What Mother Teresa Taught Me

This excellent book was conceived in 1979 when Mother Teresa won the Nobel Peace Prize. At the time Maryanne Raphael was teaching high school social studies classes about India. Her students were so interested in "Mother" that Raphael decided to write a book about her for young people. Over the next few years, Raphael conducted extensive research, shifted to writing for adult audiences, and joined the Coworkers, an international group of lay people officially connected to Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity. As she became more deeply involved, Raphael worked alongside the Missionaries of Charity and Mother Teresa, who gave her blessing to the book project. The result is a highly readable story based on memories and anecdotes from those who knew Mother Teresa throughout her life. The first part is devoted to Mother's theology, philosophy, and devotion to Jesus as he is found in the poor. It includes her answer to critics, her abject fear of speaking in public, and her sense of humor. The second part describes Raphael's mission as a Coworker, which began in her home parish. The author and other volunteers found the same kind of miracles while serving the poor in the Midwestern U.S. as Mother and her Missionaries of Charity witnessed around the globe. They are based on the many things Mother Teresa has taught all of us, such as: * You can find Calcutta all over the world if you have eyes to see. Begin in your own home, your own neighborhood. * The first thing to do in an emergency is pray. * The poor have enough sorrow. We must bring them joy. * Never worry about money. God gives us enough money for anything he wants us to do. * We don't have to feel the emotion of love to live it. * See your would-be enemy as Jesus in his most distressing disguise. * A smile is the beginning of peace.

I found this book so interesting. The author had worked with Mother Teresa & knew some of her co-workers so she had great insight. It is written in such an easy going manner & I learned so much about Mother Teresa & her works & life. After telling about Mother Teresa's life,she then tells the things she learned from knowing her. It changed her life for the better.