Recently, a friend and classmate of mine named Savannah recommended to me a book called Heaven Is For Real by Todd Burpo. I was hesitant to read it because I thought it would be a little childish. I can’t deny it but I am a little biased and after reading my peoples comments, it was hard to figure out if I wanted to spend time with this book. Because the book wasn’t mine, I also had to decide if I was willing to read this book quickly. On impulse, I took the book and began reading it. Little did I know how powerful and amazing this story really is. I can honestly say that I don’t have enough good words to describe how great it is.
Heaven Is For Real is about a little 4 year old boy named Colton. During an emergency surgery that his father had to go through, Colton becomes unconscious and enters heaven. In heaven, Colton was able to look down from heaven and watch his dad undergo surgery. After telling his family about what he saw, his families were a little skeptical about it all until he mentioned more information that became evident that this was the real deal. At first, Colton would tell stories and talk about things that the family would assume come from Sunday school. He then started talking about his meeting with his miscarried sister (which never knew about till then), his passed away great grandfather. I know that many people may be struggling with these encounters but it seems that Colton’s dad, Todd, even had some struggles with this. He says “I couldn’t remember angels having lights over their heads specifically – or halos, as some would call them – but I also knew that Colton’s experience of angels in storybooks and Scripture did not include lights over angels’ heads. And he didn’t even know the world halo.” The part that struck me the most was when he said “And he didn’t even know the world halo.” How did he know all of this? In one part of the book, they talk about a girl that did a portrait of Jesus and Colton’s mother showing pictures of Jesus and asking him which one looked like him. Both Colton’s and the girl’s view on Jesus were the same. All of Colton’s encounters were so precise and extraordinary.
This story has impacted me in so many more ways than one. It has made me feel more faithful to God and more caring of others. Even after reading this, I understood why people may think that it is a scam and not true at all. It’s everyone’s own opinion. Obviously, there is going to be conflict when religion becomes a part of anything. It’s hard to put a theme to this book but I feel that it is faith. Even if you have to go through so many highs and lows, encounter very impolite people or even very amazing people, stay faithful to whatever you believe in.
Although, it was Coltons dad who wrote this, most of the words written into the book was from Colton. After reading this book, I literally sat still and thought about what it would be look if I were in that position. I had to recommend someone else this book and of course, I did! When you do read it, you'll be able to look at pictures and feel as if you could know this little boy! This book can be for anyone at any age. Not to mention that it is a perfect quick read and great to share to everyone else you know! :)
xo Sydney
