The Shack

Have you read "The Shack" yet? I highly recommend it. Hang in there for about the first 60-70 pages ... and then hold on for dear life! We all have a deep sadness in our lives that needs to be healed by Papa, the Son and the Holy Spirit. This book helped me confront my deep sadness and allow it to be pulled out by the roots and then replaced by His love.

How I loved the conversation between Mack and the Holy Spirit concerning the idea that emotions were either good or evil. Sarayou explained that emotions are a result of our perception to a situation. If we are perceiving it correctly, then our emotions are good; however if we perceive a situation wrongly it is then that our emotions are bad. When I perceive that God is involved in my life and that no circumstance is able to separate me from His love, then the following emotion will be healthy and good. Conversely, if I perceive that God is not good and that He is not able to work all things together for good - then my resulting emotion is inherently evil.

Do you struggle with worry? Mack learns that worry is looking at the future without God in it. Worry is when you look ahead and doubt that God is good and is worthy to be trusted. I hope that I never worry again ...

The most touching lesson of "The Shack" to my type-A personality, is that life is not about what I do but is about basking in His love for me. I feel the pull toward intimacy with Christ as never before. I feel the joy of His presence as I rest in the pleasure of His love.

Oh! One last thought ... if you don't have the courage to read this book ... just remember that Papa is especially fond of you!