Saturday, October 07, 2006

Encouragement



"In this crazy world,
there is an enormous distinction between good and bad,
between sorrow and joy.
But, in the eyes of God, they're never separated.
Where there is pain, there is healing.
Where there is mourning, there is dancing.
Where there is poverty, there is kingdom."
Henri Nouwen.

5 comments:

Rainbow dreams said...

Reminds me especially of nights when I was working in hospitals and people would die.
In the period afterwards thoughts somehow always went to the labour ward too, birth and death in such close proximity.

Anonymous said...

Where there is pain, there is healing.


i hope so

awareness said...

rainbow....yes it's interesting how we search for affirmation by seeking out new life after learning of a death.

Layla/Barbara........is pain a sign that we have somehow turned a corner towards healing? I think so.

urbanmonk said...

Hi A,

havent commented for a while but Ive been keeping up..part of me wants to go, naw.. that dont make sense, then I saw henris name at the bottom..and I read it again..Where there is mourning there is dancing.. thats comforting.

Which book is this quote from?

Also wanted to say that I enjoyed your posts on freedom and destiny. Its always a splinter rubbing away inside me, that one.. causes a lot of anxiety, which was interesting to read Rollo Mays thoughts on too. Gave me some insight.. thanks

good posting

urbs

awareness said...

Hi Urbs

I'll have to look again for the quote. I can't remember where I read it! Isn't that awful, but I had transferred the quote into my journal in the summer......I'll let you know. I had found a beautiful watercolour paintings of candles to accompany the post, but the internet police nabbed it back!! It reminded me of the candles found in a cathedral....
Freedom and Destiny......I struggle with these concepts as well, and often wonder how much control I do have over my destiny, and how much freedom I really have. There are days when I feel like I have it figured out and other days when I think......WTF? In the meantime, I'll continue to read and write about it.
Good to see you again.....:)