The Shack

Chapter 1

Summary Notes:

·        Mack stuck at home during severe ice storm.

·        Defiant Mack (p15, raising fist against nature as going to check the mail).

·        Mack welcomes distractions from The Great Sadness (GS) for even a moment (p16).

·        Mack gets a letter in the mail from Papa, inviting him to the shack for the weekend.

·        Mack extremely affected (emotionally and physically) by the GS (p16).

·        Mack slips and cuts the back of his head on the ice.

·        Mack leaves the bloody clothing in the entryway of the house (p18).

·        Mack obsessive about the GS…doesn’t forget the note for an instant (p19).

·        Mack lies to Nan about the note (p21).

·        Nan is despairing about oldest daughter, Kate.  It’s like talking to a rock (p21). Praying without results.

·        Mack uses shallow, ritualistic words to try to comfort Nan (p22).

·        Mack loves Bill Moyer, who has compassion for both people and truth.

 

Splinters from “Shaq:”           shaq.jpg

1.       How do you show defiance?

2.      Do you keep your life busy, continuously distracted from your pain?

3.      Why do you think Mack lied to Nan about the note?  What do you lie to your woman about?

4.      Have you ever prayed for a long time for something without results?  How did you react?

5.      Do you tell people only what they want to hear?  Why or why not?