Anne Jackson is gone.
You’re reading this entry on AnneJacksonWrites.com, but I’m no longer Anne Jackson. On March 8, 2013, on Sandy Beach in Oahu, my best friend Tim Miller and I got married.
It is a story unexpected, full of surprises and whimsy and ultimately an incredibly strong bond through our love for Christ, sharing that love with others, vulnerability, community, the Church, the lost, and the forgotten. We are presently working on a video that tells that story so others can see something that only God can do. The last year and a half of my journey has been full of joy and redemption I never imagined possible…but I guess in some ways, that kind of love and mercy Christ shows is what we should expect (Ephesians 3:20).
Since being off the social media grid the last two years, inevitably “Anne Jackson” the author/blogger/social media persona that would pop up in your feeds went dark, disappeared, and fell off the radar with intent and gratefulness to be able to have that season in order to heal, replenish and prepare for this new season.
Don’t think my little ego hasn’t taken a little ding, however. I am human. A human who wants to be known.
One of the most recent lessons I’ve been learning is about faith and trust and expectancy. Instead of giving up coffee or chocolate or wine for lent, I gave up my desire to control and to act out of that control. On a farm in South Georgia a month and a half ago, I got called to the carpet by a 70-year old farmer who was a strong match to my stubbornness when it came to my lack of faith that God does show up and he will act according to his purpose. This subplot ended with a list of those things which entangle my spirit which were burned and set free as I claimed the freedom of a sound mind promised to all those who believe.
I still have another book to write. Half of it is due a month from tomorrow. As Tim, myself, and my publishing team at Thomas Nelson sat down in December, we discussed the pros and cons of changing my name from what it has always been known as online and on books – Anne Jackson – to my new name: Anne Miller…but…if we were going to change it, why not go all out? We polled our friends and using my middle name (Marie) in addition to Anne Miller, won out 99% of the time.
So my pen name and all that comes with it will be just that, Anne Marie Miller.
But what about those people who only know “Anne Jackson”? How will they find out? Is it a bad career move?
My heart and gut say to go with it. Though “Anne Jackson” is the name some people know, it is just a name. It is time for me to shed the skin that held much love and heartache and enjoy wearing this new one which is full of new life and adventure. I am a different person now…hopefully one who is a little more mature in her faith and loving in her heart. The seasons past have changed the voice with which I write.
No, I am not guaranteed the massive followings my old FlowerDust days once had, but then again, I’m not even guaranteed this next breath. It’s an exercise in faith and trust and expectancy. God will do what He wants with this next season. And because of his faithfulness in the past, the anticipation and excitement far outweigh any fear or anxiety.
He is God, and He is good.
Much love,
Anne Marie Miller
You can follow me: Twitter • Instagram • Facebook
You can follow Tim: Twitter • Instagram • Facebook
PS – I’ve opened commenting back up on this website…social media has changed so much in the last two years I don’t even know if people comment anymore. Also, if you feel the urge to help spread the news that I am back online, it would be much appreciated. I know I can’t do this alone! Later this year the old FlowerDust blog along with this one will relaunch under a new domain to help tie it all together.
Comments
75 responses to “Anne Jackson is Gone.”
I can’t wait to see your video! :)
Praying His goodness and mercy over you today!
Congratulations!!
Thank you Steph!
Rest assured, it’s not just you. It’s a weirdly hard decision, right? Who would think it takes THIS MUCH thought?!
I’ve been a newspaper reporter for six years, and when I got married almost two years ago, I legally changed my name from McFarlan to Miller without a second thought: Finally! A name people could spell! But it took me more than a year to work out what to do with my byline. People knew me as Emily McFarlan. They could Google Emily McFarlan and see all my articles back to college. If they Google Emily Miller, about a hundred million other people pop up. Plus, there are all those depressing studies about whether people will take you as seriously in the workplace if you take your husband’s name (Why is that a thing?). But it was getting confusing when meeting people: I had to make a snap judgement whether I thought of them as readers or sources or real friends before introducing myself. So eventually I changed my byline to Emily McFarlan Miller. Everybody wins!
I can’t wait to see your video, and to read more from Anne Marie Miller! And welcome to the Miller club!
Great story, Emily! Thanks for sharing!
Oh we still comment. :-)
i struggle with the concept of “self-care” but your hiatus encourages and inspires me– i can’t wait to see your video.
Congratulations to you and Tim. :-)
thank you, ally!
congrats tim and anne! beautiful shot of you guys!
we had a great photog. super fun guy.
…it is time for me to shed that skin and enjoy wearing this new one. I am a different person now…
Yes, and yes. I could have long conversations with you over trusting God to show up and act. That has also been the last year and a half of my life.
Congratulations on the wedding!!
Much love.
As always, thanks, sister.
Can’t wait to read your new book and I love your new name!
<3 C.C.
Thank you CC!
Congratulations!
I went to Palmer college in Davenport, please say hi to my old stomping grounds.
As for your old stomping grounds… well, they’re old. You’re new. I have faith you’ll build exactly the audience God wants and you want with your new name :)
Another rare person familiar with QC!
Congratulations!
Good to see you here, Travis!
Anne, I’m excited for you and can’t wait to read the new book as well. I have gone back a few tims and re-read your first two books, and thank you again for signing my book when I met you in Burlington NC.
Congrats again to you and Tim!
You’re awesome, Shawn!
I’m proud of you. Just like a butterfly, you’ve morphed into something incredibly beautiful.
Love you!
Looks like I will be posting with a female pic … of Anne Jackson? … I miss the pre-Anne Jackson … congrats old friend / new butterfly. :-)
Think it’s fixed!
blessings in this new season of life and ministry!
Wow. I do NOT know why or where it is pulling that old picture of me from! It has “Mystery Man” as the non-gravatar people…yikes! I will try and find that…
Welcome back…and many congrats! I can’t wait to watch the video and learn more about your story.
In the meantime, best wishes as you open this new door in your life!!
Thank you!
Congratulations Anne-I think we can get use to Anne Marie Miller-and help make sure everyone else does too. Thanks for posting.
Thanks for the kind words!
Welcome to the world, Anne Marie Miller. And congratulations! I am so happy for you and Tim. I am also partial to the name ”Miller,” since I have six of them (Joel, Megan, Fionn, Felicity, Moses, and Jonah) in my “downline.”
I think this is a brilliant brand move on so many levels. I can’t wait to see you guys.
Hugs from Nashville!
MIKE…you have no idea how much your commenting here means to me. Thank you!
I love it! As far as name changing goes I believe that
Anne Marie Miller > Meta World Peace
You rock! Thanks.
I will find you under the new name one way or the other since I have become a serious “fan.” You locked yourself to my heart when you included the personal Thank You note with the CD. And as a mother of an-about-to-graduate college student your work has encouraged, uplifted, challenged and taught me on so many levels I am just glad you plan to keep using your gifts and talents to honor God and minister to those who need to hear.
Blessings and good wishes on the new life ahead! Looking forward to the video and the next book!
CEB
Thank you for your kind words, Carla. May God bless what you are doing!
So sorry to hear about all your “stuff” . Just to let u know if u don’t already, my x at age 54 married his 28 yr old girlfriend. Kids are still reeling. I am still single after walking through the last year with my first true love from 42 yrs ago until he died 1 month ago – grateful for the opportunity to love him & be loved by him again & most of all to pray with him for salvation so we know we’ll be together again one day. Sharing in the sufferings of Christ and looking forward to sharing in His glory.
Bonnie (used to be cox) Muir (my maiden name).
Bonnie Cox is gone!
Bonnie, so sorry to hear of your recent loss and still grieve the one years ago. You and the kids frequently come to mind. Please do keep in touch.
Love it! Look forward to more.
Good to see you Ron!
So excited for you two! Gods best is ahead of you!!
Thanks, local-in-person friend!
Your Gone!!!! Congratulations and prayers for a long and wonderful marriage.
Ken
Ken! I can’t tell you how much Tim loves your work. When he found out we knew each other he was thrilled. I can’t wait for you and Diane to meet him soon! We will be heading your way soon.
May the lord bless you and keep you! ❤!
Hey there, old timer! :) In the blogging way.
Congratulations, Anne and Tim! Wonderful picture of the two of you! Our family will continue praying for you both daily!
Thank you Pete. You’re great!
I changed my name, not due to marriage, but because I had a spiritual awakening. I’m happy with my new name and I feel a sense of renewal.
I’ve been online since 1994, so my digital footprint is quite deep. At first, I was worried about all my search engine cred. Worried about losing all those coveted #1 rankings.
But Google is smart. I just need to tell it what my new name is and it’ll adjust. Can’t say the same for some people in my life. But they’ll eventually adjust as well.
My dad did the same thing when he became a Christian. Very cool
Yaaaaay!!!!!! Yaaay!
I’m so excited for your new season with Tim and in your life.
Aaand I’m glad you are back :) You have inspired me in so many ways and I know God will use you to do amazing things in this next chapter of your life!
Glad to see you around!
SO excited for you & Tim, Anne Marie! I love the new change, and from your new found family in SoCal, we love & pray for the new Miller clan as you discover more on this incredible journey you’ve embarked on!
Can’t wait to see how the Lord unfolds all of this before you and all of us! Glad you’re dipping your toes back in these waters that have such great potential for His touch through you!
Always great to hear from you, Paul.
So good to see your name pop up again…even if it is changing. Congrats and looking forward to the future.
Thanks, Amy!
Love the name change. Love what God has done and is doing. Love how He has healed and redeemed. Love that He holds the future (yours and mine) in His hands. ~blessings~
Thank you, Kendra!
Congratulations! The new name sounds good! I’ll remember that and I’m sure it will ‘grow’ on everyone. It’s good to have a brand new start. Bon chance!
Thanks, Dee!
I could see myself holding a collection of essays or poetry from Anne Marie Miller one day. It’s quite a literary name.
I’m pulling for you, Anne. You are a talented writer with a rare depth and vulnerability.
Look forward to wandering any landscapes you choose to create.
You can now! http://annejacksonwrites.com/2012/07/anne-jacksons-free-poetry-photography-ebook-available/
Thank you…
Congratulations, Anne! I’m happy for you. I look forward to reading your new book.
I’m so happy for you Anne!
Thanks, Sarah!
So happy and excited for you. Can’t wait to hear more about this journey you’ve been on.
And thank you, Mrs. E!
Keep doin’ your thang, Anne Marie Miller!
Thanks, Justin!
Congrats Anne! God’s best to you both!
hey klint! thx!
[…] Read her entire article — complete with a picture of her new hubby — at this link. […]
Beautiful!
thanks Julie!
Anne,
I am so stoked about the new path you are beginning and the things that God has planned for you.
I remember when I first discovered you through a blog my student pastor had wrote and made reference to you and your book. Your blogging & writing has been a continual inspiration to me and meeting you while you were in Nashville on your Permission to Speak Freely Tour was is definitely a favorite of mine!
I speak nothing but the best for you both and know that in your journey, you have made such a difference through the work you have let God do through you :)
Love & Aspirations for the Great Future Ahead for You,
Cherice
[…] Love entered the scene with balloons and marching bands and fireworks and a sparkly diamond and my days of being single ended on a beach in Hawaii. […]