Eve

I bought the book, by Wm Paul Young, cos I have really enjoyed the previous 2 he has written. This one ( no spoilers, the info is given in the title) focuses on the creation story. I will happily lend it to those of you interested, so won't spill too much here in case you'd like to borrow it, I'd certainly recommend it. I don't share some of his views, there seems to be a strong emphasis on marriage and heterosexuality for example, but found lots in this story to enjoy and reflect on and he has done much to highlight the long held oversight of women.

As in all his books, I'm fond of how he depicts God's love as unfailingly tender and complete, never wielding power over us. How in God's eyes we are beautiful and brilliant and yet we often struggle to see ourselves so kindly. I like how the people in his novels are generous and supportive of each other through self doubt (this was a marked contrast with today's Bible reading I had to read out in church, in which the writer felt no-one could be trusted, everyone is out to kill everyone else). I love the affirmation and celebration of every life. I'm encouraged by the message of hope that all of us can know the feeling of being totally accepted. I think his novels, in their modern settings, show us ways we can love one another by reflecting back to people how precious they are, by giving of ourselves in practical support of one another.

This book, I was especially struck by the message of this: when a character realises they had not been trusted and is asked if they are disappointed "Disappointed, no. Grieved, yes. Do you trust me enough to let me be sad without thinking less of yourself?"

Situations can cause grief for others, but that doesn't mean we have let the person down. We can be alongside them in their sadness without taking it on as a personal failing.

As you can perhaps tell, I thought that yet again, he's written a book that's helpful and uplifting. If you want to borrow it, let me know!