Hi, I just listened to the podcast on Waynes sight and heard your story. It touched me deeply and gave me hope! I am in the middle of a process much like yours. Being abused as a young child, I have lived behind my “lies” as a safety net also, but my Father is so loving, He is slowly revealing to me the lies, so I can let them go, and let Him and my family embrace me. It is a very “prickly” time now, especially when I can’t “let” my husband “in” because of the lies. He is very understanding, but it’s painful for him also. I can teach, preach, counsel others and give out, but not really recieve in.
Thank you for sharing your journey alittle, It helped me to know freedom is coming as I just keep facing it with Him! I loved the poem about the wind also, wow you put it into words what my heart is for all of them, My Father, His Son and His Spirit. It’s amazing through all the pain, He placed such a burning for Him in our hearts! I love HIm, and can’t wait to let Him in more and His family in too. Love Jen

Hi there Willie - I can’t possibly read your bio, your musings & writings & poems on the site without saying hello, and a huge thankyou for all of this….

I have nothing very wise, deep or meaningful to say…but we - that’s Sue & Joe, & our two youngest children David (13) & Anna (11) here in Western Australia - are profoundly grateful that you not only wrote The Shack, but published and allowed us to read it. Father has used/is using it in all of our lives, and the ripples are spreading. It’s hard to even look at people now without the conscious thought that God is ‘especially fond’ of them…it changes the world so much.

We’d love to have a cuppa and a yarn with you if you’re ever nearby - I’d even make a hot chai with soy if I had the faintest idea what it is!

Bless you heaps,
the Sheehy family

Hi Willie,

I just finished “the shack”. My husband had purchased it for himself, but I swiped it from him and began reading. I can’t lie…I didn’t want to read past the first few chapters. I knew something horrible was coming. After finding the courage to read on I found myself wrapped in the Supernatural and couldn’t stop reading. As my husband could tell you, I’m not much of a reader but I truly loved this book. I do feel like a changed person and more blessed than I could ever have imagined before.

With all the love to you and your family,

Mary

Hi, I’m an American living in Japan with my British hubby and baby, and I’ve just finished The Shack (it was my Mother’s Day gift). Here is my blog post about it (http://stephenandabigail.blogspot.com):

“So many book jackets promise a life-changing read (especially “Christian” books) and the contents never get anywhere near that, so when a book in humility doesn’t make any such statement but then delivers a powerful and indeed life-changing experience, I want to tell everybody I know about it.

The Shack did that for me. I just finished it yesterday morning and have been itching to blog about it since then. I’ve read some dry theology books in my day (and believe me, they were dry) but oh my word, this is nothing like that. The Shack is a goosebumpy spine-tinglingly powerful story of God’s nature and Love.

This is a non-theology theological supernatural intelligent dialogue in novel form, and that’s all I can say without giving away too much.

I first heard about this book via The God Journey podcast via Chuck and Julie in Kyushu (thanks, guys!). The Shack’s author is a Canadian-by-birth who grew up in Netherlands New Guinea (West Papua) and he brings a wealth of experience and pain to this book.

But it’s not about troubles per se. It’s about questions and grace and an ongoing relationship…

You can’t buy it in stores yet, but check out www.theshackbook.com to find out more. You just have to read it for yourself, and if you do, let me know and let’s talk about it. I can’t wait to find out what you think.”

Willie, thanks for your transparency and humility. I’m waiting for that forum to open!

Abigail

I didn’t put this in my comment yesterday, but I want you to know that The Shack has been really instrumental in helping me forgive someone that I’ve been angry towards for years. I’ve prayed for so long that God would help me forgive that person, and I never felt like I could. While reading The Shack, I realized that that person is special and so loved by God, and I started feeling the anger in me drain away. I now think of that person with affection, which I never thought could be possible. How Sarayu works! This truly is a miracle.

Dear Willie,

The images and words of Papa, Jesus and Sarayu are precious and comforting. Thank-you for sharing your insights with us all.

I just have a (two?)questions:

How, and why, did you decide frame the story of Mack’s encounter with God in the context of a man whose daughter was murdered?

Why not reveal these three to us, and your children, through the uniqueness of your own personal story? Obviously, it was in ‘your shack’ that God also met and conversed with you…

After finishing the book today, I am left feeling like I wish I knew more about that.

I hope that question is not too bold.

with blessings and love, dear brother,
Tina
Canada

hey Tina…always great to hear from one of ‘God’s frozen people’ - I can say that being a Canuck myself.

Good questions: and you will soon come to know that I love questions - haven’t been asked one yet that is ‘too bold’

As some are aware, I originally wrote The Shack for my children at the behest of Kim (my wife). I didn’t even consider that it might be published. It was to be more of a ‘legacy’ or something my kids could have that would help them understand their ‘dear old dad’ and his odd way of looking at the universe. I didn’t want to ‘bore’ them with some sort of dry theological treatise so I wanted to write something that would carry the truths that I wanted to communicate and a story seemed most natural.

My history is one of many losses, some totally my fault, some not. The story embodies in many ways ‘my’ story. At first all I had were a bunch of scraps and notes, and frankly, when I first sat down at the computer I didn’t have the story either (I was planning on just typing in my notes so I wouldn’t lose them). I can’t really explain what happened but as I typed, the story simply ‘emerged’ and started to take form, out of my experiences and journey. For example, I have camped at that campground at Wallowa Lake (the deer were a nuisance and the chipmunks and night bandits did raid all our cookies).

The losses in the story are very deep. My losses are personal and very deep as well and while not identical, very similar. The questions that arise out of loss are very common to most of us. Sometimes we minimize our history and the losses we have had (there is always someone that we could imagine has had it worse), but choosing this particular story raised the questions front and center. This, especially for us parents, is a loss almost beyond comprehension.

Your second question, another great one! My children know my story and there is a sense that its truths and impact could have been muted by their bond with me…if that makes sense. It was better to get a little distance, for me as well as them. Maybe that is where I will go next, to try and do as you suggest. I am open to that, but if it is to be, Papa will work out the details.

Thank you for taking the time to drop me a note…
With great joy I accept your blessings and love,
your brother
‘willie’

I just finished The Shack,and feel so blessed to have had the privlege to read such an amazing and enlightening book. At first I was afraid to read it because I thought that it would be to much pain and suffering,and we get too much of that everyday. But after reading the part with Mack @ the shack with Papa, Jesus, and Sarayu I could barly put the book down. It makes me yurn for that deeper, intimate relationship with my Lord and Saviour. It is such a refreshing look at the love our awesome creator has for us, his children, no matter what our state or circumstances. Thanks Paul for sharing this story with the rest of us. And thank you God for your amazing grace.

I read the first 3 chapters with dread as Willie described my worst nightmare as a parent. It was so worth it to push through and face this nightmare and many of the same questions that Mack has with Papa. I came out the otherside in an entirely new place…a much freer place. I am very thankful for this story and the truth that it contains. Thank you.

Every time I finish a George McDonald book I feel like a child nestled in the arms of my heavenly, loving Father. The Shack has had the same effect except it walked me through the pain of losses. Hard as the scenes of Missy are they began to tell the pain of betrayal that only those who have experienced it can imagine. It feels like murder because part of innocence dies, childhood is kidnapped and emotional torture perpetuated. The sting of the pain is gone. I have been reminded in your book not to read the world through my pain but through the victory of God’s simple and unmeasurable love. Thanks

A friend gave me this book, and I read it cover to cover today. She had told me how good it was, but it was so much more than I could have expected. I must confess that I didn’t know it was a work of fiction until I was finished. I read the preface and thought this was a true story. While I haven’t personally had an experience at this level, I have had powerful encounters with God, and know of others who have as well. Perhaps there is a lot more truth in the story than would be expected in a novel? I loved this book. I’m going to order some to give to others.

Paul,
I am so excited!!! I had trouble locating your web site at first but now I cannot wait to read your book. Nothing is an accident and I know God allowed me to meet you as I felt a spiritual connection when we shared… a sense that you had alot to give that I needed to know about. I know that it is God’s plan that I got to meet you and it is so encouraging to me to see this wonderful accomplishment and to know how much OUR FATHER is using and going to use you!!!!!!! I have felt for a long time that God wanted to work even if only in me through my writing, but even just the exposure of my poetry has had results and been tremendously encouraging and now I feel like God is saying , “Don’t be afraid to come forth and watch what I can do….” Your success is a true blessing and inspiration!!! What a blessing to know you.

An amazing journey of a book that I insisted on setting down several times and “rest” upon. The emotions of this little book left me breathless and longing for the New World. Thank you for stepping out in this way. My husband and I are challenged in how we interact with the Spirit and trust…truly trust our Daddy, especially in the MIDST of pain. We both appreciate your breaching such poiant topics that touch us all. We find everything of sound docterine and very beautifully written.

The most annoying thing about reading this book was that I couldn’t read it in public for the tears and the lump in my throat! Since I finished the book, every time I start to worry about something (and I am a worrier) I feel three persons surrounding me and smiling at me and asking that I leave my worries in their precious, wounded hands.

Thank you for your obedience and transparency in the writing of this story;it is both disturbing and rewarding at the same time. I am entirely grateful regardless of the number of emotions and questions it creates, all of which are redemptive. One of the questions I have been asking devotionally in the last year is “what does the Kingdom” look like? The Shack takes this to a further level of prayer and experience. I couldn’t put it down and didn’t want it to end…it hasn’t either. Thanks for allowing God the freedom to do what He wants through this work; I’m convinced that it is what He desires in each of our lives.

Ron Graves / Portland,OR

Hi there Willie,
I so loved your amazing story.It really is a gift from God to me.I love to relate to Jesus as my friend. I hold Father God in awe and the Holy Spirit as the one who teachers me all things.The book has helped me go deeper in my relationship with all three.
As Mack was choosen to be loved and restored I to feel I have been choosen, loved and am being restored.
Bless you for writing this book. Papa is using it for His glory!!!
Much love to you and yours.
Dawn.

Dear Paul…I am so grateful for the time you spent with the group at the Brehm home yesterday!!! The time went so fast….I could have listened to you for days! I was so impressed with your humbleness and joy that is so evident when you speak…..and to think that,until recently, you had a hard time speaking in public!! Wow! God bless you and your family, especially new baby William ??? Young. Sue (Dena’s Mom)

Hi, Paul. You don’t know me, but my wife and I serve as missionaries in Wales (UK). My wife also has the distinction of being the European distributor of Wayne Jacobsen’s books and we’re now talking with Brad Cummings about The Shack, since she’s gone through three cases of them now.

Anyway, I just wanted to encourage you with an endorsement that I wrote tonight on my blog, The Thin Edge of the Wedge. I’m so thankful for the way God has used you. What amazing grace and how typical of Father to surprise us in such wonderful and unexpected ways!

Blessings,

Bill Lollar

Dear Paul,
Thank you so much for living out for all to see…the marvelous love and grace of Abba upon your life. When I first started to read the “Shack”…I put it down…thinking it theologically strange. Well, thank God for His commitment to my often religious heart…I picked it back up and was incredibly blessed by it’s powerful ability to deeply impact the human soul. WOW! This little book has had a HUGE impact on my life. I too, have pushed out into the mysterious journey of knowing God and being known by Him. You have inspiried me to “stop” trying so darn hard and just relax in Him…this moment…this very breath.
Your friend,
Mike Dee

Hi Paul, We have never met, but my husband Bruce says he works with you. He brought your book home and we both read it over our vacation this summer. He was under the impression that this was derived from a true story, so I’ve been telling everyone I know what an awesome experience your friend Mack went thru. I’ve read the book twice, and given it to several of my friends to read…I’m so embarrased to tell them now that it’s just fiction!! I kept wondering why Mack hasn’t been arrested for poisoning his dad!! HAHA!! Well, I still plan on recommending it because it is by far the best book I’ve ever read, and will need to read several times more for it to sink in! I hope to meet you in person some day! Kathy F.

This was one of the most amazing books I have ever read! God has always been a part of my life and in the exact way you described Him. I have never had a personal relationship with him and have always wondered how I achieve it. I have never been in that kind of despair but everything else about Mack’s emotions could have been mine. I have had my doubts lately the existence of God and this totally put it all in perspective for me. I have been struggling with the whole “chosen” thing this past year and now I know my answer. I am so glad that God used you in such an awesome way, because this book had to be written by all “four” of you!!!

Paul,
Several Christian friends urged me to read your book and I appeased them but really put it on the back burner, never bought the book. I hardly ever read novels; mostly because I want to read things that are biographical, etc. (although I did read some Frank Peretti years ago). But within days, Rick Ely brought me a copy you had signed and handed it to me at a seminar I was giving.Only days later, Ross Miles started to tell me to read it, and before he could get the words out, I said “I know, I know, you’re going to tell me about The Shack, right?” He was dumbfounded and said “How did you know?” I told him God was after me through everyone I knew and wasn’t going to stop prodding me until I read it. Which I did. It is a fabulous book, thank you for writing it.
I have shared your book with so many people. It has gone on my blog, my MySpace page, you name it. But I don’t tell anything about it, because it would ruin it for the reader.
i just say “You have to read it” or “Read it or I’m going to bug you until you do”. My last friend who read it said this: (cut and pasted):”I have just finished reading THE SHACK. Because of YOU tempting me – nay, daring me – to read it, over the last several days I have cried my eyes out, laughed my head off, had my brain turned inside out and I have generally become dehydrated from crying. I must go now and change the bed linens – they are soaked with tears of joy. I am feeling the lightness of being.”
May God continue to Bless you with surprises and His love.
I hope I get a chance to meet you soon. I live in Hillsboro. Julia Marrocco www.mentaliron.com
www.myspace.com/mentaliron Life is great!!!!

Hi Brother Willie,
I just finished reading your great book, The Shack. I am still in the heavenlies and hope to never come down. I too have been on a journey from legalism to grace learning to know who my Father really is and who I am to Him and in Him. Both a painful and beautiful journey. I never want to go back but I also never would give it all up. That is my Father.

Thank you for writing this great book that I could read it at this time in my life.

Your Sister,
Elizabeth

Hi,
I rarely do this but I really wanted to comment on your book. I am a reader so I probably complete 100 books a year (a lot more this past year,I`m on a healing journey)I came to salvation under a pastor that preached “Grace” alone and under that Grace it was OK for him to lie, cheat, steal, (money from the church)and generally dishonor his family and congregation.(I forgive him,I forgive him,I forgive him).All of my first education on the scriptures came from his teaching, we read the bible and did studies but the words of many well known authors were changed to fit his teaching of “Grace”.All that to say I am being reeducated by our God the Holy Spirit and finding through scripture (all of it)that He is not shame based but does provide grace based love,not the way I have been taught but the way only God can give it. My healing journey continues (your book has played a part)I`m not in any hurry God has been faithful to it as long as I keep moving, even if I stop he is the one to push me along.(A prophet pushed me last year told me God told her to,we laughed hysterically for a good five minutes afterwards, it was funny)By the way thank you for showing God as fun and funny. Continuing on, Liz

Wille, I appreciate your comment that God does not dwell in things that are not real. As I have been thinking about how this would apply to my life, I thought of how I have at times lived in the past (consumed with thinking, regret or shame about what has happened and what I should or should not have done), and the times of how I lived in the future (consumed with thinking, worrying and fretting about what may or may not happen). The thing is, not only is the future not real (for I am not there yet), neither is the past real (for I am no longer there and cannot go there). This idea has been slow to work through for I know that God was with me in the past and will be with me in the future and he exists outside of time, but I do not. If I am only in the here and now, then nothing else is real. So if the past or future is not real, then why do I want to live in a place where God is not? Really, all I can do is live each moment in the presence of the Lord for this is the only place that is real. Perhaps this is a way of looking at what Jesus said, “do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will take care of itself” and “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God”, but Jesus gave us this: “give us this day our daily bread”. Could the reason that so many people get stuck in the past or future is because they are living where God is not?

Peace,
Martin

Thank you. I too have travelled this path of being paralyzed by the fear of the future, trapped by the weight of the past, and possessing an incredible inability to live in the present. However, after years of ‘Christianity’, God delivered me in a similar ‘Mack experience’ a year ago September. Praise be to HIM!!! I now see in living colour, view life through a wide-angle lens and live with a joy and “peace that passes all understanding”.

It was so refreshing to read this story and re-live those moments with Mack - to share his pain and struggle through his healing with him. The scene (Festival of Friends) where he meets his father and the crowd of witnesses surround him - was this something you personally experienced? I was astounded because this was so similar to what I have seen! The flesh no longer blocks the spirit. To be given even a glimpse of how ‘Papa’, Jesus, and ‘Sarayu’ see us has made such a significant difference in how grace, trust and love flow from me to others, and of course my God. I have stopped carrying the tablets of stone (how heavy they are!) and now understand the law is being fulfilled through me! Oh how my feet seem to be on the ground but when I speak of these things I am sure I begin to lift off the earth just as ‘Sarayu’ did!!!

I can’t thank you enough. I am purchasing copies for others. I pray they will cry, get angry, wrestle, walk away, come back, shout, confess, forgive, and heal their way through this book. Papa, Jesus and Sarayu are waiting!

I HAVE JUST FINISHED “THE SHACK” I HAVE BEEN A CHRISTIAN FOR 50 YRS THIS YEAR,AND HAVE FELT GOD VERY REAL MANY TIMES IN MY LIFE,BUT YOUR BOOK BROUGHT ME TO A NEW AND WONDERFUL LEVEL.MY FAITH IS CHILDLIKE,I FIND GOD IN SO MANY PLACES AND IN SO MANY PEOPLE,AND YOUR STORY ABOUT MIKE ONLY MAKES MY DAILY THOUGHTS MORE REAL,AND MY WALK WITH GOD AS PERSONAL AS I HAVE ALWAYS FELT.THANK YOU FOR LETTING GOD USE YOU,I TRUST HE WILL SEE FIT TO MAKE A MOVIE OUT OF IT-TRUST HIM IN THIS-MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU EVER SO SWEET IN HIS SPIRIT-RON CLINKSCALES

Thank you for writing this book for your children and for sharing it with the rest of us.

In September I gave birth to twin girls at 21 weeks. Our loss is devastating and heartbreaking. Similar to Mack, my thought was to immediately blame God for causing this to happen. How could I trust someone (who I have known for 16 years) after something like this? It felt as if I had to get to know him all over again in light of what He allowed to happen in my life. The Shack helped me to be re-introduced to my Savior.

After finishing your book, I let out a breath, a sigh, a cry; reassured of my love for my Lord and His goodness and faithfulness in my life; knowing that my life, my loss, is a part of the bigger story of what God wants to do, in and through me. I know my daughter’s lives and deaths past through His hands. I won’t know the fullest extent of all of this until I meet Him and my girls in heaven, but I am confident of this–I have hope in HIM and He is good!.

Thank you doesn’t seem adequate enough, but I will say it anyway in hopes that you can know and understand how much your story has impacted my life.

Sarah

I got to hear Willie’s story last night at dinner in Lawrenceville, Ga, told by the man himself. What a beautiful picture of how God’s love and grace uses a jar of clay and shines His light through!!! Thanks Willie for your genuine brokenness!

Enjoyed meeting you in Atlanta. You left a wake of wholeness, humility, and the Father’s love.

I’ve heard that when the Apostle Paul would come into a community, he’d go to the center of town, take off his shirt, point to his scars and tell the story of Jesus.

You kept your shirt on, but you opened your heart…you showed us your scars and we saw the healing work of Papa.

Thank you.

Kev

Dear Willie,

Writing you from Java where a friend recently lent me a copy of your book. Now I’m wishing that it was already in Indonesian language or something like a culturally dynamic equivalent were available… I will be sending it to my family Stateside though and passing it around here among some who are English readers and “artists at heart.”

I met Papa in a fresh and powerful way and am captivated by Serayu as never before. I also found myself wanting to just go out and walk on…! More importantly thanks for helping me bring my heart “present to Him” as I read Mack’s story. What a Redeemer who defines LOVE for us in ways we only begin to dream of as we surrender our disappointments and expectations in exchange for a SENSE OF EXPECTANCY!

Thanks for sharing your family’s book with all the rest of us.

May He guard and keep you in His Joy as you described in your essay on future-tripping. I’ve had the drop-in visits she makes and one even lasted about 9 months. I want the permanence that only He can give.

Blessings,

Sharon : )

PS Would love to enjoy that chai anytime!

It was though the next paragraph came to mind before reading, evidence enough that the “Song” is always playing. “He was there all the time”, a song first heard in Grande Prairie where two of my brothers still reside, as did I, complements the reading of your book finished moments ago. It’s Sunday morning and I wrestle with entering the Land of the Bland,
(our church) versus remaining at the Church of the Inner Spring with Pastor Posturpedic. The message of your book
and the Missy Project demands the former. We lost a child at birth and know other disappointments, minor compared to others. I pray that your dream of this book seeding a revolution of what it means to be in community, both with each other and the Trinity will become an increasing reality. Given you, like me, are behind on emails, I’ll quit but look forward to seeing you in Abbotsford. There is a profound resonance with your sources, style, tone, narrative and implicit values. Apart from the obvious, this resonance is beyond encouraging. It requires and enables the honouring of my own story, believing that the unbelievable is really true. I’m glad you came to the planet, William P. Young…..or Billy, whichever you prefer.

I just finised The Shack and I am speechless. If I were to tell this story (as I remember it) I would be reduced to tears during the Multnomah story and would not be able to continue except for short fits of lucidity during the tears. I have been a believer since 1968 and have strayed from the narrow many times during the past 40 years. He has been faithful and forgiving and healing during that time and has continually shown me The Way with friends and family and loved ones. This book has reminded me of many concepts and facts I have heard and stored away during the last 40 years and I will need to continue to return (in both senses) using the book as a reminder of what He has done for me and also for Mack (all of us).

Hi there,
Just wanted to tell you I loved your book. I was so touched on many levels by the story and your portrayal of God. I realize that I box God in and limit Him so much and this challenged me to think beyond the staid stereotypes I have developed over time. I have a refreshed spirit to seek the God of possibilities because of your book and am recommending it to everyone. Blessings to you.
annie

Willie,
I have thanked you already several times but thanks again…I read this page usually with tears as I read the blessings other brothers and sisters have also experienced. I ordered my 20th copy last week.

Just finished The Shack, Willie. Loved it. There’s so much to say and few words to say it with, so I’ll just say thank you, for now.

Just a quick note to say, this book is so full of grace/truth/love of the Father, our Papa. I read it in 48hrs. because I simply could not put it down for long periods, when I walked away from it, I found myself drawn back to hear what Papa had to say, I have earmarked so many pages my DH asked what is this, (as he is reading it now).

I am blessed by your blessing to publish this book. Thank you, I also had a father that knew not how to love his children in the unconditional way and it has taken me the better part of 53yrs. to understand God’s love for me. This book helped ice the cake for me, there is much more intimacy in my relationship with God now than ever before and I find myself calling him Papa with ease.

I hope you will write sequel to this book, because I had to reread the last chapter twice just so it wouldn’t end.

Lovingly, Sherry

As a writer I respect and greatly admire the work done in the writing of The Shack.
As a beloved child of God(DADDY to me), and a princess serving my DADDY in HIS KINGDOM I celebrate the truth within the story The Shack.
As a mother having lost a son I know the heartache of the loss of a child, regardless of the cause. I wish I could hug every other parent that has suffered the loss, and I pray we all remember God gave His son for us. God knows our loss.

And my address is P.O. Box 519, Joseph, Oregon 97846 Joseph and the surrounding parts of Wallowa County have always been my home on this earth. Not an easy place to live, but beautiful beyond belief.

I am in the process of reading your book. I am at the shack and have just met the Trinity. I know as a Christian, I have placed God in a box, like I’m sure some do. Thank you for the refreshing view… I have a question for you… In your opinion, what does it take for a person to get to Heaven?

Dear Willie,

I just finished The Shack last evening, and I must tell you that I am profoundly encouraged and overjoyed to find another voice out there saying the things you are saying about the nature of God, what it means to be fully human, and how beautiful it is to realize we are loved. Your voice reminds me of Brennan Manning, C S Lewis, and of course, John Bunyan.

In my own shack live memories of a life marred by illness; my mom died at the age of 42 after a life long battle with chronic diabetes. I was 18. Since then, I have been on a long, painful, beautiful journey of discovering how precious I am to God, and that yes, God is especially fond of me, and my mom, and my family, and you. I don’t get it all, and I am thankful that you don’t presume to either. You just let us into your story. And I am thankful. May the ripples reach far and wide!

Bless you,

Krista

Thanks so very much for the book The Shack. My PASTOR’s WIFE loaned it to me. My Oun husband who was a pastor for 50 years went home to be with the Lord. The pastor wife thought this would bless me because it is how my husband would see it she said. I know this it sure has been ablessing to me. Thanks so very much for sharingg your heart with people. A friend in Christ Jean

Dear Willie,
The Shack has profoundly affected my life. Not sense reading The Hawk and the Dove by Penelope Wilcock have I been so moved by Christian fiction.
I believe our Lord truly inspired you to bring a fresh sense of the love of The Trinity for hurting mankind. Thanks you for your humilty and obedience. I pray there will be more books in you.
Blessings
Jane

Thank you for this wonderful book. I can’t remember the last time I read a book that was so beautifully crafted as a piece of English literature. It made me want to keep on reading…and then the story captured my heart and I couldn’t put it down.

But what a lovely picture of our good, good God. When he came out of the shack first time I loved him immediately - what a great way to get round Mack’s defences. And how like him! And the humour - so clever and full of puns - my experience is that God does puns better than anyone and his timing is perfect!

I knew the moment I got halfway thru Ch.1 that you were a mishkid too with early age boarding school experience. we sure know how to do the independence thing - thank God that he gives us a lifetime to undo that declaration of independence and heal the wounds our choices cause.

Thank you for this wonderful insight into someone who is especially fond of each one of us.

Monica

Willie,

I finished The Shack last night. My immediate response? I’m still processing it. I almost stopped reading it early on, but I’m glad I didn’t.

So many of the things I read in The Shack challenged the way I’ve always believed things to be. Not in a way that makes me question my faith, but more in the way that I’ve always tried to “box things in” and not see beyond how I’ve defined them or how I was raised to define them. And I’ve been very troubled in dealing with the way I tend to judge others, thereby making me feel “superior” to them because of their actions. Still working on that one, and may be for quite some time.

Thanks for sharing your gift.

I am forever changed by this beautiful work. My soul, too, has been blown open and my heart longing for time alone with God.

Thank you for this book. It is transforming in ways that only God Himself could fashion. Your obedience as you jotted down thoughts on a yellow pad on your way to work has been transformed into something alive, spiritually vibrant, and oh, so needed. How the Triune God loves and enjoys Himself! I drank in your portrayal of how that love spills over onto me and to you. Thank you for the images and truths wrapped in fiction. So accessible.

I stopped by B&N tonight to see if they were carrying The Shack. I’ve ordered my copies directly from Windblown. I was pleased not only to see a stack of them on the shelf, but to have the manager tell me they can’t keep them in stock. They’re literally flying off the shelf. I smiled - really big!

I too hope you have another book in you. God bless and protect you.

Willie,

Thank you, I finished the book in less than two days. To say the least I was gripped from reading the forward. My wife and I had the privilege to meet Wayne Jacobsen the other day at a small gathering of people just like yourself and “Mack”. This book will be much like the quote on the front cover. It truly will transend cultures starting with, I pray, ours. All I can say is again, thank you. Michael

Willie
Wow, wow and thank you, thank you. I just finished The Shack–just wonderful–I can’t even put it into words. Except that now I’m more messed up in the faith life then I was before. I don’t really mean messed up, but I feel like I am the one being looked at as “messed up” by some around me who don’t get it yet. I thought I got it about love and forgiveness, but now I get it even more and I know I still have more to learn. Somehow, with Papa’s help, I know that it’s my job to get them there–real impossibilities (family, circumstances). Enough about that — and really all I really do care about is Jesus, Papa and Sarayu–truly an amazing book. They will help me and are. Will there be more books????
Sincerely,
Susan Vujovic
PS Do your kids love it too??

Wa wa wa! Shalom, juga.

Your book has made it all the way out here

I loved the story, loved that it is changing my perceptions of God and how I see what’s going on around me. It’s also a great reminder that God is in fact aware of, and is somehow using all the craziness on this earth. I’m still not quite at the place where I can call God “Papa” - maybe one day!

Tuhan memberkatimu!

Willie,
I know that I was lead to your book by God. I like the way Mack questions God about why something bad would happen to one of His precious, innocent children. The journey I took while reading this story and the enlightenment I received in my own walk with God was deep and amazing. God truly used your story, your words, to tell me something He has been trying to tell me that I keep twisting up - A relation ship with Him is not about me performing correctly, me giving correctly, or me showing faith enough. It is about relaxing and being His child and trusting Him. Your story had me really looking at the issues that cause me not to really trust Him. Thanks for sharing.

Willie,

I enjoyed The Shack so much that I read it in two sittings. Couldn’t put it down. You have a gift that God has given You through your writing. The Trinity was explained in a way I couldn’t have explained to my daughters,Once I get them to read The Shack.! Or anyone that will for that matter. I have been Blessed in my life to have had the Lords Spirit comfort me threw times as far back as 5years old. Our Lord is Amazing! Your book will reach many lives. I pray it will lead young people sooner to let Him guide them in life. He can do unbelievable things!!! Thank You for shareing your gift Willie. May Gods Blessings keep tracking you down. Belinda

I have had time to digest this book and still am working through the theology, as God cannot be placed in a box. It is profound and stimulating as well as challenging. God is love . . . One God three expressions of Love but all is love. It is perfect unity love. It says it all: forgiveness, mercy, grace, relationship, justice, and the list goes on and on. Great book and I agree God is in our lives even when we are doing something just for our kids to read! God Bless Dave

Hey Paul… Thanks so much for sharing this gift with us. What a delicious, fresh experience to read your book and to meet God in this way.

I heard today from a friend that you will be at my church next Sunday in the Greater Toronto Area. We look forward to having you. I have asked the Resource Centre to stock your book - they hadn’t heard of it, but it is just the sort of thing we should be carrying.

I’ve just blogged about your book here: http://markpetersen.wordpress.com/2008/03/31/the-shack/

Thanks again for your generosity in sharing your private family writings with the world…!

Hi Wille,

I not only enjoyed the shack but I look forward in my journey to apply all that I learned! I love to close my eyes and watch the things of God unfold as He teaches me, I could see so much as I read the shack! I desire to walk with Him in a way that is not my perception but His Life I belive I can and will. As for others I tell about this book, they will hunger to read it for they will see how it has changed Me!!

I would love to sit and visit with you and bring all that could fit in my house to hear you tell your story!!

God has blessed you by allowing others to be blessed by what He has given you to share, with great power and love for who He is for us all!!

Dear Willie,
Papa has used your story to bring a great healing to my heart. My brother was struck and killed by two cars in June 2006. Around the 1st anniversary of his homegoing a sister who assisted in the coroners handling of our Ricks broken body, happened to stop by the hospital where I work and Papa let us know who the other was. She cried with me and hugged me, and her hands were as those hands that took him home; the last ones to touch my dear brother. Much more to the story, but after my husband and I read your book, I realized that Papa was carrying my great sadness. He has broader shoulders and is not crushed by them. Thanks for just being a brother, Willie.
Yours in Him,
Joyce and Tim (we read it together)

Hi Willie, I read The Shack while at International House of Prayer in Kansas City. Both the book and IHOP have had a profound affect on my life. All I want to do is hang out with Papa. I have given away a dozen copies and have had only great feedback. I look forward to seeing you this week-end in Kitchener. I’m wondering if you have heard of Arthur Burk? His teaching about identity is all about knowing the full fellowship of the trinity. I heard a similar teaching at IHOP. You have managed to put a profound teaching into an easy reading style. The life giving message in this book will be transformational not only for your children but for untold thousands who are privileged to read it. I can’t thank you enough for your incredible gift that comes from your father heart of compassion. Your Heavenly Father is delighted with your lavish labour of Love. Blessings, Nancy

Paul:
Your visit to Northland Church in Longwood, FL will never be forgotten. The privilege of meeting you in person and hearing you speak was one of the greatest joys of my life, especially after reading “The Shack.” Your story runs so parallel to mine that I could hardly believe some of the things you were saying. My husband and I have experienced some of the same things you have during parts of our marriage.

Your answers to many of the questions that I had will help me talk to others about your journey through life and how you came to the point of being ready to write the book.
God has truly changed my world from the way I used to view it and through your book, He is in EVERYTHING I do and say now. I see the world, people, situations, etc. in a whole new way and I just want to thank you so much for sharing your heart with us. You will continually be in my prayers and I hope the Holy Spirit will nudge you to write a sequel to “The Shack” but if He doesn’t, that’s ok too.

Take care of yourself and continue to be the Willie (Paul) that you are, a truly humble servant who is willing to show vulnerability and giving all of the glory to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for what He has done in your life.

Hello Willie,

I have never writen to an author before. Congratulations on having your book, The Shack, published. It is an excellent piece of narrative. I truly resonated and appreciated this book in a way that I have never done before.

As someone studying to be a pastor, I get asked all the time what I want to do in the church, I never had an answer before and I felt like a failure, I felt like I wasn’t measuring up because I had no plans. But I am finally coming to relise that this is okay. It is okay that I just want to do life and community and build solid God centred relationships.
These thoughts haven been whiring around in my head for ages and your book really helped bring clarity to those thoughts, so thanks for being obedient to Papa, (or as we would say in Australia, Daddy)
Shannon

I wonder…..Paul…..are you a friend of Dr. Bob and Bill W.? It does not matter of course, I love you for the work you have done for “Our Papa” and thus provided as a new journey for me…in “The Shack”. A friend of mine introduced me to your site and has a copy of the book for me to read. I can’t wait!!!!! I will see her this weekend.

I ponder silly things sometimes…like..Has anyone else (besides me) ever arrived at a pivotal point in their life and when shared with those relatively close to them it seems to be acknowledged as just another Tuesday, Wednesday, Mother’s Day, Halloween or Good Friday? Those are man-made commemoration labels. Days labeled as tributes to a means of keeping up with time, and supply us ways to honor or celebrate events, as memorials to certain people, places and things. Their real significance in truth is that every day is a gift from God. He supplies the air for the duration of each day of extended life to breathe. He selects certain individuals elected by Him to cross the paths of those allowed to take in those breaths of air in shared atmosphere. It seems Space and time mean nothing to our infinite Creator. He does however care about what we deem important. Our hearts reflect it best.

Pivotal means vitally important, especially in determining the outcome, progress, or success of something. That tells me it is not a thing ever witnessed, felt, seen, heard, or told before that moment. Do we share it and risk the inner eye-rolling of those declining to revel in the true intimacy - that particular point in time - holds and reveals about a God who delights in each of us? Do we keep it to ourselves until its full fruition, holding no one accountable for the degree of excitement or level of indifference exuded? Alternatively, do we share it as yet another extension of what Christ has already done for everyone on this planet for those who will dare to begin….to claim it? A thing is unrealized until it is claimed as truth. Just as darkness needs light to reveal reality, life needs truth to reveal its One, Glorious, Magnifying Author….Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

I can only speak for myself….I would shout it to the rooftops so all could know there is a pivotal, very important, outcome, progress, or success awaiting you all !!! I am not His favorite!!!

I had to allow God to deliver His truth through me in a book I wrote, (my first) where He illuminated my significance in Him and disputed any measure of my performance in that realization. God seeks man…Christ is His offering, and short of that; what we deem important is only important to us. Adherences to our own comfort, familiarity, certainty, wants, tastes, appearances, choices, ad infinitum, short circuits the power chord of Faith.

I realize many are called…that few will answer. My continuing dilemma is wanting more….My earnest hope is more could be reached….with whatever it takes to penetrate the heart woumb with Christ’s seed. I honestly feel….you may very well have it, Paul….in “The Shack”!!

In the Grip of His Grace,
Linda Rudder

Paul,
You have allowed Sarayu, Papa and Jesus to speak through you. There wasn’t much about The Shack I didn’t love. Grace at the meals…understanding the infinite nature of God’s love…forgiveness….judgement. I have grown in a way I never expected. Thank you for loving your family and the rest of us by sharing this story. I can’t help but believe this is a world changing book. Blessings to you and all you touch. Those who respond negatively are living in fear and pain. Thanks

It is wondeful to read about your life. Sarayu, Papa is so much my life. The forgiveness aspect of the book and the infinite goodness in the nature of God has been the “Aha” moment in my life. I am reminded of the book by Dr. Chuck Conniry ” Souring in the Spirit” and how those ‘Aha’ moments are so precious. Thanks for more ‘aha’ moments. I hope you get the chance to read “souring in the Spirit” it too is one of those “life changing,” Holy Spirit filled books. I want to also mention that I read one of your posts on control and agree whole heartedly that it is fear that drives the need to control. I suffered with a control problem for years, until I experienced deliverance, not totally from feeling out of control, but from attempting to control others. Please keep writing, God Bless you!

Hi Linda! what is the name of your book and is it available for reading? I am interested.
Kathy

Hello Willie,

My husband picked up The Shack for me not even knowing what it was. (He thought it was a mystery with maybe a Christian twist.) What he didn’t know was that it was God who put that book in his hands. I can’t begin to describe what this has meant to me, as an abused child, as an alcoholic adult, as a third time married struggling wife, as a guilt-ridden person, as a never-good-enough mother, etc. I will read it again and again, because it will take time to get through the huge walls I have thrown around myself. I have been in tears since I picked it up. I cried almost all the way through it, and I’m crying as I write this. It’s amzing how deep pain goes and how strong the claws are that grip and won’t let go. Thank you for a life changing book.

Hey Willie,

What a book! I can say for sure it has really messed with my theology, western christian church thoughts, and preceptions of the trinity! I can’t wait to read it again. I want to give each of my children a copy to explore. I read somewhere in your blog that a movie is possible. When could we be looking for that to happen?

Warmly, Moe

All I can say is Wow. I don’t know what baptism in the Holy Spirit felt like, because I was too young to remember. But, I wonder if this feeling could be the same. The miracle is how many big questions you answered for me with such “soft”, non-specific, but totally compelling, suggestions (truths!).

One of the greatest joys of my life is that my brother-in-law Philip says, even tells others, that I brought him and his wife to Jesus Christ. I chuckle that I could bring anyone to Jesus, but I don’t doubt that Jesus could use me as a functional street sign. Well, Philip has returned the favor by sending me your book. And you have brought me back home.

Your book is enough n itself upon which to build a ministry - actually, I think that you already have. Thank you for what you have revealed to us and for extending your witness in so many ways. Your work is importnat. It is almost incalcuable how much good it could do if enough people could experience it and reset their wiring.

Just reading it made me grin and I actually believe that I experienced a state of grace for the first time in my life (59 years, but who is counting).

Anyone who has been a Christian or who has allowed themselves to be called one at some time or another, needs to visit Papa. I didn’t want Papa or his selves to leave. I have wondered with a child like mind for all of my life how all of this could come together. Your fiction is more truth than most people’s history.

Hello Willie,
i just finished reading The Shack. I beleive I felt every human emotion possible at different intervals while reading it. My daughter died a the age of 27 and left two small children 13 years ago. The Great Sadness has been such a part of my lift for so long that it is part of my makeup. I am ready to step out of it NOW! Thank you so much for what you wrote in this book. It has changed my life.

Hi Willie,

Bless you and your family. I like many people have been profoundly moved by your book. I finished it a 3 A.M. this morning and can not stop thinking. I was so caught up in my great sorrow and blaming God, it felt good to be angry with the one who is suppose to love me, I was lost.

I love the story and how God has used you to touch so many. I cried more in the past two days than I have in years. I love you.

I just finished reading The Shack and passed it on to a friend. I thank you for writing this book. It has stretched me and my husband. Stretching is always a good thing!!! I appreciated your bio here, too.
Susan

This is the time when I would like to have better skills in writing in the English language. In such case I would express all the magnificent feelings I experienced reading your book. My first reading of the book was very rapid, so I will immediately begin to read it again so that I can really grasp the real significance of all the conversations between Mack, Papa, Sarayu and Jesus. I already ordered additional books that I will give to my friends. I have told them that although the book is “fiction” you can find in its reading a more clear expression of what should be our relation with our God that what can be found in many theological books.

“Que Dios lo siga bendiciendo”.

José.

Dear Willie,

I just read your book tonight, cover to cover and ended at 3 am (just like a previous reader commented!). I simply could not stop reading and had no desire to stop for any reason. I was compelled to read until the end. I felt more and more free to do so as I read more of the book and saw the amazing freedom we have in Christ! I have a wonderful mother who has taught me so much about this amazing grace, but your story made it come even more alive!!! I want to share this book with so many people. I have never before felt so driven to share a book with others the way I do after reading this fabulous book!!! Your talent with words is simply a gift from God. You made the story come alive. A movie would be hard pressed to convey what this book conveyed. I feel transformed. I want to re-read this book to make sure the lessons I learned really stay with me. I also want to know “Papa” the way Mack did! I want to go to Him willingly, not because I should. The freedom from laws and expectations and responsibilty shown in this novel is nothing short of God’s genius. I “get it”. REALLY get it. I WANT to know God, I WANT to hear him as you do, Willie. THANK YOU for writing this marvelous novel. I understand what you mean when you explain in your blog that this story is not real, but is real too. Anyone who has talked to God hears the similarities between their convesations with God and your conversations with Papa. Light recognizes light. I feel delighted to have gotten to know you, my brother, through this written word. I look forward to meeting you one day. You have given me a wonderful gift. Your children are blessed to have such a father as you. Not perfect, but to know the Perfect One so well…..a wonderful legacy.

God bless you!!!! I pray this book is the beginning of wonderful things for you, your family, the body of believers and the un-believers as well.

Paul,
First off, let me say I have read your book twice, one right after the other. I almost forced my husband to read
it, then I passed it on to another friend and she read it and then went out and bought a copy of her own and her husband is now reading it. I’ve encouraged her to pass it along to others in her church.
There is so much in there!! I tell you I will have to read it again!
All my life I have had trust issues especially with men. So your book has helped in that area.
Perhaps my question (one of many) pertains to the statement about “Papa’s wastefulness of grace”. Could you
expain it, or did I miss something in the book that does so?
Thank you so much, and I can’t wait until its made into a movie!!!!!!!!

ruth

Wow, I just finished reading The Shack. I first heard about it maybe a month ago and went to Amazon.com to read the reviews from people who have read it. I had mixed reactions to what I read and had almost determined not to read it, but I couldn’t get it off my mind. I saw it in Barnes and Noble and sat down in a chair to read a few pages but put it back on the shelf. Still, it haunted me and finally, last week, I bought it. I started reading it on Saturday night and finished it this morning (Monday) before heading off to work.

This story will haunt me in a very good way for a long time to come, maybe for the rest of my life. I was raised in a very fundamental, hellfire and brimstone church when I was young (and still, amazingly, found Jesus at the young age of 10), but my life in and out of the church has been stormy at best (and I was a prodigal for many years). And, I’m no spring chicken (I’ll be 56 in two weeks) so I know whereof I speak (and I have several “Great Sadnesses” over my lifetime). But God has been doing some amazing things in my heart for the past couple of years, opening me up to things about Him that I never learned from church folks. In fact, I stopped trying to find a church in the community where a live over a year and a half ago. But that sure hasn’t stopped God from working in my life…

Well enough about all of that. Your book, The Shack, is one more way God has opening me up to his expansive nature and love for us. It is an amazing read and experience. I am sure I will read it again and again, and you can be sure I’ll be giving it to friends and strangers alike.

I can hardly wait for the movie, and whoever makes that movie, I hope they do justice to the book.

Thanks so much for sharing this book with the world!

Sara

Hello there, Willie, kindred spirit,

I couldn’t believe how familiar and comfortable it was to be with Mack as he encountered Papa,Sarayu, and Jesus in the Shack. Perhaps it was because I myself had already been grabbed hard on the shoulder many years ago as I was crying out in pain and anger and deep hurt against God.

I’ve told my simple story for many years on my web site: http://bobjenks.com/god.htm . I have been one of the very fortunate ones to have had the Lord shake me hard, but gently blow his loving-kindness into my heart.

Thanks for re-affirming my personal faith, and spreading it so effectively to others. Deep thanks also to my older daughter, Deborah, a faithful servant of our Lord, who sent copies of The Shack to both her Mom and to me.

Bob

What an amazing journey! It is almost 2:00 a.m. and I just finished reading The Shack (could not put it down).I discovered the true, real and tangible love of Abba Father about 10 years ago, after publicly falling miserably in my community. My husband and I have been transformed by Father’s love and restoration over the past number of years. However, we have never, ever read such a perfect illustration of the heart of Papa. The Shack has prfoundly changed the both of us. What a glorious life this is! We cannot wait to share the depth of this message will everyone we come in contact with. Thank you, thank you for following the Holy Spirit and publishing this work. Wow, wow….the presence of God was in, on and through every page.

I just want you to know that I picked this book up in an airport…by chance….or maybe not! I read the book in one afternoon from Nevada to Texas! I am so moved by this book that I cannot wait to get copies of it for everyone in my life. The message of “The Shack” has touched me so deeply and personally. Thank you so much for writing this and sharing it with the world. You are such a gifted storyteller and though there were parts that, as a parent of three daughters, were very difficult to read, I cannot think of a better way to exemplify what The Father, Son and Holy Spirit can do if we just let them in! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
Kristi

Okay my last comment I stated I did not figure out the book was based on a true story or not. I should of navigated better. It still is such a wonderful way to bring the relationship of the Trinity to all of us in this somewhat modern blinded world. He still has a voice out there for us to face the evils of this world. Thanks for the light in your book. The murder of Macks child hits a very big nerve on forgiveness. Something of which is hard to grasp in a church world. For those of us whom have done a lot of church hoping to get direction.
Thanks Willie on your book the Shack it was truely a wonderful way to help many hurting and stuck in regaining a relationship with PaPa, The Son (Savior) and The Holy Ghost.

LeAnne

Willie,
When is the next book? You have such a simple way to explain extremely difficult topics. Even a question and answer book.

Thank you for being so obedient.
Sonya

All I can say is thank you for writing and publishing this awesome book - it changed my life!! All my friends and family members will be getting this for their birthdays…
So excited about God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit!

Hi Willie:
Wow, I just finished reading “The Shack”. Thank you for helping me as well as others gain a deeper understanding of the Trinity and how God wants to be the center of our lives. It’s not about knowing “about” God, it’s not even about “about”, if you catch my drift. God is truly awesome in all His ways. What a privilege to know such a beautiful Savior. And the fact that He desires relationship with His people, phew! Thank you for writing this book and the keen insight God has given you concerning forgiveness and love. I struggle with this everyday. It’s all about letting Him live in us and letting “Sarayu” lead us and teach us.
Thanks again,
Brenda

Hi Willie, My name is Jill and I just fininshed “The Shack.” All I can say is, WOW!!! You have such a vivid and simple way of blowing the religiosity top off of God and His purposes!! I started reading the book Wednesday and just fininshed it today. I love the way you take labels off of the trinity and open up such a personable God!! He loves us soooo much and the world that needs to know Him isn’t looking for religion or lifelessness and politics in a church, they need the love of Papa God!! So Holy Spirit led!! God Bless You, Jill in Idaho

Hello,
I just finished _The Shack_ and I enjoyed the story very much. I laughed and I cried and I felt like I knew the people involved in the story. I did not agree totally with all of it. I do think that our Father is very happy with most churches. The ones who teach of Him and his word. I think a lot of people are falling into the not liking “organized religion” excuse. I think those have just not found their church home and they need to keep trying. I think church is important for encouragement, support and to be held accountable. The Bible says that we are not to ignore public worship and that is church in a nut shell. I really think God is especially fond of His churches!
Thank you so much!

Even knowing I must preach this morning, I did not put “The Shack” down until I finished it at 1:00 am! When I got to the part that God is not a ‘noun’ He is a ‘verb’, I couldn’t stop there. WOW! How this book tears down religiosity, but brings out the truth of our loving heavenly Father, His Son and the Holy Spirit! For a little bit, I was concerned as I started encountering things that seemed to be very sacrilegious, but the more I read, the more I saw the truth being given! What a story!! Members of our congregation will be buying copies of this book this week.

I have NEVER in my life read a book like The Shack. My Mom gave it to me and I put it off for a couple of weeks. After I began the first few chapters, I almost closed the book forever. My Mom encouraged me to finish; thank goodness I did.
Since then, I have tried not to be so hard on myself and feel guilty for not being the perfect person to everyone. So far, not much has changed, but I am still open and optimistic.
Any other advice on living with guilt on not being able to please everyone would be greatly appreciated. I feel like your book began to scrape at the surface, but I’m so hardheaded and hard to convince that I think I need to read your book a few more times, maybe it will sink in. Thank you so much. I read every day and many books and I can honestly say only 2 other books have touched me this way. With much respect and love, Angela

I wish I could put into words how I felt after reading “The Shack.” I think I hugged it to my chest for about 10 minutes before I could put it down. Then I hugged it to me chest while I told my best friend about it, just before I released it to her to read. She was equally moved to tears, laughter and now it is doing the rounds of many friends. Thank you for your comment in your bio about facts “alone might help you understand where a person has been, but often hide who they really are.”

I am now reluctant to share my life’s journey with some as they only see the pain and want to give me platitudes and sympathy.(well not all do this, many dear friends know and see) They don’t see the person who is me now and that is OK because I know Papa God sees the real me.

Thank you for such a beautiful picture of the relationship between Father, Son & Holy Spirit. And to think they draw us into the centre of this wonderfully, tender, loving relationship. We are blessed out of our socks.

Thank you so much for putting into words what I have sensed in my spirit for such a long time.

Bless you, from Sue in Australia

I’ve been to The Shack and met Papa, Jesus and Sarayu there, too! It all looked different, y’know, the details, but I know the story is true. I lived it. The name of my ‘book’ is, Process is a Four Letter Word… G-I-F-T. Now I see, the four letter word could be spelled L-O-V-E as well. We’ve been writing it for many years. Sarayu said the very same words to me to inspire the title of my journey several years ago, “The choice to hide so many things from you is an act of love that is a gift in the process of life.” The Shack, p 132

I’ll never publish my journey, but I’m so grateful that you have!

I come to Portland to visit my kids and four granddaughters every couple of months. Their dad doesn’t want to hear how much Papa loves him and his wife and kids and his younger brother is screaming in the pain of addiction. I’d love to sit for a minute to chat with someone who really understands how especially fond of them he is. We raised them in a religious home and they ran fast and far from that.

It’s really beautiful to read the comments from everyone- Jesus’ bride is beautiful, isn’t she?

Your book depicts the most loving and healing God and is the most beautiful description of the Trinity I have ever encountered. Growing up a Catholic it wasn’t until adulthood and after some soul searching and healing that I was re-born. But I never understood more clearly God’s unconditional love for his Creation than through reading The Shack. I read it so quickly that I am now reading it again to savor it all.

I have told everyone I know about your book and I have bought 8 additional copies to give as gifts.

And what a gift it has been for me.
Thank you for sharing it with us.

Grace and Peace,
Debby

Dear Willie, Thank you will never be enough said. But Thank you anyway, first for allowing yourself to be used to write such a loving & caring book to your family, & then for being so gracious to share it with all of the rest of us. May Papa’s Blessing’s shine on you always. Love in Christ Kim P.S. Could you please tell me what the symbols throughout the book mean. Thanks

Thank you Willie for sharing “The Shack” with us. I read alot but I have never had a book grip my emotions like this one. I read in pure awe. and when I finished reading, I didn’t want to close the book or put it down. I can’t wait for my husband to read it now…partly because we can discuss it…but mainly because I want someone to “feel” it like I do! Holy Spirit used your book to reveal things about myself that I wasn’t ready to see or deal with. and for that I thank you. God/Jesus/Spirit is so good. All the time. thanks again.

Loved the book and just highly recommended it on my blog. Hope the comments bless you. Pastor Steve Hickey