I’ve had all these things in my head for the last two weeks, but haven’t been able to figure out how to write it all out. Of course being doped up on Benadryl and Zyrtec all weekend probably didn’t help matters.
Anyway, I’m just going to type it all out on the computer and resist my urge to delete the entire thing for fear that it will only make sense to me and the rest of you will read it while shaking your head and thinking “What?”.
A couple of weeks ago, I watched Steven Curtis Chapman and his family being interviewed on “Good Morning America” and “Larry King Live”.
Honestly, part of me didn’t want to watch because the whole story has just broken my heart. The tragic death of a five-year-old girl hits really close to home when you’re the mother of a five-year-old girl.
But I watched anyway.
One thing that came up in both interviews that brought tears to my eyes each time I heard it was when Steven Curtis Chapman said someone later told him that as he was being driven away in the car to get to the hospital where his daughter had just been Life-flighted he rolled down the window and yelled to his devastated son, “Will Franklin! Your father loves you!”
I cried because it is such an incredible picture of how much a parent loves a child. That even in the midst of all that tragedy, he made sure his son knew that he was loved.
But even more than that, I cried because, for the first time, I realized that is how God loves me. How many times have I been crushed by my fears, my failures, my disappointments? How many times have I doubted, questioned, and wondered why things aren’t working out the way I want them to?
He whispered to my heart and let me know that in all those times, when I have been at my lowest points and at my highest points, He has looked at me and said, “Melanie! Your father loves you!”
This shouldn’t be a new revelation to me. But it was.
When I think back to my childhood, I don’t remember hearing much about God’s grace. I’m not saying it wasn’t being taught, it just never really sunk in. Maybe I heard one too many flannel-board Sunday school stories about Sodom and Gomorrah.
Whatever the case, I have struggled with grasping God’s mercy and grace. I struggle with how He can love me so much when I so often feel like I’ve failed. And at the heart of that is a trust issue. Do I trust that His love is stronger than my failures? Can His grace cover my flaws? Do I trust that He wants to pour out blessings on me that I don’t deserve, but He gives them anyway because that’s how much He loves me?
Two days after I watched the Chapman interview, I went in Borders to buy a new book for our beach trip. I looked around and had a couple of different choices in my hand, but then I saw “The Shack” on a display shelf. I knew it was the book I was supposed to buy.
I’d heard great things about it, but had purposely not read it because I knew the story begins with a tragedy involving a young girl. I just didn’t know if I could stand to read it.
I mean, I am the same person who spent the first six months of her daughter’s life watching only two things, “I Love the 70′s” on Vh-1 and “Little Women”. It was all my raw heart could bear.
So I put down my copy of “Such a Pretty Fat” by Jen Lancaster (which I still really want to read by the way) and bought “The Shack”.
It was the right choice. I couldn’t put it down.
At one point early on in the book, the main character experiences his first real encounter with God. And at that moment God picks him up, spins him around like a little child while shouting his name “Mackenzie Allen Phillips!”.
Tears.
After I read it I couldn’t get the image out of my head that God sees me that way, that He feels that way about me. That I am His child and He longs to hold me close the same way I long to hold Caroline close and cherish every single ounce of her, but even more so.
I’ve read Psalm 139 countless times. I know He knows my thoughts, I know He knows my words before they are on my tongue, I know He knows the numbers of hairs on my head (not as high a number as it used to be), and I know His thoughts of me outnumber the grains of sand.
I know it because I’ve heard it all my life. But I felt like in the days following the Chapman interview and reading “The Shack”, He began to really reveal to me the depths of His love for me. Not for all mankind, not for every creation, but, specifically, for me.
At church the following Sunday, I was standing during praise and worship and I felt God say to me, “I know your name. I know everything about you and I adore you. No matter what.” It’s like I could hear Him saying my name. My full name, over and over again.
Just as I was feeling that in my heart, our pastor began to speak. Guess what he said? “God knows your name. He knows everything about you.” And as he spoke those words, the worship team began to lead us in a song I’d never heard before
He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
And hears me when I call
Is it just me or do you think God is trying to tell me something? His love for the world isn’t general. It’s not an all-encompassing “I love my creation” thing. It’s specific.
Specifically for me. Specifically for you.
In spite of who we are, in spite of how we fail, in spite of all our weaknesses.
Because, here’s the thing. He made us. He knows us. None of our shortcomings and moral failures surprise Him. God doesn’t sit in heaven saying, “Wow. I did not see that coming.”
He sits in heaven, with a deep longing to take us in His arms, spin us around and say “Melanie! Your Father loves you!”
Except He would call you by your name, not mine. Because He’s God.
And He knows your name.
“See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.” Isaiah 49:16
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Wow. What an awesome post. What an awesome God!
I opened your blog this morning thinking I’d get a dose of your wicked sense of humor. Instead I read the exact words I needed to read. Thank you for sharing.
I agree with April. I was expecting my morning laugh to start my day and got what I needed instead. Bless you for writing the words that God has obviously put in your mind and on your heart.
Thank you for the reminder of the amazing, incomprehensible love our Father God has for us His children.
Amen. And thank you.
Thank you for such a beautiful post. It really said something to my heart this morning.
And I still got my daily dose of funny because Sunday School felt boards and the thought of God sitting in heaven saying “Wow. I did not see that one coming” made me chuckle!
Beautiful post. When He hits you with such an epiphany, don’t you just want to hold on to that feeling forever? Unfortunately, we tend to forget in our daily lives until we quiet ourselves again to hear what He is telling us.
Thanks for sharing this wonderful knowledge with us.
This is hands down the absolute BEST post I have EVER read…anywhere, anytime….and I read LOTS of posts! I can SO relate to this. You see, I know Jesus. I know His grace and His love for me. But when SC Chapman’s daughter died, it was one of the first times in my life that I had ever doubted. I was mad. I even said *Why do I pray every day for my children and my precious new grandgirl if this might happen anyway*? I did. I said that. To God. A friend told me to read The Shack. I went that day and bought it. It was just what I needed to read. I started attending a new Bible study last night…It’s on The Shack. I still sometimes wonder WHY…well, all the time I wonder why. But I know HE loves me. He calls me by my name. Angela C. Your Father loves you. How sweet it is to trust in Jesus.
angela c. conoil@yahoo.com
Amen, amen, amen! Thanks for this post.
What a great, great thought for this Thursday morning. Excellent preaching, Big Mama!
Wow, what a beautiful post.
What a wonderful, beautiful, encouraging post for all of us who struggle to know, feel, experience God’s love. I will be reading it over and over. Thanks for sharing thses thoughts–I hope you do more of this kind of writing in the future. (But still give us the cute pictures of your daughter!)
big mama,
you rock!
Girl, you have NO idea. Thank you.
Better than any sermon I’ve heard. A message that I needed to hear. Thanks
Beautiful.
Now my eyes are puffy and my nose is red.
What a fashion statemten.
Obviously, I can’t spell either.
That you for sharing that. I really needed that this morning.
And I loved the Shack, too. Very much.
wonderful, wonderful post.
Awesome Post!!! I struggle with the thought that God can really really love me all of the time. I know He loves others and I will tell them so, but when it comes to me…… the overwhelming feelings of unworthiness come up over and over. Thank-you for this post. If it ministered to know one else it sure did minister to me!!!!!!!!!! I sit here with tears in my eyes thinking of Him wrapping his arms around me and just telling me again and again how much He Loves me in spite of. NO Matter What!!
Oh how He Loves me….. He gave his life for me!
Good word!
Really needed that. And that’s one of my favorite songs.
Amen, big mama. Amen.
This gave me chills. I have also been moved by what Steven said to Will, but this gave me a completely different perspective.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go get that book.
Amen, Amen, Amen, and Amen.
So well said! Thanks for that post.
It’s awesome to know a God like ours and to be loved by Him.
BLESSINGS TO YOU!
Thanks for sharing. I struggle with understanding that I am special to God too. Not just one of the masses.
Wow. wow. wow.
You have no idea.
I have no words for how your words spoke directly into a situation I’m in right now that I am severely struggling with.
You really have no idea.
Thank you from the bottom of my tear filled heart!
PS – Me too with Chapman interviews. HAD to watch, but almost couldn’t. I too have a 5 year old daughter, and another daughter (2,adopted from China).
Thanks for sharing this. Isn’t The Shack eye-opening to God’s amazing love to each of us? It helped me to grasp just how wide and how deep His love is for me.
Amen, Melanie. Thank you for reminding me God knows everything about me and loves me. I really needed to hear that this morning.
This post of yours really touched my heart. I always read your blog, but I never comment, but I HAD to today… God is so wonderful like that…and until you really think about what he’s been trying to tell you then it never goes away. And when you finally get what He’s been dealing with you about…everything makes sense and it’s wonderful! Sounds like a great service at church too.
And you know what…he really does know “everything” about “everyone”.
By the way I am Jessica, so nice to meet you.
Thanks for sharing ‘your heart’ in this post. And yes, since reading “The Shack”, I wake up every morning with the wonderful thought “Good Morning Papa”! HE is and always will be here for us!
Have a wonderfully blessed day and ‘feel’ Papa’s love surrounding you today and every day.
Blessings always,
Kaye
This post means more to me than you know. Tomorrow I meet with an oncologist to schedule a biopsy of a tumor on my leg. I have struggled with my personal relationship with God and trying to make it more individual instead of just one of the masses. This is exactly what I needed today and gives me peace as I start this journey. Thank you for sharing. It helps me to open my own heart a little bit more.
I loved, loved, LOVED this post.
Thanks – I needed that. This is where faith comes into play…do I really believe that God loves ME that way?? If I could truly grasp that (once and for all), it would be life altering!
I need to hear that this morning.
Makes me think of my fav hymn “Before The Throne”-
My name is graven on His hands
My name is written on His heart.
I love that junk.
Good word today, Mel.
Beautiful post. Thanks.
You continue to bless me, Melanie. Your blog is the first thing that I read when I get to my office in the morning. It always puts me in a great mood for the day. Normally it is because you make me laugh, but today, you pointed me back to my Savior. I will keep my focus on HIM today and glorifying Him, my creator, the one who loves me.
Thank you so much!
Melanie!
I am receiving the exact same message from God. You have no idea how big my chill bumps are right now. And He has gotten my attention in such similar ways. The SCC interview, The Shack (I’m on chapter 8), and in a Beth Moore DVD).
Sigh. Thanks for posting.
Thank you for sharing! I’m getting ready to read “The Shack” with a friend and am even more excited about it knowing how it impacted you.
Just beautiful. When I first met my husband and we started to fall in love, it was like a revelation to me that God loved me even more than that. I had never loved so much or felt loved so much in my life and it just gave me a much deeper understanding of God’s love for me. Its amazing that we can never fully grasp the depth of love that God has for us, if only we could remember all the time.
Don’t you love when He speaks in themes like that! So personal, just for each one of us right where we are?
I’ve had the same trust issues and still battle with a few. God was always big and loving Papa for everyone else..just not me, I invisioned Him shaking His head and having more pity than love for me, because, hey..He won’t lie, He’s God .He keeps His Word…but stillwishes I’d get it together.
It took me spending my own time in the Shack after my own 24 year old daughter’s death before I really started accepting how much my Father loves me.
After which, just like the Chapmans I have become so determined to share with any and everybody that cross’s my path.
Even praying God put folks in my path, and what do you know, He has.
Nothing makes God and our relationship with Him concrete than that kind of time in the shack.
I admit, I would not like to experience any of what I went through again and oh how I miss my baby girl, but whoa, where He has brought me, what He has taught..I just can’t praise Him enough. God IS so Good!
At times like that,
Beautiful. It makes me think of a Chapman song, “I can see the fingerprints of God when I look at you.” He made each and every one of us.
I love reading about moments like these…where we “get” it. “The Shack” helped heal me from the pain of losing my Mom, that book has changed so much for me.
I am so happy you read it.
Thank you for this post.
Twice I’ve had experiences this last couple of years, both teaching me that He loves us that way. The first, was counseling with my Bishop (or pastor, same idea), about my friend’s daughter’s terminal illness. When I asked him if I should still pray for her to be healed. His answer was yes, but to understand that the healing might come when her boy was made whole again in heaven. Heavenly Father testified to me that moment, that when we suffer He does not stand with arms crossed, wondering why we are weak. He cries with us, for our sadness.
And then, when talking to my children about why Savannah no longer feared death a few months ago, I was able to describe Him as Oz. Not the big scary screen that so many want us to see, but the friendly, happy little man behind the curtain, who would just play and snuggle and love us if He could be here.
But then we wouldn’t be tested.
Sorry, like a blog post this comment, but I wanted you to know He uses these humbling moments to show us his genuine, real love.
Wow! That is an amazing thing to realize. If only we could all really grasp how much our Father in Heaven loves us! I think we would all be much more loving towards each other, if that were the case. Thank you for sharing your heart and what God has taught you lately!
All I can say is sincerely, seriously, WOW. Our God really is amazing!
What an awesome picture you painted with your words today – Amen! I can close my eyes and just see and feel that love from God.
I watched both interviews with the Chapman family also. The first time I heard Steven tell this story I interpreted it as coming from him, Will Franklin’s earthly father. The second time, on Larry King Live, it really resonated with me that his Father, meaning God, loved him. Either way it was a powerful testament to enduring love and forgiveness.
Thanks so much for sharing! I want to run to the bookstore right now and buy that book. It is so odd that was the part of the Chapman story that stuck out to you, it was to me too. I can not tell someone that part of the story without crying or getting goose bumps!
Thanks so much for sharing… your post made perfect sense….
Thank You Melanie, I just posted about the song, He knows Your Name. I heard it on the radio and I started crying. The words have gotten me through a few things lately. The reminder that our Heavenly Father Loves us is always needed.
I love that verse in Isaiah. I’m personally hoping my name is engraved on God’s thumb because how cool would that be to get a thumb’s up from God when He shows off your name? Loved the post. I just read something about “The Shack” the other week at the Burnside Writers Collective. I just may have to check it out before I leave for NYC on Tuesday. Take care,
Julie
Awesome post! I’m really enjoying reading your blog, I love to come here and get a good laugh, it brings joy to my day! This post was great. Thanks!
I just read The Shack last week, and I’ve been thinking about it ever since.
SPOILER ALERT!
The part that got me (in the book) is when they went to bury Missy, and how beautiful that scene was. It made me think of all the missing children that are never found…that God still knows just where they are, and somehow he goes to them, like He did with Missy and lays the bodies upon beautiful flowers and makes the old new…and takes care of them.
That was BEAUTIFUL in the book! I cried like a baby! (Then when the dad’s tears were dropped over the casket! BEAUTIFUL)
Kelly S.
My eyes are welling up with tears as the truth of what you wrote settles in my heart. It’s amazing how much God has taught me about His love for me after I’ve become a parent myself…and then knowing His love is even greater than what I feel for my child just blows my mind! Thank you for sharing your heart.
Thank you for sharing this – I needed to hear it today!
Wow! It is Awesome to wake up and read this first thing in my day. I may have print this one out
I’m sure I’ll be the unpopular one here, but God’s grace is dependent on our being faithful and obedient to him. It’s not a “one size fits all no matter what you do or how you feel about me” proposition according to the Bible. In Hebrews we are called to run the race as to win the prize. We are admonished to be careful to guard our own lives lest, although we help others to find salvation, we become disqualified ourselves. Yes, I believe the Bible does indicate that the love of the Lord is for everyone. But God hates sin. And those who do not repent of sin will be told, “Depart from me, I know ye not”. That’s not my opinion, that’s the Word.
Yes! He has been saying the same thing to me recently. I bawled when Mac met God too, and was totally overwhelmed with emotion when He said, “I sure do love you,” because that’s exactly how I want Him to greet me. What a beautiful, glorifying post.
Melanie,
When we get to a place in our lives when we can grasp or get a glimpse of how much God loves us, there is absolutely nothing that can compare!
Read Ephesians 3:14-21
Have a great time at the Siesta Fiesta, sure wish I was going to be there to meet you and all the others!!!
Yes, dear sister. Yes.
My revelation out of that book (read it on our beach trip in July) has been trust. My lack of it. It’s been truly profound.
Looking forward to S.A. this wk-end!
Here I am at work and this post brought tears to my eyes. I too sometimes feel like I never heard enough about God’s grace and mercy just “don’t do this” or “don’t do that”. I also read “The Shack” and the main thing I came away from it thinking was “God loves me.” I also love when I am praying about something and either the pastor or a fellow Christian speaks the same thing without knowing my situation. It just confirms for me that God cares. Thanks so much for this post!
What an amazing post! Thank you for being God’s vessel and sharing His still, quiet voice!
This is my second time to visit your blog, and honestly, I expected some funny fluff. You’ve got it so right on this one. It is absolutely amazing that God would know me, and even more than that, GIFT me and CALL me, and send me out as His representative. As His beloved child. Now THAT is grace.
What a great way to get on a plane that I’m afraid of today and fly to San Antonio.
I too, was looking for a little humor this morning getting online and instead got a very nice dose of how much God loves me. and my children. See, I’m not so afraid of the plane. I’m afraid of leaving my son and daughter (11 and 7) who, should anything ever happen to me, would go to live with their father who never wants to see them and hasn’t even called them in almost 2 years. They cry when they have to go visit him – and when they come home, they cry because they don’t want to go back there. They just don’t feel loved or wanted with him. I PRAY that his impact on their lives will not reflect in their hearts how God feels about them. (They have a wonderful step-daddy who loves them dearly and graciously fills in those daddy cracks with love and attention). But if I were gone, they would have to go to their real dad’s. and so that’s why I hate flying.
Every night this week, I’ve laid awake, full of anxiety I KNOW is not from Him, but unable to shake it. I’ve even considered cancelling and not going to SA. This post, Melanie, has helped me today, the day I have to get on that plane. Thank you for sharing your revelations… they’ve helped ease my fears and trust in Him more like I should. I’m crying so hard now I don’t even think I can do a spell check, so sorry for any typos.
and I’ve had The Shack on my nightstand for 3 weeks now. Unable to open it because I know the premise of the story about the little girl, just like you were hesitant. I won’t take it with me on the plane (gracious! could you imagine?!), but I will read it finally when I get home. Thank you.
Great post Melanie!
I was so nervous before our ultrasound this week and I just kept praying and thinking God already knows this baby’s name, the hairs on their head, how long they will live, who they will marry and everything about them. I don’t have to worry – because He knew them well before I did. That is so overwhelming to think about!
Thank you for this post.
You couldn’t know how much I need this today. Thank you, thank you.
Thanks for such an honest post. This was excellent. I watched the Larry King interview with the Chapmans and also thought that was an amazing thing that he said to his son as they were driving away, but I hadn’t thought of it they way it hit you that God does that for us too. I love that, because it is so true!
Praise God for this post this morning, Melanie! Eph. 3:14-21
Thank you. I needed this today.
Awesome. I have been mulling something similar this week re: being bought with a price and not being my own…that rather than slavery that is an honor to be adopted as his beloved child….such good stuff!
Amazing post that points me closer to God. Thank you.
Preach it, Girl! I loved the shack too! Thank you for this post!
I love Him.
Wow. That’s all I can say.
thank you for sharing God’s truth in such a powerful way today.
Yes, He knows your name very well. I have experienced that wonderful feeling of ownership He has for us.
I am reading THE SHACK right now but nothing takes the place of God’s Word to tell us how much He loves us! I truly believe He is trying to connect with your generation to let you know the level of His great love. Now you must pass it on.
Wonderful, uplifting post Melanie! Thank you!
Thank you so much for sharing – what an encouragement!
Thank You!
Love this book!! I think I cried through the whole thing. It still blows me away.
I know you don’t need another comment, but my heart just wants to shout “Amen” and “Praise God” with the rest of the chorus.
So I’m shoutin’.
I usually don’t post, but I just had to post today. Melanie, I, too, have been awed by God this week! I’ve just started “A Woman’s Heart” Bible study at church this past Monday. Beth talked on the video about God pursuing us. My homework this week, so far, has had me so in awe and in tears. God pursues me! He looks for me just as he looked for Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden after they sinned…when he was walking in the cool and said “Where are you?” He knows where we are – he pursues us – he just wants us to answer Him and say “I am here, God!”
He does know our name – Praise God! He is such an awesome God!!
In Christ!!
Angela
WOW! What an increadable message. Thank you! I was ready to hear the soft music playing at the end of it. You have a gift with word and God has used that gift today to reach people. Thank you for listening to him.
May God Bless YOU Melanie for being obeident and publishing this post.
melanie,
i’m a youth group leader for my church & we’re reading “the shack” right now as a group. we’re not too far into it, but i’ve had a hard time getting the kids to respond (though i’m loving the book). i think this week i’m going to ask for their reactions to your realization- that God knows their names & wants to love them more than they can possibly imagine. thank you for the great post & for unknowingly giving me guidance with my group!
What a wonderful post!!! Thanks for the reminder. I’ve been moved to tears each time I see or hear the Chapman story. My heart just shrinks and shrivels within me trying not to imagine what that feels like. Thanks for the connection to God’s love.
Ironically I wrote a very brief post about the same Chapman tragedy.
I agree with April, it’s exactly what I needed to hear today.
I’m “sailing in spite of the storm.”
THAT? Was powerful and beautiful! God speaking through your words is stunning! I was talking with a coworker just this morning about God’s grace and how He’s really had to show me over many years how His grace is personal and how He can be completely trusted. Thank you for writing this.
Funniest thing — I downloaded a sample of _The Shack_ on my Kindle but hadn’t read it yet, and just before I read this, I was thinking I should finally get around to reading it.
I have a (probably completely wacked-out) theory that God knows our REAL name — not the one that our parents gave us, but our truest, real name, and that is what He calls out to us. We hear it in our deepest selves — it’s part of our being — but we won’t really recognize it this side of heaven.
I think God’s calling out for us is one of the thousands of ways in which He loves and pursues us. SCC demonstrated that, and I think God does it daily, if we look — in nature, in our family and friends, and in His own voice (in His word and through the Holy Spirit).
Thanks for the reminder, Melanie. Well spoken.
How strange….I’ve been coming to the same realizations over the past few weeks, and then this morning, the book I’m reading (“Jesus, Lover of My Soul”) shared a similar message to the one you just wrote. Thank you.
The Shack has been sitting on my table for awhile waiting for me to pick it up. Maybe I should.
That was awesome. Tears.
That was one thing that hit me about The Shack too. I think it’s worth rereading and highlighting… I’ll add that to my list.
I think I’ll print out this post and stick it on my mirror or somewhere where I see it often. Thanks for sharing your heart and your thoughts!
I have watched that interview over and over again! We are so blessed to have a Father like Him.
I’ve been reading your blog for a few months now, but this is my first time to comment.
What a wonderful God we know, love, serve! Six years ago I sat at a youth lock-in. The kids and adults had been encouraged by the youth pastor to spend some time listening to God. He had turned the lights down and had soft music playing. This might have been the first time I had ever focused on God to listen to him. All He said was “I love you.” I heard it so clearly in my spirit. I know now, looking back, that God knew He would only have my attention for a very short time and so He chose to tell me what was most important for me to know. Since then He has been convincing me of this very great love He has for me (us).
I still only understand a very small part of it. The more I understand of His love for me, the more I love Him. 1 Jn. 4:19
Thanks so much for sharing your heart and relationship with us.
That was beautiful Mel. Isn’t He wonderful?
Thank you Melanie, this post means so much to me. I love the part about you thinking about him knowing your name and the song coming on. How AWESOME is that? I love it. Thanks again.
I’m so glad you had the chance to hear and sing that song! I bawl like a baby everytime we sing it!
Why is it so hard for us to really get just how much He loves us? I struggle with this, too.
That is an amazing post. SCC words have stuck with me too – and I thank God that he was able to share that moment with the world.
Thank you.
What a touching and inspiring post! I had the same reaction to that part of the Chapman interview on Larry King Live–awesome!
And isn’t it wonderful that when God is trying to tell us something, He reinforces and confrims it in multiple ways!
Not a single “what” thought. Just a resonating “YES”. And if that got you, just try reading “Captivating”. It will change your world. It changed mine.
Not a single “what” thought. Just a resonating “YES”. And if that got you, just try reading “Captivating”. It will change your world.
Yes, because it’s not ABOUT us. God’s grace, love, and mercy is not conditional upon whether or not WE fail. (Because we will and do.) It’s about HIM and His perfect love and sacrifice.
Amen and Amen.
I love the verse in Jeremiah that says that God “rejoices over us with singing”. God gets such a kick out of us that he dances around singing at the top of his lungs. That makes me want to dance around singing with joy!
And that, Melanie is some good stuff!!
So, I’m guilty of not reading all 101 comments. But I know for a fact that a bunch of people said, “I needed this today.”
You can add me to that bunch.
Yes! I think it took watching that for me to realize it too. When I told my husband (over lunch at our fav mexi place) what SCC said to his son, we both burst out crying right at the table. It was powerful.
And God loves me even more than THAT~ incredible.
I love Him for it.
I do.
He’s my Daddy and I love Him for loving me – in spite of me.
Great post! Thanks for sharing.
I too have been reading the shack. How hard it has been to read and face my own short comings. To see how my insecurities are just a lack of faith. And every doubt and worry I have is my lack of His will. I have loved the book and know I will read it many more times in my life during times of doubt.
Thanks for your post today.
This is a very encouraging post and so very well said. I was immediately drawn in when I first started reading it because I had done a post on my own blog last week about the Chapman family interview and the biggest thing I pulled out of it was that 1 line “Will Franklin, your father loves you.” When I heard that part of the interview the tears started flowing and didn’t stop. The love of a parent for their child…it is incomprehensible! It has stuck with me ever since then and reading how it spoke to you was awesome! Thanks for sharing.
That is heavy and heart wrenching and so absolutely true. Thank you-sincerely thank you for that reminder.
I’m so glad you shared this. It inspires me to search for my own assurances of His love.
You have learned a LIFE lesson that will forever change your way of thinking about your sins and how GOd feels toward you and all your shortcomings. When you ask Him to forgive you….you know you are forgiven and you won’t continue to beat up yourself for whatever it was that you confessed to Him. I learned this many years ago from Scott Pecks book, The Road Less Traveled. In it he listed God’s truths vs. Satan’s lies. The truth is you are totally pleasing to God, totally accepted by God, totally loved by God, and totally FORGIVEN by God. Next to my salvation those 4 revelations have done more for my peace and assurance than anything else I’ve ever learned. God bless you. Mama Diane
Very encouraging post, I needed that. You know, the Holy Spirit always speaks the same message, so many of us need to hear His of His love, mercy & grace. How great a God to work in all of us.
Melanie~
Thank you so much for this post.It was beautifully written and really spoke to my heart.Thank you for just speaking from your heart.It was exactly what I needed to hear.~Tasha~
Very wonderful post! Thank you… it was just what I needed today!
Beautiful. God is using His bloggers to reveal His heart. Thank you for being a willing vessel.
Sassy Gal
I read this during work (on my lunch break!!) and I got goosebumps. God wanted you to share this today. I needed to hear it. Thank you so much! It brought tears to my eyes. Thank you..thank you…thank you!
I cried all the way through this. It may have been the best thing I’ve ever, ever read.
I’m a new reader, and already have bonded with you. I, too, have a 5 year old daughter who started kindergarten last week (sigh). God has gifted you with words. Thank you for using your gift to honor Him, and to bring such joy to so many. The Shack, to date, other than God’s own Word, moved me like no other.
Just beautiful and what I needed to read. Off to ponder this Great God and ALL He has done for me and given me. Thank you.
Oh my gosh, you wrote all that I was thinking! I’m almost done with “The Shack” and I never grasped how God loves each of us so individually. I think that book does a great job of showing us that. Thanks for sharing!
I have been struggling with the very same thoughts as you expressed in this post. I know all of God’s mercy and grace is promised to us but I tend to feel that it is for everyone else. This past Sunday’s sermon in our church was the beginning of God really opening my heart to receive this blessing that everything He promised is for me too. Thank you for being obedient to share your heart because God has used you to keep showing me how much He really loves me.
I went straight into the “ugly cry” before I got halfway through this post. Thank you so much for writing it.
Thank you. I needed to hear that today.
I remember so clearly a Beth Moore study (I think it was Patriarchs) where she theorized that God knows us so intimately and loves us so completely that He has a special name for us that only He knows. And when we got to heaven, He’ll call us by that name, and we’ll finally be whole. I love that picture.
Great post, Melanie.
I am new to your site…. LOVE IT….
I have read The Shack TWICE and bought the audio… it has spoke to me in ways I cannot explain….glad you liked it.
I’ll be back!!
EXACTLY what I needed to hear (or read) today. And it looks like I’m not the only one. It’s so wonderful that you share not only what is going on in your daily life, but also what is going on in your heart. I think so many of us feel the same way, but are afraid to say it. God is working through you and your blog to reach so many people. I love reading what you write every day!
Wow. Just…wow. Wonderful post. I was touched by the same thing in the Chapman interviews. And isn’t it good to know that God relates to us that way? And that He longs for us to be that intimate with Him?
“Papa” has touched the hearts of many women today through your post. Thank you for being obedient and writing your heart.
This post is the lifering I was hoping someone would toss my way today. I’m sitting at my desk trying to stop the tears that keep leaking out of my eyes after reading this. I am so thankful for that amazing love!
Can I get an AMEN?!?!?
That was an awesome post!
Blessings to you.
Hey girl! Happy Belated b-day by the way. My best friend Heather (like your Gulley) recently went through a tragic loss of one of her fellow teachers. The Mama, Daddy & her 7th grade daughter were all on a 4-wheeler & the Mom was killed in a tragic accident. They weren’t driving crazy & were actually with her Youth Minister riding together. When Heather called this week, I told her about Stephen Curtis Chapman’s recent article in People. He’s from Paducah originally. The quote that stuck with me was when he said something like “As angry as I was, I cannot imagine walking through this without God at my side.” And also how they love Will even more after the accident. She & some of the other fellow teachers were going to look into getting the Dad & his daughter tickets to a Stephen Curtis Chapman concert. They too will have to turn to God for strength to get through this difficult time. Love you!
Thanks for sharing…
I have endless admiration for Steven Curtis Chapman and the interviews I’ve seen as well as the People article only increased my respect for him.
Absolutely one of your best posts ever, Melanie.
Awesome post Melanie! This is something I think most Christians have a hard time getting their heads around.
I was at Living Proof Live in San Diego in April. Beth taught on Psalm 139 that weekend and “He Knows My Name” was a song we sang a few times with Travis and his team. Needless, to say, it was a hugely powerful weekend. I’m on the worship team at my church and when I got back home Saturday to do worship that night the pastor had requested a last minute change to one of our songs…he added “He Knows My Name”. I lost it.
So yes, I agree that God was trying to tell you something at church this weekend. I’d guess He inspired the writer of that song to write it, knowing what a useful tool it would be for Him!
Blessings for today!
Thank you for such wonderful insight, Melanie. I think often it is so hard to feel the ‘individualness’ of God’s love. To really know that it applies to ME. I love your words. They are a gift.
I have to recommend “Into the Deep”, by Robert Rogers. Seriously – I read it from front to back in 2 days – heartbreaking, raw, honest, faith-inspiring book written by a man who experienced the greatest tragedy one can imagine. Tore my heart out, yet brought me to my knees yearning for the kind of faith that this man has been given through the grace of God.
God bless you, Mel. You provide such a ministry through your blog, and I am blessed to be able to read it every day.
Wow! All I can say is Amen and Thank you!
I have seen that book and heard about it…now I think I must read it!
I am also mommy to a 5 year old daughter and the Chapman’s story is so tragic. It’s hard to even think about…
Praise God there is hope! Blessings to you!!
This is a wonderful post. Thank you so much for the encouragement. I loved this post so much I created a new sidebar list thingy on my blog for my favorite posts written by other people – you’re the first one on the list!
BIg Mama,
I have read everyone of your posts and love them ALL, but this is absolutely one of your very best. Thank you so much for sharing your heart…you have blessed us all.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful thoughts and feelings with all your readers. I am touched by everything you said and have been through two personal losses myself, so I feel a small measure of what parents must go through when they lose a child. I know God’s grace can help us through these difficult times.
Being Christian, but from a different background, I wanted to add my thoughts about the Atonement of the Savior. Even though God loves us more than we can know, He still must balance the demands of justice and mercy. It is because of Christ’s sacrifice for each and every one of us personally that we are able to repent of our sins and continue on our path to return to a loving Heavenly Father. I am so thankful that both of them know my name and love me unconditionally!
{{Hugs}} to you and though you don’t need a single ‘nother comment to this precious post…I so wish we could’ve had “this” conversation over wonderful liquid refreshments and dessert.
I can see Him in you, Melanie
.
Saw the interviews… had the same revelation…. that line just resonated with me and has stuck with me as well… and you have simply yet eloquently articulated my thoughts… so, thank you.
Charlotte (long time reader, first time commenter… sorry for lurking)
Wow! God really spoke through you on this. Thank you.
Hello, I am one of your lurkers – never commented before. Earlier this year I took a break from writing my blog and started reading instead.
Your blog was added to my weekly “browse-thru-list.” In all honesty, I had sort of avoided your blog because everyone reads it; and I wanted to find something different and unexplored by the rest of the female race.
But, now I’m hooked and I understand why the rest of the world reads you.
This past Sunday at church God did a new thing in me. We attend a (what shall I call it?) conservative Charismatic church. Does that make sense? Anyway, at a specific time during the service I felt God nudging (commanding, pushing, knocking) at me to share something with the congregation. I freaked. I had never done that before and I didn’t know what to say. Then as I battled to stay in my seat, the words came rushing into my heart,
“I know you.
I know your name.
It’s you that I long for.
It’s you that I see.
I’m not talking to your husband, or to your sister sitting next to you.
I am talking to you.
I named you.
I love you.
Please believe.”
I know the debate – does God speak or can we only use His Word nowadays? Irregardless, I didn’t move from my seat. I was paralyzed and it took about an hour for my heartbeat to resume a normal rate.
Thanks for sharing and for confirming what I know God said to me on Sunday. Maybe I’ll have the courage to share next time.
Great post. Thank you for sharing!
Definitely not shaking my head saying, “What?”
This is such an awesome post, glad you didn’t delete it. I come to your blog daily because of the way you write, your humor – your style is just unmatchable. I love the way you write and you make your readers laugh. To come here and read what you’ve poured out of your heart, well – it’s just an honor. You said it all so well.
I quite freqently say, “God, you’ve blessed me unbelievably and I don’t deserve it.” Thanks for sharing the fact that he treasures me and is so very specific.
And that song makes me cry everytime we sing it in church.
thank you! thank you!
I just recently did a post on my blog about this book and The Missy Project. I LOVED this book! The Missy Project has been a success so far…..several of my readers have decided to read the book!
AWESOME post I Have been reading your blog for a bit but this post really got to me and I had to comment. Thank you.
Amazing post!
I’m 3/4 of the way through The Shack. I have already recommended it to half the people I know.
I have heard amazing things about The Shack from a friend who lost her 13 month old son.
As a mom who has dealt with infertility, and is now blessed with two increible kids through adoption, this post hits home. He does know what’s in store…and it’s usually a lot better than we realize. Thanks!
Thank you SO much for writing this. I’ve had one of those days and I really needed to hear this.
I just bought that book on Saturday! I am finishing another book and I am so excited to read it. Wonderful, encouraging post. Thank you for sharing this.
I wonder, Melanie, if it’s just part of the “human condition” that we have such a hard time believing anyone- let alone God – could love us in such a way. I am sometimes overwhelmed by the fact that although at any given moment there may be millions of voices talking to Him in prayer, He hears me as if I were the only one. That one small fact somehow helps me understand in part the kind of love He has for me. It is the knowing myself that makes it difficult to conceive of such a love; I have failed so many times, in such astounding ways (and all the while knowing Him as Savior).
Thank you for so eloquently reminding me that no matter what I do He will always love me.
I clicked over to watch the Steven Curtis Chapman interview, and I couldn’t watch all of it. Just too heart-rending.
And you are so right about the way God loves us, and knows our names. I know it, but I must not really believe it. If I really believed it, wouldn’t I be jumping for joy, and full of peace, and trust, and contentment? Wherefore then cometh this doubt and fear and unrest? Hmmmmmmm?
Wonderful. Thanks for this.
Mary
I think God wants to bring us to a place, no I think we must come to the place where we see Him as our Abba, Papa, Daddy. It is part of the process. I love that you are experiencing this now. It is such a freeing part of our spiritual walk. For me, it was another “type” of salvation…really just a part of working out my salvation and getting to know Him in a whole new way. He does know you name, and mine…just think, we could be neighbors in Heaven
Its gonna be an awesome place!!!
Ok, I just can’t stand to leave a spelling error…I should never ever hit submit b/f I read it…of course I meant to say “your name and mine”…might I add…He even knows our secret name…a name only He has for us. Such a cool thought. Maybe God is into nicknames…fun thought.
tears…that was beautiful.
I loved this post. I read it this morning and i have continued to think of it all day long. You have such a profound gift for writing. You make me laugh/cry and remember my faith all at once! Thank you.
What a beautiful post. Thanks for that.
Stunning words. So glad you liked “The Shack” The author has been a mentor to my husband for years and he’s the real deal man! If you ever get a chance to hear him speak run FAST to see him and get a front row seat!
Thanks for being the messenger for what God wanted me to hear today. I have been feeling so totally unloved – I have ached to actually feel God’s arms around me. Thanks for the reminder that they are there.
I have to say…I loved your post. BUt I fear something may be wrong with me. I read The Shack over vacation…and it didn’t do much for me. I saw the author interviewed and was so excited to read it..and was deflated when finished. ;-( Maybe it’s a book for another season. He’s an amazing writer, I will say that!
I just found your blog within the last week. I am weeping. Thank you for your obedience to the Lord in posting this. He has blessed me through you.
Melanie,
Thank you for being vulnerable and posting this…I am sure so many of us share the same feelings of I needed to hear this today. I know I did…life is rough right now but reading your post reminded me that no matter what the circumstance my Father loves me. And even though things are probably going to get a great deal harder over the next few weeks I know in my mind I am going to hear that same phrase, Christy, Your Father Loves You. Thank you for the beautiful reminder of His love and grace.
You are witty and funny but so very authentic and I am grateful you share your heart with us, your readers.
Blessings.
Wonderful, wonderful post. I’ve long struggled to wrap my mind around the way and just how much God loves me. I hope that somehow, someday, we can fully comprehend just how wide, how long, how high, or how wide His love for us is (Eph. 3:18). Until then, reminders like this one deeply bless my heart.
Thank you so, so much!
Thank you.
Funny how God works – I was humming “He Knows My Name” as I opened your Blog as I’m getting it ready for this Sunday’s service. We’re singing it for Offertory right before the message titled “He Knows Your Name.”
Sounds like He is trying to get through to a lot of us right now.
Thank you again for sharing.
WONDERFUL post!!
Melanie- I’m so glad you read The Shack. It was lifechanging for me (as was Believing God). I recently saw Shannon’s tweet regarding new reading material and this was the very book I recommended.
Two years before reading The Shack I found myself on a journey to know God for who He was and not for what was passed down about Him to me. I was desperate- failing health- fearful diagnosis- young children… and my “accepted faith” lacked a leg to stand on… until I pressed in and sought Him. Until this became my “mantra”… I CHOOSE YOU. I TRUST YOU. YOU’RE ENOUGH FOR ME!!!
One of my favorite parts in The Shack was the explanation of how when we live outside of love we are emposing limitations on ourselves we were never created to experience. Like a bird that is meant to fly but has had it’s wings clipped and remains on the ground, soo too are we limited when we live outside of love.
God is after the hearts of His children. He wants us reconciled unto Himself. He wants us to not only know and believe in Him(salvation) but to believe Him(sanctification). Because it’s in the believing Him that we move from fact to faith. Head to heart. And we experience intimacy and relationship.
Great post Melanie. God is especially fond of you.
Wow..thanks for sharing that link to their interview. I am probably the one and only American left who hadn’t seen any of their interviews. What an encouraging view of grieving they have. We just lost baby #4…grief is running rampant here…but grieving with HOPE…that is beautiful! And that is something only a Loving Father can give. This spoke to me…thanks!
You always hit the nail on the head which exactly what I need to hear! You have a gift, missy. Thank you soooooooooo much for this post. xoxo!
I love your funny side, but your serious posts make me cry everytime. You are one talented communicator, girl! Thanks for this post. It touched me. deep.
I totally needed to hear that. The Chapman tragedy has made me even more paranoid! Satan is on a rampage for sure. I am so envious ( in a Christian love sort of way ) that you are going to see/hear Beth Moore today. Get some good info for us. The weak. The weary!
That was an awesome post! Loved it!
Just the other day while praying I had a distinct feeling that God was sitting beside me smiling! He was smiling because he was so proud of the woman I had become.
It was an amazing feeling and I call upon it whenever I feel down or discouraged. If He’s proud of me….what is there to be down about!
Melanie,
I fear this comment might be a little long. I’ll apologize now.
I’m sitting hear with tears in my eyes. I should have read this post yesterday. It would have helped so much, just as it’s doing right now. We had a school shooting yesterday morning in one of our high schools. My heart just about died in my chest because my daughter is a Sophomore. Fortunately for us, the shooting wasn’t at her school.
One young man came into his school’s cafeteria and shot another young man dead. And I guess I just want to say please pray for the shooter, his family, and the victim’s family. They need to know everything you just stated in this post. But above all, that God knows their names. And that their Daddy loves them.
Beautiful post.
Your best post ever. Thanks for sharing.
p.s. I’m glad calls me by my name. If he called me Melanie, it would just hurt my feelings.
Oh my goodness, I am completely and utterly at a loss for words. This post is just breath-taking. I can not begin to tell how much you have just challenged me and encouraged me. Your words and your heart are beautiful. What an incredible thing you have done by sharing them with us. Thank you. From the very way-down bottom of my heart…thank you, thank you, thank you.
Melanie –
I,too, am at a loss for words. The Shack is sitting on my nightstand, and I am also afraid to read it because of the tragedy at the beginning. Since the birth of my daughter two yrs. ago, any tragedy or loss involving children gets to the very core of me and I can’t quit thinking about it…nor shake the spirit of fear that rises up when I hear about such things. Similarily, during my daughter’s first few months of life, I watched the entire rerun package of A Different World and The Cosby Show, with a little bit of Little House on the Prairie sprinkled in. It was all I could take.
Your thoughts on God’s love for us has touched my heart. With renewed anticipation, I am headed to the bedroom to start reading.
Love, Amy
Oh dear, I had a feeling I’d be a weepy mess (albeit a good weepy mess) by the end of this post. The Shack has been recommended to me, too. If it weren’t 6 in the morning I’d be at Barnes & Noble right now getting it. Thank you so much for this post.
Steph
Thanks for this post, Melanie. And also, thanks for the encouragement in reading the book, The Shack. I, too, have wanted to read it but have been afraid to tackle the beginning of the story. I have a tough time watching or reading anything involving children who are hurt…I do plan to read it sometime soon.
Thank you for your wonderful post. I thank God for knowing our names and for caring for each of us individually. What an awesome God we serve!
God bless you.
Really beautiful post.
One of my very favorite verses is Zeph. 3:17
“The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He takes great delight in you. He quiets you with his love, he rejoices over you with singing.”
He sings. Over you.
I have recommended The Shack to everyone I know! Your post is awesome…I sent it to a friend who needs to read it. Thanks for taking the time to put down your thoughts for others to read and to cause us to think on how much God wants us to know His love for us…no matter what life on earth brings our way. He never leaves us…He never will abandon us. He is with us in EVERYTHING!!
Wow, before last night at Living Proof Live I had never even heard of that book. I was talking to my step-mom on my cell phone (she’s in Paris, Tn – I’m in San Antonio) at the beginning of Praise and Worship, giving her the latest news on my youngest daughter (15 yrs). I thought I heard her say “Annette you NEED to read The Shack”.
The music was loud, the Alamodone was beginning to rock, surely that’s not what she said.
In the ladies room (formerly known as the “men’s room”) I overheard some women talking about The Shack. While walking out of the Alamodone, more women talking about The Shack. When I get home, I’m checking the mail and there’s a flyer for The Shack.
Today, I read your post and decided that maybe, just maybe I’m supposed to read The Shack. So, I ran to Lifeway and picked one up!
Thanks
Annette
I love that song!!! He does know our names, and it’s good to be reminded of that every now and again. Being a parent really gives insight into how our Heavenly Father feels about us, and it’s an awesome thought! Thanks for sharing.
I, too, have been captured by this season in the lives of the Chapmans. We watched the Larry King Interview and I was floored by the story of Stephen leaning out the window and telling his son that he loved him. But the thing I was most astounded by was the fact that when Larry King asked him about that moment, he looked at him and said, “They tell me that’s what I did.”
The love that he has for his kid is so ingrained that even in a moment of unparalleled anguish he reached out UNCONSCIOUSLY to reassure him.
And to think that our heavenly Father loves us even more than that….even in seasons of our worst rebellion or (perhaps worst) complete indifference…..He reaches out to show us his love.
Marvelous Grace.
Hi Melanie,
I read “The Shack” within 48 hours of picking it up. It had a profound effect on my soul – I felt such a strong desire to really come to know God once and for all. It also made me realize that there are some issues I must face at my own shack to finally be free.
Oh, my, this is lovely. No, it’s awesome! I’m sending my friends over here to visit! What a great reinforcement that God will roll down the window of heaven and call out, “Lynn Mosher! You Father loves you!” I love this! Thank you so much for posting it!
Wow! That was awesome. Brought tears to my eyes. I read the Shack and saw that interview also. You are writing all that I was thinking, but couldn’t put into words or thoughts really. I just came across your site randomly and read this entry. It’s amazing because I think God sent me to your site to read YOUR words. I really needed to hear them today. Thanks! Your newest blogger fan & cyber friend:-)
-Amy
I found my way here tonight by what unbelievers might call accident… but I know better. There are no accidents in the Kingdom of God. Thank you for speaking to me tonight. I realize I’m number 191 to comment, but I know God meant your words for each of us, and today, it was for me.
Enthusiastically His,
Whitney
I reallly appreciated your writing, good stuff. God is wonderful and He is Holy, Sovereign and in control of it all.
Am I the only one who read the Shack and saw the mixing of different religions including New Age? (auras)
I watched that interview with Steven Curtis Chapman and when he recalls what was told to him of his reaction to his son in those first moments, I cried like a baby. I had the exact same thoughts you did.
I was also in the middle of reading The Shack as I heard the interview. There are so many things said in the book that really reached out and grabbed me (that He collects our tears because we all collect what is important to us).
All these things are sitting deep inside me, quieting my heart. Thank you for writing about this and sharing it here – being part of God singing over me with joy.
This is the first time I’ve been to your blog, and I’m so glad I read this post!
First of all, I thought I was the only one who could only watch “feel-good” shows on TV in the weeks following my baby’s birth! I couldn’t even handle the nightly news – all I wanted to watch was The Biggest Loser and Everybody Loves Raymond.
Secondly, I just finished “The Shack” last night, and holy cow it blew me away. You spoke (wrote) my heart better than I could have – thank you so much for sharing!
Looking forward to visiting here regularly!
Missed this while I was on vacation, and was directed to it by Kelli – so glad I caught it – wonderful, wonderful stuff and a great way to start the week, any week. xoxo Bev
While I SO appreciate your willingness to encourage your readers, I would caution everyone about jumping on the Shack bandwagon before testing the content against the truths of scripture.
Don’t be deceived- the Bible warns against getting tossed about by every wind of doctrine.
Please, PLEASE read this article and then make your own judgment. It’s from a Christian media organization.
http://www.matthiasmedia.com.au/briefing/library/5395/
my name is bonnie and i read the shack about 2 months ago just before my mum passed on to be with jesus after a three year battle with cancer. she was a pastor and had recieved a word of great healing and the one question i asked god was we really believed you would heal her god why? did your plan change? HE said to me no that he had every ittention of healing her but once she was in his presence he loved her so much that just like in the shack (the book)he asked her if she wanted to stay…the moment i heard that in my spirit i knew she would not have been able to resist and that she was finally in no pain. we miss her but will see her again and what an amazing day that will be. thank you for sharing your heart on gods love for us cause thats what i struggle with to but am learning to understand he loves me faults and all. GOD BLESS U xxx
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