Inspired, but unsettled ...

Daughter Elizabeth interviews Shane Claiborne at Divine Rhythm.

It’s after 11 p.m. Saturday night and I really should be in bed, but I feel a need to get some of my emotions on paper (OK, in bits and bytes) before going to bed.

The past 24-plus hours of word and worship at Divine Rhythm have been inspiring, unsettling, and even filled with hope.

Joining with hundreds of others in worship led by the Michael Gungor worship team renewed my spirit. They were authentic worshippers leading others who sought to engage the Spirit through authentic worship. It was inspiring and filling.

But I was also unsettled in that Shane Claiborne’s words reminded me of my own life of spiritual contradictions (of course, it was not the first time). The contradictions did not fill me with guilt, but with hope in that I continue to recognize them for what they are: The struggle to live like Jesus while walking in the world.

And therein lies the hope, for as long as there is a struggle, there is hope.

Grace and peace ...