A Kindred Spirit
One of my kindred spirits is Ann Kiemel Anderson. During a particularly difficult season in my life, a friend introduced us. And ever since then, I’ve had a deep affection for Ann. And if you haven’t “met” Ann, allow me to introduce her to you.
Ann Kiemel Anderson was known for her passionate love of people because of her passionate love of Jesus. She went around the US speaking and writing books, starting in the 70’s into the 90’s. She has since passed away, without me ever getting to meet her in real life.
Although I never met Ann, I feel like I know her. She shared so much of her life’s joys and struggles in her books. I love the youthful Ann with all her exuberant faith and belief that with Jesus she could change her world. AND I love the more seasoned Ann sharing with gut wrenching honestly about her faith journey through the pain, struggles, and griefs of her life.
When I was going through deep physical pain and grief, I felt understood and seen in all the complexity of faith and affliction. I was so comforted by my “kindred spirit” Ann (not to be confused with another “kindred spirit” Anne, Anne of Green Gables!).
Although I’m in another season with physical pain and grief, I’m not being drawn to the comfort of the more weathered Ann, but rather, I’ve strangely been finding real hope and encouragement from the passionate, youthful, exuberant Ann.
And so, today, I’m sharing with you a bit of her passion and exuberance in hopes that you too may be encouraged and refreshed by dear Ann.
“[Jesus] laughs with me
And cries with me
And walks lonely roads with me…
He and I are out to change the world…
And…
[Jesus] can change your world” too!
Reading this just now, I realize that it’s not a blind, naive faith that she could make a difference in her world. Even though she hadn’t yet been through the biggest heartaches of her life, she still had reasons to feel sad and lonely and overwhelmed and defeated.
AND YET…
She continued to go into her world with Jesus. To show love to her neighbor, the taxi driver, the “stranger” before her…And because of that, she and Jesus changed the lives of many–with love. -Melissa Logsdon, NCF Associate Pastor
2 Comments On “A Kindred Spirit”
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Thanks Melissa. Finding an author who speaks to who you are at deep levels is such a gift! And, yes, may God graciously work through each of us to bring positive change to this world.
I’m so happy that you have gained from reading Ann as well. She has certainly been an inspiration to me! So are you.