The Power of a Little Flower
By Tom Gilbert
St. Therese of Lisieux is often referred to as the Little Flower. She was a very devout young woman who became a Carmelite nun at an early age and during her time there she wasn't famous. But she was drawn deeply to the heart of Jesus and her prayer life was rich and intense. She put up with disdain and mean-spirited actions from some of the other sisters and she had to learn to let go of her self centered thoughts and behavior. Her little way has inspired countless others and her wonderful autobiography, The Story of a Soul (available online here), is a great account of her love for God and her spiritual growth.
This soul so dedicated to spreading the love of God died quite young. She was just 24. She is another example of how God uses people in surprising ways. We don't expect young girls to have such insight. But God takes each of us and plants a desire in our hearts. If we listen and follow that desire amazing things can result. Therese of LIsieux is now a famous and influential saint and a Doctor of the Catholic Church. The Feast of St. Therese is October 1. I found myself thinking about her yesterday and this morning I pulled out my copy of The Story of a Soul and read again from it. In her chapter "The Way of Love" she speaks of being drawn by Jesus and how she longed for Christ to live and act in her. Indeed he has and does!
This love and grace is available to all of us. As Therese writes, "We will run, indeed, all of us, for souls on fire cannot remain inactive."
Links to some sites about St. Therese of Lisieux:
Therese of Lisieux official site - www.sttherese.com
St. Therese of Lisieux - Mystic, Patroness of the Missions, Doctor of the Church - www.thelittleflower.org
St. Therese of Lisieux - Saint of the Day - www.americancatholic.org
Posted by Tom Gilbert at 10/2/2011 10:18 AM 
Categories: God and Love, Inspiration
Tags: little flower St. Therese of Lisieux Story of a Soul Jesus Christ spiritual life
Categories: God and Love, Inspiration
Tags: little flower St. Therese of Lisieux Story of a Soul Jesus Christ spiritual life
I truly appreciate the hard ship of this young women who is entitled as the little flower. You have posted really an unique post. Thanks for the sharing.
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