Christian author Francine Rivers speaks at The Gathering

Many dedicated Lipscomb University students endured the long trek across campus to Lipscomb Academy’s gymnasium in order to see the esteemed guest speaking at The Gathering this week. Renowned Christian author Francine Rivers spoke about her life, her Christian journey and her career as a writer. A number of committed fans even arrived early to ensure optimal seating. “I don’t think I’ve ever been more excited for a speaker at Lipscomb as I was for Francine,” said Lipscomb senior Hailey Parrott. “She just knows how to speak to people in different ways and put a story together that we can all understand.” Rivers, the author of Redeeming Love and The Last Sin Eater among many others, related her life story and explained how God had rescued her and given her a purpose and passion for fiction writing. She began by speaking about growing up under the guidance of church-going parents in a community that was largely non-Christian. Rivers then went on to talk about being a college student in the 60s and how she became involved in destructive practices such as free love, smoking and drinking. She spoke about undergoing an abortion at an early age, suffering from depression and suicidal thoughts, marrying a young Vietnam veteran and going to work after graduation for men who had less education than she did. “I said I was fine, but I didn’t think I’d ever be fine again,” Rivers said. Rivers then began speaking about her career as an author. “I have always known I wanted to be writer, but I didn’t know what I wanted to write because I hated...