Hallelujah Anyway: Rediscovering Mercy

If I wanted to sound hipper than I actually am, I’d tell you that Anne Lamott is my “spirit animal.” But at my age, I’m probably not cool enough to use terms like that. So instead, I’ll just say that Anne Lamott makes my world a better place, because her books are like elixirs for my soul. I’ve been hooked on her writings since my wife introduced me to them several years ago during a difficult period in our lives. When I read Annie’s books, I feel like I’m being hugged by her words, and “Hallelujah Anyway: Rediscovering Mercy” is no exception. In fact, the words on the pages of this book are the best kind of hugs, full of love and hope and spirituality. And even though I don’t consider myself to be a very religious person, I am a big believer in love, hope, spirituality, and the comfort they bring to our lives. In “Hallelujah Anyway,” Anne Lamott explores the complicated concept of mercy. The dictionary may define mercy as “compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm,” but Annie’s got a better definition: “Mercy is radical kindness,” she writes. “Mercy means offering or being offered aid in desperate straits. Mercy is not deserved. It involves absolving the unabsolvable, forgiving the unforgivable." Yes, mercy is complicated, but “Hallelujah Anyway” does a fabulous job of breaking it down so it’s easier to understand. And Annie even paints visual pictures of mercy that help you *feel* what mercy is. “Mercy is a cloak that will wrap around you and protect you,” she says. “It can block the terror, the dark and most terrifying aspects of your own true self. It is soft, has lots of folds, and enfolds you. It can help you rest and breathe again for the time being, which is all we ever have.” Can’t you just *feel* those words giving you a hug? Showing mercy isn’t an easy thing to do in this day and age, but it’s something that’s so very necessary. So many of us are struggling and hurting, and we need to be embraced and connect with each other. Because, as Annie states, “the last word will not be our bad thoughts and behavior, but mercy, love, and forgiveness.” Sure, people come in all different shapes, sizes, colors, religions, and ethnicities. But the bottom line is, despite all our differences, we are all human beings. And we all deserve mercy. And the way we start making that possible is to accept one another for what we are. In what I found to be the most powerful line in all of “Hallelujah Anyway,” Lamott tells us: “Polite inclusion is the gateway drug to mercy.” On the first page of Chapter One, Annie writes about “scary, unsettling times”—times “when we know that we need help or answers but we’re not sure what kind…. We look and look, tearing apart our lives like we’re searching for car keys in our couch, and we come up empty-handed. Then when we’re doing something stupid, like staring at the dog’s mismatched paws, we stumble across what we needed to find. Or even better, it finds us.” At this point in my life, when I’m going through still *more* trying times, I truly needed “Hallelujah Anyway: Rediscovering Mercy.” I’m so grateful that Anne Lamott put it out there for me to find. You should go find it, too. I guarantee it will make you feel better and give you a little bit of hope for the world we live in today.

Another in her long line of wonderful ruminations, HALLELUJAH ANYWAY depicts the ups and downs of life as it comes at us and our choice as to how to deal with it, not only for ourselves, but for those we care about. I like some of her other work better, but that is more a reflection of where I am in my life than what Anne LaMott has to say about hers. Worth the price and worth the read--and then a good thing to share!

Anne Lamott is one of my most consistent and reliable guides on this journey through life. I would recommend her work to anybody in need of a gentle friend. Her words are the literary equivalent of a tender shoulder rub; 'there, there,' they seem to say, 'everything is going to be all right, and even if it isn't, we can work out these stubborn knots together.' As somebody who doesn't prescribe to an organized religion, usually books with overt religious themes in them feel inaccessible to me, but Anne somehow manages a spirit of inclusion and compassion that reaches beyond the aisles of faith and that allows the reader to receive her message of belonging regardless of religious affiliation. I bought this book the instant it came out. Like most of Anne's work, it is a short read, and I devoured it lazily in one day. But, despite being such a short feast, it is one that is nourishing and good for the soul. Just like always, she came through when I needed her the most. If you are feeling lost, aimless, short of breath and slightly arthritic, and you need a gentle salve for your heart and soul and rickety joints, please consider spending an evening with Anne Lamott. We could all use a little warmth on the journey.

Anne Lamott is without question one of the best writers of our time, but I would not recommend this book to anyone who is in a season of doubt or wrestling with their faith. Buddhist teachings are casually slipping into more and more so called 'Christian' writing and I cannot help but wonder if people even notice when Buddha and Jesus are casually mentioned in the same sentence like they were supposed to be best buddies or something. Or when Christians quote Indian 'gurus' or Yogis almost as much (if not more) than they quote scripture. The trouble is that it's really hard to pinpoint and say 'this is not true' because it's not obvious. Just a word here, or a sentence there. A well timed quote. I'm sad to say the ending left me a little confused and I'm not sure why the title is 'hallelujah anyway'.

I pre-ordered this book because I wanted it as quickly as possible. It came to my door the morning of April 4. I thought I would start reading it later in the day but when I looked at it, I thought the book wasn't very long so I would read just a few pages. I began and never put it down until I finished it in the wee hours of the next day. I began to underline what I wanted to remember or deeply think about. When I finished I realized I had underlined, or put a star by a word, of the entire book. Every phase, every story, every word and Bible verse became precious to me. Anne Lamont outdid herself writing this book. Did I weep at times-- yes. Did I see myself--yes. Did she give me hope--- YES. She is so mercifully human in her Christian walk. Merciful to saved the lost and dying, suffering world. I relate to her writings as if she was apart of me. Thank, thank for your grace and mercy

I love Anne Lanott's deep, honest, chapters of total real ness in this book. As with all of her books, I always find much encouragement and humour in her books!

Great!

I purchased this during a period where I had a lot of anxiety. I was hoping for an empowering read about mercy towards ourselves and others. The tone was depressing, almost cynical and made me feel worse, and halfway through I had to donate the book away. I would recommend “Carry On, Warrior” by Glennon Doyle instead.

With her characteristic wit and self-deprecation, and her genuinely beautiful authenticity, Anne again takes us on a journey that is both inspiring and uplifting. Her honesty is as always refreshing and for a worrier like myself, she makes you feel as if you really aren't crazy after all. Life is difficult and challenging with its resident joys and sorrows, and mercy follows us always. Thank you, Anne.

I loved this book. Anne Lamont is right on! She is a great writer, who relates to everyone.