Book Report: The Shack

I've yet to post a book report, which is surprising when you consider the rate at which I blow through them. But one of the most recent books that I read stirred my soul in a way that I feel compelled to share it with you. It was that amazing.

I'll warn you, this book is not for the people who want to just dance through life. This book will make you question things- it will make you yearn for more. And at the end of the day, I truly believe that you will find a peace and comfort from it that will inspire you. It's a book that focuses on your faith, your personal relationship with "Papa", but not within the confines of a religious institution. The book is about true and unconditional love... the love of our Creator... a perfect, forgiving, all consuming love. Whether you're Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Mormon, Agnostic, Atheist... I think this is a book you will take something from and enjoy. It's also the story of grief and sadness- and how such a love can exist and allow the pain and suffering we see in the world today.

It's been a week since I've finished reading the book, and I've got Layne reading it now. There have been numerous moments since then that I've reflected upon what I read- moments that I have been challenged to reach inside for something more. Why am I blogging about something so personal, so controversial, that makes so many people uncomfortable? I'm a believer because I chose to be. I think you make a logical argument for the existence/non-existence of a higher being based on what you are predisposed to believe. I chose to believe, and I chose to label that belief as God. Maybe you don't. But I think if you read this book, you may realize no matter what label you fall into in regards to your religious beliefs, we all believe in love.

The power of love, the power of forgiveness, the power of acceptance, the power of peace... those are the attributes that can move mountains in today's day and age. So man up. Read something different. Go soul searching. And let me know what the results are. I'm finding a peace and comfort in myself that I haven't known for a long time.... all because of book Aunt Leslie passed along.

Check out The Shack by William Paul Young, or the website at www.theshackbook.com . I can't wait to hear what you think.