Wednesday 30 September 2009

Get Caught Reading - The Shack


I had heard a lot about this book months before I finally got my hands on a copy. I think because the subject matter is something I can now relate to, I have to say I was enthralled right from the first sentence.

‘Who wouldn’t be sceptical when a man claims to have spent an entire weekend with God, in a shack no less?’

I tell you what, I would have loved to have an entire hour with God right after I unexpectedly lost my dad a few months ago. I desperately needed answers and for some reason my Sunday school classes and my stint at regular bible study was not helping me understand the whys, hows and the what ifs? So, as I read through the pages of The Shack, I had my ha! moments.

‘Nobody wants God in a box, just in a book. Especially an expensive one bound in a leather with gilt edges or was that guilt edges’

The truth is that one cannot limit God to the good book, or the four walls either. He can reach out to anyone whenever and however he pleases. Thankfully I found some my answers in this fiction written by WM Paul Young to help explain to his kids, his perspective of God. I know this book is not for the legalist or traditionalist.

In his own words…

‘The institutional church doesn't work for those of us who are hurt and those of us who are damaged.’

I have been touched by Mr. Young’s book and wanted to share but not give away the story and spoil it for those who have not read it. What I would say is this, depending on where you’re at, The Shack will either help you to see things from a whole new perspective or be a stumbling block.

The story of how this book got published is also an encouragement for yet to be published writers like myself. All he had was $300 and a few family and friends that believe in him.

I need to get back to writing!