Two forces converged at a hotel in Atlanta last weekend; one was there to glorify God, the other to work for freedom and country. It was a dynamic blend that one person called the work of the angels and the devils.

The "angels" were 1,000 members of the Southern Women's Chapter of the Seventh Day Adventists. They were on a religious retreat. The "devils" were 700 journalists from across the country looking to sharpen their skills, discuss ethics, the First Amendment, and journalistic responsibility.

I was there as a journalist, going from workshop to workshop and listening to speakers about the latest trends in technology, legal issues, responsible writing and journalists' commitments to their readers. We talked about freedom of the press and of speech and the need for vigilance to protect both in difficult times.

In between, however, I met many of the angels in the hallways, restaurants and lounges at the hotel. Their faith and love for life was obvious. I even attended one of their services, where the room was filled with women dressed in brilliant colors and the music was so amazing that it brought tears to my eyes.

The day both conventions were coming to a close, I lugged my overnight bag into the ladies' room before heading out the door, into a cab and to the airport for the trip home. One of the women from the Southern Women's convention was in there also, suitcase in hand, and also getting ready to head home.

"I loved your music," I told her. "And I appreciated the service. When you get home, say a prayer for me and I will do the same for you," I told her.

Her response was quick and dramatic. She raised her hands and said: "Sister, let us pray right here and now!"

With that, she enfolded me in one of the warmest hugs I ever felt, and we prayed together in the middle of the ladies' room. Not even the occasional flush of the toilets took away from the moment.

I thought about that event and the entire convention on the two-hour plane flight home. I had learned a lot and was looking forward to getting back home and to work. But I kept thinking of how the two conventions, which at first seemed so polarized, were really the sum total of the human experience best expressed by philosopher Blaise Pascal who said: "The heart has its reasons of which reason knows nothing."

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