36 of 37 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful Meditations on Therese's Wisdom, April 26, 2005
This review is from: I Believe in Love: A Personal Retreat Based on the Teaching of St. Thérèse of Lisieux (Paperback)
"I Believe in Love" is a wonderful introduction to the wisdom of Therese of Lisieux. Reading it made me more fully appreciate her autobiography "Story of a Soul." Each chapter of the book comprises different topics that she addressed in her writings, and serves well as a meditation. I think the author states that it is his intent to provide the reader with a personal retreat based on the teachings of Therese. I read one chapter a night before I went to bed.
Therese of Lisieux's approach to spirituality is accessible to any one in any walk of life. She describes souls as similar to different types of flowers. Some are roses, others lilies, and some like orchids, for example. And all can be equally pleasing to God in their own way, when seeking his role for them. People have different talents and different struggles, but these characteristics do not mean that any type is more valued than the other.
The chapters are divided according to topics that address needs of everyone; regardless of what type of flower they are. The topics are drawn from examples of Therese's life and writings, but the author also includes many biblical quotes and some writings of other Christians, such as Teresa of Avila, that support the advice given.
It is fitting that the first chapter describes love, as Therese sated that is the Church is one body, then she want to be its heart, that loves every one, because God is love. The chapter instructs how to demonstrate love to God and others through all actions of our lives, regardless of our station or ability. The chapter "Fraternal Charity" speaks in greater details about relations with others and how to fulfill our duties towards them
The chapter "Unshakeable Confidence" outlines advice for people who experience spiritual dryness. It amazed me to learn that Therese of Lisieux experiences dryness, and helps console me when I feel similarly, because if some one who lived as holy a life as she did suffered from this problem, than I should not feel disillusioned from the experience.
"Humble Confidence" is a chapter that provides sound guidance for acting in faith. It seems that there is a fine line between being confident in religion and proud, the latter of which is not a virtue.
"Abandonment to Jesus" and "The Cross" are helpful chapters for people experiencing difficult times, and anxiety about the future; whether it is the daily grind that is wearing one down, or a specific setback. And Catholic may benefit particularly from the chapter on the "Eucharist," as the late Pope has named this year the "Year of the Eucharist."
The book is easy to read and personal. The organization of the chapters, are useful for providing support to people during different struggles. I read the book through once, and return to different sections, depending on my needs, but each chapter is a complete meditation in itself and the book can be skipped around. Each reading makes me appreciate them more.
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22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Love of the Savior, April 22, 2001
By A Customer
This review is from: I Believe in Love: A Personal Retreat Based on the Teaching of St. Thérèse of Lisieux (Paperback)
I BELIEVE IN LOVE is an outstanding book which explores the personal love that Christ has for each individual. It is an answer to the common cry of our modern world, a cry for love. This book delves into the true meaning of love and applies it to how we can love Christ, and how Christ loves us. When read with an open heart, I BELIEVE IN LOVE can change your life.
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14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing insights, July 24, 2003
By A Customer
This review is from: I Believe in Love: A Personal Retreat Based on the Teaching of St. Thérèse of Lisieux (Paperback)
This book of retreats is filled with amazing insights into the spiritual life - a life of utter confidence in Christ and complete trust in His Love and Mercy. It also gives practical ways to live His Love and spread it among those with whom we come in contact. Draws on teachings of St. Therese, but it's obvious the author lives what he has learned from her as well.
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