So I just finished reading Anne Lamott’s book called “Traveling Mercies – Some Thoughts on Faith.” I heard about Lamott’s book from another book, Steve Brown’s book, “A Scandolous Freedom.” I recommend them both. Lamott’s book comes with a warning, however. Hers is a bit of a biography of her journey of faith. A journey from atheism to faith. And probably the best word I can use to describe it is “raw.” If you are easily offended by gut level honesty and someone telling you how life really has been for them, don’t read this book. You will be offended. But while I am miles and miles away from Lamott on so many levels – personally, experientially, politically, and more, my heart resonates with her story and appreciates her faith journey.

Let me share one quick excerpt from her book. She is telling about a woman sharing in church about her adoption experience of a special needs child:

“I was back in church the week before as one of our members stood at the pulpit telling us about how she had come to adopt her little son.  She and her husband had found him through an agency called ASK, for Adopt Special Kids. First they had to fill out a questionnaire, with questions like “Could you adopt an addicted baby? A child with a terminal illness? With mild retardation? With moderate retardation?  With tendencies toward violence against others?” She ticked off the list, and then she cried.  Veronica stepped to her side. “God is an adoptive parent, too,” she said. “And she chose us all. She says, ‘Sure, I’ll take the kids who are addicted, or terminal. I pick all the retarded kids, and of course the sadists. The selfish ones, the liars…'”

God loves us all.  From the “best” to the “worst.”  Thank God that he does.   

Let me know if you read Lamott’s or Brown’s book.  I’d love to hear your thoughts.  My next book will hopefully be another recommendation from Brown’s book.  I’m waiting for the library to get a copy of “Beyond Gay” by David Morrison.