The Shack

So the last couple of days haven't been too bad...
I mean, I've been sick with a sore throat and runny nose and I had to get Laura to steal some medication from her family before I got anything...
but besides that....not too bad.

Really, I didn't come to say anything of consequence except that I started reading The Shack by William P. Young and I just can't decide what to make of it. It's about a man named Mack whose daughter is kidnapped and murdered by a serial killer and he becomes totally lost in what he calls "The Great Sadness" until one weekend, three years later, he is invited back to the Shack where they had found the evidence that his daughter was dead. The invitation was aparently from God is the kicker and it's based on a real story. Regardless of how legit I think it is...like I can really judge...there's a lot in there that makes me think and I felt like sharing some of it. Some of it is just beautiful written I think. Let me know what you think.

"What happened three years ago totally changed the melody of his life and it's a song I can't wait to play for you."

"There are times when you choose to believe something that would normally be considered absolutely irrational. It doesn't mean it is actually irrational, but it surely is not rational."

"Sometimes honesty can be incredibly messy."

"What should you do when you come to the door of a house, or cabin in this case, where God might be? Should you knock? Presumably God already knew that Mack was there. Maybe he ought to simply walk in and introduce himself, but that seemed equally absurd. And how should he address him? Should he call him Father, or Almighty One, or perhaps Mr. God, and would it be best if he fell down and worshipped, not that the was really in the mood."

"Let me say for now that we knew once the Creation was broken, true fathering would be much more lacking than mothering. Don't misunderstand me, both are needed- but an emphasis on fathering is necessary because of the enormity of its absense." (God's explanation for playing up the Father role)

"You were created to be loved. So for you to live as if you were unloved is a limitation, not the other way around."

"He has only lived out of his relationship with me, living in the very same manner that I desire to live in relationship with every human being. He is just the first to do it to the uttermost- the first to aboslutely trust my life within him, the first to believe in my love and my goodness without regard for appearance or consequence." (On Jesus being human)

"When you chose independence over relationship, you became a danger to each other. Others became objects to be manipulated or managed for your own happiness." (On needing submission in relationships)

"I am not evil. You are the ones who embrace fear and pain and power and rights so readily in your relationships. But your choices are also not stronger than my purposes, and I will use every choice you make for the ultimate good and the most living outcome." (from the God figure)

"Jesus didn't hold on to any rights; he willingly became a servant and lives out of his relationship to Papa (God)"

"Jesus would like to take you for a walk, if you want to go. I packed you a picnic lunch in case you get a little hungry. It'll tide you over till tea time."

"Without wisdom, imagination is a cruel task-master."

"Our earth is like a child who has grown up without parents, having no one to guide and direct her. Some have attempted to help her but most have simply tried to use her. Humans, who have been given the task to lovingly steer the world, instead plunder her with no consideration, other than their imediate needs. And they give little thought for their own children who will inherit their lack of love. So they use and abuse her with little consideraiton and when she shudders or blows her breath, the are offended and raise their fist at God."

"Remember, I am not about performance and fitting into man-made structures; I am about being. As you grow in relatnionshp with me , what you do will simply reflect who you really are."

Mack: "So I can't just ask What Would Jesus Do?"
Jesus: "Good intentions, bad idea."

"Among the mysteries of a broken humanity, that too is rather remarkable; to learn, to allow change."

"So many believe that it is love that grows, but it is the knowing that grows and love simply expands to contain it. Love is just the skin of knowing."

"Your world is severely broken. You demanded your independence, and now you are angry with the one who loved you enough to give it to you." (I liked that one a bunch)