Time with Ann

Grace and Light

This week I had the honor of being Ann Voskamp’s speaker host for the Catalyst Conference in Atlanta. I was deeply humbled by this opportunity to serve her. If you have read much of my blog posts in the past, you will know I am a fan of Ann. Her first book, One Thousand Gifts, profoundly impacted me.  From the first words to the last, I was captured by her writing. She writes in lucid tones of imagery. I could see everything she said, and what she said changed me. If you have not read this book, do not delay. I encourage you to get a copy today and begin your own journey of gratitude.

I loved watching her at the conference with people. Every person that approached her got her undivided attention. She listened intently as they spoke as if they were the only person in line. She is the wife of a farmer and a mother to six beautiful children whom she homeschools. She leaves all this to go speak to those who are strangers to her, and yet she embraces us all as if we are dear friends. If Ann were sitting with me as I am writing this, she would shake her head in humility. Self-glory rolls away from her like water down silky duck feathers. She is pointing to Jesus, always Jesus. She knows he is the source, the only one worthy of her praise. I watched her as she was introduced to speak while the accolades rolled on of her New York Times best seller. She whispered softly and bent low in spirit so that no praise would stick to her. I saw her, beautiful Ann, giving all the praise again to Jesus. And when she stepped up there to speak, I saw boldness and conviction. I saw a women desperate to get the message through. She spoke with the passion and strength of one who has met with God in the quiet places.

Perhaps the thing she said that stayed with me the most was this. ” God is good. You are loved. Game changer!”   So simple and so true. I have said this to myself at least once a day since then and I can feel grace doing its good work in me. Game changer indeed.

Before she left the second day, I asked if I could photograph her. She knows that is my heart. She was kind and acquiesced. We stepped outside and the sun streamed down as if on cue. Ann stepped into the light as I lifted my lens, smiling. God is so kind.

This is Ann, full of grace. This is Ann, my friend. I hope to see her again very soon.

If you would like to read Ann’s work on a daily basis, she has a beautiful blog called A Holy Experience. I highly recommend subscribing.

Shining

Listening

Lovely

Friend