Heaven Is for Real is the true story of the four-year old son of a small town Nebraska pastor who during emergency surgery slips from consciousness and enters heaven. He survives and begins talking about being able to look down and see the doctor operating and his dad praying in the waiting room. The family didn't know what to believe but soon the evidence was clear.
Colton said he met his miscarried sister, whom no one had told him about, and his great grandfather who died 30 years before Colton was born, then shared impossible-to-know details about each. He describes the horse that only Jesus could ride, about how "reaaally big" God and his chair are, and how the Holy Spirit "shoots down power" from heaven to help us.
Told by the father, but often in Colton's own words, the disarmingly simple message is heaven is a real place, Jesus really loves children, and be ready, there is a coming last battle.
Reading is really not my thing. I wish I could say, I love to read, but, I don't. I am not one to cozy up with a 'good book'. However, the books I have read and enjoyed in the past, have been non-fiction. I rather read about something real and something I can learn from. If I am looking to be entertained with fiction, I'll watch a movie. Not to put down literature, I believe the ability to write a book is amazing... Even more amazing to me, are the people who 'love' to read them. I honestly wish I had that gift and desire.
Nonetheless, from time to time, I am presented with a book that does peek my interest. This time it was a book named, Heaven is for Real, by Todd Burpo. Thad's cousin, Elizabeth, gave it to me during our visit to West Virginia. First, I have to say Elizabeth is so special to me. From our first phone call 5 years ago, I liked her, we bonded. In the years that have passed, I have come to love her, respect her, and care for her deeply. So when she suggested this book, I listened. Bare in mind, many books have been pushed in my direction since I lost my daughter. I have not read any of them. This time it was different. Elizabeth suggested it. Elizabeth and I, have not only a friendship and sisterhood, we share a common faith in Jesus. One we share with each other openly. She is one of the few people I sit with and have a heart to heart about religion. The topic of religion has become such a taboo topic. It is refreshing to be open with someone with my thoughts and feelings on the topic. It is provoking and it is fulfilling. So right off the bat, Heaven is for Real, sounded like something I would be interested in. Elizabeth liked the book why wouldn't I? Beside it is a true story! Two step in the right direction in my opinion.
I read this book in 3 sittings. 3! Unheard of in my world. I have to say, I liked the book. I could relate to it. I could see myself in this book, especially the epilogue. I thought, "I am not alone." Other people can see the good in the bad. Thank God! I needed this message. God put this book in my hands. I needed to know my daughter is alright. I needed to feel a kinship to someone who is not downtrodden from tragic circumstances, even if it is someone I don't know. I am grateful and happy to have had to opportunity to read this book. And while I read most of it during the 4 hours I spent at the cardiologists office the other day, I am also thankful for that absurdly long waiting time between procedures. Mostly I am thankful for Elizabeth's openness and honestly and for her recommendation! Thank you!
If you are so inclined, I would recommend you pick up the book and read it this summer.
http://heavenisforreal.net
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