I would have to say that this is one of the best books I've ever read. It was that powerful. While I won't go into all the details of the story, (just in case some of you have not read the book), I will just say that it is a book that really got me to thinking about God and the institution of church in an entirely different way.
Going into The Shack, I have to admit that I was pretty skeptical. I thought to myself, how much can I really get out of a book that's considered Christian fiction? Because I tend to be a realist, reading fiction can sometimes be difficult for me. While there are several parts to the story that definitely seem a little "out there," the main thing I gleaned, is the depth of God's love for us. Prior to reading the book, I had always felt I knew God. I saw Him as someone sitting on high who watches over me and loves me, but I could never really break through beyond that. For some reason, in all my years as a supposed "Christian," I never really saw God as approachable. Even after years of attending church, I look back and realize that I was just going through the motions. I used to attend church faithfully. I would pray. But where did that get me, really? I wasn't giving Him my whole heart and as a result, I never really had a true connection with Him.
Lately, the way I see God and even the way I talk to Him has changed. For the first time, I am starting to see how easy it is just to be myself with Him. I don't have to talk to Him in a formal way or try to be somebody I'm not. He sees and knows the real me and he loves me exactly as I am. Having a true relationship with Him isn't about being religious at all. It's about the condition of your heart!
Well, I really love how reading The Shack has challenged my way of thinking. It's taught me to see God and His love for me in a whole new way!. So tell me, have you read this book? If you have, what part did you find spoke to you the most?
P.S. I just wanted to say thanks to Stephanie for mentioning on her blog the other day that there is a new post editing feature on Blogger that makes posting soooo much easier. This was my first post using the new editor and I LOVE it! (If you haven't made the switch yet, it's as easy as going into the "Settings" part of your blog and scrolling down and clicking on the "New Post Editor" option. It's that easy!) There are so many great things included in this change. My two favorites...uploading pics and getting to insert them exactly where you want them in the post and, when linking to something, getting to check the link right there in the editor, before publishing the post! So cool!
11 comments:
I also was very effects by the book. I did my own review a few months back, if you are interested in reading it - click on the "Book Review" tab in my labels on my blog. It was the first book review I did. You will have to scroll back through "In Faithfulness, He Afflicted Me" weeky posts.
I have that book, but haven't read it yet. It's on my list of ones I want to read!
Thanks for the info. on the new editing feature. Wasn't aware of it and just switched over. Sounds so much better! Yeah! Thanks!
Well I'll be. . . . I just updated my settings, thank you very much! Thanks for the tip. I honestly tried to read the shack a few months back. Just. Didn't. Get. It. Maybe I should give it another shot? LOVIN Kari Jobe on your blog! She rocks!!!
It's been sitting on my bookshelf for the last year and I haven't cracked it yet!! Thanks for the reminder, hopefully I'll start it soon!!
Hey girl, its been a little while. I have been keeping up just haven't had time to write between work, school, and family drama. But on the book, I actually have that book in my room and the kids are reading it and that is one that I have never picked up to read. I just may have to read this one now. Thanks for all the positive inspirational post.
Love, Steph
I read the book a while back and did enjoy it. I would have to reread it to remember anything because I have big time mommy brain these days can't even remember what time school starts for which kids. LOL
I have not read the book, but I am so glad that you got so much from it! I like the new editor other then, am I missing the spell check, where is it?
I'm so glad you liked the book. I'm not normally a fiction reader either, but I loved the message behind the book so much too!
Thanks for reminding me about the post editor change thingy.....need to go and change mine!
I have to admit that when I saw the post title yesterday I didn't even click on it. But something today made me do it.
I just want to say that after Nate died last year 3 different people gave us this book. They were all Christians and thought that it would help us deal with our grief. They all meant well.
But, it was not a good book for me to read at that time. I did not gain comfort from God by reading it and my husband stopped after only 2 chapers...never to finish.
I do believe that there could be a lot of good things that people receive from reading that. I just don't want people to assume that giving it to someone who's lost a child is a good idea. It might be helpful for some but it wasn't for us.
Hope this didn't bring your post down. If it does, please delete my comment. I don't want to sound critical of your excitement. I just want people to know what our experience was.
Hugs,
Trisha
I really liked The Shack. Enough said!! :)
I just bought the book today. Our pastor at church is currently doing a series on the book and it is so good! i cannot wait to read it for myself!
Post a Comment