THE SHACK
In my life, I have lost several people that have been close to me. The person that had the greatest impact on my life was my grandmother. When I was a senior in the high school, my grandmother died. She was an extraordinary woman and after my parents, she probably played the biggest role in shaping the man and doctor that I have became. Losing her was a terrible blow.
Although the loss of the grandmother certainly is very difficult, I cannot image losing a young child to violence. I recently finished reading a book called "The Shack" where a man loses his young daughter to a serial killer. This book is one of the most unique pieces of literature that I have ever read. This book struck me in so many ways and on many levels. It made me cry as I imagined the feeling that I would have if my own daughter was lost. It then gave me great hope as it talked of an extremely personal relationship with God and how that personal relationship with God can heal all wounds. I have picked up the book several times since I have finished it the first time to re-read chapters.
As written in this book, I firmly believe that there can be no healing in this world without faith, hope and a strong belief in God. I have witnessed many a time in my practice where the faith that a patient had has carried them well beyond what they should have survived. Although I do not believe that death is a failure, I have seen patients that I believe have been cured not so much from the chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, but from the strength of character, will to survive and their great faith in God.
I would encourage everyone to read "The Shack." It is a wonderful book with great, great insight.
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I remember your grandmother. She was a great lady. I've heard a lot about this book lately. I hope to take it with me on vacation in another month! I lost my mom last year and the book "90 minutes in heaven" was a great comfort to me in the hard days after her memorial service.
I STRONGLY recommend reading The Shack. I wanted to read it quickly, wanting to find answers for Jen's death, but found myself reading it slowly, to absorb the magnitude of the words. I marked pages that I wanted to reread or share with others. I want to tell everyone I know to buy this book so their lives can be changed because God gave us that precious choice. I find comfort in knowing that Jen is safe and in the loving arms of "Papa." I will patiently bide my time here on this earth trying to be the best person I can; helping others, forgiving others, and asking for forgiveness of those I've hurt. This book was the most powerful reading I have ever experienced. Bob, I'm so glad you added this entry to your wonderful blog site.
I find myself in awe of God's goodness...
Jan
I am a 33-yr old wife of a 32-yr old stage 4 colorectal cancer victim. GOD has carried us through this difficult time and we owe our all to him. Now, about this book, I honestly have to say that this story was a "nice" thought. I mean, to humanize our LORD would make our lives and the thought of dying easier, right? "Papa"? I am reading the Bible and in it is very clear that the Heavenly FATHER has revealed himself to very few people, and the ones he did it turned their hair white and they glowed! Look at Moses for example. When he met with the LORD on the mountain and came back down his hair had turned white and the people could not look upon him. It actually hurt their eyes from the bright light emanating from Moses being in HIS presence! Never once in the Bible does it excuse young men being "full of fizz and vinegar" and if so, then an apology is owed to the Jews for being enslaved 400 yrs, wandering the desert for 40 yrs, and scattered on the Earth for over 2,000 yrs. Please wake up and quit reading pop culture literature that gives you the warm and fuzzy feel-good-self-serving view and turn back to the Holy Bible. For it has all the truthful answers that you will need to any problems. GOD bless!
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