When we see the world as it is, and our hearts break and we say “it shouldn’t be this way”, we live as discontenters! When we throw ourselves in to the brokenness and the beauty, and pursue the loving and just ways of Jesus, we live we discontenters! When we pursue shalom in the every … Continue reading It shouldn’t be this way!
Acts of Kindness
A healing collective
Across the nation we're seeing the beauty of collective grief, compassion, empathy and respect; a quartet that that supports healing and fosters unity. And sadly, but predictably, we also see the ugliness of collective blame, which fuels division and fosters fear and often, more violence. It helps no one at all! We will see more of … Continue reading A healing collective
A choice
As our hearts ache that this happened. That this happened here. As we stand in strong solidarity with a shattered, grieving, yet courageous, resilient Jewish community. As we remember families that will never be the same - like beautiful Matilda’s. As we reflect on the worst and the best of humanity. As we celebrate beautiful … Continue reading A choice
Pooling our presence
A young man waits by the hydrotherapy pool with his mother. I don’t know his story - but it’s evident he lives with some significant physical challenges. Suddenly his physiotherapist walks into the pool area and the young man’s face lights up. He doesn’t speak, but his face and actions say it all. He shuffles … Continue reading Pooling our presence
A gratitude posture
I had a rough night in ICU with pain after surgery and a bad reaction to some stong meds. But throughout the night, Oish my nurse provided with me excellent, calm, patient, assuring care. It made such a difference. I’m mindful again today of the amazing work of health professionals and carers across the nation. … Continue reading A gratitude posture
Bridges not walls
“Take our country back” is one of the catch cries for tomorrow’s March for Australia. But here’s where the premise of the march fails. Yes, those that will march tomorrow are a part of our country, and they have the right to peacefully protest. But Australia is no more “their country” than a beautiful Nepali-born … Continue reading Bridges not walls
Seeing others!
One of the most powerful things we do in life is to see others, particularly to see those who often feel unseen! Senator Raphael Warnock says “you can’t serve me if you don’t see me”. This week it has been a joy to be with Baptist Mission Australia colleagues in Cambodia, witnessing how they are … Continue reading Seeing others!
Love like no other
Love.Love like no other.Costly loveBloodied loveForgiving loveCourageous loveWelcoming loveRobust loveServing loveRestoring loveHealing loveBeautiful loveRadical loveAccepting love. Friday love.Nothing, absolutely nothing, cheap about this love! Today, I’m deeply thankful for the Servant King’s love.Today, I see that I’ve still got such a long way to go in loving others more like Jesus.Today, I see a world … Continue reading Love like no other
Let’s continue to do good!
I – like many of you - have found it hard to fathom this week’s US election result, while seeking to respect that most Americans have now got what they voted for. I have tried to remain silent as many Trump followers on my feed have gloated, misused Scripture, fostered dangerous Christian nationalism, deepened divide … Continue reading Let’s continue to do good!
A brokenness invitation
My physical pain levels have been high over the past few weeks. I’ve found myself - in a childlike manner - uttering: “pain, pain, go away”! Then I think of others, like a friend I had coffee with this week, dealing with a much bigger health mountain than mine. Or today. a colleague grieving the … Continue reading A brokenness invitation
apilgrimpens 