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Dinner table Quote by Anne Lamott

“My belief is that when you're telling the truth, you're close to God. If you say to God, "I am exhausted and depressed beyond words, and I don't like You at all right now, and I recoil from most people who believe in You," that might be the most honest thing you've ever said. If you told me you…” quote by Anne Lamott
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““My belief is that when you're telling the truth, you're close to God. If you say to God, "I am exhausted and depressed beyond words, and I don't like You at all right now, and I recoil from most people who believe in You," that might be the most honest thing you've ever said. If you told me you had said to God, "It is all hopeless, and I don't have a clue if You exist, but I could use a hand," it would almost bring tears to my eyes, tears of pride in you, for the courage it takes to get real-really real. It would make me want to sit next to you at the dinner table. So prayer is our sometimes real selves trying to communicate with the Real, with Truth, with the Light. It is us reaching out to be heard, hoping to be found by a light and warmth in the world, instead of darkness and cold. Even mushrooms respond to light - I suppose they blink their mushroomy eyes, like the rest of us. Light reveals us to ourselves, which is not always so great if you find yourself in a big disgusting mess, possibly of your own creation. But like sunflowers we turn toward light. Light warms, and in most cases it draws us to itself. And in this light, we can see beyond our modest receptors, to what is way beyond us, and deep inside.””

Anne Lamott

About This Quote

Source Interview: The Writer's Journey, Anne Lamott, 2015

Truthful prayer connects us to a higher reality, revealing both our darkness and the light we seek.

In simple terms: Honest prayer reveals our true state and invites divine light.

Key Takeaway

Speak honestly to the divine.

Themes

spirituality vulnerability truth light prayer

Mood

reflective hopeful intimate

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • Personal crisis
  • mental health struggles
  • seeking meaning
  • spiritual practice

Key Concepts

Existential honesty divine communication self‑reflection

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does vulnerability change your relationship with faith?
  • What does “light” mean in your darkest moments?
A Different Perspective

True honesty can be painful and may not bring immediate relief.

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