The Little Way: Reflections on the Joy of Smallness in God's Infinite Love

We want to love God with all our hearts, but we often find ourselves striving in our efforts to please Him, acutely aware of our weaknesses. As our failures pile up, we become frustrated and discouraged. Have we missed the essence of the gospel? Is there a simple but true way to serve God that can fill us with joy and peace rather than fear and discouragement? St. Thérèse of Lisieux faced similar struggles. As a young woman who desired to abandon herself to God, she felt daunted at the thought of climbing "the steep stairway of perfection." Thérèse searched the Scriptures until she discovered a path to freedom she called her "little way." This is "the way of spiritual childhood, the way of trust and absolute surrender." It is a recognition that while we are small and imperfect, we have a mighty God who reaches out to us with infinite love, grace, and strength to take care of all our needs. As Thérèse followed this new path, she considered herself a "little flower" in Jesus's garden. She understood that she was beloved by her heavenly Father and delightful in His eyes. And she could bloom right where He planted her as she daily demonstrated His unconditional love to others in small but meaningful acts of kindness and interceded on their behalf. This beautiful book highlights St. Thérèse's deep insights into faith and devotion, while visually capturing, through simple floral illustrations, the theme of simplicity that permeated her life. As you read excerpts from St. Thérèse's autobiography, poetry, and letters--tracing such themes as "littleness," God's immense love for us, our devotion to God, loving others, prayer, humility, surrender, sacrifice, trust, and the joys of heaven--you will learn to rest in the loving arms of your heavenly Father, allowing your own faith to grow and flourish.Read less