The Shack

Recently read a book called the Shack by William Young. Come to find out...this book is on the bestseller's list and has probably hit the million mark. Interesting story of the author and how he never intended to even publish it. It was written for his kids as a way to convey the Christian faith in story/parable form. Then, in 2005, they published and it has been taking off since.

You can listen to his interviews on the Drew Marshall show to hear more of the author's story. This guy has a story of redemption and healing...pretty cool to listen to. Just google on Drew Marshall and find the interview...Drew Marshall is a big, radio personality in Canada.

The interesting thing about this book is the amount of controversy it is stirring. I've found preachers on youtube who are calling it heresy and stuff. Amazing how people get their feathers so ruffled over things and choose to die on hills that are not worth dying on....you wonder if these preachers think they need to "defend God" or something. Now I know that those who are struggling with the "theological ramifications" of this book would choose to differ...and I understand. Been to seminary and I do understand the importance of protecting doctrine, etc. But this guy is not writing some doctoral dissertation. He is telling a story. A story of a friend's journey through brokenness and healing as he met God at the shack.

I have personally enjoyed the story and journey told in this book. It is a powerful, deep story of a man's pain and how God moves toward our pain instead of being afraid of it. God actually invites him to the Shack...his place of deepest pain...and meets him there.

I remember reading a book called the Crucified God by Moltmann. He talks about God and pain. There is a great phrase in the book that talks about "God in Auschwitz and Auschwitz in God." In referring to his encounter with God in the terror of the Holocaust...he finds God in the darkest pain. The basic premise is that God is found/realized in our deepest pain.

How do I deal with pain?
Do I move toward it or away from it?
How does God use pain and heartache in my own journey?
How is God initiating me and growing me through difficulty and pain?
How did I learn to deal with pain growing up?
What am I teaching my own children about pain?

Lots of good questions to wrestle with. I would encourage anyone to read this book and get in touch with their own journey and spiritual healing. May God frustrate our cushioned, Americanized, Christianity and bring deeper understanding to pain and heartache as necessary to the journey. To the Shack and back...

5 Core Heart-Truths

Was reminded this week, from an old journal, of 5 truths God pressed on my heart a few years back. He knew that i needed to be reminded of these once again. As John Eldredge once said, "Forgetfulness is a chief enemy of the heart." Today, i choose to remember and live in truth.

1. I refuse to be shackled by yesterday's failures.

2. What I don't know will no longer be an intimidation, it will be considered an opportunity.

3. I will not allow people to define my mood, method, image, or mission.

4. I will pursue a mission greater than myself.

5. I will not have time for self-pity, gossit, negativism--from myself or others.

The Gentle Giant

written in reflection of my friend Gary's recent death...

He walked among us,
with hands open wide.
Never too far to comfort,
always by your side.

Large in countenance,
only matched the size of his heart.
Giving came easy,
it was his gift, his art.

Being known by many
was never his life's goal.
Wanting to help another...
his calling, his role.

Gary walked among us,
with hands open wide.
Listen to his life,
his message, we will not hide.

He loved the created...
nature, rivers, and outdoors.
With eyes toward the Creator
always knowing, "God, it's yours."

Jesus walked among us,
with hands open wide.
He came to restore
what was destroyed by our pride.

And now he walks,
with hands open wide.
Welcoming our brother Gary,
saying, "Come, rest at my side."

The gentle giant named Gary
is at home in the Father's embrace.
With hands open wide
saving you a place.

You and I can join him,
at home, by his side.
One thing required...
Hands open wide.

Grieving a Loss

today, my dad lost a dear friend in florida and i lost him too. he died in a tragic, scuba accident. he was late 40's and an incredible servant and friend. Gary will be missed...

as i contemplate this day and the loss of our brother, gary....
i am struck tonight with the phrase "this is home"...a recent song put out by Switchfoot on the Prince Caspian movie.

a line from the song...
"Now I'm finally where I belong
Where I belong
Yeah, this is home"

Gary is "at home" tonight...while i am still on journey. he is now enjoying the rest and "sigh" of arriving there. though my heart is heavy and the journey long...i am thankful that one day my heart will also be at home.

Grieving a loss...