The Shack

I have just finished reading The Shack. It was a tough book to read. I know some folks won't read it because it doesn't portray God in the 'correct' way. In my opinion-you look right past that and focus on the message it is trying to send. The part that hit me hard was when they were talking to Mack about forgiving the guy that took and killed his daughter, Missy many years before. I am horrible at forgiveness. There are many people in my life that have hurt me or my loved ones and I have still not forgiven them months to years later. After reading this book I know now it is something I need to make a priority especially with having a little boy who will soon be talking back to me and will someday say, "Mom, You're mean. I hate you." What kid hasn't said that to their parent. I need to prepare myself for that moment and being prepared for that moment means being able to forgive him for saying it.

"Forgiveness is first for you, the forgiver, to release you from something that will eat you alive, that will destroy your joy and your ability to love fully and openly. Do you think this man cares about the pain and torment you have gone through? If anything, he feeds on that knowledge. Don't you want to cut that off? And in doing so you will release him from a burden that he carries whether he knows it or not- acknowledges it or not. When you choose to forgive another, you love him well."

Mack continues to ask about forgiveness and brings up his anger and asks God if it is okay to be angry at this man who has killed his daughter asking, "Is it alright if I am still angry?"

God answers, "Absolutely! What he did was terrible. He caused incredible pain to many. It was wrong, and anger is the right response to something that is so wrong. But don't let the anger and pain and loss you feel preent you from forgiving him and removing your hands from around his neck."

I think I confuse anger and forgiveness. I think I have issues with both- but need to start forgiving and realize it is okay to be angry. I want to focus on this so when Brandon needs to forgive or I need to forgive him we can both be able to do that.

It all starts from example- which will be from me.