Friday, April 14, 2006

Laying It Down

In my e-mail this morning, from the Henri Nouwen Society:

Laying Down Your Life for Your Friends

Good Shepherds are willing to lay down their lives for their sheep (see John 10:11). As spiritual leaders walking in the footsteps of Jesus, we are called to lay down our lives for our people. This laying down might in special circumstances mean dying for others. But it means first of all making our own lives - our sorrows and joys, our despair and hope, our loneliness and experience of intimacy - available to others as sources of new life.

One of the greatest gifts we can give others is ourselves. We offer consolation and comfort, especially in moments of crisis, when we say: "Do not be afraid, I know what you are living and I am living it with you. You are not alone." Thus we become Christ-like shepherds.


"Kenosis," Charles Andrade  Posted by Picasa

3 comments:

Dorcas (aka SingingOwl) said...

Good reminder...and OOOOOH, I loved that picture! :-D

Ruth said...

Where would one find a print of that picture?

LutheranChik said...

I'n't it cool? I didn't see prints listed on the artist's website , but it wouldn't hurt to ask.