A New Word At Church...

Sorry I didn't get this posted yesterday, but my parents and I went back to a church I had once attended regularly years ago in the area to listen to the author of The Shack.  The book was released years ago, but the movie just came out earlier this year.  My mom and I had read the book years ago so we were excited to see the movie once it came out.  My dad had never read the book, but enjoyed the movie and now wants to read the book.

So, when I saw the author was coming into town and speaking I thought it would be interesting to attend.  I had also seen him on a recent episode of "Super Soul Sunday" that Oprah Winfrey hosts and was really surprised about hearing his story.  I didn't know anything about the author beforehand, so when he told of his troubled upbringing and how he struggled as an adult it was eye-opening.  It wasn't the picture of the man I had had in my head that would have been capable of writing The Shack.  But, after learning more about him and listening to him again yesterday I could see the depths of the man who could write such a book.  It was intriguing and thought-provoking which is what I originally thought The Shack was when I read it.  Looking at how God sees us from a different vantage-point was extremely thought-provoking for me and opened my eyes to a new way of thinking at things.  If you haven't read the book or seen the movie I highly recommend it.

My mom loved hearing his message yesterday!  He definitely has some great insight and some "good nuggets" (as I like to call them) about life and how we view it through out rose-colored lenses....whether it's good or bad.  I think we all need more thought-provoking moments where we actually LISTEN to one another and see someone else's point of view...and truly try to understand and have compassion for one another.  I think that's desperately needed in our country right now!

How do we get to a better place?  We all have to be willing to listen.  We all have a voice to use...to rise up, to stand up and demand change.  It's in our hands.  We have the power.  Let your voices be heard!

May blessings fill your heart and mind this last full week of September!!