This past week I heard Anne Lamott talk about teaching Sunday School. Lamott is a successful writer, sought-after speaker and a Presbyterian. She attends a small church in Marin County, California where she teaches Sunday school. Pre-pandemic, most weeks, her class did something she calls Loved and Chosen. Here is how it goes: First, Lamott would sit down on the couch in the Sunday school room and look at all the little, wriggling bodies before her. Then she would glance slowly around the room in a goofy, menacing way, and say things like “Is anyone here wearing a blue sweatshirt with Pokemon on it?”
In response, a four-year-old would look down at his chest, astonished to discover that he matched that description, like—what are the odds? So he would raise his hand, and she would invite him over to sit on the couch beside her. Finally, she would look in his eyes and say, “You are so loved and so chosen” as he clutched at himself like a beauty pageant finalist.
Lamott would repeat the exercise, asking about green socks with brown shoes, a San Fransisco Giants cap, an argyle vest. And wouldn’t you know it, Anne writes, “each of them [in the class] would turn out to be loved and chosen, which, in the world, does not happen so often (Anne Lamott, Grace Eventually, pp. 28–29).
This got me thinking about how life would be different if we lived each and every day knowing that we were loved and chosen by God. How our life together would be different if our structures and institutions were shaped by the belief that every human being is loved and chosen by God.
What is one thing you can today that helps another person feel loved and chosen?
-Written by Amy Miracle
Did you enjoy this blog post? Be sure to leave a comment and share the link with your friends on Facebook!
Today I will give and receive hugs from my sisters who are also completely vaccinated against Covid. We haven’t been able to do this for a year so the celebration will be wonderful!
Thanks be to God that this day has come!
I purchased this book, Grace Eventually the other day. It is full of wonderful and wise Anne Lamott.
In this time of masks and social distancing it becomes even more important to take a moment to
look closely and carefully at each other, especially children and say in whatever way possible I see YOU and you are important, cared for , and loved.
I think that many times professionals delivering services have become so burdened with protocols and documentation that we can forget to acknowledge each other as
loved and chosen as we go through our day.
Barb, I’m so glad that you are enjoying her book!
I chose and loved this blog post. What a wonderful device and means to the best of all ends. This simple anecdote filled me with resolve to share it in my actions. Namaste.
Lee, I’m so glad that this story is helpful to you! Blessings to you this day.
Don’t blow off what is shared with you by others that you are in contact with on a regular basis. There is a young lady that respects me as an elder Christian woman to her. Today she shared what she was wrestling with in her life. After listening I shared with her Psalm 6 :” Only in God is my soul at rest ( I got this from Bettye Stull.) I then said,
“Trust God for your answers. Live your life while He is working for your answers.” I believe that she accepted my sharing. This sharing happened before I read this blog today.
Isn’t God wonderful!!
So wonderful! Thanks for sharing this story.
I didn’t know I needed to hear this until I read it. Thank you
Joce, you are welcome!