The Love That Keeps Us Sane: Living the Little Way of St. Thérèse of Lisieux

by Marc Foley

Practical advice, based on the writings of St. Thérèse of Lisieux.

Genres: Spirituality, Catholic, Biography, Nonfiction, Psychology, Faith, Devotional

104 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2000

Reviews

[booklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

My (Secular) Carmelite sister gave me this book. She didn’t tell me what it was about and from the second part of the book’s title, ‘Living the Little Way of St. Thérèse of Lisieux’ it would seem to be obvious, except that it is somewhat misleading.

We might want to ignore the first half of the book’s title, ‘The Love that Keeps Us Sane’, which is first for a reason. This book is about what Thérèse learned was her vocation, ‘to love’, the vocation which encompasses all other vocations. A vocation for those who aren’t familiar with the Catholic use of the term, especially the way Thérèse would have narrowly understood the word, meant to be called by God to something very specific, usually the religious, married or single life. So for her to be graced with this broader understanding during a time when the Catholic Church, and the French Catholic Church in particular was still guardedly clinging to vestiges of jansenist* tendencies was indeed a GRACE.

The author, Marc Foley, brings out the various aspects of this Gift of God in all its beauty and many practical aspects as well. It is as much about psychological sanity as it is about holiness. Most highly recommended. And that it is short and easy to read makes it all the better.

*Jansenism was a Catholic heretical theological movement, primarily in France, that emphasized original sin, human depravity, the necessity of divine grace, and predestination. The movement originated from the posthumously published work of the Dutch theologian Cornelius Jansen, who died in 1638.

[Sarah Furka · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book just may have changed my life. The practicality that I never had when learning about the life of Therese. She is REAL, and sainthood - perfection - is a tangible choice always.

[Joe Furka · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I was NOT a fan. St. Therese and I certainly have a different spirituality and reading this gave me the tiniest little spiritual crisis at the beginning. But I got over myself and finished it.

And I’m very glad that I did. I ended up taking great joy in the way she simplifies the spiritual life around love. It gave me a lot to pray with and was laid out very practically. St. Therese, pray for us!

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very short little book about St. Therese, and the aspects of her “little way” which kept her sane and how they can keep you and I sane too, if we practice them.

Fr. Marc Foley OCD is a favorite, and this book did not disappoint. The book is full of quotes: from Therese, her sisters, other authors who’ve written about Therese, random examples with quotes from secular books etc.

As usual, Fr. Marc does his research well and the references section is an excellent source of other good books to read. He does a great job at explaining, and his examples and metaphors are top notch.

This book is available on Amazon in both ebook and paperback copy. I’ll be referencing this one over and again, as the advice it contains is very useful.

[Jo Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friend in my bookclub gave me this book to read while recuperating from knee surgery...I finished reading it on Halloween, which I thought was surpisingly appropriate...as a child growing up in Catholic schools, we were required to research the lives of saints, and then on Halloween, wear a costume/have a parade/share our report on our favorite saint. For 4 years or so, mine was St. Therese of Lisieux...my first memory of Rit dye was my Mom dying a white sheet brown for St. Therese's cloak, and sewing my costume...I have several pictures of me in that "costume." More importantly, I was intrigued with her life...this book is a refreshingly honest look at what makes her a saint, while contradicting some of the "too sweet" things written about her. Thanks, Marietta!

[Joy Chalaby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This little book, with small reflections on the life and testimony of St. Therese of Lisieux was a great blessing and edification for me in 2014. It came in just the right time, when I found myself struggling with "staying sane" in the midst of new challenges, fears and worries in my life; learning to live the little but beautiful way of loving was a special challenge for me - still is - but truly, the more I ask the Lord to help me love, He gives me such peace and strength! Often I still remember little thoughts from this book, and remember how God's love, above any other love, keeps us sane in a tumultuous world!

[M Laabs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good. We think of little St. Therese of Lisieux as so calm, collected and leading a quiet interior saintly life, but this book makes you realize that to become a saint she did have a battle. She was quite the master of herself.

[George Balogh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! Sheds bright light on the mature interior life of St. Therese of Lisieux, and identifies why the church holds her in such great esteem.

[Lou Wise · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author sets out to show how to find Sanity in our life through living the little way of St. Therese of Lisieux. He also discovers that Spirituality and Sanity go together. This book invites its reader to look deeper into our thoughts & behavior with the insights of St. Therese.

[antony · Rating 5 out of 5]

This interesting book strips the idea of "The little way" or Therese back to it's practical nature and looks at it from the perspective of it's psychological and personal impact.

The author begins by saying that are avoiding the holiness angle as that is covered by many other books. But at the end they can't help but touch on how spiritually empowering the practice of the little way would be.

It is no wonder Therese was made a doctor of the church. even in her simplistic, loving little way, there thunders a powerful absorbing way to engage with our Lord, which is exactly what he wants. The Psalms are clear, he doesn't need our burnt offerings, he wants our love.

[Mary Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book last year and finally picked it up to finish. There are many good insights for dealing with the difficulties and difficult people in one’s life. Now I need to start it again from the beginning.

[Makenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice little book about ways to practically live out St. Therese's "little way". Very short, only six chapters, but a lovely way to start my morning.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal. Amazing that this book was written about a normal nun who died at the age of 24. Includes thoughts on silence, secrets, love, humility, living with the annoyances of others, etc.

[Noelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for everyday spirituality

I wish I had read this book sooner. I absolutely love it and can see myself rereading over and over.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome book!

[djt · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, hadn't heard of this book before & picked it up last week since the title caught my attention. I'd started to read the first few pages & had to put it aside & got back to it today. In its short (82 pages) length I found incredible direction. The author, Marc Foley, O.C.D. draws upon the writings of St. Therese of Lisieux & the "little ways" in which she lived her short life & brings to very simple, direct, and amazingly helpful words for addressing our day-to-day uncomfortable &/or hurtful experiences, and how to face them with calm, firm resolve & acceptance. I found this book to be incredibly good. The author also sites relevant quotes from Dante; Kierkegaard; Thomas Merton; Carl Jung; Sigmund Freud; T.S. Elliott, and many others. All of this in a mere 82 pages, and all brought together, in relevance, and simple explanations of why some relationships/situations can be unsettling, to say the least, & how to put aside the "insanity" of days & change our reactions to acceptance & sort out the ultimate important encounters in our lives. This book is overflowing with deep philosophical & spiritual direction, amazingly encapsulated within its 82 pages. I certainly recommend this book to everyone, no matter your religious affiliation, or lack of one. No matter your belief system.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding book. Will really make an impact on your Spiritual life if you are open to it.

[Deacon Ted Schreck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very impactful for me in discussing how minding one's own business can preserve from unnecessary an,iety and lead to freedom of doing whatever little things God wills for me to do.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a very easy to read book, and practical too. I've benefited much from it.

[Linda Padgett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read this book so many times!!!! Great one.

[Patrick Bouchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy Read. Oh my goodness. Little T does it again. The Little Way is THE WAY. She really had a confident swagger. This book I recommend after reading his Context of Holiness book. So much insight!!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started out reading like psychological counseling.
Second half mor focused on Spirituality!
Got better when discussed in a circle!

[Nicole (coliolie) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literally one of the best spiritual books I have ever read. The most profound words of wisdom yet utterly simple! Definitely rings true for St. Terese the little flower.

[Christopher Newton · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldn't make any sense out of it. It must be written in a secret code I don't have the key to.

[Aubrey Major · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet to the soul little read — Definitely speaks in some bigger language at parts, but at the same time felt so simple and tangible for changing my heart and my mindset. Loved it! ❤️