 |
| Photo Courtesy of Amazon |
Review by Ian Acheson
Blurb
Much-Afraid had
been in the service of the Chief Shepherd, whose great flocks were pastured
down in the Valley of Humiliation. She lived with her friends and fellow
workers Mercy and Peace in a tranquil little white cottage in the village of
Much-Trembling. She loved her work and desired intensely to please the Chief
Shepherd, but happy as she was in most ways, she was conscious of several
things which hindered her in her work and caused her much secret distress and
shame. Here is the allegorical tale of Much-Afraid, an every-woman searching
for guidance from God to lead her to a higher place.
My Review
A good friend of mine was
shocked when I said I’d never even heard of this “Christian Classic”, let alone
read it. Having 700+ reviews on Amazon (average rating 4.8) tells me many have
read this book that was written in 1955. I expect there are some within ACW who
have fond memories of reading it at one time.
I don't read many allegories
but this was such a delight and I can understand why so many people read it
multiple times. The story takes its title from Habakkuk 3:19 and Much-Afraid’s journey
of falling in love with God as she climbs the mountain is tremendously
uplifting and inspirational. Here she is, the fearful Much-Afraid, learning to
trust her Shepherd as He transforms her.
What is interesting is the
significance of her encounters with the Shepherd. It is only through the
deepening relationship realised by those encounters and her obedience in
stepping out in faith that the transformation occurs. Power is released when we
obey and we see very practical examples of this in Much-Afraid's journey.
I took a lot away from this
powerful tale and trust some of the key messages will linger in my heart for
many weeks. It also reminded me that often it's the simple tales that capture our hearts. One doesn't need to write a literary masterpiece to stir a reader's heart.
Glad you enjoyed it. It is many years since I first read it but enjoyed it at the time.
ReplyDeleteHi Dale, I thought one of the first commenters would be one who has read it. Appreciate your confirmation that it is an enjoyable read.
Delete