Author Anne Lamott was visiting the Hiroshima Memorial in Japan where she encountered a Hawaiian group performing folk songs. The singers were greeted enthusiastically by the Japanese. She pondered the significance of the first Americans attacked by the Japanese and the first people who America had bombed with a nuclear weapon embracing each other. She comments: “Thank God I am in charge of so little, or this could never have happened; life is much wilder, richer and more profound than I am comfortable with” (Hallelujah Anyway!).

Anne Lamott has had an intriguing life. In several non-fiction books she discusses her eating disorder, alcoholism, drug addiction, single-parent motherhood, abortion, and coming to faith in Jesus. Yep, she became a Christian thanks to God’s work through a small, welcoming Presbyterian congregation. Since then she has been constantly amazed at what God is up to.

I have heard Anne Lamott speak as well as read her books. She can be bold, brash and yet at the same time humble. Unlike some public figures I have encountered who think they are the center of the universe, Lamott gives glory to God. Her comment about being thankful for being in charge of so little reminds me of the closing of Martin Luther’s Sacristy Prayer. “Only do not forsake me, for if I am left to myself, I will certainly bring it all to destruction.”

It’s good to know that ultimately God is in charge but it’s also a blow to the ego. It’s not all about me. Being a Christian takes a good dose of humility.

Read Colossians 3:12-15 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne