Letter from God

I recently read The Shack by WM Paul Young . It was quite moving and it stirred up so many emotions in me, I felt I had to share with you. If you are not familiar with the novel, it centers on a man whose daughter has disappeared. Though she is never found, evidence points to something terrible happening to her in a dilapidated shack in the wilds of Oregon. A long time later, the man receives a letter from God (?) requesting a meeting at that very shack.

I am always deeply saddened by any tragedy, but especially so when children are involved. And I struggle with the everyday evidence of man’s inhumanity to man. So, that part certainly struck me, made me cry. But it’s what occurs when the man returns to the shack that reached somewhere deeper inside me.

Now, I am not what you would call a religious person. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not an atheist. I believe there is a God. But I don’t pretend to know what God is, male or female or something different altogether. I don’t attend church because I believe that God is everywhere, in everything and everyone and that we should celebrate and honor all every day, not just for an hour on Sunday.

Although I attended church almost every Sunday as a young girl, I eventually found myself at odds with religion. I couldn't understand the history of murder and corruption and hypocrisy. But I've also come to understand that, unfortunately, that’s just human nature at its worst, and all societies have been guilty of such. And the truth is that some of the most wonderful parts of humans can be seen in churches, in religious gatherings and ceremonies, and in acts done in the name of God.

My disillusionment with religion stems from certain questions I have in regards to religious contradictions. Everyone says God is love. If that is true, then why have people been outcast, shamed, tortured, and killed all in the name of God? That doesn't sound like love to me. And if the bible tells us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves, why do people hate those who are not of their race, culture, or religion? What about “let he who is without sin cast the first stone?” From what I can see, everyone is throwing stones, regardless of the wrong they themselves are guilty of. People won't forgive others but expect complete forgiveness from God. People spend so much time and energy passing their judgments on others, condemning whoever they think is not worthy of love and acceptance, I wonder how anyone has any time or heart left to love.

And as I have said before, I think our whole purpose on this planet is to love and be loved. And if God is love, then to love is to serve God, right?

I don’t want to offend or argue. I really just want to share my thoughts, because this book touched me. It caused me ponder on my own ideas of faith, and it awakened my desire to connect with the Divine.

It made me look into my own soul.

I don’t want to tell you what you should believe, but I will share with you my own feelings. I believe it’s in our relationships with each other that we find God. It’s in being kind and forgiving and accepting others. It’s in releasing our anger and hatred, in dismissing our prejudices and resentments. It’s in being the best human we can possibly be.

It’s also in appreciating the awesome beauty that surrounds us. It’s in respecting all living creatures. It’s in admiring the forests, the mountains, the desert, the ocean. If we truly wanted to honor God, we wouldn't treat his/her/it’s creations the way we do.

I also don't believe that we should blame God for all our troubles. We shouldn't look up when screaming "why?!" We should look in the mirror, not only as individuals, but as a society. Nor should we turn to God only in times of need, begging for everything from here to the moon. And yes, sometimes things are out of our individual control, but that doesn't mean God is purposely causing us pain. Life is not perfect. There will be pain. But we have the power to move on, to become stronger, to do better. We are ultimately responsible for ourselves. 

I know, you don’t read my blog looking for a sermon. And I certainly am not qualified to give one. I am only human, imperfect and dripping with sin. I don’t expect you to agree with me. In fact, I want you to do your own asking, searching, and looking within. I didn't necessarily agree with all the author’s ideas myself.

But perhaps, if we all take a moment to reflect on what it means to be human, to have a heart and soul, and to be children of God, we will find a way to live better lives, and to create a better world.