isabellesbooks's review against another edition
5.0
This book has touched me so very deeply—I’m pretty sure I cried at the introduction. Each chapter is a look into Mother Teresa’s incredible life and testimony, with direct quotes from her followed by story after story of those who were impacted by her.
It is divided into the following sections: feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, visit the sick, visit the imprisoned, bury the dead, instruct the ignorant, counsel the doubtful, admonish sinners, bare wrongs patiently, forgive offenses willingly, comfort the afflicted, and pray for the living and the dead.
Mother Teresa has done all of these and more. I will keep some of these stories with me forever, and feel a renewed zest for showing hospitality in my own life. The only thing that didn’t resonate with me personally was chapter 10, “admonish sinners,” as it was very heavy on the strict Catholic traditions and theology, and I don’t believe in those doctrines as a Christian. But let me tell you, that chapter was worth reading regardless, because I learned that sweet Mother Teresa was also a hardass. I love this woman so much.
Edit: I can’t stop talking about this book and my mom is probably sick of it. But if I had never read it, I wouldn’t be able to say cool things like, “Mother Teresa called her headaches a Crown of Thorns which brought her closer to Jesus” when my mom comes down with a headache of her own.
It is divided into the following sections: feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, visit the sick, visit the imprisoned, bury the dead, instruct the ignorant, counsel the doubtful, admonish sinners, bare wrongs patiently, forgive offenses willingly, comfort the afflicted, and pray for the living and the dead.
Mother Teresa has done all of these and more. I will keep some of these stories with me forever, and feel a renewed zest for showing hospitality in my own life. The only thing that didn’t resonate with me personally was chapter 10, “admonish sinners,” as it was very heavy on the strict Catholic traditions and theology, and I don’t believe in those doctrines as a Christian. But let me tell you, that chapter was worth reading regardless, because I learned that sweet Mother Teresa was also a hardass. I love this woman so much.
Edit: I can’t stop talking about this book and my mom is probably sick of it. But if I had never read it, I wouldn’t be able to say cool things like, “Mother Teresa called her headaches a Crown of Thorns which brought her closer to Jesus” when my mom comes down with a headache of her own.
rachel_abby_reads's review against another edition
4.0
I didn't read every word, and some of it was repetitive, but Mother Teresa's words were inspiring.
I particularly admired the way she tried to see Christ in everyone she met, including what she called "Christ in the distressing disguise."
Jesus said "if you do it to one of the least of these, you have done it unto me." It's easy to think of just the people we like as those we want and need to serve. Mother Teresa widened her scope of service and encouraged others to do the same.
I particularly admired the way she tried to see Christ in everyone she met, including what she called "Christ in the distressing disguise."
Jesus said "if you do it to one of the least of these, you have done it unto me." It's easy to think of just the people we like as those we want and need to serve. Mother Teresa widened her scope of service and encouraged others to do the same.
scostner's review
4.0
Although I have seen Mother Teresa many times in the media, I have never read a book about her before. I am glad that I chose this one. Pulling passages from her letters, speeches, and interviews, the editor has shared Teresa's thoughts on the 7 corporal and 7 spiritual works of mercy. He has then followed each of these with testimonies from various eyewitnesses to her ministry and works. At the end of each section there is a reflection on the particular work of mercy addressed, and a prayer (many of which were prayed by Mother Teresa daily).
To describe the purpose and legacy of such a long and rich life as she lived, this seems to be a good way to organize everything that is shared. Simply reading through the quotes and testimonies we can begin to grasp how far-reaching her influence was. From Albania to Calcutta, Mexico to New York, she reached out all around the globe. Her thoughts on the nature of mercy and why we should show it to others are just as relevant now as when she first wrote them.
This would make a good book club choice, since there is so much to discuss, or it could be used for a group Bible study. It can also be enjoyed simply as the biography of a remarkable woman. Reading it will cause you to re-examine your own life and how you are choosing to live it.
I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.
To describe the purpose and legacy of such a long and rich life as she lived, this seems to be a good way to organize everything that is shared. Simply reading through the quotes and testimonies we can begin to grasp how far-reaching her influence was. From Albania to Calcutta, Mexico to New York, she reached out all around the globe. Her thoughts on the nature of mercy and why we should show it to others are just as relevant now as when she first wrote them.
This would make a good book club choice, since there is so much to discuss, or it could be used for a group Bible study. It can also be enjoyed simply as the biography of a remarkable woman. Reading it will cause you to re-examine your own life and how you are choosing to live it.
I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.
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