The Slow Shack Redemption

I did not realize yesterday was 10/10/10! That date comes around only once every hundred years! We only have two more of these types of days left in this century. The last one is 2012. Hey, wait, 2012? Crazy Mayan people, what do they know? They couldn’t even keep their own civilization alive.

Speaking of civilization—I finished the book “The Shack” yesterday. I must confess that I was a bit hesitant to read it, having read it was a new age attempt to dilute the Christian message and a direct attack on our 28 Fundamental Beliefs! What a disappointment—not the book, but the failure to deliver on the frontal attack on my soul.

In all truth it was one of the best books I have read. Yes, it does have some portions that are not particularly in line with Adventist orthodoxy or my personal worldview, but so are portions of Scripture (particular parables of Jesus come to mind). But one must not forget that this is a work of fiction (not unlike some parables). The imagery and underlying principles are solid food for thought. I plan on recommending the book to certain friends who share Mack’s somewhat distorted view of God.

I sense some portions are going to be hard for some Adventists to digest. I was able to filter these areas through my personal worldview and was able to enjoy the implications for me personally. I am going through a spiritual re-wakening during my desert exile. It’s a personal thing. Although I preach regularly, sharing what I am experiencing is more of a personal journey that has been in the works for a while. I would rather let my life and not my voice become the witness. It’s sort of like telling everyone about your latest diet and what a difference it has made as opposed having them comment or ask you about what you’re doing to look so good (not that I would have any personal experience with people telling me such things about my physique).

I have discovered during my short time here that serving people sure makes a bigger impact than lording over them. People are actually surprised that I am interested in their local school plight or that I am willing to make suggestions or find solutions. I don’t know any better—that’s what I do.
So far, I have been blessed by all the people I have made contact with here in Arizona. I even made a friend of one individual with whom I had a rough start and less than positive first impression. People are people—they need to be appreciated for who they are, even if they (we) are all little rough around the edges. It takes people to elicit change in systems. And change is needed—badly.