For as long as you can remember, you have been a pleaser, depending on others to give you an identity. You need not look at that only in a negative way. You wanted to give your heart to others, and you did so quickly and easily. But now you are being asked to let go of all these self-made props and trust that God is enough for you. You must stop being a pleaser and reclaim your identity as a free self.
Henri NouwenForgiveness changes the way we remember. It converts the curse into a blessing. Forgiveness indeed heals memories . . .
Henri NouwenLiving in a community with very wounded people, I came to see that I had lived most of my life as a tightrope artist trying to walk on a high, thin cable from one tower to the other, always waiting for the applause when I had not fallen off and broken my leg.
Henri NouwenI am the prodigal son every time I search for unconditional love where it cannot be found.
Henri Nouwen