Review in Word and Service by Mariska van Beusichem

Review in Word and Service by Mariska van Beusichem

In this diary the spiritual awakening can be followed, which continued for two years after the mystical experience. On the spiritual path that unfolded and is chantingly taken by Carine, the joy of God is in constant dialogue with the suffering and powerlessness with which Carines physical condition confronts her. Gradually Carine realizes that her powerlessness plays a key part in the realization of her desire to put herself completely in the hands of God. The feeling of being driven to the limit of her capabilities, she is experiencing as if the process of dying whereby she disappears deeper and deeper into God.

The book describes the mental process of Carine from the inside out, which brings with it a certain degree of abstraction.

I experienced it as a relief when something practical was reported as: a misplaced agenda , a phonecall, a meeting in the hospital where Carine is pastor. Yet the inside story of Carines life, without much distraction of practicalcircumstances helped me as a reader to come to my own inner story.

I assume that other readers can also identify with the story of Carine, because the desire to completely entrust oneself to God confronts everybody in a similar way with the resistance of our own fearful ‘self’.

That I think is one of the great things about the book: Carine always remains a recognizable person and never turns into a mystic who rises far above us mere mortals.

I think it is of great importance that texts like Carines’ are published. How many people have such texts in a notebook lying in a drawer? It may not be necessary to publish them all, but the publication of Carine’s diary is an encouragement to all those other writers to take their inner conversation seriously. By sharing her desirous journey to God – including the pain and exertion she encounters – Carine encourages others to persevere in their own way.

It is often difficult to find words for what is happening inside you. Carine succeeds however wonderfully well.

She is assisted by her wide knowledge of mystical texts and by partners in dialogue who accompany her on her way. Among them prof. Dr. Hein Blommestijn, professor of mysticism, who has provided a commentary in the book and furthermore interviews Carine on the included DVD.

I think Carine would do many a service if she would use her talent to give voice to mystical processes written down by others. I therefore hope to read a great many more books, articles and/or columns by her in the future.

Ds. Mariska van Beusichem is pastor in Zetten and does a PhD research on Therese of Lisieux.