SKU: 13456673582

1-Sided 2-Color LED 5x Hardwired Makeup Mirror, Brushed Nickel - Kimball & Young

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Description

1-Sided 2-Color LED 5x Hardwired Makeup Mirror, Brushed Nickel - Kimball & YoungQuiet elegance is the one that a Brushed Nickel finish imparts. Definitely not "showy" or shiny, yet clean and modern, a Brushed Nickel finish for a makeup mirror with lights becomes an added almost opulent element within the overall decorating scheme of the room. The 944 2 Series 5x Hardwired LED Round wall mounted makeup mirror gives you a flawless image. The 3 position switch changes as follows: 3,500k Off 5,600k. The 3,500k temperature setting

Quiet elegance is the one that a Brushed Nickel finish imparts. Definitely not "showy" or shiny, yet clean and modern, a Brushed Nickel finish for a makeup mirror with lights becomes an added almost-opulent element within the overall decorating scheme of the room.

The 944-2 Series 5x Hardwired LED Round wall-mounted makeup mirror gives you a flawless image. The 3-position switch changes as follows: 3,500k - Off - 5,600k. The 3,500k temperature setting produces light very, very similar to regular light bulbs, while the 5,500k temperature setting produces light very similar to blue-sky white daylight. Both color temperatures are equally as bright at 475 Lumens. The silver-backed mirror lens has 5x magnification and the mirror can extend up to 12.8" from the wall - more than adequate to give you a close-up view over even 24" vanity tops (and most vanities are 18" deep). The mirror pivots at the elbow, pivots on axis and tilts up and down for the perfect view. Finished in Brushed Nickel.

Other Finishes: Polished Chrome | Polished Nickel | Matte Black | Brushed Brass

If you need a reversible makeup mirror with lights (5x/1x) check this out Brushed Nickel Kimball & Young 945 Series Makeup Mirror.
Installation Instructions  
Features
  • Top quality Kimball & Young Hardwired makeup mirror is single-sideed with 5x Magnification power. The non-reversibility allows for a thinner profile, and the somewhat larger format yields a clearer magnified image.
  • Bright 475 Lumen 50,000 hour LED lighting is switchable from 3,500 degrees Kelvin - very close to "regular" indoor lighting - to 5,500 degrees Kelvin - very close to blue sky white daylight.
  • The 5x mirror lens is not backed with aluminum, but rather with pure silver, yielding a bright, crisp, clear image. And the final touch of high quality is shown by the on/off switch located on the mounting plate, eliminating the need and expense of a separate wall switch installation.
  • Dimensions: 7.88" Diameter viewing size in a 9.63" Diameter x 1.63" deep frame. Mounting plate: 5.57" Diameter x 1.38" Deep. Mirror center is 1.57" offset from mounting plate center. Extension: 12.8". Retracted size is 9.75" High x 9.63" Wide x 4.75" Deep.
  • The steel frame and structure is triple plated - first with brass, then nickel, then the final finish plating of Brushed Nickel. UL listed. 3-Year manufacturer's warranty.
945 / 944 Series Comparison
Summary: Both 944 and 945 series are wall-mounted, hardwired makeup mirrors, with dual-color switchable LED lighting. The page you're on is for a 944 series mirror - corresponding to the images at left, below.

The 944 series is single-sided at 5x magnification. The viewing area is a little larger but the overall size is significantly smaller. The 945 series is reversible 5x to 1x, with a 7x conversion for the 5x side available. Although the viewing area is slightly smaller, the assembly overall is significantly larger.
Complete Specifications

944 Series Hardwired Makeup Mirrors

Magnification
• 5x Single Side

Lighting
• 50,000 Hour LEDs - Not Dimmable
• Switch Control - 3,500k / Off / 5,500k
• 15 Watts
• Incandescent equivalent - 150 Watts
• 475 Lumens
• 110-120 Volt (only) operation.

Extended Dimensions
• Projection from Wall- 12.75"
• Width - 9.5"
• Height - 9.75"

Retracted Dimensions
• Projection from Wall - 4.25"
• Width - 10"
• Height - 9.75"

Other
• Glass Area 7" Diameter
• Base Plate 5.75" Diameter
• Weight - 3 lbs.
• Horizontal Mounting only - Base Plate screwed into wall.
• Indoor use only.

Finishes
• Polished Chrome
• Polished Nickel
• Brushed Nickel
• Matte Black
• Brushed Brass
• Italian Bronze

Buyer's Guide

Mirror Buyer's Guide

Magnification: Don't make the mistake of automatically opting for the greatest magnification offered. Most people are surprised to find how strong that might be. Most cosmetic-counter mirrors have 3x or 5x magnification power, but our most popular magnification power is 5x.  Indeed if you have vision problems or you have particularly critical tasks to accomplish, then go for the higher magnification mirrors - we have some up to 15x magnification.  (To give you a basis of comparison, a jeweler's loop is 10x power.)


Factors other than the magnification itself affect the quality of the image you see.  The size of the mirror is an important factor.  When two mirrors with the same magnification are compared, the larger size mirror always wins - both for image clarity and freedom from distortion.

Tilt and Swivel: Every wall mounted mirror we carry both tilts and swivels.  Swivel is usually 360° or close to it.  Tilt is usually 15° up or down - sometimes more.   A double-arm wall-mounted mirror has more capability than a single-arm mirror because in addition to rotating at the mirror pivot, you can also rotate through 360° or almost, at the elbow.


Distortion: All magnification-mirrors distort the image.   If they didn't, they wouldn't magnify anything.  The reason for this is that the mirrors magnify by using bent glass to form a sort of lens which does the magnification.  The larger the magnification, the greater the bend in the glass and the greater the distortion.  The center portion of the mirror, at any magnification level, always has the least distortion.  In a larger mirror, the absolute size of the center section is relatively larger, and therefore the area of least distortion is larger.   This is the main reason a larger mirror is preferable.


Expensive Mirrors: All of our mirrors are high quality mirrors, usually better quality than those found in big-box stores; both for image and finish.  But some of our mirrors are dramatically more expensive than others. The reasons are manifold. The "expensive" mirrors have silver-backed glass forming the image, rather than aluminum-backed glass.   The larger mirror sizes of the more expensive mirrors are much more difficult to produce correctly but once you've seen the difference in the larger image it's hard to go back.   The plating on our Miroir Brot mirrors is thick and perfect, as is the finish itself - tiny imperfections are simply not present.  Lastly, the expensive-mirror frames themselves are solid brass or triple-plated steel and heavily built - as these mirrors are often used in hotels and need to be able to take abuse.


Fluorescent, Incandescent, or LED: The long and the short of this is that it's what you prefer that counts.  All of our fluorescent-lighted or LED mirrors are so noted.


Our mirrors use only color-corrected fluorescent lamps and LED lamps, which approximate daylight or indoor lighting - your choice in most cases. They do not have the green tinge of commercial indoor fluorescent lighting - which people find objectionable. (See full explanation below.) Even so, daylight is not always preferable. Light from incandescent lighting or "regular" light bulbs usually used indoors, is often preferred by many.


A feature of modern fluorescent lamps is that greatly reduced wattage produces light output perhaps four times the wattage consumed - and the lamps stay cool.   LED lamps consume even less electricity, stay cooler and last 50,000 hours on average.  That's 6 years of continuous usage 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.


Lighting color is measured in degrees Kelvin. Running through the spectrum, the higher the Kelvin temperature, the closer to pure white light.  The light on bright sunny day with blue sky measures 5,600° Kelvin.   A very bright day with a cloud-covered sky weighs in at 6,000° Kelvin.  An incandescent (regular) bulb gives off light at approximately 3,200° Kelvin.  This is quite yellow, as evidenced by photographs taken by lamp-light.  But our eyes are used to the color and in most circumstances it looks normal if not pleasing.  By contrast, most fluorescent lighting is a color called "cool white" used because it is the cheapest color to produce. Cool-white is 4,600° Kelvin and definitely green. Any photo taken under cool-whites looks green to the viewer.  A color-corrected fluorescent used in our mirrors usually run between 5,000° and 5,400° Kelvin, and approximates blue-sky daylight.  The closer to daylight color the more expensive the bulb.  


So where does this leave us?   With the exception of cool-white fluorescent, most people find color-corrected fluorescent lamps and most LEDs agreeable, as they do regular incandescent lamps - it's purely a matter of preference.


Switch on Base: Putting a switch on the electrical cord is the cheapest way to include a switch. 99% of our makeup mirrors do not have a switch on the cord - but have a switch on the base or mounting plate of the mirror.


Hardwired Mirrors: Hardwired mirrors are intended to be installed by a licensed electrician and connected to the house wiring.   All of our hardwired mirrors are marked "HARDWIRED" on the website.   Also, all of our hardwired mirrors have a switch on the mirror itself, so your electrician need not install a separate switch.


Electrician's instructions

  • All of our hardwired mirrors have the switch on the base or on the mounting plate. No other switch is required. Also note that each of our hardwired mirrors tilts vertically and swings horizontally.
  • Install a 4" octagon box on a CGFI line, flush with the mounting surface at a height determined by the user. Remember, the center of the mirror is usually higher than the mounting plate center by somewhat more than half the diameter of the mirror frame.  The box should be capable of supporting 10 lbs. (The mirror doesn't weigh 10 lbs., but remember it may be on an arm as long as 20".)
  • NOTE: Hardwired mirrors, once connected electrically, are non-refundable.

Gifts: Makeup mirrors make excellent gifts.  18k Gold or Brass are the best finishes for use in rooms other than bathrooms, while most bathrooms have chrome fixtures, and chrome-framed mirrors should be at the top of the list.  Consider the situation at your recipient's home... their style and preferences, and whether or not they'd want a lighted or unlighted mirror; and if lighted and wall-mounted, whether it should be hard-wired or plug-in.


Bulk Commercial Orders, and Hotels: Let us know what you need, by contacting customer service.


Returns: In accordance with our Refund Policy most mirrors can be returned for a full merchandise refund provided they are returned according to our regular refund procedures.  Custom-made mirrors are non-refundable except for manufacturing defects - extremely rare.  Also non-refundable are hardwired mirrors that have been electrically connected.  A restocking fee of $10 is required for all mirrors with greater than 7x magnification.


Major Brands Only
At PMM we carry only better to best mirror brands.  These even the least expensive of our mirrors will exceed in quality, most of those found at "big-box stores."

99% of our makeup-mirrors are glass (i.e., not plastic) and those that are not are clearly specified.  Similarly 99% of our lighted mirrors have switches on the base or mounting plate - not on the cord.   Vanity-table mirrors all have padded, weighted bases.


  • Aptations makeup mirrors including Kimball & Young, First Impressions, Clear Mirror, and Mirror Image makeup mirrors are an upper mid-priced line of high-quality Makeup Mirrors and come with a 3-year Manufacturer's Warranty.  Finishes include Chrome, Gold, Brushed Nickel, Polished Nickel, and Italian Bronze.  Magnifications run from 3x to 10x with many lighted, reversible, and hardwired mirrors as well as a many cool-running LED-lighted mirrors.
  • Jerdon Style makeup mirrors are a mid-priced line that compares favorably with most in this price range.  Exceptional values may be found in their quality mirrors.
  • Miroir Brot mirrors are made in Paris France and hold the world standard for supreme quality.  A Miroir Brot mirror is truly a luxury for those able to afford one.  Each Miroir Brot makeup mirror is shipped directly to your door from Paris.
  • Sharper Image mirrors have numerous clever and useful innovations in their line of high-tech makeup mirrors.
Magnification Guide

Makeup Mirror Magnification Comparison


These images are an approximation and may not be 100% accurate but they are useful as a basis for comparison. &nbspThe image you will actually see in the mirror is dependent upon several factors in addition to magnification power; including the size of the mirror, the viewing distance from mirror, and the quality of the lens.


Magnification Approximate
View
Viewing
Distance
Focal Length
3x Face, Hair, and Neck 10" - 13" 16"
5x Face and Some Hair or Some Neck 8" - 9" 11"-12"
7x Part of Face 5" - 6" 6" - 7"
10x Eyes and Nose 3" - 4" 3.5"
15x Eyes 2" 2"

There is no industry standard for specifying magnification power for makeup mirrors.  This opens the door to a high degree of subjectivity on the part of manufacturers when they describe the magnification power of their mirrors.  To ensure you're getting what you expect it is best to rely to the integrity of high quality makeup mirror manufacturers.


Don't make the mistake of opting for the highest magnification offered.  Most people are surprised to find how strong that might be.  Many find the 15x and greater mirrors much too strong and the viewing distance of approximately 2 inches, much too close for comfortable viewing.


For comparison purposes, most cosmetic-counter makeup mirrors have magnification powers between 3x and 7x.  Our most popular magnification power is 5x.  Indeed if you have vision problems or you have particularly critical tasks to accomplish, then you may want to opt for an extreme magnification makeup mirror. As an additional reference point: A jeweler's loop, used to inspect diamonds, is 10x power.


Factors other than the magnification affect the quality of the image you see.  The size of the makeup mirror is an important factor.  When two makeup mirrors are compared that both have the same magnification, glass quality, and silver-back quality, the larger size makeup mirror always wins - both for image clarity and freedom from distortion.  There is a simple reason for this.  Magnification is achieved by shaping the glass to a convex lens.  It is impossible to have zero distortion, but the center of the glass/mirror/lens is the point of least distortion.  The larger the mirror, the larger the center, and the less apparent distortion.


The quality of the glass and whether or not it's backed with pure silver or aluminum are two other important factors to consider.  And finally the quality of the material used for the frame and other metal parts is important if the mirror is to be used in a humid location such near a shower or bath.


3,500k vs. 5,500k

Color Temperature Comparison



Color Temperature is not Brightness Color temperature describes the color of the light.

The color temperature of any light bulb, including LEDs is measured in degrees Kelvin ("k").  The higher the color temperature, the closer the light is to pure white light at 10,000° K.  A blue sky sunny day at noon has a color temperature of about 5,500° K.  On a very bright cloud-covered day, the sky registers a color temperature closer to white, of about 6,500° K., while a "regular" incandescent light bulb has a color temperature of about 2,700° K.

The color temperature of the lighting in your mirror may affect the way you apply your makeup and then how it's viewed by others, in a real-life situation.  It's best, therefore, to choose a lighted makeup mirror with a color temperature to approximate your most frequent environment.

Many of our LED mirrors have their color temperature specified. And some makeup mirrors have adjustable or switchable color temperatures.  For those where color temperature is not specified a reasonable guide is this: For incandescent bulbs, a color temperature of around 3,000° K. is normal. LEDs with no color temperature specification often have color temperatures around 4,000° K. The chart at right can serve as a guide.


If you're planning for an outdoor day, the higher the color temperature the better. For evenings on the town, 2,700&deb; K. to 3,500° K. is best. For office environment lighting conditions, color temperatures around 4,500° K. provide the closest match.
Hotels

Partial List of Hotels with Aptations Brands Makeup Mirrors

  • Holland America Cruise Lines
  • Omni Hotels
  • Trump International Hotels
  • Fountainbleau Resort
  • The Wynn Hotel
  • Harrah's
  • Hotel Oceana
  • Marriott Hotels
  • W Hotels
  • Hyatt Regency
  • The Fairmount Hotels
  • Hard Rock Hotel - Las Vegas
  • Crown Plaza Hotel
  • Hilton Palmer House
  • Disney's Grand Floridian Resort
  • Terranea Resort
  • LaCosta Resort
  • The London Hotels
  • Kapalua Bay Ritz Carlton
  • Hotel del Coronado
  • Marriott's Grand Chateau

Hardwire Installation

Electrician's Hardwired Makeup Mirror Mounting Instructions

•  Hardwired mirrors should be installed by a licensed electrician in accordance with local codes.

•  We strongly recommended that installation only be done when the mirror itself is present, and the actual user is available, in order to set the most convenient mounting height.

•  Install a 4" octagon box on a GFCI line or on a line where a GFCI outlet is installed, or both.  The box should be flush with the mounting surface at a height determined by the user.  The box should be capable of supporting 15 lbs.  The mirror doesn't weigh 15 lbs., but remember it may be on an arm as long as 20".  Note that the center of the mirror is usually 1/2" to 6" higher than the mounting-plate center.   All of our hardwired makeup mirrors have the switch contained within the mirror mounting plate, mirror base, or mirror housing.  No other switch is required.  Also note that each of our single and double arm wall mirrors tilt vertically and swing horizontally.

•  Hardwired mirrors, once wired, are no longer eligible for refund.

Shipping Information
Most Aptations Brands products ship within 48 hours (2 business days). The majority of Aptations brands makeup mirrors ship via UPS or FedEx from Kansas City, Missouri or from Seattle, WA. Time in transit generally takes between 2-4 business days, but depends on the destination. Your total delivery time to receive your order is the lead time (approximately 2 business days + transit time).

Product lead time is subject to item availability. With 99% certainty, if an item is back-ordered, the item will be greyed-out or missing from the selection list. If an and item "sneaks through" and allows an order, even though the idem is on back-order, we sincerely apologize, and we will do our best to notify you promptly.

To request tracking information for an order already placed, please contact customer service.


Warranty & Returns

 

Manufacturer's Warranty
Aptations Mirrors in all collections are warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship. All metal finishes and reflective materials are fully warranted for three years.

The life of the finish will be best cared for, especially in areas of high heat and moisture, by keeping all surfaces clean and dry. Cleaning should be done with a non-abrasive cleaner and soft polishing cloth.

The warranty does not cover damages resulting from an accident after purchase, misuse, abuse, lack of reasonable care, or loss of parts. For lighted mirrors, this warranty does not cover the original light bulb beyond the normal lifetime of the bulb, or replacement bulbs. Replaceable bulbs (not LEDs) are easily replaceable and may be purchased at most local hardware stores or through Aptations directly.

Should your experience a product defect covered under the expressed warranty period, please contact our customer service department for prompt replacement of the defective item.

Returns & Exchanges

We understand that ordering online is different than purchasing a product in a store. Online, you are unable to touch, feel, and see the item "live and in person." Should you wish to return or exchange an item, simply contact us within 30 days of receipt. We will provide return instructions to ensure a prompt and accurate refund is issued.

Items must be returned in new, unused, and resalable condition with all original packaging intact. Returned items will be inspected prior to issuing credit. Return shipping costs will be deducted from refund for returns unless the mirror was received defective or damaged. Return shipping costs may be waived if exchanging for another item of same or greater value. Custom made products cannot be returned due to their uniqueness.

Free shipping applies only to merchandise shipped within the 48 contiguous United States.

If your item arrives damaged, please contact us within 5 business days of receipt of your order to ensure refund or exchange. We do not guarantee refund or exchange after 5 business days for items that may have been damaged in shipping due to requirements set forth by our shipping carriers.

Aptations Brands
What Sets Aptations Mirrors Apart?
Mirrors in the Aptations collections are usually reserved for elegant showrooms and display cases. The high quality and unbeatable clarity make these mirrors the best value for your money. Whether you need a mirror for applying make-up, shaving, or want to impress guests at your home, Aptations Mirrors stun with their brilliance and design. Superior quality and selection reasonable prices. Numerous exclusive innovations give you exceptional value in Mirror technology. And check our prices, always less than what you'd pay at a department store.

All mirrors in the Aptations collections mirrors go through a 4-step process to prevent pitting and tarnishing. - Step 1. The metal frame is cleaned in a neutralizing water bath. - Step 2. The metal is treated to a brass plating, then a pre-plating nickel bath. - Step 3. An acid-bath plating method is used to apply the chrome, gold, nickel, or other finish plating. - Step 4. Completion occurs with an application of an anti-tarnishing lacquer coating. All joints are either welded or reinforced and carefully machined to give you a mirror that won't turn into a "spinner" after a few months or even years of use. All glass lenses.

Bulbs are replaceable in incandescent and fluorescent models. Most lighted models, however, use LEDs that need no replacement. 3-Year Manufacturer's Warranty - best in the industry. Magnifications of 1x, 3x, 4x, 5x, 7x, and 10x. Please bear in mind that most mirrors are 3x or 5x magnification. 7x is larger than most people are accustomed to and more than adequate for most purposes. The 7x and 10x magnification mirrors produce dramatically large magnifications. Many models reverse to regular view. Non-reversible mirrors have plated metal backs, not cheap plastic. Table-top and Vanity Stand Mirrors have weighted and padded bases. Wall Mirrors have concealed mounting hardware. Most wall makeup mirrors are available in hardwired models. Lighted Mirrors are all UL listed. Incandescent illumination models use 25-Watt bulbs. Fluorescent models use low-heat 20 and 22 Watt bulb for the equivalent of 75 to 90 watt illumination. LED illuminated mirrors usually come in two color temperatures - 3,500° K. for indoor lighting and 5,500° K. that closely approximates daylight. They are very bright, and consume tiny amounts of electricity. Shipping usually within 48 hours.


Prop 65 Warning
Prop 65 Warning
Chromium hexavalent compounds.
Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 13456673582

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Brad
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 5
Follow Jesus, Not the World
Format: Paperback
Henri Nouwen calls on Christian leaders--including himself-- to resist, as Jesus resisted, the temptations to be relevant, spectacular, and powerful. Instead, "...the Christian leader of the future is called to be completely irrelevant and and to stand in this world with nothing to offer but his or her own vulnerable self. That is the way Jesus came to reveal God's love." Further: "We keep forgetting that we are being sent out two-by-two. We cannot bring good news on our own. We are called to proclaim the Gospel together, in community." And: "The temptation of power is greatest when intimacy is a threat. Much Christian leadership is exercised by people who do not know how to develop healthy, intimate relationships and have opted for power and control instead. Many Christian empire builders have been people unable to give and receive love." I hope these excerpts give you a flavor of what's inside this extraordinary book, which I thought was truly profound even in its simplicity. Nouwen speaks from the heart because he speaks from experience. He walked away from a high profile clerical career to follow Jesus in the most authentic way he could. His is a story worth hearing and imitating.
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Lavid
Lowell, US
★★★★★ 5
Un libro que debes leer!
Format: Paperback
El tema del liderazgo cristiano es vital dentro de la Iglesia. La lectura del libro In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership, hace un aporte significativo a mi entendimiento teológico acerca del liderazgo. Como líderes podemos edificar o destruir vidas; ayudar a otros a que avancen o frenarlos en su jornada de fe; servir de inspiración o dejar huellas de dolor en la vida de otras personas; mostrarles el camino a otros o perdernos en el camino. El autor hace una pregunta que creo que es muy oportuna y puntual en nuestra vida: ¿Qué decisiones has estado tomando últimamente y cómo son un reflejo de cómo percibes el futuro? Ciertamente no había reflexionado en ello. Cada día tomamos decisiones desde el momento en que abrimos los ojos, si ya me levanto, qué voy a desayunar, qué ropa me voy a poner, etc. Pero no había analizado si mis decisiones diarias me están acercando a lo que Dios tiene para mí o si me tienen estancada en mi pasado. Una de las cosas que ha llamado mi atención en la lectura de este libro es que el autor dice que llegó a un punto en su vida donde comenzó a sentir una terrible amenaza interna y se cuestionó si el hacerse ya mayor en edad lo había acercado más a Jesús. Quiero detenerme aquí, porque una líder que ha influenciado mi vida es mi madre. Ella ya tiene 83 años, y continuamente me repite: -Hija, tengo que estar muy cerca de Jesús, ya casi llega mi hora y quiero poder encontrarme con Él cara a cara. Puede uno entrar a su cuarto y la hallarás en su sillón con su Biblia abierta y orando o cantando alabanzas a Dios. Ella se preocupa por guardar su relación con Jesús. ¿Alguna vez, como líderes, estamos preocupados por si estamos muy cerca de Dios? ¿O es que quizás nuestro liderazgo nos hace presuponer que sí lo estamos? Estamos tan ocupados en la viña del Señor que se nos olvida ocuparnos del Señor de la viña. El autor reconoce que en esa etapa de su vida ya no oraba con pasión, sino que lo hacía bastante mal, se había aislado de las personas y se dio cuenta de que su alma estaba en peligro. Vino a mi mente Mateo 16:26 (NTV) “¿Y qué beneficio obtienes si ganas el mundo entero pero pierdes tu propia alma? ¿Hay algo que valga más que tu alma?” O como Pablo les dice a la Iglesia en Corinto: “no sea que habiendo predicado a otros, yo mismo sea descalificado.” 1 Corintios 9: 27 (b) Creo que si reflexiono teológicamente me debería preguntar: ¿Tengo la seguridad de lo que vale mi alma? ¿Podré yo quedar descalificada ante Dios en algún área de mi vida? ¿Está mi alma en peligro? Henri J.M Nouwen desmenuza la tentación de Jesús y nos muestra tres tentaciones que como líderes y ministros enfrentamos frecuentemente. La primera a la que se refiere es la Tentación de ser Relevante y su base es cuando el diablo le pide a Jesús que convierta las piedras en pan. Hoy hay muchos que quieren ser “relevantes a toda costa”, aunque eso signifique ir más allá de nuestros principios y cambiar por completo el Evangelio. Cada vez que escucho a un predicador diciendo que “pacte” con cierta cantidad de dinero para recibir un milagro, me indigno en gran manera porque algo que Jesús ofreció gratuitamente al pagar con Su sangre, ahora los “grandes predicadores de estos tiempos” lo han convertido en negocio. ¿Estaremos provocando que Jesús voltee nuestras vidas como hizo con las mesas de los cambistas del templo? Se nos olvida que Jesús es quien tiene que ser relevante para el mundo y que tenemos que reflejar la luz de Cristo. Hoy vivimos pendientes de cuántos seguidores tenemos en las redes sociales, cuántos likes tienen nuestras publicaciones. Por eso decía al principio, que podemos perdernos en el camino. Nouwen se inquietó de que su ineficaz oración y la tiranía de lo urgente lo estuviera empujando a reprimir al Espíritu Santo. David sabía lo que significaba andar sin el Espíritu Santo como compañero, por eso clamó en el Salmo 51: 11 “No me eches de delante de ti, Y no quites de mí tu santo Espíritu” Coincido con el autor cuando expresa que los líderes del futuro serán aquellos que se atrevan a reclamar su irrelevancia en el mundo contemporáneo como una vocación divina que les permita entrar en una profunda solidaridad con la angustia que subyace a todo el brillo del éxito y traer la luz de Jesús allí. El autor nos hace reflexionar en la pregunta que Jesús le hace a Pedro. ¿Me amas más que estos? No le preguntó acerca cuánta gente lo conocía, a cuántos había impactado. La pregunta era relacional: ¿me amas a mí? Por lo tanto la pregunta para nosotros sería, ¿estoy enamorada de Jesús? Nouwen declara que el líder del futuro es uno que conoce el corazón de Dios. Cuando no estamos ligados al corazón de Dios porque nos falta esa intimidad con Él, somos más propensos a que el anhelo por la fama, por ser exitosos, se apodere de nosotros y nos desenfoque de nuestro llamado. Conocer el corazón de Jesús y amarlo son lo mismo. Cuando vivimos en el mundo con ese conocimiento del corazón de Jesús, no podemos hacer más que traer sanidad, reconciliación, nueva vida y esperanza donde quiera que vayamos. Seguido a la pregunta tan desafiante, viene una tarea importantísima: apacienta mis ovejas. Mi corazón se estremeció, pues a pesar de conocer este relato y haberlo predicado varias veces, esta vez el enfoque del autor me hizo reflexionar en que muchas veces se nos olvida que hemos sido llamados a apacentar las ovejas, que tenemos una responsabilidad pero por tratar de ser relevantes no la estamos cumpliendo a cabalidad. El autor aborda ahora el tema de la oración contemplativa como una disciplina importante para el cristiano. La oración contemplativa profundiza en nosotros el conocimiento de que ya somos libres, que ya hemos encontrado un lugar para morar, que ya pertenecemos a Dios, a pesar de que todo y todos los que nos rodean siguen sugiriendo lo contrario. Nouwen lanza una pregunta que es confrontante: ¿Son los líderes cristianos del futuro verdaderamente hombres y mujeres de Dios, personas con un ardiente deseo de morar en la presencia de Dios, escuchar la voz de Dios, mirar la belleza de Dios, tocar la Palabra encarnada de Dios y saborear plenamente la bondad infinita de Dios? Aunque está mirando hacia los líderes del futuro, mi preocupación es también por nosotros, los líderes actuales. Si no vivimos una vida de oración no vamos a poder enseñarle a los líderes del futuro cómo avivar ese deseo ardiente de permanecer en la presencia de Dios. Anoche en el servicio de oración de la iglesia, yo les hablé acerca de cuando Dios decide poner fin a Sodoma. Dios se pregunta: ¿Encubriré yo a Abraham lo que voy a hacer, habiendo de ser Abraham una nación grande y fuerte, y habiendo de ser benditas en él todas las naciones de la tierra? Pienso entonces: ¿qué nivel de intimidad tenía Abraham con Dios que éste no quiere encubrirle sus planes? La respuesta la da el mismo Dios: “Porque yo sé que mandará a sus hijos y a su casa después de sí, que guarden el camino de Jehová, haciendo justicia y juicio, para que haga venir Jehová sobre Abraham lo que ha hablado acerca de él.” Dios sabía que Abraham iba a preparar a su descendencia como líderes del futuro. La oración es llamada “la cenicienta” de la iglesia. Para muchos no es relevante; sin embargo, es lo que alimenta nuestra alma y define quiénes somos en Dios. Para vivir de pie delante de los demás, debo vivir de rodillas delante de Dios. La segunda tentación es la de ser espectacular. Hoy la mayoría de los cristianos quieren ser parte de los ministerios de la iglesia que son más visibles: alabanza, predicar detrás de un púlpito, ministerio de danza. Pocos prefieren estar en el grupo de intercesión, o en los servidores, o ser de los que limpian el templo. El mismo Nouwen dice que actuamos como si la visibilidad y la notoriedad fueran los criterios principales del valor de lo que estamos haciendo. La popularidad ha reemplazado lamentablemente la verdadera esencia del ministerio. Somos especialistas en dar shows domingueros, no en adorar a Dios los domingos. Somos especialistas en luces que impresionan en los stages de las iglesias, pero no somos luz que alumbra en medio del pecado. Somos especialistas en buscar las mejores voces para que canten en nuestro servicio, pero no en que nuestra voz produzca cambios en otros. La propuesta de Nouwen para tratar esta tentación es la confesión y el perdón. Los líderes y ministros deben ser personas siempre dispuestas a confesar su propia fragilidad y pedir perdón a aquellos a quienes ministran. Debemos ser capaces de rendir cuentas. Creo que esto es algo en lo que Wesley enfatizó y que debemos retomar. Hace unos años, para la tesis de graduación, mi esposo Daniel propuso como tema para la misma la rendición de cuentas. Esto causó revuelo en la Facultad, debido a que ellos decían que ese era un tema pasado de moda, que porqué tenemos que decirles a otros nuestras debilidades y nuestras faltas. ¿Qué tanta basura hay en mi vida que tengo temor a que sea expuesta? ¿Será porque dejo de ser relevante y espectacular ante otros? La tentación de ser poderoso es la tercera tentación que menciona Nouwen, y él considera que esta es la tentación más seductora. Ciertamente he visto a gente cambiar drásticamente cuando se les ha sido dada autoridad. El autor considera que a pesar de nuestra experiencia que el poder no nos da la sensación de seguridad que deseo, sino que revela nuestras propias debilidades y limitaciones, seguimos haciéndonos creer que más poder eventualmente satisfará nuestras necesidades. El texto que usa el autor en esta parte es uno de mis textos preferidos en la Biblia, Filipenses 2: 5-8, y me encanta la versión The Message: “Piensen en ustedes como Cristo Jesús pensó de sí mismo. Tenía el mismo estatus que Dios, pero no pensaba tanto en sí mismo que tenía que aferrarse a las ventajas de ese estado sin importar qué. De ningún modo. Cuando llegó el momento, dejó a un lado los privilegios de la deidad y asumió el estatus de esclavo, ¡se convirtió en humano! Habiéndose hecho humano, se mantuvo humano. Fue un proceso increíblemente humillante. No reclamó privilegios especiales. En cambio, vivió una vida desinteresada y obediente y luego murió una muerte desinteresada y obediente, y el peor tipo de muerte, una crucifixión.” Cristo renunció a todo, pero nosotros lo queremos conservar todo. El autor resalta el hecho de que gran parte del liderazgo cristiano es ejercido por personas que no saben cómo desarrollarse sanamente, sin habilidades relacionales y que han optado por el poder y el control en su lugar. Muchos constructores de imperios cristianos han sido personas incapaces de dar y recibir amor. Por eso es tan importante la disciplina de reflexionar teológicamente. Porque creo que ninguno de nosotros está eximido de enfrentar y de caer en estas tentaciones, así que debemos estar constantemente reflexionando en nuestro liderazgo y en la influencia que estamos teniendo en las personas que nos rodean. El verdadero liderazgo espiritual, según Nouwen, es uno en el que “el poder se abandona constantemente en favor del amor”. ¿Qué tanto estoy dispuesto a ceder por amor a Dios y a mi prójimo? Mis preguntas al terminar este maravillo libro son: ¿Cómo Dios ve mi liderazgo? ¿Cómo veo mi liderazgo? ¿Cómo otros ven mi liderazgo? ¿He permitido que alguna de estas tentaciones venza y gobierne mi vida?
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Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2020
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Rick Watts
Birmingham, US
★★★★★ 4
Great Book for Church Leaders
Format: Paperback
In this book, Nouwen describes what he believes the key characteristics of a Christian leader are. These characteristics are guided by two stories for the Gospels: the story of Jesus' temptation in the desert (Matthew 4:1-11) and the story of Peter's call to be a shepherd (John 21:15-19). These characteristics are being prayerful rather than relevant, ministerial rather than popular, and being led rather than being a leader. Nouwen first explains that the temptation of today's ministers is to be relevant. Nouwen says that Jesus also had this same temptation. When Jesus was tempted by the devil in the desert, the first temptation was to turn stones into bread. With so many people in the world dieing of starvation, we all wish at times that we had the power to turn stones into bread. However, when Jesus was asked to perform the relevant behavior of changing stones into bread, he stuck to his mission to proclaim the Word and said, "One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4). Rather than trying to be relevant to the world, a Christian leader should use Jesus as the source of their words, advice and guidance. It is through the discipline of contemplative prayer that Christian leaders can do that. It is not enough for Christian leaders to be moral people, well trained, eager to help their fellow humans, and able to respond creatively to the burning issues of their time. Christian leaders must truly be men and women of God, people with an ardent desire to dwell in God's presence, to listen to God's voice, to look at God's beauty, to touch God's incarnate Word, and to taste fully God's infinite goodness. The second temptation Nouwen says Christian leaders must avoid is the temptation to be spectacular. This was also Jesus' second temptation in the desert. "Throw yourself from the parapet of the temple and let the angels catch you and carry you in their arms" (Matthew 4:6). Jesus would not do it. He refused to be a stunt man to prove that he had something worthwhile to say. In stead Jesus said "Don't put the Lord your God to the test." Nouwen says that in today's church, individualism among ministers and priests is prevalent. Many do not have many skills to be proud of, but they still frequently feel that, if they have anything at all to show, it is something they must do solo. However, Nouwen says that ministry is not done solo, but in pairs. In Mark 6:7 Jesus sent the discipline out two by two to conquer evil. We cannot preach the Gospel on our own, we are called to share the Gospel together, in community. Nouwen goes on to say that ministry is also mutual. Jesus said, "I am the god shepherd. I know by own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for my sheep" (John 10:14-15). Ministers have gotten the idea that good leadership means keeping a safe distance form those we lead. However, when the members of a community cannot truly know and love their shepherd, shepherding just becomes a subtle way to exercise power over others. Nouwen says that the only way to for us to over come this temptation is confession and forgiveness. This does not mean that ministers should bring their own sins into the pulpit. It means that ministers are called to minister with their whole being, including their wounded selves. The third temptation today's Christian leaders must overcome is the temptation of power. When the devil said to Jesus "All this I will give you if you will bow down and worship me." Jesus replied "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only" (Matthew 4:9-10). Others say that having power - provided it is used in the service of God and your fellow human beings - is a good thing. Nouwen says that it was this rationalization that caused crusades, inquisitions, and the enslavement of Indians. He says it seems easier to be God than to love God, and easier to control people than to love people. Nouwen says that a common misconception among Christian leaders is that the older and more mature you get then more capable you become as a leader. However, John 21:18 says, "I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." Nouwen says that the most important quality of Christian leadership is not a leadership of power and control, but a leadership of powerlessness and humility. Powerlessness and humility in the spiritual life refer to people who are so deeply in love with Jesus that they are ready to follow him wherever he guides them, always trusting that, with him, they will find life and fine it abundantly. Nouwen says that the way to discern where we are being led by Jesus is through theological reflection. Theological reflection is thinking with the mind of Christ. The Christian leaders of the future have to be theologians, persons who know the heart of God and are trained - through prayer, study, and careful analysis - to manifest the divine event of God's saving work in the midst of the many seemingly random events of their time.
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Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2010
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Victoria
Waukegan, US
★★★★★ 5
Not just for leaders
Format: Paperback
Even though this book is geared towards Catholic leaders and I’m not in a management/leadership role, I found the discussion of the temptation of fame, power, and relevance so applicable. It cut to my core. I think we all wrestle with those temptations in some way or another. Definitely one to read again and again!
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Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2023
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Paul A. Spangler
Belleville, US
★★★★★ 5
Henri is a great writer
Format: Paperback
Henri's books are often short and very deep. This is one of his best among so many. Worth the read.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2024

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