When I think back on my personal journey of faith, there are several authors whose books challenged me not only to be a better person, but to allow God to be God. I grew up with a strong sense of “right” and “wrong” and I unwittingly kept God in a box. I was in my first year of college when a family tragedy shook my faith to the core. That began a journey of discovery of who God is to me. I was fortunate to have a pastor and a Sunday School teacher who not only influenced me by sharing their faith journeys, but introduced me to the books that opened my mind to the infinite size of God, the unbridled power of God, and the endless love He has for me.
One author I was introduced to in more recent years was Rachel Held Evans. With wisdom and insight way beyond her years, she challenged me even more to expand my vision of God. I have to admit being a little jealous that one so young could have such a unique view of the One that I have spent my whole life trying to learn more about. Her books were truly a gift. Her untimely death in 2019 felt like a personal loss. I imagined rereading her books over and over through the years as she had so much to share.
It was quite a surprise to learn recently that in the last months of her life, she began writing outlines for books for children. The first, “What Is God Like?” was put into a book by Rachel’s good friend Matthew Paul Turner. In his forward to the book, Rachel’s husband Dan writes that in this book you will find “Rachel’s heart for people, love of words, and the solace she discovered in the unknown.” This book does not disappoint. There is no doubt that these are Rachel’s thoughts.
I can’t wait to read this book with our Parkway Kids. I can see this book being read night after night, inspiring children to never stop wondering about God, growing in His love. If you have a young child(ren) or grandchild(ren), or if you just loved Rachel and are hungry to read her words again, I highly recommend this book. After all, aren’t we all seeking to learn what God is truly like?