Embraced by the Father

Last spring I read one of the best books I’d ever read -- Embraced by the Father: Finding Grace in the Names of God by Susanne Scheppmann. It’s sad that it’s taken me this long to tell you about it, especially considering it’s written by my mother-in-law. I read the whole thing the first night I got it; I seriously couldn’t put it down. And I’m not just saying that because it’s written by my mother-in-law. Or because it’s dedicated to her three grandchildren (two of which are mine.)  :)   Here is part of the Foreword written by Lysa Terkeurst, president of Proverbs 31 Ministries:

When I was eight years old, I remember wanting one thing more than anything else . . . my daddy’s love. I remember standing beside his chair twirling around while my heart cried out for his attention. “Daddy, do you notice me? Daddy, am I beautiful? Daddy, am I your special little girl? Daddy, do you love me?” But my daddy never gave me those words of affirmation. While my earthly daddy didn’t notice me, my heavenly Daddy did. It took years of heartbreak to discover this. Years of running from God in a fit of anger, hurt, feeling like a throwaway person. I wish I’d had Susanne’s book during these years. Her gentle understanding of what it feels like to miss the embrace of the Father has given her divine wisdom to write the book you hold in your hands. This book is a treasure all women should read.

Susanne highlights the different names of God using dance metaphors, including such chapters as “The Wallflower Waltz,” “Two Left Feet,” and “Fox-trot Escorts.” These metaphors are a lot of fun even if you’re like me and don’t know much at all about dance. She weaves stories from the Old Testament throughout, and even though the Biblical stories were often familiar, she brought up so many aspects of the characters’ lives I had never thought about. Susanne is also amazing at weaving so many personal stories throughout the book. She is so transparent about her past and her shortcomings, you will certainly find things in her life you can relate to.

If you’ve had a rough upbringing or a poor father-figure in your life, this is a book you do not want to miss. You will be encouraged to get to know God as your true heavenly Father in a way you’ve maybe never experienced. And if your childhood was a fairly positive one with supportive parents, you will also experience God’s amazing love for you in a deeper way.

I am so proud of my mother-in-law for opening her heart and writing such an amazing, transparent book that I know will change so many lives. You will have a different view of our heavenly Father than before you started reading. I won’t say much more but the story at the end will leave you in tears, tears of joy. Find a copy and don’t put it down until you’ve read to the very end.

** You will find it on Amazon or in your local Christian bookstore, or click on the book cover above.