We’ve been on the road for more than a month now, and have more than a month to go. Already we’ve accumulated some epic memories, including boating on Lake Washington with author Barb Pine, and enjoying a trombone serenade in the lovely and hospitable home of the infamous Rob Bell. And, night after night, the fact that anybody, much less hundreds of people, would pay $15 to come out and hear an author speak amazes both Susan and me.
My favorite part of each night is guiding the audience into the tension involved in the idea that Jesus is not the climax to your human story, and that God intends and even lends very difficult conflict to your life. Both of these are Biblical ideas, largely indisputable, that are not taught in churches in America, and are downright opposed in most Christian books. You can cut the tension in the air with a knife, each time I get to that part of the talk. Hopefully the tension is relieved by the end of the talk, but sometimes it isn’t. I’ve actually had people come up to me and say they thought I was about to renounce my faith, which, in ways, I actually do. At least my faith in whatever has become of Christianity.
I’ve only had one heckler, a man in Des Moines who, during the Q and A kept asking a question I simply couldn’t understand. It felt more like he was trying to make a statement than ask a question. I usually just let a person make their statement then move on, but he wanted some kind of response I couldn’t give and this upset him. I felt bad for him, but I still don’t know what he wanted.
On down days, and there are fewer and fewer as the tour progresses, we try to find things to do in whatever city we are in. In St. Louis, our friend Annika Johansson was singing in the chorus of Phantom of the Opera and so we went to see her and got a backstage tour. And in that same town, we visited The City Museum, perhaps the most inspirational museum I’ve visited, and I’d include the MET in that mix. If I were to build a museum, The City Museum is probably what it would look like. Instead of coming up with a theme, they seemed to just ask themselves what would be neat or fun or interesting, then they just welded it all together. There are planes on towers, busses crashing off the roofs, caves in the basement, sixty-foot twirling slides that used to be shoots in a shoe factory, turtles swimming through aquariums, a pipe organ three stories tall, and a giant white whale. They even had a train running through the third floor. It was paradise, I think.
The group on the bus, which includes myself, Susan Isaacs, our World Vision rep Melody Wilson, our tour manager Brent Gibbs and our bus driver Bruce have gelled like a family. So far we’ve had no fights. Susan doesn’t allow us to look her in the eye or go into the back of the bus or use the bathroom or talk, but if we just do all those things, the going is great. We also have to jump across the bus putting a pillow under her head when she goes to lay down, but it’s a small bus so we normally get there in time.
We still have five more weeks of the tour. We’ve got dates in New York, Tennessee, Florida, lots of stuff in Texas, Ohio, North Carolina and Chicago left, so if you haven’t seen the show yet, come on out. We’d love to see you on the road. Thanks so much for even being interested in what we do. It’s been incredibly encouraging.
Best,
Don
You’re an inspiration to me, who hopes to follow in some similar foot steps that I now have a clearer picture of where they will lead.
Thanks!
Great night at Calvin yesterday Don, really challenged and encouraged me. Love the new book!
Can’t wait to see you and Susan in Fort Worth. I bought tickets for both my mom and best friend. I’m traveling to Portland the week after to visit the area homeless shelters, and to weigh the options and possibilities of moving there to serve in some way. Hope to talk to you in FW, and if you happen to be in Portland the week after, a cup of coffee, at Palio perhaps, would be awesome. A pipe dream i’m sure, but then again we do both own pipes. See you soon.
Do you plan on visiting World Vision’s office in DC when you’re around Baltimore or just Charm City Cakes?
See you in Evansville tonight. Making a 2 hour trip with the Mrs. just to hear you guys. No pressure
Seriously, what you all are doing, and what you all write, is extremely important stuff. Can’t wait to set in on someone who’s helped me work out so many kinks in my faith.
I drove up from Kansas City for the Des Moines show. I was ready to throw something at your heckler. Great night though. I really appreciate your work!
I saw you last night in Grand Rapids. Thank you for talking through your own story instead of just reading it. You are a wonderful speaker. BTW, I didn’t feel tension when you said finding Jesus is not the climax of your story. Instead, I felt relief. Also, I was too intimidated to ask one of the three questions that time allowed for, so I’ll ask it here: What is the status on the movie you co-wrote?
I wrote about you here: http://sixgoldencoins.blogspot.com/2009/10/good-writing-million-miles-in-thousand.html. If you can’t tell by that, I hope you know how very much I enjoyed your talk in St. Louis!
And, oh!!! The City Museum is – hands down – one of my favorite places ever. Here are some of our photos from 2008: http://sixgoldencoins.blogspot.com/2008/07/city-museum.html. I took my daughter just a few weeks ago but haven’t blogged it yet. It’s on my To Be Blogged list.
One more City Museum link for you here, from my photographer friend’s blog: http://freshartphotography.com/2009/10/city-museum-st-louis-family-lifestyle-photographers/
Glad to hear that you guys are surviving, even enjoying this tour. I heard you guys in Bothell which was probably your 5th or 6th talk, and it was utterly fresh and authentic. I did wonder how you would both have the stamina to do this 60+ more times with the same energy.
I know you don’t have time to answer questions on here, Don, but maybe it’ll spark a blog or maybe even another book sometime down the line. I just finished, “To Own A Dragon” (and waiting to see what’s new in the re-release this next year). It made me wonder what advice you’d have for single moms raising sons on their own. What kinds of things did your mom do right? And what do you wish your mom had known about or had done differently raising a son without a dad?
I’m raising three daughters and a son on my own and I particularly think about my son growing up surrounded by women and wonder what are the best things I can do for him–besides teach him that they’re called “underwear” not “panties.”
Safe travels on the rest of the tour!
I just heard that St. Louis is second only to DC for it’s sights.
Rarely does it seem large groups of Christians can ALL engage with the tension moment of a talk AND try to understand or even listen to the description.
I’m so happy everything is going so well for you and your team Don. I love the new book, and I cannot wait to see you in Fort Worth.
-Ryan
Jodi,
The status on the movie is that we are in the middle of raising money. We do hope to shoot it next year, and also release it next year. But with the economy, these are best hopes. I think it’s a great movie and I’d love to see it happen. Pray till!
Don
Hi Don (great name isnt it?LOL),
I’m reading the new book and enjoying it immensely. The idea of God as the Writer struck a chord within me, thank you for that! Can’t wait to relax and keep reading. Be safe on the road and have fun! BTW, do you still have your motorcycle? I belong to a church for bikers (www.bikerschurch.com) and it would be great to host you sometime. Cheers, Don.
Don
On behalf of the Des Moines crew, let me say “SORRY!” You handled the “heckler” with class. Something tells me nothing you said could have made him happy.
I guess every city’s got to be known for something. Besides insurance, Des Moines can now add “City Which Heckles Don Miller” to the list. Sheesh.
Peace to you.
Justin
It’s too bad Susan had to read her story at Calvin instead of perform it like usual. Given the comment here, I guess it didn’t work.
Word on the street is that there was a curly haired crier on the bus for a few days too. She makes great biscotti.
Going to the tour stop in Waterloo, ON, and patiently waiting until after that night to begin reading the new book. Very much looking forward to both.
-Ian
Not heckling, but not a question:
A friend gave me a copy of Blue Like Jazz; I read it here in the Faso.
It really helped me bring bring Jesus into what I am doing; I feel like I finally stopped worrying about my faith and am living it. Looks like you guys have a blast, and I hope the love and memories keep, as I’m sure they will. I also hope I get a chance to see the city museum…
I look forward to reading your new book when I get back to the US.
-Hunter
Hey Don! Greetings from Houston! We are wondering when the tickets will be released for when you come here. We are eager to hear from you! Have an awesomely blessed day!
-Jayce
Please tell me you went down the 10 story slide at the city museum! The first time I went down, the metal on my jeans combined with the friction of metal slide almost gave me a second degree burn…so worth it. I lived there for two years and it was the first place I took any of my visitors. My best memory was taking the author Harrell Fletcher who wrote “Learning to Love You More” (who is from Portland actually) to the museum…an avid fan, I was quite nervous to be around such a big shot, but the minute all of us got inside we were all screaming and exploring the tunnels like we were five years old. I have to agree with you, just as good as the MET.
Don, from now on your bunk will be dragged along the freeway from a rope. This you get for looking me in the eye as you pressed “publish.”
Don we don’t remember the guy at the end in Des Moines. However we do remember the insightful lecture that you gave. Thanks again.
I’m really looking forward to this Friday. I booked a flight back from Iceland early to make sure I see you while your in Cincinnati. By the way if you ever get bored and wonder what Iceland is like here’s a little video I made from the trip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tz-oDZTZsZE
P.S. I enjoyed the new book. It made the 8 hour flight there go a lot faster.
I think you must have refined your talk some since Denver. I got “don’t expect the climax until after you die — until then, expect conflict and continue to write a good story.” I did not get “Jesus isn’t the climax of your story,” precisely, but I like it. This is the second place I’ve heard you say that you’re not wild about Christianity. I mentioned that to a group of church friends, who were predictably stunned, but I explained it this way: “I know he loves Christ. It’s the ‘anity’ he’s not wild about.” Me, too. Rock on, brother!
Hope you find something nice to do in Baltimore. I thinks it’s a great city, with plenty to do, but not sure what someone would want to do if they only had a short time. You may already know this, but the aquarium is fun, and there are also a few neat museums downtown. And if you want good Mexican food, there is Holy Frijolies on 36th st in Hamden, not far from where you guys are speaking.
My sister and I will be coming, and I think that it might be a good thing for my nephew to come to as well. We might have to wait and see if there are tickets for sale at the door, and if not, maybe he can sit on my lap.
Hi Don and co.
Just writing to ask a crazy question; Are you guys planning to take the bus underwater and drive it to Australia?? If you are, come to Adelaide, (aka RADelaide). It’s a big city with a big heart and we’d love to see ya. I reckon my drive way is long enough to park the bus and I will gladly sneak over the fence to my neighbour’s house to plug the power cord in if you need. Its cool, he is old and grumpy and probably wont realise you have sucked the juice till you are long gone.
All the best with the rest of your tour,
Take it easy,
Paul
Don you are the man, everything you write is like a breath of fresh air to my culturally cancerous lungs. I was hoping you could at some point elaborate on what you mean by denouncing your faith in what has become of Christianity. More specifically how you define Christianity anymore.
I want you to speak on the issue more because its something I have been struggling with myself. Much of America defines “Christianity” as the religious right, individuals who oppress others, wack jobs on Fox News and people with a generally poor lack of fashion. All of these being things I cannot identify with or want to be part of. I feel like I’m having an identity crisis. My Christian friends look at my like I’m the spawn of Satan or a deranged lunatic when I tell them I’m for socialized medicine or I support our President or I think people should be able to consensually marry whoever they like rather it jives with my ideal of morality or not. What are your thoughts?
I am kicking myself (hard!) that I didn’t take the time to see you while you were at my church in Gig Harbor. I did, however, see you at the National Youth Workers Convention in LA and immediately went out and bought Blue Like Jazz and Million Miles. Your words have made me re-examine my faith and have helped me see that I was getting caught up in religion and was forgetting why I became a Christian in the first place…to have a relationship with Jesus. I am excited to see which direction my story goes next.
God bless you as you continue your crazy long tour. I love reading all of the tweets. They make my day!
~Kirsten
Hi Don,
I think you might need to write a second book on conflict only – and explain what the first Christians were going through. And what Paul meant. I know there are books out there already but with your writing voice I think it would be good. Loved Million Miles.
Thanks,
Terri
i hate that i just missed you at Calvin. i live like five minutes from there. i am the worst procrastinator – EVER. i was just reading Blue Like Jazz (i know, old news. been there. done that. whatever. i keep reading it.) anyway… cried when you cry near the end. was having a very rough day, and felt sane again. — and am now pinching myself for not coming to hear you speak.
it sounds like Susan has a primo position on that tour bus. that’s the great thing about being a girl – being demandy like that, and getting away with it. the heckler sounds interesting. moments like this just make life more interesting. thanks for sharing some tour moments with us! all the best…
Don,
Looking forward to reading the book; have enjoyed (and gifted a lot of) the others. Sure wish you were visiting the NE on the book tour — the N-NE. Not that you need one more stop … but I could set you up. ;/0
Jon A. I’m with you! And don’t forget “popular” obnoxious right wing talk show hosts.
Hey Don!
Met you the other night in Grand Rapids! Just wanted to say how much of a pleasure it was to hear you speak and meet face to face. Like I said, your books have really impacted my life. I grew up without a dad and actually had to put down your newest book for a moment when you talked about meeting your dad for the first time in 30 years. It was like a chapter out of my own story. Almost exactly what happened for me a few years ago.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy the artwork I gave you. I figured some reciprocity was in order since your creative work has really influenced me.
Keep doing what you’re doing! I’m really looking forward to the re-release of “To Own A Dragon.”
Brandon
Wanted to let you know that I so enjoyed hearing you speak in St. Louis and am so glad you enjoyed your time here. I just moved here in January and The City Museum has been my favorite discovery. My parents and I visited there when they were in town and you would have thought we were all 10 again. My mom said she got to live out a dream by “driving” the school bus. I hope you got to ride the ferris wheel on the roof and got to hear the amazing organ playing! I just wish I’d taken video footage of my ride down the 10 story spiral slide like you did!
yay for houston texas being added! yay for world vision… see you at the booth.
don-
i have encountered that heckler type before. I was at the show and I think what he wanted from you was an “admission” that you were “ashamed” of quoting scripture exactly and you had avoided it. For whatever reason he thinks if you speak about a biblical idea you have to stop and list your footnotes. This type listens to a lot of AM radio late at night and thrives on conspiracies. Great talk, i enjoyed it. Safe travels
I am so happy that I got to listen to you speak tonight, and meet you afterwards. You are not only my favorite author, but also my biggest inspiration.
Toward the end of your presentation, you mentioned how in your books you try to make them into your audience’s story. You do an amazing job of that, and I somehow always have a better understanding of life when I’m finished with one of your books.
Thank you for your amazing words and stories. I hope to meet you again in the future.
Mr. Don…a heckler? really? it was probly a dude that had this whole sappy love convo that he had preplanned and then when it came time to deliver it came out all obscene, much like that scene between lloyd christmas and mary swanson near the end of dumb and dumber…
Hey it sure does sound like you are having a great time. Try to make it in one piece to Greenville, SC since I already bought my tickets.
Just looking out…. since Susan said your bunk would be dragging down the highway and all.
Seriously though, really looking forward to sunday. Trying to finish a million miles by then.
i’m so glad you guys included des moines on your tour, even if you had to deal with the dude in the balcony.
there were some things that both you and susan talked about that were very timely for me to hear. thank you for having the courage to speak honestly about your faith and experiences. it makes a difference
Don: The heckler was a plant, put there to add conflict, Without him there would be no tension to the bus tour story.
Oh, I’m such a schmo. Please know, my compliment to you was not a slap at Susan Issacs. Even though she only read, she didn’t “just read.” I sent her an email — I’m leaving this comment so you can ask her to please look for it in case it’s buried in her inbox. Oy.
Hey…
Sounds like so much fun! I’ve been living vicariously through all your adventures. But did purchase tickets for a friend and I to come see both you and Susan speak at your show near Orlando, (got them about a month ago) and have been looking forward to it ever since… despite the fact that God then decided to write a new chapter into my life where I’ve injured both my knees. Yeah, now I can completely relate to that whole, “God intends and even lends very difficult conflict to your life. ” Or, what’s that McKee says, “you have to put your character through hell. that’s the only way you’ll make them change.” Yeah, guess I’m learning these lessons the hard way but still trying to keep my chin up and praying for a speedy recovery. Despite what God allows to come into our lives, His intentions are always to turn it around for our good, and this I am sure of. Or in other words… more character building:)
Anyway, safe travels and still hoping to see you all in November!
God’s blessings,
Jen
You’re winding your way to a book tour stop near me!
I’ll see ya in a few weeks.
A friend and I are coming to see you in Cincinnati. If you all want something fun and super cool to do after the show, we’d be happy to take you with us where we are going after! You won’t be disappointed. See you tomorrow!
Saw you in Evansville Indiana last night. Loved the small setting! Been dealing lately with the typical problems of life..ie kids not making the wisest choices, the roller coaster ride of marriage, and personal growth. This is just the second act. I felt like everything shifted into perspective when you said that. Thanks!
Hey Don!
Evansville greatly enjoyed having you in our company last night! I can’t believe I missed the typo in your first edition “Prayer and the Art of Volkswagen Maintenance!” I was even looking for it and completely skipped over it! I’ll not judge your editor too harshly now…
Just wondering…. would there be any plans for a video of one of your lectures to be posted on here after your tour is through? I’ve been telling everyone I know about it, but I want them to experience it as vividly as I did!
Blessings on you as you continue to share your heart with others!
Hope you can come visit New England at some point. I know lots of folks up here would love to see you!
Creedible.com blogged about your new book today: http://www.creedible.com/blog1/donald-miller-releases-book/
My wife and I can’t wait to heckle you and Susan in Fort Worth in November (don’t want Susan to feel left out).
While you are back in Texas, don’t miss some amazing home cookin’ at Babe’s Fried Chicken. Find the nearest location and get there fast. Best fried chicken in the history of ever. http://www.babeschicken.com/
-Matt
My wife and I can’t wait to heckle you and Susan in Fort Worth in November – don’t want Susan to feel left out.
While back in TX, don’t miss some good home cookin’ at Babe’s Fried Chicken – http://www.babeschicken.com/. Find the nearest location and get there fast. Best fried chicken in the history of ever.
-Matt
We must take a clear step back and ask ourselves how so-Called Christians can say they don’t like Christianity and then hope others-God willing they evanglize the lost- to accept a faith and way they don’t endorse. This is not how we define our ecumenical calling. It is divisive and creates gaps amongst followers of Jesus. I enjoy Donald Miller’s writings, but I clearly think we all need to realize, maybe even Don needs to realize, he isn’t a pastor nor is he a church leader. His education isn’t in theology, or pastoral leadership; he is simply a writer. This isn’ meant to degrade Donald Miller, it is simply the thought of some people who take him to be a theologian or pastor. Please people, the local church is doing a lot, if you took an hour and stopped by you might see the good that is being done. Deeply saddened by some comments. And yes I have read all of his works and find them entertaining and enjoyable…so I can speak authoritatively on his works.