Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace, Kent Nerburn

Contributor: Michelle Smeby

A few months ago I was invited to join a spiritual group comprised of women whom I greatly admire. These women are amazing educators, leaders, thinkers, and dreamers who devote their hearts and minds to making a difference in the world. Each month, we read a book and discuss what the book inspires us to go, do and be. Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace was one of the first books we read and after reading the first two chapters, I bought 3 more copies to give to others whom I knew it would inspire.

In this book, Kent Nerburn makes the prayer of St. Francis come alive by taking the poem, line by line, and exploring the deeper meaning and intent behind each phrase. Mr. Nerburn provides poignant stories from his own experiences that make the possibilities of how we can all positively impact the planet come alive! Through the simplest action, we can embody the love and the wisdom of the saints in our 21st century world. Through one small, kind word, we can be the difference and change we want to see in the world.

Each of us has the power to be the love where there is hatred, to pardon where there is injury, to have faith where there is doubt... I am so grateful that we have been blessed with the writings of Kent Nerburn to show us how, through even the smallest acts, we can live the prayer of St. Francis every day in our own lives.