Dottie Rambo Beholds Him Face to Face

March 2, 1934 – May 11, 2008

Dottie Rambo, unparalleled singer-songwriter, woman of God, and one of my personal heroes, went to be with Jesus early this Mothers Day morning. One of my longtime friends and personal friend of the Rambos called me this morning to tell me the news. As I write, I am still in shock.

I knew I needed to hear some Rambo music immediately, so I put on The Rambos’ Greatest Hits CD while I was getting ready. The music was Dottie’s testimony, and it gave honor to her Lord. Virtually every song in the track listing proclaimed a message that is as timely and applicable today as it was the day she penned the anointed lyrics and sang the lovely melodies: We Shall Behold Him, I’ve Never Been This Homesick Before, The Holy Hills of Heaven Call Me, He Looked Beyond My Fault and Saw My Need, Tears Will Never Stain the Streets of that City, I Call Him Lord, New Shoes, Build My Mansion Next Door to Jesus, Remind Me Dear Lord, and Behold the Lamb. I got my first Singing Rambos album when I was eleven years old, and I turn fifty this year. So you see how long these great songs have been a part of my life. Dottie wrote songs about mountains and valleys and Mama, but more than anything she wrote songs about Jesus.

Dottie, we love you and miss you! But you fulfilled God’s call on your life and left a great legacy in song that will continue to minister to millions for years to come.

Links

http://dottierambo.net/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dottie_Rambo

Anne Lamott

 

 

I’m reading April’s favorite author right now, although April doesn’t yet know that her name is Anne Lamott. As far as I know, April has never read anything by Anne Lamott, and neither have I, although I’ve had good intentions. I have, however, listened to a couple of podcast interviews with Anne while walking the park.

So how do I know Anne Lamott will be April’s favorite author? Because I know April. I know she only reads nonfiction, primarily in the sub-genres of self-help and spirituality, and Anne’s three most recent books are collections of essays on faith.

Anne Lamott’s first book in the collection is entitled Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith. It’s on my nightstand, but I haven’t read it yet.

 

Her follow-up book is Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith. This is the one I’m currently reading. Why the second book first? Because the library sent the hardcover of Traveling Mercies and the CD audiobook of Plan B. I finished my last audiobook, and Plan B was next in line.

 

 

Anne’s most recent book is Grace (Eventually): Thoughts on Faith. Don’t have it yet.

 

 

 

So back to Anne and April. Anne is the most honest, blunt, self-deprecating, hilarious writer I have ever read. She is a carnival of contrasts. She loves Jesus, but she hates George W. Bush. She is a woman of prayer, but she cusses freely, even dropping the F-bomb in the first chapter of Plan B. She is a Presbyterian, but also a left-wing flaming liberal. A former druggie who founded a Sunday School in her church.

I could go on, but for now, enough said. You see, April is a woman of contrasts as well. She has a sharp tongue that will rip you to shreds when you’re wrong, but she will cry with you when you’re down, and she will be the first person to open her wallet when you’re in need.

April, meet Anne.

Postscript: One of my favorite quotes is attributed to Anne Lamott, although she gives credit to a friend. To read the quote, click here.