Healing the Purpose of Your Life

by Dennis Linn, Sheila Fabricant Linn, Matthew Linn SJ

What makes you special? In this intriguing book, the best-selling Linns help readers discover what makes each of us special, the one purpose of each individual's life underlying all decisions and activities, the "sealed orders" from God that go beyond what we do, to who we really are. This special purpose of being is ours alone; it is what gives our life meaning. Combining spirituality, psychology, and medicine, as well as their own intimate stories, the Linns provide concrete ways to help readers discover their own purpose through their experiences of love, their life circumstances, their inherent faults, other people, and nature. Each chapter ends with an exercise for the individual, and the book concludes with a process for group sharing. These six sessions can be easily adjusted to suit the group's need. Heavily illustrated in full color, Healing the Purpose of Your Life helps both individuals and groups create an environment of meaning. It's a title not only for the growing number of Linn fans but for general self-help readers, spiritual directors, youth ministers, and counselors. It's also a wonderful book for families, faith-sharing groups, youth groups, recovery groups, and groups for the divorced, the unemployed, and the bereaved. †

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Self Help

96 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[D.J. Lang · Rating 4 out of 5]

So funny that some readers writing reviews found the Linns' book Good Goats more heretical than this book! I don't find the Linns to be heretical at all (hmmm, or if I do, I'm heretical with them); however, I do find this book to be both helpful yet more filled with questionable beliefs (healing as an adult from the trauma of birth). I'm not saying they're wrong or that it makes them heretical, I just don't think at this point in time that I will be looking into healing from my conception and birth. Hopefully that doesn't put off friends from reading this book if they believe as I do: "eat the meat and throw out the bones" (or eat the fruit and throw out the seed" for my vegetarian friends). I particularly love pages 22 and 23 with questions to discover one's way of being unique to each person. I also love how the Linns (not sure why only Dennis is listed as the only author since Sheila and Matt also co-wrote this) are attentive to son John (nephew John for Matthew) as he grows even from his birth. I found a lot that I want to re-read and practice in this book.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

My pastor suggested this book as I am in the process of discernment regarding service to our parish in the coming years. While I have finished the book, I will be going back and rereading it several more times. The core concept of the book is that we all have "sealed orders" about what we are to do here on Earth with the gifts God gave us. It is clearly and thoughtfully written, with practical ideas and activities to help you find the answer to: "What is the unique way I was created to give and receive love in this world?" I highly recommend this book.

[Priscilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

My dear sister lent me this book to read while I was going through cancer treatment. The content has been an important part of my healing process. The style and self-referencing got in my way, sometimes, however. But as an adjunct to other reading and experiences, I would recommend it.

[Ed Reiller · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little out there, but core is good

I had to read this book for an Introduction to a Christian ministry course. The chapter on questions to ask yourself, was thought provoking. However; some parts of the book were almost new are mentality for me.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this while at a retreat - nice way of covering the material. Enough info with examples, but succinct and clear.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Linns address the topic of how to discern your calling from many unique points of view.