Category: Miscellany

Back in the fall, I had the opportunity to speak at The Youth Cartel’s Summit on the process of creativity. I laughed. A lot. Because my process looks a lot more like…it looks nothing like a process at all (so much that I’ve struggled for five minutes to find any kind of analogy).

After explaining my lack-of-process, they didn’t budge, so instead, I changed my talk. Kind of. Yes, there is a creative process behind every project we do but it varies from person to person. In my research, I discovered the “Blank Page” we often fear really isn’t blank. And I also managed to give a history lesson on Easter Island…all within about 15 minutes.

The Youth Cartel made this talk available last week, so I thought I’d share it with you! If you have 15 minutes and are a part of creating anything, I hope it can give you some insight on why the process you go through before you enter the creative process is more important than the creative process itself. I hope you enjoy it!

Cheap grace is the deadly enemy of our Church. We are fighting today for costly grace.

Cheap grace means grace sold on the market like cheapjack’s wares. The sacraments, the forgiveness of sin, and the consolations of religion are thrown away at cut prices…

Cheap grace means the justification of sin without the justification of the sinner…

Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, communion without confession, absolution without personal confession.

Cheap grace is grace without discipleship…

Costly grace is the treasure hidden in the field; for the sake of it, a man will gladly go and sell all that he has…it is the kingly rule of Christ, for whose sake a man will pluck out the eye which causes him to stumble.

Costly grace is the gospel which must be sought again and again, the gift that must be asked for, the door at which one must knock.

These are words that could have been written today. But they weren’t. Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote them in the 1930′s – when he was in his late twenties. This is a timeless truth that we should contemplate maybe more now in our commercialized, diagrammed culture.

*What does grace mean to you?

*How do you see the message of grace presented in our world today?

I never thought there was much difference between reconciliation and forgiveness. In my heart, it all kind of meant the same thing – letting go of pain that someone had inflicted on me. Usually this involved some type of “making up” process involving apologies, sometimes tears, and a hug to make everything alright.

Twelve years ago, somebody hurt me in a very painful, inexcusable way. For years, I didn’t allow myself to work through the pain as I needed to. A couple of years ago, circumstances (which were mostly out of my control) caused me to stare at this wound square in the face.

As strange as it sounds, I’ve never doubted that I forgave this person. I feel fortunate that, for the most part, forgiveness comes easy to me. There are probably only two situations in my life where I know I still need to work on forgiving someone, but this particular hurt isn’t one of them.

However, as I was processing through healing during this time, I began questioning if i really had forgiven this person. Sure, the scabs had been peeled off and the wounds were fresh – and it hurt…badly, all over again.

Someone who was helping me through this sent me an email. He encouraged me and said that what I was experiencing wasn’t me being bitter or holding on (which was what I was afraid I was doing) but that I was desiring reconciliation.

I wanted for this person to own up to the mistake and for everything – painful as it would be – to be okay again.

And I wanted for the relationship to be harmonized and restored completely.

Later, I read this in a book:

Joseph was reconciled with his brothers when they came to Egypt in search of grain. By the time his brothers reached Egypt, he was able to stand before them and confront them because he had no inner feelings that would keep him from having a relationship of unity and peace with them.

Forgiveness is unilateral. You can forgive even if [someone] never admits [their wrong doing], is never sorry, and never changes. But reconciliation requires both people’s commitment to recovery, honesty, repentance, forgiveness, and communication. Even then, reconciliation is a long and difficult process of breaking down barriers and building trust.

You may not ever be reconciled with a person that hurt you (or that you hurt).

That part takes both people to work through.

Forgiveness is a necessary, but not a sufficient condition for reconciliation.

However, forgiveness is a decision that you make, and continue to make, regardless of the other person’s choice.

And through the cross and grace and love, you can.

Lately, I’ve been immersing myself in the words of Thomas Merton. If you’re not familiar with his writing, he’s a 20th century Trappist monk and writer (more here) and his words have the power to transcend the logical and explore the spiritual undercurrents in which we rarely dare to wade.

I read this from Merton other day, and it reminded me of something I wrote in Mad Church Disease.

“We are so obsessed with doing that we have no time and no imagination left for being. As a result, men are valued not for what they are but for what they do or what they have – for their usefulness”

In Mad Church Disease, I confessed I was so busy “doing” things for God that I had forgotten how to simply “be.” with him.

I love what Merton adds though – this second part:

“As a result, men are valued not for what they are but for what they do or what they have – for their usefulness”

Essentially, when we become wrapped up in our productivity, ambition, and success, we will inevitably cast the same expectations on others. We will focus on what they do instead of the beautiful layers of who they are, removing us further from God’s design to exist in a non-judgmental, merciful community where we consider others better than ourselves…

I know I constantly am driven by my ambition and the results of it. And as a culture, upon meeting someone new, we typically ask, “So…what do you do?” While that’s an innocent question in and of itself, I think it’s an indicator of the priorities we’ve subtly placed on what it means to be a valuable human being.

What do you think? Have you experienced this in your life?

Here are some places I am speaking for the remainder of the year. I have several weekends open in October, November and early December if your church, university or organization is interested in booking me. It’s pretty easy! Just email me here. You can read about what others have said about me speaking here.

May 17-19, 2013
Pitch and Praise Conference for High School Students
Braeside Camp, Paris, Ontario, Canada

September 17, 2013
Calvin College
Grand Rapids, MI

October 23, 2013
Malone University
Canton, OH

December 1, 2013
Embrace Church
Sioux Falls, SD

December 3, 2013
University of Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls, SD

 

All across any social media today, your feeds probably have been covered in people writing a red “X” on their hand to represent their stance against slavery for the End It Movement.

In 2009, I had the chance to visit Kolkata, India, with Compassion International. On a walk to visit Lakshmi’s home, (Lakshmi has a sponsor with Compassion International), our group walked by these girls – not much older than Lakshmi, the girl who was holding my hand and swinging my arm.

If someone had not intervened in Lakshmi’s life, she could have been one of the girls on the steps, her beautiful skin painted with bright colors and her eyes heavy with shame. But someone intervened. And Lakshmi is safe.

 

Is it your time to intervene on behalf of someone who needs it? Both Tim and I have intervened in Belize, India, Uganda and Ethiopia.

To explore how sponsoring a child through Compassion helps

prevent child slavery before it begins, click here.

And if you have any questions on how Compassion works, or stories of your own sponsorship, please feel free to leave them in the comment section!

Love,

Anne Marie

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.

 

I’m slowly, slowly putting my toes (one by one by one) back into the realm of social networking.

If you happen to read this, you’re one of the few still hanging on (thank you) in hopes that one day, maybe I would return.

The two – or – so years away from this medium has been perfect. The rest was needed. The healing was needed. The separation was needed.

As I am presently writing my third book (out April 2014 with Thomas Nelson: more details soon), getting married (March 8!), and finding myself in a good space to write, speak, and connect again, I will slowly be re-entering blogging and (some) places in the land of social media.

The old FlowerDust.net blog is being revived (after some purging) and will be combined with the newer essays on this blog under a new name sometime later this summer.

But for now, as I start taking my baby steps, you are welcome to come along…

http://www.facebook.com/girlnamedanne

http://www.instagram.com/girlnamedanne

http://www.twitter.com/girlnamedanne

As always, much love –

Anne

If you are interested in having me speak at your college, retreat, church or conference, please email me.

January 19, 2013
Hope College Women’s Night Out
Holland, MI

January 25 & 26, 2013
Becoming Girls Conference
Rancho Community Church
Temecula, CA (tickets)

January 27, 2013
NewHeart Foursquare Church
Simi Valley, CA

January 28, 2013
Portraits of Hope
Sponsored by Harvest Bible Chapel Davenport
The Establishment Theatre
Moline, IL (Girls Only! – Tickets)

February 15 & 16, 2013
Jubilee Conference
Pittsburgh, PA (tickets)

February 21, 2013
Radiance Conference
Cedarville University
Cedarville, OH

February 26, 2013
Belhaven University
Jackson, MS

March 2, 2013
Cornerstone Rescue Mission Banquet 
Rapid City, SD

March 4, 2013
Hope College
Holland, MI

April 21, 2013
Calvary on 8th Reformed Church
Holland, MI

May 17-19, 2013
Pitch and Praise Conference for High School Students
Braeside Camp, Paris, Ontario, Canada

October 12, 2013
Iron Sharpens Iron Women’s Conference
Calvary Church of the Quad Cities
Moline, IL 61265

***

“We invited Anne Jackson in to help us with our “TRUE” series. As Anne spoke there was an immediate connection with the students and although the subject “True Sexual Freedom” is awkward in any context, she approached the subject with grace and biblical insights. Anne is a gifted author and speaker and her ability to share her struggles and keep the focus on Christ and His work is powerful. We plan on having Anne back and I would recommend her as a keynote speaker or break-out leader for youth, college, and young adult audiences without reservation.”
Eric E. Pratt, Ph.D.
Vice President for Christian Development
Mississippi College

“Anne Jackson tells the truth in such a way you can hear it. She is an objective journalist, and as such an endangered species. She’s living proof that the truth, if stated clearly and objectively, can be fascinating.”
Donald Miller
Author
Blue Like Jazz and A Million Miles in a Thousand Years

“Anne Jackson’s presence is simply captivating. Her ability to draw her audience in with humor and raw openness of her personal narrative cause her to be a unique and unforgettable speaker. Anne’s message of beauty, redemption, and healing is one that will not go forgotten.”

Sarah Jaggard
Director of Convocation
Pepperdine University

“
Anne’s engaging storytelling skills along with her authenticity, vulnerability and ability to connect her stories to biblical themes make her an excellent college speaker.  She knows and understands her audiences well, which only adds to her strength as a speaker and allows students to relate to her message.”
Nathan Albert
CollegeLife Coordinator
North Park University
Chicago, IL

“Anne has an uncanny ability to share vulnerable, real life stories in a life-giving, disarming way. Anne has a gift for sharing the real stuff of life that invites people in instead of scaring them off. I think there’s a bias in churches (even those that ordain women) and in our society to discount female speakers. Anne brings the complete package in a way that will garner the respect of any audience.”
Joshua Miller
Church of the Ascension
Founder of Pub Club Pittsburgh

“After reading both of Anne’s books, she quickly went to the top of my list of people I knew we had to come share on a Sunday morning.  As far as I’m concerned, the definition of a great speaker isn’t someone you talk about after they’ve finished but someone you’re talking about WEEKS after you’ve heard them. We’re still talking about Anne!”
Adam Weber
Lead pastor at Embrace Church
Sioux Falls, SD

“Anne spoke with relevancy that is still paying dividends weeks later. She engaged her audience, impacting them in a personal and lasting way. It was a great decision to have her speak to our community!”
Sam Prellwitz
Student and Outreach Pastor
Ripon Community Church
Ripon, WI

“Anne made this talk extremely personal not only by sharing her story, but allowing the students freedom to incorporate their own insights. Anne did a phenomenal job, and even now, students are still talking about that chapel!”
Amberly Vincent
Interim Chapel Coordinator
George Fox University, Portland, OR

“It was great having Anne speak to our congregation. Our people received her message extremely well. She is honest, witty, and most of all…real. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to have her back very soon.”
Phil Ayres
Lead Pastor of LifePoint Christian Church
Lake Mary, FL