I've met Marcus Borg, a theologian and author of numerous books. I met him at a seminar I was invited to go to by a friend because I had liked the book he wrote that she had loaned me. While I was at the seminar, a woman sitting next to me began talking to me saying how she was going to buy one of his new books, and I must have mentioned that I didn't have any of his books, cause she just handed me her old copy, out of the generosity of her heart. I was amazed. Well, having that book in hand, I went to get it signed by the author. We shook hands and I asked him if he would write a poem down for me but he said that it was too long, that I could find it in one of his books. Not having any money, I searched for the poem in the book he mentioned and copied it for myself. I have to say that he really wasn't that friendly, but I still admire his work.
I've also met Kathy Troccoli, a contemporary Christian singer and author. I think it was called a conference but I'm not sure. She talked about her relationship with a friend and with God and she did some singing, but I sat outside of the room when she was doing that so I didn't hear much of it. The volume on her mic was too loud. I got a headache being in there, so I couldn't stay. Anyway, I bought one of her books because I actually had money this time, and I finally found the courage to ask her to sign it. I had written a note wondering if she could offer me a bit of encouragement, but instead of reading it, she assumed the note was about her and put it away, saying thank you. She signed my book and I ran away. I had a lovely meltdown because I faced my fears and got nothing for it except for the signature of some woman I had never heard of. I ran away from the building and cried behind a tree, but I thought people might notice me so I walked away from the conference center altogether. I did make it back eventually. Never saw her again, though, didn't really care at that point. I just needed to catch my ride home.
(If they have wikipedia pages, they're famous enough, right? )
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Let us comfort each other, and move tenderly when we are able. Let us hold hands and walk bravely, or fearfully together; for as long as there is Love, there is Hope, that everything will be okay, including the things we say are not.