Chapter 2 Discussion Starters--"The Me I Don't Want to Be"

CHAPTER 2 DISCUSSION-- "THE ME I DON'T WANT TO BE"




Pastor Dave Commments--

Note 1-

Chapter 2 begins with a very compelling story. I am drawn to it because it references my favorite author of all time- Henri Nouwen. (you might check out the web site dedicated to nouwen, www.nouwen.net.

Nowen became an academic star quickly-- teaching at Notre Dame, Yale, and then Harvard. His books quickly became best sellers and he was a sought after speaker. But, he was restless beyond belief never feeling authenic, never feeling at home. This gifted leader, a man who was gifted in using words (spoken and written) didn't find the best version of himself until he was asked to minister in a community of severely handicapped people-- L'Arche in Toronto, Canada. Many who lived there could not understand his words or his writings. Henri had to learn to communicate in new ways- by actions of love and compassion and tangible care. It was there (at L'Arche) that some of his most profound writings emerged as one sensed that something profound was happening in his life- ironically after he left the spotlight of high profile and prestigious universities. Many thought he was crazy but Nouwen was continually exposed to people like Trevor (pages 22 and 23), who "lived out the best version of himself"



How would you have reacted to someone like Trevor coming in and offering that toast? Would you have joined in the singing of "If you're happy and you know it, raise your glass? Would it inspire you or would you just be playing along?





2) page 25 quotes-

"Comparison kills spiritual growth". . ..

"Spiritual greatness has nothing to do with being greater than others. It has everything to do with being as great as each of us can be. "

"Each of us has a me that we think we should be, which is at odds with the me that God made us to be."



I would invite you to comment on these quotes as I think your comments will benefit the group.



3. FTT- Failure to thrive. This was an interesting concept. "Psychologists have begun to speak of what is perhaps the largest mental health problem today. It is not depression or anxiety, at least not at clinical levels. It is languishing-- a failure to thrive. . . . .It is weariness of soul and inability to delight in life".




That being said, do you agree with Orberg's notion that for each of us, "there is a person inside of you waiting to come alive."?


If you are (or someone you know) is in that FTT state- what kind of help do you need/ or can give?


Can you think of stories/ movies where someone is languishing and been helped by a catalyst (helped to thrive)? What "take home' lessons can you glean from that story?






4. Here is where it boils down for me-- "God designed you to flourish 'so that' you could be part of his redemptive project in ways that you otherwise could not."

What that says to me is that when we become the best verison of ourselves-- God can really use us in helping the world around us. therefore, much is at stake!





5. Open ended-- please share any insights/ comments/ quotes that you feel would benefit the group from chapter 2.

Chapter 2 Discussion will be posted Friday June 25

I hope you are enjoying the book, The Me I Want to Be.  If you haven't commented or read the comments on chapter one, I would encourage you to check them out.

Tommorow, Friday, June 25 I will start the posts for chapter 2 and invite your input on that next part of the book. 

blessings

Pastor Dave

Comments on Chapter One and Your Feedback

Tuesday, June 22- Discussing Chapter One of "The Me I Want to Be " by John Ortberg

*I would encourage you to take some notes as you go through the book and perhaps underline key passages along the way.  each chapter has some good personal questions to ponder.  I hope that on your own you will answer Ortberg's question on page 21-- "how is your spiritual life going?" 


*For today (and next few days as we get into this study) and for our discussion purposes let me throw out some things you might share or comment on:

1. Share with the group your favorite statement(s)/comment from chapter 1.  (What "hits" us often reveals a lot about ourselves)

2. Do you need someone to "ring your bell" as John's wife Nancy did? (see page 11-12 when she shared her list of things John could do better) 

3. Have you ever made the excuse "I'm doing the best I can" but deep down realizing you're actually not "doing the best you can"?

4. Comment on the following quote- "God made you to flourish but flourishing never happens by looking out for 'number one'."  It is tied to a grander nobler vision" (page 13)

5. Ortberg tells the story of the enthusiastic airport shuttle bus driver, who just radiated joy and enthusiasm as he went about his work and created a "community of joy".  (page 13 and 14).  Share with the group an example of someone you see "flourishing".  As Ortberg illustrates, flourishing lives can be found anywhere.



***That's enough to get us going.  Feel free to comment on one or comment on multiple questions.  Anything you share will be a gift.  Participate as you are able. 

Dear God, thank you for all those who are taking part in this discussion.  Help us all to become the people you are calling us to be.  Help our lives to flourish so that we might become the best version of who you created us to be.  Amen

Welcome and Readings for Week 1 (Week of June 21)

Welcome everyone to our discussion of John Ortberg's, "The Me I Want to Be: Becoming God's Best Version of You".

I know that many of you could easily plow through this whole book in several hours.  I suggest we take it in smaller chapters over the course of the next 6 weeks.  For this week, read chapters 1 and 2 which are called "Learn Why God Made You" and "The Me I Don't Want to be".  That second chapter's title should grab many of us for there are certainly things inside each of us which we wish we could get rid of - attitudes, actions, regrets, fears, failurse, etc.

I am looking forward to this experience-  I look forward to posting but also to reading your posts as well.

For today, you might introduce yourself to the group if you are comfortable doing that.  (In any way you wish).  Note that you many feel free to participate and post comments "anonmymously" on this site. 

Tommorow I will make some comments and ask some questions on chapter 1. 

Pastor Dave Sonnenberg