Open the Door: A Journey to the True Self

It has taken me some time to pray through this book. I find it sometimes takes me three days to work through one day. (*: I am just finishing Week 4, and have learned things about myself, though I am old enough to know myself quite well! I enjoy Sr. Joyce Rupp's sharing her personal life experiences which help me see my own life experience through different facets. I often have seen God's hand work through her writings, and to me, this is one of her best! I am definitely blessed by this book and recommend it for spiritual growth.

Joyce Rupp is not only a master at writing on spiritual topics but she lives them...and that is evident in this book especially through her sharings. I am using this book as a Lenten retreat with three different groups: 8 women on Tuesday mornings during Lent; 30 people on Mondays; 10 people on Sundays. Everyone is looking forward to our gatherings! Thank you, Joyce, for a book that opens all kinds of doors especially the door to the heart so that we can access our loving God!

I began this book just as we had said good bye to our dear son-in-law for his deployment to Iraq. Our lives were filled with sadness and worry. Joyce's book offers hope, possibilities, and openness to change. What lies ahead, none of us knows. Her continuous theme of being open to adventures that are part of change filled me with hope. The analogy of the door is all encompassing: the door to our hearts (first) and then the doors to opportunities. I must embrace the changes that are just on the other side of the door. Joyce reminds us through her stories, poem, and suggestions for reflection that possibilities are endless if we are open to them.

This is one of the most eye-opening books hat I have read in recent years. It must be read quietly and meditatively so take your time when you read it. There is much richness and food for thought in this book.

I am using this book with a group of 8 women. They pray with the material and then we meet once a week to discuss it and use the group sharing ideas in the back of the book. Would highly recommend it.