You know someone is a big deal when they’re named in the same sentence as Oprah.
It all started with an email from the wake up project about Rob Bell’s Australian tour. I didn’t know who he was, but because of curiosity, coincidence, or something even more mysterious, I felt compelled to find out.
My eyebrows raised as I read through the rest of his accomplishments and testimonials. The only thing I wasn’t sure about was his history as a pastor. In the past, traditional faith has given me answers that could be best described as ‘too simple’. But you don’t get named by Time Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People In The World for no reason. So I decided to catch Rob Bell at his Melbourne show. And wow, I’m so glad I did.
There were no fire walks or cheering sessions. Rather, the day was more like a spiritually refreshing wave combined with a jolt of inspiration. There were a few biblical references, but Rob used them beautifully to illustrate a point rather than to preach. Because Rob isn’t just about the greatness ‘up there’; he is all about the greatness within us all. He isn’t about the holiness of Sundays; he believes that every day we’re given is a special occasion worth celebrating. Which is why, as he explained, his family always eats with their fine china.
The day with Rob was structured with stories, questions, and tangents that led to even more stories. The ‘agenda’ displayed was no more than signposts on the journey of getting unstuck that were on together. Some people wanted answers relating to the pain and fear in their personal lives. Some people brought up the current state of the world. Rob answered truthfully to the best of ability each time. Ultimately reminding us that “what we look for, we find” and that “love always wins”.
I left with a pad full of notes, a joyful heart, and a hope that – be it through my honest recommendation, your curiosity, or reasons both magical and mysterious – you also get the chance to spend a day with Rob. Thank you to Rob and also to the wonderful people at the wake up project.
