The Shack

A few months ago I saw some clergy friends reading a book titled, "The Shack" by William P. Young. My thoughts were, "It's another of those fad books." They all talked about how good it was but I knew it would run its course and soon would be replaced by another book. Then a friend sent me a copy. I started reading and soon I was absorbed in the book.

Let me be quick to say that I'm not an avid reader of "recreational" reading. By the time I do the reading I need to do to prepare for sermons and to keep up on the latest new I need to be an effective pastor, I've done a lot of reading. It is not relaxing to just sit and read. I confess that even though it might sound anti-intellectual. Sorry!

This book captured my attention and challenged my concepts. It also touched my emotions. I started losing control of my emotions when I was in my 30's. At that time I found tears in my life when it was inconvenient -- like in a worship service or a wedding or a funeral. I even moved to the point that I cried at movies. After a long time I accepted the fact that I could still be a "manly man" and show my emotions.

This is the only book I can remember reading that caused tears.

It would be wrong to tell all about the book. You need to experience it yourself. Let me say that it helps me to see God's grace in a way I've never seen it before. There is so much judging done by those who call themselves "religious". This book sheds a new light on it.

I highly recommend this book for your reading. If you're like me -- not much of a reader -- it will be worth turning off the TV and spending some time reading.

God will bless you.