A Daring Adventure: Annie's Story

This is the forward by Ellen Teague to a new book about a remarkable woman who died last year. Annie O'Connor left a rich life story and faith journey with unique insights.

I wish I had known Annie. Annie O'Connor was only 41 when she died suddenly of natural causes on 12 June 2020. That day her family found a small notebook on her desk with just one entry which said, 'Don't just live the length of life: live the breadth of it as well.'

'A Daring Adventure' tells Annie's story and is written by her mother Anne. It records a "life well lived", but more than that it provides inspiration for anyone trying to live a life of faith, guided by the teachings of Jesus. Annie was "genuinely religious" said a friend, and "her faith shone out like a beautiful light for everyone to see". Another reflected that, "she made life a bit better for everyone she met". Note "everyone". On top of her goodness she had "a wicked sense of humour". Her personality had an appealing mix.

From teenage years in Manchester, Annie was involved with Charismatic Renewal and led a young people's prayer group in her parish. Attending the annual New Dawn Conference and involvement in the Sheffield University Chaplaincy when she moved to university were part of her commitment to evangelisation and building community. She was a Sheffield Samaritan for 15 years, with a colleague saying, "if I ever needed to call Samaritans, I would want Annie to be the person who picked up the phone". Her final job was with the Church Army, nurturing people in their faith and with a special mission for the marginalised and vulnerable.

She did so much more. In 2012 and 2013 Annie spent her summer holidays as a volunteer in Kenya and developed a huge commitment to the children at the orphanage where she worked. She founded a charity to support the children's home. "Of course," she said, "I received far more than I gave - in faith, love, energy, vision and personal growth."

Annie was always setting out on a new adventure. She loved long walks, whether Sheffield to Walsingham or the Camino to Santiago. For her, it was about journeying and being on pilgrimage, about slowing down and being in closer contact with the rhythms of nature. "Here's what I like about walking long distances" she reflected "it gives me time to think and it gives God space to reveal things to me that I might not notice otherwise." She felt the "stillness and stopping and resting with God" was "so important in our busy life." She once said, "my journeys brought me more to the idea that God's in here, in me, in us, in the world, rather than being something out there that we have to pray to."

We learn from Annie, in her writings, the importance of prayer and acknowledging that our identity is in Christ, the mission to notice the needs of others, to be kind and gentle, and the value of friendship. She was an inspirational teacher, building relationships of respect. This book has done a great service to humanity in recording such a life.

After she died so many found a big "Annie-shaped hole" in their lives. She was described as a "great soul" and the photos in the book - where Annie is always smiling - range from Annie on retreat, Annie in the middle of laughing children in Kenya, Annie giving out sunflower seeds at a stall in Sheffield and Annie playing with beloved nieces, nephews and godchildren. How they must miss her.

But this book will console all who are bereaved. Anne O'Connor is herself a great evangeliser and social justice worker with a special charism to produce youth resources, and the whole family is a beacon of love and compassion. But even deep faith could hardly prepare them for that June day when the terrible news changed their lives forever. The story of how the family channelled their loss into an opportunity to journey forward with hope is truly inspiring. Her father Calvin, for example, took her place as a trustee for the Kenya project. We hear words of love from her family at her outdoor restricted 2020 funeral, but hundreds joined in simultaneously using the funeral booklet - among them Annie's friends and work colleagues and Anne's colleagues in the National Justice and Peace Network. "Our hearts ache with you" said one.

What has Annie's death taught us? To accept the impermanent nature of our earthly life and the infinite nature of God's love; to put the needs of others before our own; to cheerfully give the gift of our time; to listen without judgement; to offer praise and encouragement; to have a smile for everyone we encounter; to retain a sense of fun; to be thankful; to take nothing for granted; to put our trust in God; to live life to the full. At the end of one of her pilgrimage blogs she quoted Helen Keller: 'Life is either a daring adventure or it is nothing at all.'

This book offers a life-affirming read.

This book was produced with the support of Annie's friends at Church Army, a community with a special mission for the marginalised and vulnerable.

There is no charge for the book but donations can be made to Church Army to support their work.

Church Army at: www.churcharmy.org/donate

If you would like a copy please send your full postal address to: adaringadventure@hotmail.com