Thankfulness

I am thankful for:

Anna

Babies

Cameras

Dad

Everlasting Life

Faith

Girltalk Nights

Heaven

Ice Skating

Jesus, my Prince of Peace

Kisses

Laughter

Mom

New Mornings

Old Friends

Prayer to a personal God

Quiet Evenings

Redeemed Years

Stephen

Twilight Sunsets

Umbrellas for dancing in the rain

Victory

Worship

X-rays

Yahweh

Zoos

 

Hope For The Holidays

“Hope is putting faith to work when doubting would be easier.” 

Honestly? The holidays are really hard for me. There’s something special about holiday memories. They seem brighter, sweeter, and happier than any other memory. So during this season I find myself wishing more than usual for those happy times back.

No matter how many silly excuses I make to friends “the parties are crowded and boring,” “I don’t like the music,” “the food is the same every year,” those are not the real reasons.

The reason I hate going to these parties is because everytime I’m there, I keep seeing a face that’s not there, hearing a laugh that belongs, but, oh wait, it doesn’t belong here. I keep turning the corners expecting to see a familiar group of friends, to hear someone call out for a good game of midnight hide and seek. I hate singing the cantatas at church because, well, my beautifully tone-deaf “sisters” are not there to sing oh so close to me. Our heads aren’t bent together, trying to sing those glorious notes, in front of happily familiar faces. I dread the long Thanksgiving festivities, because at the end of the day, it’s just us. There’s no call to come over to share in secret stuffing, or a last minute pumpkin carving party.

I’ve given up trying to explain these things to friends. It’s easier to make silly excuses and stick to them, than to explain that going to that party just hurts my heart so very bad.

I know that these things get easier with time. I know it personally, but these holidays still are just so hard. It seems at the end of every long week I find myself in tears, missing, longing, and hurting. But I am trying my hardest to look up. To see that even through these extremely difficult days, God is still above it all. One of my favorite words is hope. At the beginning of my senior year I wrote H-O-P-E in big letters in my workbook, along with the definition. ”Hope is faith holding out its hand in the dark.” Hope is choosing to have faith, even in the dark. I cannot hope in this world. I cannot hope that maybe this year will be better. I am choosing to cry out, as the Psalmist did, “hope thou in God!”

David had a lot to be sad about. We have a saying in our family that “even David had bad birthdays” David cried out to God and said “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me?” Yet he was able to say “hope thou in God” in the midst of his suffering. Right now I am choosing to look above the circumstances of life, with hope in a God who heals, who restores, and redeems.

 ”Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”

Old Memories, New Beginnings

Sometimes the reality of life catches up to me. I find myself suddenly faced with the plans that were not the plans I had, or would have asked for. I find myself with countless old memories, and struggling to want to make new ones. I have come to realize that this is natural, and however crazy it may seem, it’s ok. It’s ok that these things take time to heal, that life gives us more tears than we ever bargained for. I know that no matter how crazy and mixed up my life may be, there will always be an after. After this life there is Heaven. After this life there is reunion and joy. After this life there is Jesus.

A friend sent me this song a few years ago, and it is pretty much our story. It is taped to my wall so that I will never ever forget. No matter how hard the beginnings, no matter how many tears. Before there were old memories, after there will be Jesus. All the rest inbetween is just life, and it will pass.

“Halfway between your house and mine
Stood a weeping willow tree
If God ever made a tree to climb
Well, He build that one
Just for you and me
It was so easy climbing up
The trick was to not look down

In the time it takes to turn around
You find that promises are hard to keep
Like the ones we made when we were young
About how we’d stay together and never leave

But little ones run out of time
There are much bigger trees to climb
And friends like you are hard to find

Wherever in the world you are tonight
I pray that you are warm and safe and dry
And if you ever think of me
I hope these things things cross your mind
Best friends, God’s love, and great times

Last night I was out for a drive
And I remembered that willow tree
And how we’d laugh until we’d cry
And how that innocence has abandoned me
The greatest joys from the simplest things
The truth was the only thing we believed
Now I’m learning from the memory

Wherever in the world you are tonight
I pray that you are warm and safe and dry
Wherever in the world you are tonight
I wanted you to know
That I’m alright

And if you ever think of me
I hope these things cross your mind
Best friends, God’s love, and great times”

A Devoted Life: Allison Edition

I first met Allison just about 4 years ago. I was hurting and lonely, and apparently that night I couldn’t shut up. We still laugh about how quiet little me rarely closed my mouth. Our friendship has weathered changes and trials, but we always come through it together with a healthy mixture of tears and a whole lot of laughter.

Lately I have been impressed with Allison’s strength and courage. She leads 7 younger siblings boldly, and I know that God is going to do something incredible with their family. I love you Allison, and I am so proud of you!

What is your greatest concern for girls today—what do you think they “don’t get”? A return to modest, stylish, feminine dress, and a return to modest make-up. It seems to me, that girls today take one extreme or the other in regards to dress. It’s either, immodest and worldy or it’s old-fashion and ugly. I think that it’s time for girls to be shown and taught the happy medium—stylish, feminine, yet modest dress.

What are you currently studying in your times with the Lord? I would have to say that right now, I’m not studying one main thing. It’s something different every morning, because right now, I kind of need that! One morning,  I may need a comforting word, so the Lord directs me to a passage of comforting Scripture. Other times, I may need a reminder not to worry or be afraid, and so the Lord directs me to those passages.

What is one aspect of God’s character you’ve learned about this past year I would have to say His goodness and faithfulness. (I know it was only supposed to be one, but both of these kind of go together for me!) I have seen His faithfulness displayed so much in my life this past year just in all the trials that I’ve gone through. It’s comforting to know that even when I get fed up with the way life is right now, He still proves Himself faithful, taking care of me, and sticking with me even when I wander from Him.

I have seen His goodness displayed as well in recent weeks! Through all the trials He still gives me something to laugh about to ease the stress. He still gives me good gifts—large and small, physical and spiritual. He is a good God even the circumstances of life aren’t good, and He reminds me of His goodness in the gifts that He sends my way.

We know you don’t have much spare time, but what is one extracurricular activity that you make time for at this stage of life? I’m trying to get back into the habit of editing and uploading my pictures in a timely manner!

What in your opinion is the most urgent challenge that Evangelical Christian women face today?Made-up beauty. Women, married and single, spend all this time and money on doing this and that, and buying this and that to make themselves more beautiful. Girls, God made you just the way you are, and He thinks that you’re beautiful!

What are your opinions on modesty? I have my own standards of length of course, but I’m more into being fashionably modest. Dressing modestly doesn’t mean that, as Christians, we have go around wearing sack dresses and no make-up. We can dress with feminine style and still be modest at the same time.

Starting from the very beginning: where did you grow up and how would you describe your family and childhood years? I grew up in the Atlanta area moving about 2 years for various reasons. I have pleasant childhood memories such as having Family Game Night every Thursday night, and going on vacation(two things we don’t do anymore).

We would love to hear your conversion story—when and how did God reveal Jesus Christ to you? Growing up in a Christian home, I heard all about how God loved me and how Jesus died on the cross for my sin. When I was four years old, I came to my mom one day, and told her that I wanted to become a Christian. She told me to wait for my dad to come home from work so that he could ask me some questions to make sure that I knew what I was doing. He did that, and then I prayed to ask Jesus to come into my heart. At 12 years of age, I rededicated my life to the Lord at a COMMIT conference.

You probably know me as: Allison who blogs at Set Apart or Kapture It. My friends know me as prissy and high maintenance! (Editor’s Note: Yup! J )

I was born in: Atlanta, GA

The best “spiritual” book I’ve ever read (besides the Bible) is: Authentic Beauty by Leslie Ludy

Right now I am reading: “Third Watch” by Bodie and Brock Thoene. I’ve been on that book for the past month or so! I need to hurry up and finish it!

The movie I’ve watched more times than any other: Hmm. . . that’s a hard one, cause I’ve watched many movies many times! However, I would have to say that “The Sound of Music” and “Love’s Long Journey” are the ones that I’ve watched the most.

The music you’re most likely to find me listening to: Christian music by the Soundforth Singers, Sounding Joy, Eric and Leslie Ludy, and Cheri Keaggy just to name a few; Fun, old songs by the Von Trapp Children, and soundtracks.

My favorite food: Chinese!! I do so love Chinese food, and I haven’t had it in forever!

In the morning I drink: Water. . . with no ice! Ahh!!! (Editor’s Note: Yeah, she is crazy about that no ice thing…)

If I have free time, you’ll most likely find me: On the computer, curled up on my bed with a book, or taking pictures.

My favorite place in the world: On the beach or hiking in the mountains(in the fall) taking pictures and enjoying being out in God’s creation.

A Bible verse I return to often: Hmm. . . I don’t have one Bible verse that I turn to the most often, but my favorite verse in the Bible is Psalm 66:12b. It says, “. . . we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.” I love this verse, because it says to me that no matter what kind of trials I’ll go through, God will always bring me to the other side. The trials will end.

Woman I most want to be like: There are three women that I want to be like in different areas, but I would have to say that my top choice would be Leslie Ludy. Through her books and her websites, I see a woman who is truly set-apart to her Jesus. I see a woman who has a truly authentic beauty that flows from within. I see a woman who knows how to dress attractively and femininely, while remaining modest at the same time. I see a woman who impacts the lives of those she comes into contact with, whether that be personally, or through her books and websites. Leslie’s life is the kind that inspires me—it’s the kind of woman I want to become.

What is a “typical” day like for you? I don’t think that I ever have a “typical” day! On the days that I get up and go to work, I get up at 7:00am and have my quiet time ‘til 7:30. Then I get dressed, eat breakfast, pack my lunch, and help Michaela with her handwriting, and then run out the door to head to work. After I work all day, I come home, check my email, eat dinner, clean-up after dinner, and get on the computer, or read, or play the piano, or alternate between all three! Then I’ll go and watch a couple “Gomer Pyle” shows, and then head to bed.

On the days that I stay home, I usually do the same thing I do during my free time on work days: Get on the computer, read a book, play the piano, do chores, etc.

 I know that you work extremely hard. What are some of your favorite ways to rest and relax?  Hanging out with friends, laughing, taking pictures, being crazy for the camera, getting on the computer, playing the piano, reading a book, and going to the nail salon(on rare occasions) are ways that help me relax and get rid of stress.

 

A Devoted Life: Rebecca Edition

I met Rebecca when I was only about ten years old. She worked in a children’s ministry with my older brother, and I only saw her once or twice over the next few years. I eventually moved, but as I would only find out later, so did she. So instead of hundreds of miles apart as we both thought, we were living in the same town! Although we didn’t realize it until just a few months ago, we have connected in a way I never could have imagined possible. 6 months ago I hadn’t thought twice about her, and now I consider her a big sister.

She has a heart so full of love for people, strangers or friends, it makes no difference. Christ’s love radiates from her life, and I have seen her give sacrificially time and time again. She is a wonderful girl, and I love her very much!

What is your greatest concern for girls today—what do you think they “don’t get”?

That they are truly precious. Hold on to your innocence. No need to rush to grow up. Enjoy being innocent and carefree. It’s beautiful and endearing. Every girl deserves a man who will wait for them and respect them. They don’t have to “give themselves away” to find love and acceptance.

What are you currently studying in your times with the Lord?

Purity of heart, mind and actions.

What is one aspect of God’s character you’ve learned about this past year?

Love. A few years ago God told me that he put me here on earth to love people. No matter what my physical job was my spiritual one was to love. This past year and even more so in recent months, He’s been teaching me what genuine love truly looks like.

We know you don’t have much spare time, but what is one extracurricular activity that you make time for at this stage of life?

People! God made so many wonderful people and brought them into my life that if anything I want to spend what time I can with them. It really doesn’t matter what the activity is.

What in your opinion, is the most urgent challenge that Evangelical Christian women face today?

 Married women: Raising Godly children. A lot of women work. I’m not here to argue if they are right or wrong for doing so. I am here to say a lot of women have pressures of raising Godly children while balancing work, home, school etc. and I see well meaning parents who forget to do that at home and end up depending on the church for spiritual leadership and guidance for their kids.

 Single and Young women: peer pressure. I see it in churches and all around me. Striving to be Christ like yet accepted by peers at the same time. I see a great decline in the moral make up of our Christian singles and young people even in the churches!

What are your opinions on modesty?

I think we could all establish rules of lengths etc. and probably all come up with a different answer. I’d like to take a slightly different approach….go classy and feminine! God didn’t intend for us to flaunt ourselves or do things that would distract and lead men astray. The Bible talks about the Proverbs 31 woman being well dressed! I think a classy dresser can add to her appearance without decreasing her value and respect of others.

Starting from the very beginning: where did you grow up and how would you describe your family and childhood years?

I don’t have a typical family…My Mom died when I was 5 months old. I was the baby of 4 kids. Dad remarried and they ended up having 5 more kids together! So all in all I have 8 siblings whom I love dearly! Growing up was a challenge and very difficult for me. Our family went through a lot of rough times with unemployment and for me personally a lot of spiritual depression and growth in losing my Mom. But God is ever faithful and brought us through over and over again. I think if anything I’d say though challenging it was huge in building my faith in Christ! (Editor’s Note: Rebecca has written her mom’s story earlier this month on her own blog, please go check it out)

We would love to hear your conversion story—when and how did God reveal Jesus Christ to you?

When I was between 5 and 6 the Lord really started tugging on my heart with this whole salvation thing I kept hearing about at church. I knew there was something to it, but I couldn’t quite figure it out. I went to my parents quite a few times asking them what it meant and then one day….it hit me! It was one month before I turned 7, April 22, 1988.

You probably know me as:

Rebecca, Becca or Bec

I was born in:

Jacksonville, FL

The best “spiritual” book I’ve ever read (besides the Bible) is:

“Beautiful In God’s Eyes” ~Elizabeth George

Right now I am reading:

Law books! L In my spare time which is a page here and there….”The Shack”, although I have been in the first chapter for 2 months and haven’t really paid attention. J

The movie I’ve watched more times than any other:

Pride & Prejudice (the A&E version)

The music you’re most likely to find me listening to:

Christian or Country (Editor’s note: I have personally seen her dancing in the kitchen to Michael Buble’ J )

My favorite food: Funny thing is…I actually don’t have one!

In the morning I drink: A variety. I’ve been known to have Orange Juice, Coffee, water and a V8 on my desk all at the same time.

If I have free time, you’ll most likely find me: With People!

My favorite place in the world: Quiet places with water. Mountain brooks, a little lake buried in the woods, a private beach or a thoughtful spot along the river bank. There is something very calming in water and quietness.

 

A Bible verse I return to often:

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” ~Hebrews 12:1-2

 

Woman I most want to be like:

I’ve seen a lot of Godly women come in and out of my life. I really can’t just pick one and say her…but what I can say is I’ve examined the traits of these women and recognize things I’d like to do or change in my life because of their example.

What is a “typical” day like for you?

Wake up at 6:30, out the door by 7:30 (hopefully) sit in traffic for an hour…sometimes longer, work, get off at 5:30 and either drive home or go to school.

I know that you work extremely hard. What are some of your favorite ways to rest and relax?

Declare a “home night” where I just sit on my couch and “de-stress” from my week. In the winter it’s in front of a fire over a cup of hot tea. Sometimes it’s a trip to the salon for a pedicure and manicure or some days it’s playing with children.

A Devoted Life: Kaysie Edition

Although I have never met Kaysie in person, I feel like I have. Her gentle and obedient heart is graciously displayed at her blog Alabaster Box. I am always encouraged and inspired to read what she has to say, and this interview is no exception. I pray that you are blessed as I have been.

What is your greatest concern for girls today—what do you think they “don’t get”?

My greatest concern for young women is their blindness to real, authentic beauty. Real beauty comes from within, from a heart that is surrendered and redeemed by Jesus Christ. We waste our days, hours, and silent secret moments stressing over our makeup, haircuts, body weight, apparel, relational status – all physical – and we simply ignore the transformation we need in our hearts, which always manifests herself on the outside. It is one of the hardest battles we face and struggle to understand. Physical beauty fades. We must invest in something that lasts. A woman who fears the Lord is to be praised, for she has found true Beauty by removing her eyes from herself and setting them on Jesus.

What are you currently studying in your times with the Lord?

I have been in the Psalms a lot lately. I read Psalm 19 this morning – what an awesome, beautiful chapter! As of late, I am also studying up on women in the Scripture and observing their character and relationship with God. Right now I am immersed in Ruth’s story. It has already provided deep encouragement and special blessing.

What is one aspect of God’s character you’ve learned about this past year?

Just one aspect… let me see… His goodness. In all things, at all times, God uses everything to work for our own healthy good. Just recently God has reminded me of this; I have been wrestling about my singleness and desires for marriage – and God is bringing peace through this verse, “No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” (Ps. 84:11) God is the giver of good. If it is not a good thing for me to have a husband right now, then God has (in His goodness) withheld it. I have to completely trust Him with that.

We know you don’t have much spare time, but what is one extracurricular activity that you make time for at this stage of life?

Reading and blogging and writing. All of which I really enjoy and love, but I do have to make myself sit down and do it. I also enjoy the technical side to blogging and enjoy researching how to make blogs look great. The past couple of evenings I have stayed up really late learning more about all of these. I can be somewhat of a geek…

What in your opinion, is the most urgent challenge that Evangelical Christian women face today?

Hardening. It creeps up on us. I have seen it in myself and in other Christian women – we slowly grow cold and numb to the needs, pain, and passion around and within us. We either shut down or continue going through the motions of Christianity, not really even recognizing the deadening of our souls or the distance from God. This is urgent to me. Just as soil can grow hard and unfruitful, our hearts can do the same. We need daily brokenness and healing from our Savior. We need to break the silence and cry. We need to reach out even when it hurts. Some of my favorite song lyrics go like this:

If you hide yourself deep inside,
In time you’ve got nothing left to hide,
It’s all dead inside

If we continue to ignore and hide the pain or reality of what we are going through or feel, it kill us inside. We have to let it out and embrace the healing Jesus can give, even to the deepest most sacred part of us. Believe me, I have found it to be true.

What are your opinions on modesty?

I think it is extremely important, but also widely misunderstood. Most people think of modesty as a restriction. But when obediently embraced it is really liberating and lovely.

Starting from the very beginning: where did you grow up and how would you describe your family and childhood years?

I grew up in Tennessee among various houses, moving for a few years to Mississippi, but finally returning to TN again. My family is my greatest support and are my favorite people to be around. We are really close and learn the most from each other. I have very fond childhood memories, and many experiences that continue to teach me now. I look back at all the seasons I have lived through and marvel at the Lord grace and faithfulness.

We would love to hear your conversion story—when and how did God reveal Jesus Christ to you?

It was actually quite dramatic. I was run over by our horse and carriage accidentally when I was 12, which lacerated my liver and almost killed me. It was in the hospital that I fully recognized my need for salvation – both physically and spiritually. God became my God, and not just my parent’s God. I cried out for mercy and He healed me, both body and soul. It is an experience I am deeply grateful for.

You probably know me as: Kaysie who blogs at Alabaster Box

I was born in: TN

The best “spiritual” book I’ve ever read (besides the Bible) is: Oh boy. This is too hard… I would have to say off hand that – Keep A Quiet Heart by Elisabeth Elliot, or Don’t Waste You Life by John Piper.

Right now I am reading: When Darkness Will Not Lift by John Piper, Radical Womanhood by Carolyn McCulley, and Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands by Paul Tripp.

The movie I’ve watched more times than any other: Little Women and Pride and Prejudice

The music you’re most likely to find me listening to: Brooke Fraser, Jon Foreman, Fernando Ortega, and soundtracks

My favorite food: I like steak, soy ice cream, and apples (editor’s note: Yay! Someone else who likes soy ice cream! )

In the morning I drink: TEA! Oh hot tea is my favorite!

If I have free time, you’ll most likely find me: On the computer or making a cup of tea (or both!)

My favorite place in the world: With the people I love

A Bible verse I return to often: Oh, I have so many… can I say the entire book of Psalms?

Woman I most want to be like: Easy. My Mom.

What is a “typical” day like for you? I don’t think I ever have a typical day! Basically I get out of bed, get my shower, check my computer, have my quiet time, check what my schedule looks like – either run errands or go to work, or stay home and clean, help with school, plan for company, help Mom, check my computer, eat dinner, hang out with my sisters, laugh, sit down to read or write, did I mention check my computer? Oh, and I blog somewhere in all of this.

I know that you work extremely hard. What are some of your favorite ways to rest and relax? Well thank you. I hope that is true. I want to be a diligent worker. To relax I will sometimes take a nice bubble bath in order to get some reading done, or have a cup of tea, or take a walk. On Friday night, my sisters and I have a “girls movie night” and I find that restful and enjoyable… and funny. And this may sound weird, but I find driving to be restful (with some exceptions). I like to travel.

Thank you so much Kaysie! You are an incredible person!

Blogging Awards

The Marie Antoinette Real Blogger Award:

This award was given to me by my fantastic blogger friend Kaysie. While I don’t know much about the origin of this award, I am receiving it as Kaysie said, “I long to be real in what I say and write here. I never want to hide what is going through my head, mind, and heart.” Thank you, Kaysie.

I hereby extend this award to:

Shawnaat Shawna Herring’s Blog

Erinat Erin Wychopen’s blog

Rebecca at Rebecca’s Life Happenings

This award means a lot to me because being real has been something I have strived for, learned through, and talked with others about. It is something God has taught me more these last few years, more than anything else I think. I have tried so hard to make this blog real, to show my heart, while discerning what is toomuch. This award tells me that with God’s help I’ve managed to suceed, at least a little. Thank you Kaysie!

And since this is about being REAL…here are a few REAL pictures of me!

 

My unique tongue curling trick.

That’s all for now. I’m off to a job interview today!

PS- Didn’t Marie Antionette get her head chopped off? How in the WORLD did this award become named such?!!! That’s a wierd thought.

Happy Birthday Brother

 Today is my best friend/brother’s birthday. He’s at work and I can only talk to him over email. I was thinking about doing a tribute to him, and I realized I had already done that. While he was away earlier this year I posted different memories of him. You can click on the links below to read each of those short entries.

I just want to publicly thank my brother Stephen for being such a good brother, and the best friend someone could ask for. Stephen, your humilty and integrity puts me to shame. You have such a kind heart, and you are always ready to love someone, no matter what. You have encouraged, prodded, and sometimes dragged me along the right course in life, and for that I can only thank you. If it wasn’t for you I don’t know where, or who I would be. Your love for Christ shines so bright others cannot help but see. I love you!

• Best Friend and Brother
• The Love of a Brother
• From Enemies to Friends
• We Know Each Other’s Hearts

The last sentence of that last post summed it up perfectly. “I will always love him for loving me, and standing beside me, and often in front of me, in the face of the storm.”

Christmas Preparations

I L-O-V-E Christmas. I love the lights, the decorations, the fellowship, the colors, but most of all the suprises. Some people love getting presents, and while I love gettings things I’ve hoped for, needed, or are plain suprising, I LOVE giving. I love every part of gift giving. I save, plan, and then research around trying to find the best deals on the gifts I’ve decided on. Once everything is finally ready and ordered I run over to the dollar store and pick out my paper and ribbons. You should have seen me this year, I spent forever thinking and looking at all the different options, and when we finally got home I turned to my family and said “I LOVE my wrapping paper, guys!!!!!” Then I carefully wrap each present and set it aside. This year all my presents were wrapped and done by November 1st. Now I can’t WAIT to give them! Here are a couple pictures I took while wrapping this up…and remember, no peeking!  

The Shack Part Two

Quite awhile back I posted part one of a review of a book that is all the rage of Christian bookstores, a book titled The Shack. Somewhere between work and weddings I lost the file and couldn’t post part two! Thankfully I found it, and so after much waiting, here it is!

 “The Shack is Wrong About Salvation

How does a person get to heaven? This question, arguably the most important you can ever ask,is never answered in The Shack. Instead, we are treated to mindless jargon that sounds similar tothe words of a Buddhist monk. Here’s an example, an exchange between Jesus and Mack:

Jesus: “I have no desire to make them Christian, but I do want to join them in their

transformation into sons and daughters of my Papa…”

Mack: “Does that mean that all roads will lead to you?”

Jesus: “Not at all. Most roads don’t lead anywhere. What it does mean is that I will travel any road to find you.”

This exchange, found on page 182, should raise some red flags. At first glance, you might think that Jesus is simply painting a beautiful picture of grace; demonstrating that He’s willing to do whatever it takes, go down any road, to reach mankind. However, I don’t believe this is what the author means. Throughout the book, there are a repeated chances to explain salvation. But at every opportunity, the author veers off course and makes some statement that smacks of universalism. In the discussion on hell (chapter eleven), it is implied that, perhaps, God doesn’t really send anyone to hell.

 

This kind of thinking is foreign to the Bible. Jesus preached about hell, and we should too…with tears in our eyes. And we should steadfastly proclaim Christ’s message of salvation that The Shack never once mentioned: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one cometh unto the Father but by me” (John 14.6).

 

The Shack is Wrong About the Trinity

Probably the most heretical moments in The Shack involve its portrayal of the Trinity. I know that heresy is a serious word, and must only be used with great care. However, after carefully evaluating The Shack, I am forced to conclude that this book is heretical in its depiction of the Trinity.

 

In The Shack Mack has an opportunity to hang out with God for a weekend. As we know from Scripture, there is only one God (Deuteronomy 6.4), yet He is a Trinity, composed of Three divine, coequal persons (Matthew 28.19). The Bible tells us of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. In The Shack, Mack gets to meet all three. He meets Papa (an African American woman), Jesus (a middle eastern man), and Sarayu (an Asian woman).

Most people are probably shocked when they see God portrayed as female. The basic problem, however, is that God is portrayed at all. The Bible makes it clear that no man can see God (John 1.18). This is why the Son was incarnated, clothed in human flesh so that He could be the representative, the mediator between God and men (Hebrews 1.1-4 & John 1.1-18). If you want to see the Father, look at the Son (John 1.14-18). If I want to visualize God, I should visualize a middle eastern man, since Jesus was a Jew. I should not imagine the Father as a white, gray bearded father, nor should I imagine a black woman “Papa.” Both conceptions are wrong, and miss the point of the incarnation.

 

I do not believe that we should use creative license when we describe God. He is a holy, unapproachable light, and we cannot merely conjure up images of Him. And since He calls Himself our Father, it is blasphemous to portray Him as our mother. I know that God is neither male nor female. But I also know that He ALWAYS refers to Himself with masculine pronouns. For us to depart from the biblical description is to mess with the person of God…and that’s not something I want to do.

 

These are the three major problems, but there are some more minor issues as well. Throughout the book the author consistently advocates a philosophy of feminism, he works in his liberal environmentalist themes, and he discredits the idea of authority structures.

 

Conclusion

What are we to think when spiritually mature Christians recommend that we read The Shack? I, for one, do not wish to reject those who appreciate this book; I’ll be happy to hang out with you at Starbucks any time. However, I hope that our conversation can be based upon the Bible, rather than upon emotion. Because of The Great Sadness, the book seems to strike a sympathetic cord in the hearts of those who read it. Consequently, it can become a highly charged and personal issue. I would urge every reader of The Shack to try and set aside their feelings as they read, so that they can evaluate this book in the piercing light of God’s Word.

 

Sola Scriptura!

Stephen Stallard”

And now to try out this handy-dandy new application…

 (And as always, feel free to email me if you want to discuss this)