Recently, a friend of mine told me that I remind him of Tom Bombadil from “The Fellowship of the Ring.” I was taken aback because, while I have always loved that character, I had never thought of myself in that way before. He said it was my commitment to my home and my ability to live happily within those confines that define who I am. I consider that one of the best compliments I have ever received. I have always wanted to invite people into a space that is free from power plays and one where people can truly speak freely and enjoy life. That is what Bombadil’s woods represented and in some ways it echos the garden that God created for us in Genesis 1 and 2.
Our last “Inspirit” dialogue event took place on the first weekend of November. We brought Dr. Martin Shaw and Justin Brierley to central Alabama, providing them with opportunities to speak and connect with the people here. The highlight of the event was at Reid Chapel at Samford University, where both Dr. Shaw and Justin gave talks on the current state of Christianity in the West. When I asked the audience how many had traveled from out of state, a majority of hands went up. I was thrilled to see so many people come to our event and experience the warmth of my state and its wonderful residents.
At the heart of the “Inspirit” dialogues is the willingness to gather as Christians across all traditions and simply enjoy fellowship. The principle of unity in diversity works because, at the core of Christianity, lies the simple truth of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In these times of great anxiety and conflict, it is so refreshing to be in a space of unity and fellowship. Attending such gatherings allows us to catch a glimpse of eternity, providing a moment reminiscent of what the upper room must have been like.
I pray for more opportunities like this in the future, just as I pray for Jesus to come and initiate something new and truly real in me and in the world.
