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Anne Lamott


I just finished Anne Lamott's book, "Plan B - Further thoughts on Faith". I really enjoy Anne's writing. She's brutally honest, funny and insightful. I appreciate her candid approach to life, faith and her view of the world. Some Christians can't handle her type of straight forward writing. She can be at times irreverent. But, when I'm alone or with those I'm most comfortable I can also be 'somewhat' irreverent (those of you who know me know what I mean), sarcastic and sardonic. It's not that my heart is bad, it's just that I've seen a lot. Anne's worldview is refreshing to me as someone who is still trying to define who I am in Christ.

Anne is a unashamed democrat and has an more liberal view of theology that I'm used to. But - her love for Jesus and honesty all but makes up for her strong views on the Bush administration. If you're looking for theology, then you should look elsewhere. If you're looking for a someone who is also on 'the journey', than her writings are right 'up your alley'.

Her first book, "Traveling Mercies" which is essentially her testimony really impacted me. I suggest you start with that one and then read 'Plan B'. Her books are written (in my view) for folks like her, liberal, somewhat free thinking and secular. They're for folks who are still trying to work things out. If you're lifelong supporter of the '700 Club' this may not be for you. Here's an excerpt from 'Plan B'
"I bet I'm beginning to make some parents nervous - here I am, bragging of being a dropout, and unemployable, and about to make a pitch for you to follow your creative dreams, when what parents want for their children to do well in their field, to make them look good, and maybe also to assemble a tasteful fortune.

But that is not your problem. Your problem is how you are gong to spend this one odd and precious life you have been issued. Whether you're going to live it trying to look good and creating the illusion that you have power over people and circumstances, or whether you are going to taste it, enjoy it, and find out the truth about who you are." (p.302 - 303)
"I'd wanted to be a writer my whole life. But when finally made it, I felt like a greyhound catching the mechanical rabbit she'd been chasing for so long- discovering it was mealy metal, wrapped up in a cloth. It wasn't alive, it had no spirit. It was fake. Fake dosen't feed anything. Only spirit feeds spirit, your own and universal spirit, in the same way that only your own blood type, and O negative, the universal donor, can sustain you. 'Making it' had nothing that could slake the thirst I had for immediacy and connection." (p.304)
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