A Confluence of Paths ... Shout Outs and New Members > Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (New Members)

I Can See Clearly...

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Georgia in MN:
Hi, I am thrilled to find this forum.  My friend bought me The Shack b/c she heard it was an excellent book.  My friend doesn't read much herself- but I read like I need it to live- so I guess she wanted to test it out on me. 
First of all- I am cautious...  I accepted the Lord as my Savior back in 1978 or so (I was 4 years old).  I am not always sure that 'counted'.  I did grow up mostly and mainly in church- though my mom and dad were addicts, they divoriced and she remarried another addict.. but she served God right through her addiction.  I have always wondered what God thought of children suffering as I went through some horrific things as a child and teenager.  All I knew was that I had to hold on to Him and my Faith to survive.  As an adult- I have lived rather mildly after my childhood- married at age 19- still married today- we waited 10 years for our son- he's almost 5... we have had trials as everyone- but also pulled away from church.  My husband was a youth pastor at his church and I was one at mine- which was how we met- when we decided to get married there was almost a 'feud'  between churches over who got to 'keep' us.. after that we never really went back.. it's almost 15 years later.  We both love God.. we both KNOW we need Him- but personally I struggle.. badly.  It got worse for me last summer when I lost my mom very suddenly.  My mom was my only 'family' tie basically.. and my rock and who basically I got my spiritual discussions from, etc.. She was my very best friend.  She had been free from drug addiction for over 18 years when she passed..   Anyway- when she passed- I found I couldn't pray much- if at all.. I found that I also couldn't get death out of my mind- I was very stricken with the fear.. More than that.. I wrestle with where my mom is.. are those who are saved- 'asleep' til judegment.. or are they up in heaven?  Can they see us?  I don't know.. all I know is death all but consumed my thoughts and world.  I knew that I needed to get it right w/ God.. come back.. do something- but I don't agree much with many churches today..

I read The Shack and for the first time EVER.. I got a clearer understanding of God and the need for relationships.. what they mean.. and what matters.  I mean- my outlook has just changed- just like that.. and I am reeling from the ease of it.. however.. I still hold caution because I fear that stuff like this could be a fad, or misrepresenting God, or misleading people about the casualness of God and faith.. believe me - I don't want to think that.. I just am worried about using this book for more than it should be to me.. (like- 'over the Bible' )  It's just this is the first time I was clear on how to proceed and how to feel and how to actually BE set free...    I am going to read around in the forum- I am sure I am not the first.. but wanted to get out here and say 'hello'.. Thanks for having me,

Georgia

arus:
Hi Georgia, and welcome to shackville.  You are right, you are not the first, nor will you be the last!  I am very glad you got to have a relationship with your mum before she passed - that is good. I am sure she is up in heaven!! 

Have a look around the forum and see where you fit it, and join in!!

SCD:
Welcome to Shackland Georgia!  I believe with all my heart that your mother is in Heaven and still with you at the same time - such a wonderful mystery.  I have lost both my parents so my heart hurts for you and will be praying for you.

Leemar:
Hello Georgia
                    Welcome your story touched me I'm glad you were able to read the book and come to the forum. I understand the thought of how far do you take what is read.  I as yourself grew up in church an accepted the Lord at an earlier age. There was always a feeling inside there was more to becoming a part of God's family for me. Just seemed that traditional religion had so many rules and regulations. After years of running my own life I came to a point where I asked the Lord to show me the way. I was directed to the service which gave my life a balance which was needed. I rededicated my life to the Lord as an adult and began my journey to make the connection whole. Still receiving the same message from the churches I attended, I was getting frustrated as I'm sure they where with me. My questions were as some one said off the wall. When I read The Shack I literally had a series of yeses affirming the questions that held me captive. The Shack opens the door to The Bible in a new light for me with out the rules or barriers. The simplistic nature of growing in a relationship with the Trinity is alive and very real as I daily let go of worldly knowledge. Although it is a struggle I rest assured the battle is already won. I further believe in the light of a child, we must see our relationship with God. A child has no doubt or questions about who loves them and desires to please. Sarayu the gentle wind inside will guide you to all truth open the door, throw caution to the wind and enjoy the Love. In truth it is all about accepting and returning the Love given freely no strings attached.

Georgia I got a little carried away there Welcome to the Family. :)

Have a peace of heart and mind in Jesus
Leemar     

Georgia in MN:
Thank you for the welcome, I am glad to be here and interested in what the rest of the fam has to say..  I know I have read some critics who think the book is misleading or new-age-ish.  I didn't take it that way and have to say that sometimes we need to realize that God is the Alpha- and also the Omega- meaning there is no end to how He leads us or guides us.  Who is to say that His hand can't lead any one of us with a message- and most of all - who knows our heart better?  I think I'll get comfortable.

-G :D

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