Danielle Hawkins- Hinds Feet on High Places

 A friend recommend that I read this book before the AT and also just as I finish up college. It is crazy how much I can relate to a book and see how the content relates to my life. The premise of the book is an allegory that follows along the transformation of a girl (Much-Afraid) and her finding peace and joy in the midst of healing and suffering. This book easily became one of my favorites. 

One particular aspect of the book that stood out to me was Much-Afraid putting down alters at each new land area. At these alters she kept putting down her fear and telling the shepherd she would not pick it up again, however she kept being afraid at each new turn and ultimately was not able to give up her fear or control. I am able to related to this in my own life. In my own relationship with God, we are called to lay down idols and things that interfere with our pursuit of His heart. It was validating to know that it is expected of us to keep stumbling until the one who is perfect comes and takes it from our hearts. On the final alter, Much-Afraid realizes she needs help, so the shepherd came bounding to help. He grabbed a root that was in her heart and pulled. This root was deeply imbedded in her heart and was very painful when it was being removed, however the second it was out she has never felt more free in her life. This reminds me of my time spent gardening and how when there are weeds around the plants, they often sprout up and choke out the plant until it is removed. When weeds are removed it is often a grueling task in that you have to get deep down to fully remove it. Other times when you remove weeds, some of the plant comes up to, however the fruit that is produced from the removal of weeds is so much greater. with a small portion of the plant gone. Getting rid of a bit of good now, can lead to greater good later.