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Tony Horsfall

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The Making of Us: Who We Can Become When Life Doesn’t Go As Planned

by Sheridan Voysey (Goodreads Author)

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Reading for the 2nd time

read in March 2019

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Tony Horsfall said: " This is a book about pilgrimage, and there are two inherent dangers with such writing. Too much geography and history and it becomes a travelogue; too much introspection and navel gazing and it becomes self-indulgent. Thankfully, Sheridan Voysey’s ac This is a book about pilgrimage, and there are two inherent dangers with such writing. Too much geography and history and it becomes a travelogue; too much introspection and navel gazing and it becomes self-indulgent. Thankfully, Sheridan Voysey’s account of his walk from Lindisfarne to Durham, with his friend DJ, is neither.
The two men took 8 days to make the journey, following in the footsteps of Cuthbert but also learning from the life of Bede and other Celtic saints. Both felt the need for some time out and an opportunity to reflect; hopefully, to gain a sense of what God was doing in their lives. We are invited to walk with them and share their journey (minus the blisters). We are welcome to eavesdrop on their conversation, and learn from their discussions. More importantly, we are given the opportunity to start our own inner journey, a pilgrimage of the heart, as we read and reflect.
This is a beautifully constructed book. Sheridan is a wordsmith of high calibre. He paints pictures with words so that we can imagine ourselves on the road with them. He is also a deep thinker, a man with mature spiritual insight who has had to work through his own disappointment and heartache. A master storyteller, he shares openly and honestly with us from his own experience and that of others. As we read, it feels as if he is speaking directly into our soul. Every chapter is like a session with a wise and understanding spiritual director.
Sheridan writes for those who are in transition, moving from one phase of life to another. He has in mind those who are rebuilding their lives after dreams have been shattered and life has not turned out as planned. He directs his words to those who are looking for meaning and a new purpose, who feel adrift as he did, like a plastic bag blown aloft by the breeze.
Some big themes emerge. The question of finding our true identity runs like a thread through the narrative – knowing we are loved by God helps us find acceptance in who we are, not what we have or achieve. Understanding God’s will for our life, and recognising how God guides us, is another theme. Through their conversations and the happenings on the journey we are led to consider what it means to live for the glory of God, to understand and value the unique gifts God has given us. We begin to learn how God weaves a tapestry in our lives from all the broken pieces, and how even suffering and adversity can be used for good – indeed, in the making of us.
This is an enjoyable read, but in no way is it lightweight. It is best read at least twice. Once, simply to enjoy the story itself. Then again, to ponder what it is saying and let it speak to you. It will make an excellent companion to a retreat, or as the basis of a study group.
I see only one thing missing – a map would have been very helpful to get more a sense of the journey and the places visited.
I hope ‘The making of us’ will be widely read, it’s story enjoyed, and its message taken to heart. ...more "

Mar 15, 2019 04:29AM · see review