Joy in Divine Wisdom: Practices of Discernment from Other Cultures and Christian Traditions

What is the meaning of life? Why are we here? How do we make wise decisions in our lives? How do we "discern" the right thing to do (or the right way to be, or the right path to take)? How do we listen for God in all the hubbub of our daily lives? In Joy in Divine Wisdom Marva J. Dawn introduces readers to different and intriguing ways of discerning reality and making choices. She asks us to look outside ourselves, our own cultures, and our own brands of Christianity to new ways of listening for the voice of God in our lives. As an international speaker and teacher, she has encountered much wisdom both in Christian tradition and in the many places and people she has visited around the world. In showing us these refreshing new insights about discernment, she also gives us a deeper understanding of grace, community, honesty, humility, wholeness, forgiveness, trust, suffering, and faith. Through the inspiring stories of people from all over the world, Marva Dawn shows us the habits that impede good decision making and elaborates on those practices and elements that encourage more prayerful thoughtfulness. Her stories remind us that although we may feel unsure about the big decisions in our lives, we will find solace when we learn to surrender to God who shares our burdens and joys. We are not alone, wrestling to figure out who we are and what we are to do. God is with us; in the end discernment is more about grace, about trusting our identity as persons enfolded in the love of others, especially the love of God.