An Evening with Anne Lamott

I had a fun evening tonight as I got to go hear one of my favorite authors – Anne Lamott. She was doing a booksigning/Q&A event at a local college and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to hear her. Traveling Mercies is the most raw and honest book on faith I have ever read, and Operating Instructions is the same for parenting books. I appreciate her witty "tell it like it is" style and never fail to be blessed by the insights she delivers from everyday life.

So seeing her speak tonight was a treat. I have to admit, she was less edgy and far more (dare I say) cute in real life than the impressions I developed from reading her work. But yes, even in the conservative of conservative DuPage County she had no fear being her die hard democrat self. But the evening wasn't all politics. After reading a selection from Grace (Eventually), she spoke on her influences and what it takes to find one's voice as a writer. She addressed her writing process and why she is hopeful these days (politics did play a roll there). The final question of the evening involved what hope does she see for the church in America. I enjoyed her answer which did touch on the move away from the religious right's grasp, but focused more on seeing the church choose to follow the example of Jesus. Of choosing to serve and care for the needs of others, and of capturing a vision of a better world.

I'm a fan and I've been blessed by her writings. So it was really fun to hear from her in person and to finally meet someone whose story has helped shape me.

Tags: Church, Anne Lamott, politics, Grace Eventually