Peaceful Caregiver,” and the wisdom that she has gained come from her family’s situation and her deep reflection on it. In this episode, Mary and HNS ED Bruce Adema discuss Henri Nouwen’s letter about spiritual care for people with severe handicaps. For any who live in community with people with disabilities, this is a valuable conversation. Check Out Mary Tutterow’s website: https://theheartofthecaregiver.com ___________ Books Discussed: Love, Henri https://amzn.to/3fpnolF (US) https://amzn.to/2C2lqcD (Canada) The Heart of the Caregiver https://a.co/d/6ftpF18 (US) https://a.co/d/b3VO3Wq (Canada) The Peaceful Caregiver https://a.co/d/giZb0RS (US) https://a.co/d/isYP9ol (Canada) ___________ SUPPORT THIS PODCAST: henrinouwen.org/donate/ * SIGN UP FOR FREE DAILY E-MEDITATIONS: henrinouwen.org/meditation/ * MORE FREE RESOURCES: henrinouwen.org/ * FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/henrinouwensociety/ TWITTER: twitter.com/nouwensociety FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/nouwensociety/ PINTEREST: www.pinterest.ca/henrinouwen/

Bruce’s guest today is Dr. John Vissers. John is a member of the Knox College Faculty (Knox is part of the University of Toronto). John is a former Principal of Knox, as well as a former Moderator of The Presbyterian Church in Canada. He also serves as a board member of the Henri Nouwen Society. John and HNS ED Bruce Adema discuss a letter Henri Nouwen wrote to a minister who is experiencing conflict from those she expected support and encouragement. Check Out the Knox College website: https://knox.utoronto.ca/ Calvin's Institutes https://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/institutes.toc.html ___________ Books Discussed: Love, Henri https://amzn.to/3fpnolF (US) https://amzn.to/2C2lqcD (Canada) The Wounded Healer https://amzn.to/2AGOrKz (US) https://amzn.to/3hdDkcr (Canada) Reaching Out https://amzn.to/37BuyjZ (US) https://amzn.to/2AxxCBJ (Canada) ___________ SUPPORT THIS PODCAST: henrinouwen.org/donate/ * SIGN UP FOR FREE DAILY E-MEDITATIONS: henrinouwen.org/meditation/ * MORE FREE RESOURCES: henrinouwen.org/ * FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/henrinouwensociety/ TWITTER: twitter.com/nouwensociety FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/nouwensociety/ PINTEREST: www.pinterest.ca/henrinouwen/

In the beautiful compilation, Discernment: Reading the Signs of Daily Life, Henri Nouwen invites us to learn to listen deeply to the voice of the Spirit. Encouraging us to encounter this voice through books, nature, people and events, Nouwen reminds us that God is ever present. In this episode of Henri's bookshelf, we speak with Sam Cooper, a pastor who has accompanied a local community of faith for 31 years and counting. Through stories of listening and obeying, Sam and Wendy celebrate a long journey of discernment that has led a community to learn to participate with God in making things right. **PLEASE NOTE: Due to technical difficulties audio may be hard to hear in spots. Please refer to the transcript found on: https://henrinouwen.org/henris-bookshelf/discernment/ Meadowvale Community Church: https://www.meadowvalecrc.org/ Indwell - builder of affordable housing: https://indwell.ca/ ___________ Book Discussed: Discernment: Reading the Signs of Daily Life https://amzn.to/2NBrriT (US) https://amzn.to/2Oczt1T (CAD) Spiritual Direction https://amzn.to/389dTEI (US) https://amzn.to/2Zf9gGA (CAD) Spiritual Formation https://amzn.to/2YCNETY (US) https://amzn.to/2COPVTM (CAD) The Wounded Healer https://amzn.to/2AGOrKz (US) https://amzn.to/3hdDkcr (CAD) ___________ SUPPORT THIS PODCAST: henrinouwen.org/donate/ * SIGN UP FOR FREE DAILY E-MEDITATIONS: henrinouwen.org/meditation/ * MORE FREE RESOURCES: henrinouwen.org/ * FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/henrinouwensociety/ TWITTER: twitter.com/nouwensociety FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/nouwensociety/ PINTEREST: www.pinterest.ca/henrinouwen/