From the Library of Deacon Mike:
"The utter powerlessness of God is that God forgives. I hold myself in a position of power by not forgiving myself or others. God does not hold on to that position of power."
If I had to choose one book which, in my spiritual journey, would be at the top of my list as being the most comforting and consoling, the one I return to again and again, I certainly would have to say it is the one written by Ernest Kurtz and Katherine Ketcham entitled "THE SPIRITUALITY OF IMPERFECTION – STORYTELLING AND THE JOURNEY TO WHOLENESS". Certainly John Bradshaw was not far off the marked when he said, "I think this book comes closer to the real meaning of spirituality than anything I've looked at in the last twenty years."
To truly appreciate this book we begin with the statement - "I am not perfect" - a simple statement of profound truth, the first step toward understanding the human condition, for to deny our essential imperfection is to deny ourselves and our own humanity. The spirituality of imperfection, steeped in the rich traditions of the Hebrew prophets and Greek thinkers, Buddhist sages and Christian disciples, is a message as timeless as it is timely. This insightful work draws on the wisdom stories of the ages to provide an extraordinary wellspring of hope and inspiration to anyone who is looking for spiritual growth and guidance in these troubled times.
Who are we? Why do we so often fall short of our goals for ourselves and others? By seeking to understand our limitations and accept the inevitability of failure and pain, we begin to ease the hurt and move toward a greater sense of serenity and self-awareness. The Spirituality of Imperfection brings together stories from many spiritual and philosophical paths, weaving past traditions into a spirituality and a new way of thinking and living that works today. It speaks to anyone who yearns to find meaning within suffering. Beyond theory and technique, inside this remarkable book you will find a new way of thinking, a way of living that enables a truly human experience.
If you truly want to experience and feel the words of Richard Rohr - "The utter powerlessness of God is that God forgives. I hold myself in a position of power by not forgiving myself or others. God does not hold on to that position of power" – please do yourself a great service and read this remarkable piece of literature.
God Bless
Mike
Select here to return to Mike's Book Nook