Of the many books on the theme of vocation or calling, this is
one book that personally speaks to the reader's heart. Author
Robert J. Furey, a psychotherapist by profession, speaks sincerely
in this book with a counselor's heart, and guides the reader into
seeing the wisdom of how God personally asks each one of us to
do something that only we can do. Furey encourages the reader
to discover for himself that unique call or mission, that
defines him and makes him more aware of God who calls him by
name.
Callings equip us with courage and abilities
According to Furey, the mystery of God's call equips each one with
the miracle of having the perfect combination of abilities to meet
the challenges inherent in his specific call. Initially, as is
usual in anything unknown or part of God's mystery, fear is present
and much felt. But Furey writes that once a leap of faith is
made, courage miraculously materializes and our particular path
in life becomes clearer, and a specific direction emerges. And as
we try to discover the calling's origin, we eventually realize
that it comes from God.
The book is sourced from many materials
This book by Furey comes from a number of sources. Although the
concept of calling is often associated with our Christian faith,
Furey draws also on other materials from other fields: psychology,
philosophy, literature, medicine, anthropology, management studies,
political science, biology, and history. However, with all these
materials and sources, he humbly states that the book is an
explanation of the nature of calling, and does not presume to be
the explanation. He further writes that the book is more of an
introduction to the nature of calling rather than a conclusion.
According to him, the final word on the mystery of God's call
really belongs to the reader himself and to God.
The chapters of the book
Below is an outline of the chapters of the book. The book
is very easy reading, light and brief, spanning only 166 pages.
For those privileged with the time, it can be read in one sitting:
Callings
A Well-Known Secret
Callings Denied
Callings Found
Hearing Your Calling, Seeing Your Vision, Finding Your Mission
Conclusion
Final words by the author
Towards the end of the book, Furey writes very inspiringly:
"There are no small callings. Each one of us is called to make
a great contribution. Each calling invites us to do wonderful
things in our lives. Some visions lead to fame and fortune;
others do not. But each calling is equally significant and
necessary.
If we listen for our callings and live the missions we have
been given, we will receive the power, courage, awareness,
and passion to move the mountains that wait for us. All the
while we will be moving closer to the force that calls us by
name, closer to the force that sends the breeze."
Of the many books on the theme of vocation or calling, this is
one book that personally speaks to the reader's heart. Author
Robert J. Furey, a psychotherapist by profession, speaks sincerely
in this book with a counselor's heart, and guides the reader into
seeing the wisdom of how God personally asks each one of us to
do something that only we can do. Furey encourages the reader
to discover for himself that unique call or mission, that
defines him and makes him more aware of God who calls him by
name.