As we look at the world in all its brokenness and pain, it’s right to cry out “it shouldn’t be this way!”. And then what do we do? It has been good to ponder this question over the weekend with valued partners in Perth. I find myself crying out these words more and more as … Continue reading It shouldn’t be this way!
Faith
Go and do likewise!
I’ve heard, read and spoken on the Good Samaritan story so many times. It’s a powerful story - but I keep reminding myself, particularly in the world we live in today, that it’s more than a good story. It’s a radical instruction. It’s a call to not embrace the message that those different to us … Continue reading Go and do likewise!
Ribbons of hope
In our chaotic, broken and hurting world, it does us good to stop, see and celebrate small acts of love, compassion, goodness, mercy, justice and kindness. Outside this local church in suburban Washington DC, passers by are being invited to write on purple ribbons examples of these acts they see in their lives. It was … Continue reading Ribbons of hope
Colours of hope
In a world that feels so heavy, it was good to pause yesterday and take in again Eduardo Kobra’s powerful mural of Mother Terese and Gandhi, adjacent to the High Line in Chelsea NY. I stood, contemplating what these two selfless souls might say about our world today. It seemed a very appropriate place to … Continue reading Colours of hope
Margin and surprise
First work flight of the year today and it was delayed. Nothing unusual about that for me. But I’ve been writing and leading some sessions on building more margin into busy lives. So, I’ve decided to try and see flight delays this year as added margin! I don’t like delays, detours, queues, unexpected waits. But … Continue reading Margin and surprise
A Christmas invitation
When I was 10 I featured in a nativity play put on by the local Lutheran church at the top of my street. I so wanted a key role – like Joseph or the shepherds. Rather I was cast as a tree. Yes a tree! I had leaves taped all over me and whenever the … Continue reading A Christmas invitation
Clinging to hope!
In Bethlehem: "A re-igniting of hope is how the Mayor of Bethlehem Maher Nicola Canawati described this week's lighting of the Manger Square Christmas tree. The tree wasn't lit in 2023 and 2024 in respect of the Gaza conflict and the loss of so many lives. But the Mayor said this week that he hoped … Continue reading Clinging to hope!
Hope has a name!
Hope sometimes feels wishful, like crossing our fingers and dreaming of a good outcome. Today, we are all hoping for different things – some important, some less so – in this wishful, it may or may not happen way. Each year I hope the Newcastle Knights will win the NRL – and I know how wishful … Continue reading Hope has a name!
Good tears
As Arli was put to sleep for surgery yesterday I held his hand. I’ve been in this place with him several times before. I remember holding his hand when he was two and had his first surgery. He didn’t understand what was happening around him. I did and I was praying hard for my little … Continue reading Good tears
Standing with Min
I took this photo of Min* and her baby on a visit to the India-Myanmar border. I will never forget the day I met Min and a group of other courageous, inspiring, resilient people who had fled from Myanmar to Mizoram. About 5 million people are now displaced in Myanmar and in neighbouring countries. There … Continue reading Standing with Min
apilgrimpens 