TSS Week 6

I had a fantastic experience this week - I got to see Anne Lamott. I randomly decided to read her book, Grace (Eventually), last week, having no idea that she would be in town to talk about it. (I wasn't aware that it was her most recent work.) When I saw the flier for the event, I was completely surprised (and jazzed).

This is the first time I have seen her and she was great - a very funny and compelling speaker, just like her writing. She took questions from the audience, and I had the opportunity to ask her something I have always wondered while reading her work, which is what kind of criticism she receives from mainstream conservative Christians and how she deals with it. She spoke of extreme hostility with previous book releases that seems to have died down now. It seems she is just comfortable with herself, even her uncertainties, and that is enough for her. I think she is a brave, special woman.


Here are some Grace (Eventually) quotes that I found meaningful:

"Being human can be so dispiriting. It is a real stretch for me a lot of the time."

"...it really is easier to experience spiritual connection when your life is in the process of coming apart. When things break up and fences fall over, desperation and powerlessness slink in, which turns out to be good: humility and sweetness often arrive in your garden not long after."