Africa - this continent of paradox. It always does this. It gets in my head and heart. So much brokenness yet so much beauty. The intersection of hopelessness and hope. People weeping yet people dancing and singing. The scandal of wealth exploitation and poverty. Climate crisis and yet abounding natural beauty. Bureaucracy yet innovation. Colonial … Continue reading It always does this!
Faith
Declaring sabbaticals!
It had been a long and busy work day. I was back in my hotel room on the NSW north coast working on emails. The “to do” list was long. I was feeling weary. I needed to declare a “momentary sabbatical”. I walked out onto the balcony and suddenly I was struck by the most … Continue reading Declaring sabbaticals!
May the ordinary come alive!
Last night we had a quiet New Year’s Eve at home. I have to admit, a few times I experienced the tug for the extraordinary …. the bigger experience. And then, there I was, standing outside our house at the 703 bus stop in my pjs, looking down a street that gives a slight view … Continue reading May the ordinary come alive!
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!
Lighty … lightly!
Today Megan and I mark our 16th wedding anniversary. A special weekend in the city was on the agenda. But this celebration will need to be delayed as I’m at the airport, soon to fly to Newcastle. My dad’s health has deteriorated quickly, and he’s entered into palliative care. I sit with many different emotions … Continue reading Lighty … lightly!
“Not one of us!”
Some of you may have seen the post doing the rounds that suggests to be a true Australian means you celebrate the following six days: Christmas Day, Easter, Anzac Day, Australia Day, Fathers Day and Mothers Day. It’s a short list isn’t it? It’s intentionally exclusive. People who I have spoken with, who suggest lists … Continue reading “Not one of us!”
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
Thankful in the silence!
I’m sitting in my parents’ home tonight and it’s so quiet. That’s very strange for this house. You see, my dad has stubbornly refused to wear hearing aids for a long time and he’s renowned for his television being set at a volume that allows people in the next suburb to listen in to the … Continue reading Thankful in the silence!
The difference default
When you get more than 400 people from 65 countries in a room - and throw in that they’re Baptists - you are amid a very diverse bunch. Difference is all around you - be it language, skin colour, dress, equity, cuisine, theology, worship style or preferred football code. And given we were meeting in … Continue reading The difference default
Getting off the slippery slope!
This year has been a tough one on my body, from managing expected spinal pain to unexpected salmonella hospitalisation. So, when I tested positive to lousy Covid again on Sunday, I was more than ready to accept an invite to my own personal pity party! I had good reason to grumble, I told myself. And quickly, … Continue reading Getting off the slippery slope!
apilgrimpens 