October 12, 2007
A Story of Gifts - loosely based on Matthew 8
I walk out onto the dock. Three canoes tied along the waters edge. Sun warm in the early afternoon of Indian summer while a breeze tugs playfully at my clothing. I amble out to the furthest point of the dock and sit down, taking off shoes and socks and then carefully inserting my feet into the water that laps only a foot below. Its cold and send shivers through me, but after a little splashing my toes are numb enough to stand the frigid blue. I don’t even turn to look as he sits down next to me. I know who it is. I’ve been here plenty of times before.
“Hey, Jesus.”
“Hey, precious one.” I can’t help but smile. Even after all this time, I’m not used to hear him greet me that way. Without looking I can feel him grinning. He knows. I shift a little so that I can feel his shoulder touching mine, and I relax a bit into his presence. For a time we both sit quietly and watch the sun splinter into diamonds on the surface of the lake and listen to the humming of autumn insects busy about their agendas. I think I could sit here like this for hours, except I have come here with a purpose. As I think about what is bothering me, I can feel the emotions surface and my mind tangles searching for words.
“Take your time,” he offers gently. I take a deep breath and when I feel ready I start.
“I’m frustrated,” I begin. “I have all these people in my life right now who are obligating me to drop whatever I’m doing and meet their expectations. They are so demanding and I’m really tired and overwhelmed by it. They act like I owe them something, and sometimes I guess that I do, which doesn’t help. And what thanks do I get? Nothing! I just feel like I am getting walked on, taken advantage of. Don’t I have any rights? How much is enough? They aren’t doing anything for me, why should I do something for them, except when I have to?
“Hmmm, doesn’t seem fair at all,” Jesus offered.
“It’s not!” I state a little more emphatically than I had anticipated.
“Anyone or any situation in particular bothering you right now?”
I know just what he is doing; drawing me out and into the light, but I don’t care. “Yes! At work I am supposed to do everything that is in my job description plus stuff that my supervisor adds to the pile, that I don’t have the time to do, and even if I did, it wouldn’t be possible. The whole place is just messed up and…”
He lets me ramble and rant for the next however long, and finally I run out of words and silence drops between us. Even though I don’t need to, I do feel a little foolish, as if I have said too much and spoken with emotion unsuited to the present company. I am quiet now, wondering what he will say. I don’t wait long.
“Thank you for trusting me with your emotions…you do realize that this is something rather new for you and me?”
I nod, watching the water dance while I try to anticipate his next words. He surprises me.
“I think we need to get you a pig.”
“What?” I look over at him and he’s grinning. “What do you mean, get me a pig?”
“Not just any pig,” he laughs, “You need one of those critters that can sniff out truffles under the ground. Only you need a pig that can root out all the lies you believe.”
“So, I believe a lot of lies, do I?” I am not surprised at my inner bristling when I hear something that sounds like I’ve failed to live up to some external standard. But I know that he understands; we’ve been down this road plenty of times before.
He drapes his arm over my shoulder and gives me a squeeze. “That’s an observation, not a value statement.”
“I know.” I lean into his hug to communicate that I understand. “I just don’t like all this process stuff. Don’t you have a blue or a red pill that I could take that would make me think right?” I lie back onto the dock and look up at the cloud formations breezing their way across the azure sky. He does the same, but points to the horizon where a congregation of cumulus seems to have fashioned a billowing butterfly emerging from its chrysalis.
“That’s funny,” I mutter a little sarcastically. “Did you do that?”
“Nope, but I know who did!” He pauses, and then continues. “This is a journey not a performance and this is not about the destination as much as it is about the company you keep. It is quite an intricate process…this transformation. The battle is largely in and for your mind. Lies are often like slivers in the mind that have to work their way out over time.”
“It’s the over time part that I’m not so wild about. I just want to be able to react better…properly…and now would be good.”
I can still feel him grinning, but his voice comes clear and tender. “It’s not so much about reacting properly to people and circumstances, as it is responding to and with my Spirit that lives inside of you.”
“Okay, I understand that.” I pause. “You mentioned that there are lies I believe that have me cornered?”
“Remember the process of transformation is, in part, exchanging lies for Truth. So let’s talk about something that is Truth about your concerns; Truth even though it may not appear to be.”
“Okay,” I say hesitantly, not sure if this is going to help.
“What do you think you are surrounded by? You think it is demands and expectations, grumpy people and work piling up, right? You think that people are taking advantage of you, using you and being inconsiderate and thankless?”
“I’d say that pretty much sums it up.”
“What if I told you that the Truth is that you are surrounded by gifts, and furthermore, that you are gift to all these people, often unopened, but a gift nonetheless?”
“If I didn’t know you were God, I’d think you were nuts.” At that Jesus laughs and so do I. “Seriously,” I continue, “How can any of what I told you be a gift? I need a little help here.”
“Let me put it to you this way…each of those events, demands, people, expectations…each exposes a window into your inner world revealing areas that need healing and restoration. You still believe the lie that experiencing life and being in relationship with me is about your performance. Even the person who wrongs you, or the one who places an unjust burden on you, or the one who makes you feel in their debt…any of these are a gift to you, if for no other reason than they expose what you work so hard to hide.”
“And you are saying that is a good thing?”
“Absolutely! When the crap is forced to the surface by circumstance or people or someone else’s agenda, it is a wonderful thing because…”
“You just said ‘crap’.” I interrupt.
“I know…let it go. It is a wonderful thing because now the crap can be worked on and healed. Why shouldn’t we consider the person or situation that is the catalyst, a gift?”
“They don’t deserve to be gifts.” It comes out harsh but resonates with how I feel.
“Hmm, back to deserving are we? Remember, how you feel doesn’t always tell you the Truth.”
We are quiet as I think about what he has said. My emotions are not happy about it, but I understand, and just that allows me some room to move away from the weight of what I had been lost inside.
“I understand now how these can be considered gifts…”
“Can be embraced as gifts.” He is pushing me, but it’s okay.
“Alright, embraced as gifts, but you said that I was a gift to them? And you said I was mostly unopened?”
“Exactly!” I turned a little surprised at the note of excitement in his voice. “Here is the fun part. If you want, you and I can turn a debt, an obligation, a demand into something unexpected…into a gift.”
“I can?”
“No, we can.”
“How exactly?” I ask, now intrigued.
“Remember when I told the disciples that if a soldier demanded that they carry a pack for a mile, to go ahead and carry it two?”
“Sure, but I always thought you would be smarter if you just avoided the soldiers in the first place.”
“And miss out on the fun? Are you kidding me? Just think, what do you imagine that conversation was like the second mile?” He winked. “Do you want to know?”
I was stunned. “You mean… you?” I stammered.
“Of course! Do you think I ever asked anyone to do something that I had not? That second mile he told me all about his family, especially his new baby. He told me how hard it was here and about his disappointment with the political situation. I actually walked with him almost four more miles before we said goodbye. We did not part as enemies and even if we had, what I had done would have made no sense to him and would have pestered his conscience. Such is the power of love. It can disarm anything or at least bring important questions to the surface whether openly acknowledged or not.”
“I had no idea.”
Jesus reached out and lifted my face to his. “You want to know the coolest part?”
“Please.”
“Years later, when his servant was deathly ill, he came and found me and asked me to heal. But he wouldn’t let me walk one step to do it. He knew I had already done all the walking that was needed.”
Now I couldn’t talk as the tears began rolling down my face. He reached and gently wiped them. “Precious one, you are surrounded by gifts. Allow others to open you into their lives. I promise…it will be worth it.”
44 Comments on A Story of Gifts - loosely based on Matthew 8 »
October 12, 2007
kent burgess @ 11:13 am:
Willie, at work this very morning I was appraoched by a friend/co-worker the minute she arrived and I could tell she was upset about something. Come to find out she had been worried about it from the time she had left Yesterday until she saw me this morning. She had broken something of mine(somewhat expensive)and wanted me to know that she would replace it for me when she could. I said to her: “What if I told you I had a get out of jail free card for you today?” She said: “What?”
I told her that the piece of equipment she had broken had been a gift that someone had given to me and I was passing the gift along to her. From the look on her face I think she walked away feeling a little more free and I know I certainly did.
I love your stories Willie
October 13, 2007
wileybones @ 9:13 pm:
Willie,
What a beautiful expression of the life we’ve been given to journey through with Jesus! How much I need to be reminded that my transformation is “a journey not a performance”!
I especially like the twist at the end, in the suggested possibility the Jesus had carried the soldier’s pack who turned out to be the centurion of great faith. I often wondered about unfinished stories in the gospels possibly tied to people in Acts or the Epistles. Could the rich young ruler have been Barnabas, or even Saul?
Thank you!
Bones
October 14, 2007
Tina Patterson @ 10:23 am:
What an insightful representation of Jesus and His desire to love on us. I am on a business trip in the UK and have found that I have much more to offer than my client has in resources. I am resolved to allow the Father to use me and fulfill His ultimate plans for me and them. Your words fill my broken heart Willie…keep ‘em coming.
October 15, 2007
Lifestream Blog » Blog Archive » Free Range Believers @ 6:13 pm (Pingback)
[…] last thing. If you want a bit more of The Shack, check out Willies blog from this weekend. It’s an awesome story in the same vain, and with the same poignant wisdom! You will thank […]
October 16, 2007
Abundant Table @ 10:11 am:
“It’s not so much about reacting properly to people and circumstances, as it is responding to and with my Spirit that lives inside of you.”
As someone new to the Shack, I have been reading quite a bit on this website. Anyone care to expound on this statement? This caught my attention and would love to hear what you all have to say about this.
Tina Patterson @ 1:37 pm:
I would venture, that to respond to others with the guidance of the living, Holy Spirit, would require one to abdicate carnal reactions to those that deny oneself and encourage others. Of course, using great boundaries is embedded within this as well following Jesus’ example. Personally, I have difficulty waiting to respond to other’s statements and actions, but I guess I could implement a strategy of waiting 3-5 seconds before I respond. Any other thoughts?
October 30, 2007
Dan Wallace @ 8:18 am:
Often people and circumstances trigger strong emotions in me. I can see that as their fault or I can own it and ask the Spirit to help me unpack it. Many times when I own my reactions and allow the Spirit to show me the root of my emotions a lie will be revealed. I ask Him to speak truth to that lie and transformation occurs. Usually I find that I react very differently the next time a similar event takes place.
November 4, 2007
FaceSeekr @ 2:10 pm:
Well, I just finished “The Shack” and I was blessed beyond measure. I am a Pastors wife and had become dry and brittle from to much performance and not enough of seeing myself as one HE was especially fond of. Thank You Willie and Sarayu. My new agenda is no agenda. In loosing my independence again, I hope to find myself more often than not yoked to the One who is Love. Not just going through the motions. PaPa, so good to get back to being Your baby girl.
November 16, 2007
Lindsay @ 11:57 am:
I can’t stop bloody crying! ha ha!
I get all choked up when i think of this book. I just finished it last night around 11:30pm. A friend of mine had sent me a copy of the book all the way from Penang Malaysia to Alberta Canada.
I haven’t got the verbal vocabulary to describe how i’m feeling right now, although i can surely relate it to the section of the story where they have the big celebration and there are lights flashing and going off everwhere, and everything is surrounded by its own blast of colored halos….truly awesome…..
November 22, 2007
Crazy Gift Ideas @ 11:50 am (Trackback)
Crazy Gift Ideas…
I couldn’t understand some parts of this article, but it sounds interesting…
December 3, 2007
Joyce Wood @ 8:08 pm:
I just finished the Shack. I received the copy from friends. What an incredible way to share the extravagant love of Father.I have soooo many people in mind to share it with. Your gifted storytelling will open many hearts that have been estranged and wounded. To abundant table (Oct blog) to respond properly to people seems to go back to expectations the rule of wrong and right. Rather consider the joy of expectancy and the freshness of response inspired by the Holy Spirit
December 27, 2007
Michael Ollis @ 11:41 am:
Jesus?
January 27, 2008
Marlene @ 5:35 am:
Michael Ollis
Jesus Friend Father Alfa and Omega Beginning and the End.
Lamb of God , The way Truth and the Life
Yours free for the taking ask and you shall recevie!!!
Perfect Love Peace Joy.
I can say more
Marlene
February 2, 2008
Lin @ 9:46 pm:
That was beautiful. I like the way you think.
February 6, 2008
Carol Miller @ 3:03 pm:
When one has lies in the truth drawer and truth in the lie drawer, it is a tough assignment to get things sorted out truly. How DO we alter one’s firmly held beliefs? A friendly conversation with the capital T Truth would help, I suppose.
February 8, 2008
Sue @ 7:27 am:
I just finished The Shack this week and found your web site. Wow, thank you for your faithfulness to God and the gifts he has given to you. You are making a way for many people to find their Way again. I see and hear and experience Jesus in your writings, and nothing can thrill my heart more than to see more of Him. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
February 19, 2008
Julie @ 10:43 am:
When a friend of mine gave me this book to read I was very hesitant. My son Trey was murdered on March 13, 2005. I didn’t want to hurt my friends feelings by not reading it but it took me two weeks to finally find the courage to pick it up. I just finished reading it last night and I have to say that I could picture my son fishing in that lake glancing every now and then as I read further into it. Jesus has been with me from that horrible night in March and I have felt His presence each and every day! This book pulled away a curtain that had been between the Lord and I. He sat with me this morning and we chatted has we sipped our coffee together. I have tried to describe many times to people about the peace that I have had and the restored joy in my soul. I forgave the boy that killed my son and pray for him daily! Unforgiveness can rob you of that Joy!!!When I released him to the Father - blessings began to flow like a river from Heaven! Thank You for your precious book and I pray that many lives will be changed by them coming to know Papa! God Bless You
March 8, 2008
Christian @ 11:02 pm:
Mr. Young;
I am fascinated by the way you are able to simplify and eloquently construct a strong about a relationship with God. The way you designed your characters, with their personalities which blended Eastern and Western philosophies and how you used socialogical theories dealing with gender to explain how God is not merely one or the other but both was smooth.
Your writing style and imagery reminds me of CS Lewis, which is quite a complement, in my humble opinion. You both work in paradoxes when dealing with God and man. I know that you are not merely getting that from Kirkegaard but it definintely has a strained of his philosophies.
I know that you have been blessed with a gift! You are not only a gifted writer but have a perspective on God that this world desperately needs. We need allegories, like you create, because (our generations) are trying to prove their own intelligence by creating a system where God only visits those who understand the terms to their fullest meaning.
I don’t know if you visit churches and speak but I know of a church in Albany, Oregon who would love to have you. I don’t know what we are able to afford for a visit but I can promise an active and interested audiance. Churches in the NW have been getting older so, the current economic situation with congregations have been getting kind of sad. Please send me an email if you are interested. Regardless, please keep writing and challenging yourself to create a clearer picture of God or write about gospels and miracles; it might breath new life into the stories. God Bless
March 13, 2008
Val Thompson @ 11:13 pm:
Best book I’ve ever read. Has anyone taken the time to find Bible references?
March 20, 2008
Momof four @ 11:34 am:
I just finished The Shack last night. I needed to read one chapter at a time and then reflect on all I had just read. I am thinking of re-reading the book and referencing bible verses….Anyone else thinking the same?
March 31, 2008
Pam B. @ 10:03 am:
Wow! Read your book a while back (twice) and have encouraged everyone I know to read it too. My daughter was molested when she was young and it’s been hard to forgive the perpetrator. So the section about judgement hit me like a ton of bricks! And this today - I work with the church/ministry world and it is amazing how those in our office are treated. We have a couple here who struggle with those who are supposed to represent Jesus because of that treatment. But I like this perspective - it’ll help me remember as I work with these people daily that they are Papa’s gifts to me and I’ll also be sure to remember that they are “bringing all that they have!”
Thanks for saying yes to Him and taking us on that journey together!
April 16, 2008
cher @ 12:13 pm:
Well said! I am aptly reminded. Thank you for sharing though winsome fiction.
May 11, 2008
cecilia hamill @ 9:40 pm:
After reading that little ditty a/b pigs and big billowy cumulous butterfly clouds, if i didn’t know better i’d think you were kin to the mystery boy that i love. anyway, i love these blogs. They are so thought provoking! And i really loved Barb’s little stories from another blog, especially the one a/b her little boy who had a little trouble w/ his pronunciations. Hmmm, wish i had such an excuse for my rare but existent non-discretions.
cecilia hamill @ 9:41 pm:
indiscretions, i think that’s the word.
May 19, 2008
Lyndeka @ 12:10 pm:
As a new reader also, I have felt relieved and renewed after reading the book the first time. I am making a concious effort to be more compassionate, thoughtful and generous to others, people who treat like the enemy and with my self…for I found Jesus and ABBA as loving me inspite of so I must be more….
June 5, 2008
Anzelle @ 2:48 am:
This book changed my life. I am so much closer to God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit! So excited to grow even more spiritually. It’s actually quite easy - we just have to believe that God is, that He is good and that He rewards. I am definitely giving this book as a gift to all my friends and family members for their birthday. Thank you soooo much for publishing this book. God bless!
June 10, 2008
Gloria @ 2:10 pm:
This book has changed my life. I’ve known God loved me every since I was a little girl but inside my head and my heart has been this voice saying “I’m such a screw-up, making bad decisions and choices, especially in my younger life, how could he possibly love me?” Once I completed the Shack the first time I knew with all my heart that God is ‘Especially Fond of Me’ and it’s changed my live forever. Thank you Willy.
July 22, 2008
Marilyn Michener @ 6:19 pm:
An incredible story that has left me thinking about the closer relationship I need with Him. The Shack will be in the hands of all my friends and family. It is a must read and I will be reading it again. I have a copy for our pastor and will give it to him on Sunday. Thank you, Willy, for a wonderfully inspiring book.
Monica @ 8:17 pm:
>
“It’s an observation, not a value statement.”
These are the words you wrote in my copy of ‘The Shack’ when I requested your inscription on the chapter regarding Sophia (Greek, wisdom). I didn’t understand the quotes until reading the blog today!
Thank you for gifting these words forward to me (about the lies I/you/we believe) as a reminder of our process of learning, understanding and applying the Trinity.
Monica (Greek, solitary and Latin, advisor)
July 29, 2008
Cindy @ 3:29 pm:
Dear Willie - My life and the realization that God isn’t ashamed of me will forever remain in my heart. Thank you for helping me look beyond my own sins and find the love that I have so desperately needed to feel from Papa/Jesus/Sarayu and the Holy Spirit. I am currently going through a very difficult trial in my life, but have been offered a second chance to find and experience more joy than I ever thought possible through feeling compassion and empathy for others with my same disease. God truly is good and I am so thankful to have shared in the reading of your book and hope you will be forever blessed in the knowledge that you have touched so many lives. You are a Godsend, no doubt. And to know that I am so loved has made so much of a difference in my life. It has allowed me to look beyond this awful disease and reach out to those in greater pain and despair. Our lives are meant to be shared and you have. Thank you for also loving all of us enough to write the book. You are a brave soldier for us all. May you and family be well and safe always.
July 31, 2008
Donna @ 8:49 am:
I just read “A Story of Gifts.” Paul/Mack/Willie, whoever you are, take my selfish advice. Write a book of Devotions for all of us who believe the Shack is real! The Gift Story had so many lessons. I would love to have a Devotional book from you that I could read just one a day for insight/food/encourgement/school yard learning/etc. I will buy the first copy, PLEASE.
Oh, and by the way. Other people tell me my “mind works differently” but they enjoy my thinking. Let’s you and I write a book together. I bet our three minds together ( and toss in Sarayu) ….Now I would like to hand that down to my grandchildren. What do you say? Email me, ok? I know Saraya is tell you to do it. Listen to her.
August 13, 2008
Hazel Dennis @ 2:39 pm:
Thanks for writing this lovely book. I have read it twice now. My own great sadness has been the death of my beloved husband, who was not only the love of my life but my very best friend. The first time I read The Shack was just after he died 20 months ago whilst my grief was still raw and it really helped me yhrough the pain.
I read it again more recently, and it still spoke to me, although my pain is not as fierce it is still there, like a burning deep within my soul. Only my faith keeps me going because I am so lonely without my husband, but this book has reminded me of how deep my relationship can be with my heavenly Father, and my Saviour, through the Holy Spirit within me. It has truly blessed me. I know it is a work of fiction, but nevertheless it is I believe an annointed work of fiction that touches something deep within a person’s heart, to bring hope and healing.
August 16, 2008
Linda Richards @ 12:15 pm:
I JUST finished reading “The Shack”. I’m a social service chaplain who works with the homeless. One of our clients, a young woman I have counseled, found it lying out by the back of a thrift store, picked it up and started reading. That was a God thing left there for her I’m sure, since she is struggling to see who her God really is. She brought it to show me so excited I couldn’t help but be caught up in her enthusiasm. I also just saw the author on “Life Today” and one of my co-workers had just read it and been very impressed. Might be a God message for me in it too! I’m still trying to take in all that it’s really saying! There were times like Mack my mind got mushy. I cried at the end! So much of it I loved. Certainly makes you stop and think and think and think and think. I’ve ordered it for a number of people. I know the message will touch different people in different ways. Why! Because we are all DIFFERENT! At first I didn’t like the idea of portraying God as a woman, (and I am one) but as I continued to read, realized why. God is all things to all people and He meets us in our uniqueness right where we are but does not leave us that way, unchanged! (However I can still only refer to Him reverently as Heavenly Father or Lord.)
I intend to read it again and as many times as it takes to fully absorb all that it’s saying. I would like to see more actual scriptures being referenced in some way. But then again it’s fiction? And the Bible is not! ;>) I especially loved the minds picture of the Holy Spirit and even Jesus! Beautifully done with the help of Sarayu do doubt!
August 24, 2008
kimberly jeltema @ 8:28 pm:
Wow. This is the first that I have read of you and just this little bit I didn’t want to end. I love your easy way of approaching Jesus as “Hey Jesus” I love that! what a great conversation. My eyes welled up and I laughed…I could identify with this so much…I just ordered The Shack and I’m anxious to start reading it. I have heard so many great things. What a wonderful gift you have, thank you so much for sharing it with us.
September 28, 2008
Charleyn Moore @ 9:09 am:
What a amazing book, it brought Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit close so I could begin to understand “3 in One”. I recieved the book Friday evening and could not put it down, finishing Sunday morning. I will reread before passing it on to my son who lives with me. I would like my daughters to read it too, and many others. My grand daughter lost her 9 year old son 12 years ago, he was hit by a car while riding his bike. It was a tragedy and many of my family members blamed themselves. I will pass copies of the book on to them and hopfully they will read and forgive themselves and the teen aged, (then) boy as well. The book brought tears to my eyes many times, and I am able to forgive my father for my life when a child. It was the first time I had ever thought of him as a child and his broken heart when his father disappeared when my father was 12 years old. I cannot thank you enough and many blessings to you and yours.
December 10, 2008
Danilo @ 7:50 am:
I’m from Brazil and can make sure that this book is having a great impact around here!!
This history is simply amazing.. I confess that I’ve never seen God in a so human and bright way!!
Many blessings!!
December 11, 2008
Ellen Graham @ 10:01 am:
When I listened to your interview with Steve Brown I pulled my car to a halt and cried. I felt your emotions while you were talking about your childhood. My own abuse started when I was four years old and lasted until I was eleven. I have huge knots in my throat and tears quickly flood my face when I tap into a book like yours. I have written a book about my childhood. The name is, Walk the Pretty Way Home. I wish you the best. God Bless, Ellen
January 5, 2009
Rod Ross @ 10:23 pm:
I cried many times. Everyone needs to read this book. I am blessed.
January 10, 2009
Linda Hulshoff @ 8:26 am:
The Shack is the most amazing book I’ve read in a long time. Being raised in a strick religious household, I rebelled early and came back to Jesus in my twenties. However, I’ve always had the performance and damnation theory in my mind. This book has helped me release those feelings and accept I am loved just the way I am, the way he made me. What a reliefe to not have to be perfect!
In this story the quote from Jesus: “This is a journey not a performance and this is not about the destination as much as it is about the company you keep. It is quite an intricate process…this transformation. The battle is largely in and for your mind. Lies are often like slivers in the mind that have to work their way out over time.” really touched me. It’s all about adjusting my mind and refuting the lies I was taught as a child. Loving people, accept their faults as part of who they are, loving my neighbor as myself, no churchy expectations, what a glorious freedom! Thank you for The Shack, your writings and this web site. I am so looking forward to the movie - can’t wait!
March 3, 2009
Shari @ 12:03 pm:
I just read A Story of Gifts - loosely based on Matthew 8. How important this is for me to grasp, as most days I feel completely cut into pieces trying to homeschool teens and little ones. The past year or more has been quite difficult but yes, these children are exposing that which I would otherwise desire to keep undercover in myself. It would be so much tidier to maintain the whole mainline Christian thing yet, those children pick at its cracks and holes exposing the vacuousness and vagueness of it all. Therefore, it is not possible to maintain if we are to be authentic.
I am half-way through The Shack, so much to ponder, absorb and meditate upon. Thank you for allowing God to use you!
Shari Lloyd
March 8, 2009
Robert A. Nilles @ 7:52 am:
I think what you write. How, fulfilling it must be to put down other people’s thoughts.
April 4, 2009
Patricia Brown @ 10:45 am:
Hi Paul,
I just read your Story of Gifts on your website. What a relief it is to me that I am not the only one who has such conversations with JESUS! I quit my Bible study this January because the author wanted us to agree that GOD hates when we grumble and our grumbling HURTS GOD!?! I was so confused and frustrated because I have been relating to GOD and JESUS and hearing from them like you have, but my small group members were not. GOD gave me scriptures to support my decision [2 Corinthians 6:17-18] and I chose to forgive the author in my heart after GOD took me to the last chapter of JOB. I have felt so humanly lonely in my journey because my husband refuses to accept JESUS. He also refuses to believe in heaven if he has to believe there is hell. But, I persevere because my husband has not been able to help me the way that GOD, JESUS and the HOLY SPIRIT have. I know I could not have come this far in my GOD journey if I could not have been honest with the trinity! GOD also showed me that at the beginning of Moses’ journey, he asked GOD to kill him! So I deduced that if it was OK for Moses to be that honest with GOD and GOD was not hurt by it, then it was OK for me to do the same! Then at the end of Moses’ journey, while he still was strong and had good eye sight, God decided it was time for Moses to die. Moses did not argue with GOD and demand to live. So I took that as a sign of maturity in Moses’ relationship with GOD. I’m so glad you PERSEVERED…thank-you!
Patricia Brown
April 16, 2009
Cathy Mayo @ 2:54 pm:
I am totally amazed at the way that you write. I’ve read The Shack and it touched me deeply. I am so going through the very thing that your Story of Gifts is talking about. I know without a doubt that “things” are being brought into the Light so that healing can take place in my life. And I am ready for that to happen. I can hear Jesus say to me “Together we can do this!!” Thank you for allowing Papa to use you in such a beautiful way.
May 6, 2009
celesti mills @ 7:23 am:
I live in South Africa..thank you for the inspiration. As you know it’s been very tuff and cruel in south africa. I’m actually in a very sensitive position working at a doctor’s practice, where we deal with crime,hate,rape, violence every day. Today, I have to work with a mother who lost her 5 month old baby. They visited the doctor yesterday. The other day I have to hold a rape victim, 6 year old girl. So, reading the book help me sort of understanding which I only had questions for. Thank you. I still have questions, do you mind if I sometime share it with you?
thanx
Celesti Mills
South Africa