A couple ladies at my Bible study recommended a book called The Shack. Though I had never heard about this book before and knew nothing of it (even though now I see it is pretty popular in Christian circles and causing an uproar in some of them), when I happened upon it at Walmart, I decided to pick it up based on their high praise of the book.
When I got to the checkout line, I decided that maybe I should read the back of the book to see what it was actually about. When I saw that the plot was based around the kidnapping and murder of a young girl, I almost put it back. In fact, I am very surprised that I didn’t.
Once I started to read the book, before the actual horrible event had occurred, I dreaded every page turn knowing what was still yet in store and not sure if I could handle reading it. Many times I put the book down, ready to quit. But something told me to keep on reading.
Finally, the dreaded event happened and I cried. And cried. The worst nightmare for any parent. And yet again, I wondered why I was continuing to read this book. I quietly went into Adrianna’s room and watched her peacefully sleep, and I shed many tears as I reached for her and gently (so as not to wake her) held her close to me and prayed for my precious girl.
But again, something told me to keep reading, and I am so glad I did.
The way this book depicted God’s love for us and the Trinity was just amazingly beautiful and intriguing. And once again, I wept. I wept at the beauty of the relationship shown, I wept because of His love for me, I wept because of the intimacy shown in communing with God was so awesome and compelling, and finally I wept because I want to know God like that.
I shed so many tears over this book. And I hugged Adrianna a little tighter, closer, and longer.
I have read a few reviews of this book, both positive and negative. I know that there may be some things that some people may disagree with theologically. And it is important to remember that this book is a work of fiction when reading it. But I also know that this story deeply touched me; it has renewed my thirst to know God and I have read my Bible and prayed more this week than in the several months prior as a result.
I think that was the purpose of the book: to present God as good and loving even with the evil present in our world. We were condemned already by our sin, and in His goodness He provides a way of salvation and healing for all who will receive it. Enjoyed reading your thoughts, Amber.