#121 A Pinch of Faith and A Dash of Wisdom with Mary Margaret Lambert
In this week's show, I talk with Mary Margaret Lambert, a freelance writer from Nashville, well-known for her witty and heartfelt columns in the Tennessee Register. She’s also the author of Life is Too Short to Wear Beige, a book that speaks to the importance of living authentically and embracing the wisdom that comes with age.
Mary Margaret is someone who embodies the belief that every season of life is a time to embrace who you truly are. She has a wonderful story about refusing to “wear beige and keep quiet” at her son’s wedding—a decision that emphasizes her commitment to staying true to herself, no matter the expectations others might have. As she puts it, “You’ve got to be your authentic self, no matter what that is. At midlife, we finally learn not to live up to others' expectations.”
We began our conversation by talking about the wisdom that comes with aging. Mary Margaret believes that with time, we gain the ability to prioritize what truly matters. She shared her thoughts on the pressures of social media, which can often make us feel like we need to conform to a certain image. But Mary Margaret reminds us that “God made you unique,” and that embracing our individuality is key to living a fulfilled life.
Mary Margaret’s faith has been a cornerstone of her life, especially during difficult times. She spoke candidly about her battle with breast cancer and the challenges of caring for her husband. It was during these tough moments that her faith became her anchor. “If it hadn’t been for my faith,” she said, “I probably would have been in a straitjacket somewhere by now. You just have to rely on God.”
Our discussion then turned to the importance of female friendships. Mary Margaret, who raised three sons, found strength and support in her close-knit group of girlfriends—a group she affectionately refers to as her “bridge therapy group.” These women have been through it all together—divorces, loss, and the ups and downs of parenting. Their shared faith has been a strong bond, helping them navigate life’s challenges. As Mary Margaret eloquently put it, “God is going to send His angels to minister to you. They may come in the form of doctors, nurses, or neighbors, but they will be there.”
Writing has been another spiritual practice for Mary Margaret. She discovered her passion for it at a young age and has been sharing her insights through her longstanding column, Pinch of Faith. Writing, for Mary Margaret, is a way to process life’s challenges and find healing. This was particularly true after the loss of her father during the Nashville flood in 2010, a devastating event that she worked through by putting pen to paper. She encourages other women to explore journaling as a way to connect with themselves and with God. “Writing purges my soul,” she shared. “It gets the things troubling me out of myself and onto paper, where I can process them.”
As we wrapped up our conversation, Mary Margaret and I reflected on the beauty of midlife—the confidence that comes with experience, the deep reliance on faith, and the importance of embracing who you are. Aging with grace and gratitude, while staying open to God’s guidance, is a message Mary Margaret lives by and hopes to pass on to others.
To order Mary Margaret's book click here or if in Nashville visit St. Mary's Bookstore
Jennie Guinn is a Catholic speaker, Life Coach, Podcaster, Weekly Radio Show Host on Nashville Catholic Radio and Radio Maria USA, and the founder of Catholic Moms in the Middle. After 26 years of working in Catholic education, Jennie felt God calling her "to step out of the boat" to serve in a new way. In her new ministry, she equips and encourages middle-life women to encounter the love of the Father and to be transformed and healed by the power of the Holy Spirit so they can MAGNIFY Christ in their corner of the world.
