It’s really difficult for me to read most non-fiction
Christian literature. Not sure why. Maybe it’s the straightforwardness and
seemingly unnecessary complexity that occurs sometimes. Although I’m not a gifted storyteller, I
appreciate when Christian principles are put into story form for me to pull out
and process. I have recently read two
books that I would pretty much recommend to anyone.
The Heavenly Man by Brother Yun
My mommy probably has a big smile on her face as she reads
this because she’s been telling me to read this book for quite a while. This is an autobiography of Brother Yun, a
Christian pastor from China. Not only is
this a quick read, but it will encourage your faith and instill in you boldness
about your beliefs. It’s a modern day
setting-I’m guessing he is in his late 40’s now-and the book takes you through
intimate parts of his salvation and evangelical lifestyle in a country that
treated him as a China’s Most-Wanted criminal.
A lot of the book is about his episodes in prison where he was tortured
excessively and repeatedly, yet he used the time to bring glory to God in
ridiculous ways. The “coincidences” that
took place over and over again are a testament to ways that the Holy Spirit is
moving today and that God is alive, powerful, and loving. It’ll resonate with you, I promise.
The Shack by Wm. Paul Young
A novel with a premise that is unique yet captivating. A work of fiction-don’t let the foreword and
afterward fool you-in which a man spends nearly a week in a shack. Two important things about the shack: this is where his youngest daughter was
killed years ago, and he spends his days there in the presence of a personified
God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit. I read this
book in three sittings in a 24 hour time span.
In short, the main character brings forth questions, concerns, and
emotions that we’ve probably all experienced at times and possibly felt guilty
for even posing them to God. The author
does an incredible job of presenting possible answers, dialogue, and
interactions with the Trinity that are theologically sound and
enlightening. The storyline moves
surprisingly quickly considering it’s mostly occurring in a shack, but it
doesn’t back away from key issues.
You’ll finish the book understanding love and relationship, especially
between us and God, in a whole new light.
First, don’t read it for the ending, and secondly, have a pencil or
highlighter on hand while reading. I
wish had. (This is one of those “read it
and then buy one for a friend” books.)
While my traveling library is pretty much limited to
whatever books my teammates brought along with them, I’d love book suggestions
if you’ve got them.
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