Adam: God's Beloved

A short, easily read book . Very well written and very inspiring. I loved the way the author drew parallels between Christ and a beautiful, physically disabled person. A very moving book!

The late Henri Nouwen, a Catholic priest whose spiritual writings are still widely read, devoted his last book to reflection on his experiences with Adam, a young man with profound intellectual disabilities. Nouwen left a prominent career as a teacher and spiritual writer to work as a caregiver for Adam at L'Arche Daybreak in Ontario, a home for people with profound developmental disabilities.The relationship, which began as an exercise in compassion, changed into a relationship in which Nouwen saw in Adam the embodiment of Christ. In tending to Adam, Nouwen was forced to shuck the trappings of his overly intellectual priestly career to focus on the well-being of another human being who was totally vulnerable. Adam, whose wants were few but whose needs were great, forced the priest to confront his own vulnerability.Despite a christology that is implicit in Nouwen's Catholicism (and hence may not resonate with every reader), his central insight is vital for an understanding not just of disability but of the ultimate vulnerability we all share as humans: Each and every life is of value as an embodiment of the divine, and we are all called "to accept the truth of our lives and to choose to give our love when we are strong and to receive the love of others when we are weak, always with tranquility and generosity."

As the father of a child with special needs, I am so thankful for the perspective of Nouwen. He helps the reader see that people with disabilities reveal to all of us more of our humanness as well as more of our God-given Glory. I was touched by the way Nouwen juxtaposed the life and "passion" of Adam to the same of Christ. It was life-giving and faith-building to read this work and be encouraged to "see" life, faith, hope, and love in people with disability(s). This work reminded me that my son, Jon Andrew, will probably impact more people on this earth through his "disability" than I will through my "ability." I was brought back to the truth that in my weakness, God is there and is my ultimate strength and my life is full when I am utterly dependent on Him alone. I am so grateful to have read this work of grace and highly recommend it to all.

This is a beautifully written story that turns disability (as its commonly know in our society) on its head. It reminds us that we are all whole human beings with our own set of vulnerabilities that we need to accept in each other and welcome into our lives. Highly recommend to anyone of faith or those who are not!

The story of Adam is a gift to me and my family. We now have another true-life story to learn from and celebrate. The simple and beautiful truth of Adam mirrors our life with Ataa. Our little man touched the lives of many, and continues to do so in his earthly absence.Our family is grieving the loss of my brother Ataa (which means gift in Arabic). He was severely brain injured, had cerebral palsy, and his life expectancy was 4 years old. Ataa passed away April, 28 2014 on the eve of his 20th birthday. After his funeral, a member of my parent's community gifted this book to my mom, and after reading two thirds of it, she phoned me (deeply moved and beyond words) and recommended I read it too.My mother met Ataa in our corner bakery as a six month old baby in temporary foster care before being handed over to the state. He had been abandoned, and left in a bucket of cold water to die. An hour after meeting Ataa, my mom told me that she had found my brother, and together, we began preparing for his homecoming. Shortly after welcoming my little brother into our family, the 13 year old me started understanding that he would be one of our greatest earthly teachers. While we tended to his basic needs, he healed our hearts, and further opened our eyes and minds to everyday (and often taken for granted) pleasures and miracles. If I have children of my own one day, I will remember all that Ataa taught me, and celebrate every little movement they are able to make themselves.This book is a great comfort to us during our grieving process, and it warms my heart to learn of the care houses that are in existence. My prayer is that these remarkable human beings become more visible in day to day life that they may continue healing their able bodied brothers and sisters.Thank you for writing this story Henri, we would have loved to meet you all.

I really liked the book. At times he seems to put too much on Adam's shoulders in terms of what he represents and teaches. Nouwen is a great writer and thinker though. I've heard about his writings before but this is the first book I read by him. This is a short read and is very accessible. This is also the first time reading about L'Arche. What a great organization! It's clear that the L'Arche truly empowers its core members. This book provides great evidence that everyone given the opportunity and right environment can do great things for others.

Henri Nouwen reveals the truly important values in life in this beautifully written story of the person who most impacted his life. Inspiring and even life-changing information for the reader.

What a beautiful book!!! This must have been a great person. Very grateful for this book.

What a very special book, which I will read every now and again to remind myself as to the nature of selfless loving parents who brought a severely disabled son into an environment where he shone. Everyone who came in contact with Adam was blessed. My tears flowed freely!

The real man met. Thoughtful and insightful,honest and revealing-the inner life and spirituality of Nouwen shines out .The sort of book that reaches the mind and heart,not an actual auto biography but revealing so much.It edifies ,supports and enlarges one`s own concepts and challenges each to move from our comfort zone and embrace life with love ,learning in humility to do so in the service of others and receiving much from those who seem to have little .Very good.It is also well read!

started off well but couldn't get on with where the author was going with this book

Book arrived very quickly used but still lots of life in it! Thank you

This book has impacted my life more than any other book I have read, life changing!!