My First Book Review (The Shack)

I just finished reading a book called, "The Shack", written by Wm. Paul Young. The book is about a man who is devastated after his young daughter is abducted by a serial killer. Four years later, the man receives a note, apparently from God. The note invites him to the location where the killer murdered his daughter.

The rest of the book describes the man's encounter with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

The book is not meant to replace the Bible. It has some questionable theology. Although, I did read that the author did not intend the book to be published. He wrote is as a way to teach his children about God.

I recommend this book to anyone who has issues with forgiving others, especially if you have gone through some traumatic experiences. Also, the book would be helpful to anyone who is experiencing sadness over the loss of a loved one.

Actually, I recommend the book to anyone.

Some things that were reinforced for me after reading the book, were:

1. When we choose to be independent from God, we lose his relationship
   
2. Jesus would have died on the cross if it was for only one person
3. God uses things we consider evil for good
4. God uses our choices for the ultimate good
5. It's ok to be hurt, angry, and confused
6. We must have God within us to truly love
7. Serving others is how we are most like God
8. We fill our lives with things that will not satisfy us
9. We spend most of our lives trying to acquire financial security, health, and planning for retirement
10. We spend too much time thinking about the past and worrying about the future. The best circumstance is to "live in the present".
11. The person who lives in their fears we will not find freedom
12. God allows us to experience great pain to draw us closer to Him
13. Church should be about people and building relationships
14. Forgiveness is not about forgetting, but releasing that person to God's judgment