Recent Reads

I just finished reading the trendy Christian book "The Shack." Usually I try to either avoid the trends or snatch them up before they become trendy. Or, let's be honest, often I hear about a trend a few years after it's over. But, this time I think I am in the middle of it, since several other people I know are either reading or have just finished reading this book.

My thoughts...I don't want to give too much away for those who haven't read it. It's a beautiful story and a beautiful portrayal of the Trinity. Even as someone who acknowledges in my head that God is neither male nor female, I tend to speak of God as "he." The portrayal of God as neither and both was well done. This book says a lot about forgiveness, judging others, and relationships. I'll write more after I've had more time to reflect on it.

Another book I've recently read is "There Is No Me Without You." This is a wonderful story, filled with heartbreak and love, courage and disappointment. It tells the true story of a woman in Ethiopia who ends up running an orphanage. I say "ends up" because it's not what she intended to do, but as child after child ended up needing her help, she found she couldn't say no. Background information about HIV/AIDS and the political issues that have led to the crisis in Ethiopia are woven throughout the narrative. This is a great book--it might make you want to change the world!