One scarred pew remains in the St Paul’s Chapel in Manhattan. It sits humbly in the corner of the historic chapel with the word “Love” aptly placed above it. St Paul’s is located 100 metres from the former World Trade Centre twin towers. And despite all that happened on the day of the 9-11 attack, … Continue reading Scarred love
Gratitude
Lessons on the road
I just had a warm, afternoon nap on my day off. Shame it was on a CT scan table at a local hospital. The latest scans come after my neurosurgeon confirmed that my last spinal surgery has not achieved the results we were hoping for. My ongoing pain had already told me that, but it … Continue reading Lessons on the road
Thank you!
Tomorrow there will be many wonderful female pastors and leaders exercising their God-given gifts across Australian Baptist churches. I’m deeply grateful for their leadership, inspiration, influence, wisdom, example and courage. As a Baptist male leader, I cheer these women on loudly, while recognising there is still more to do. Too many female leaders in our … Continue reading Thank you!
Compassion amid misinformation
Those playing divisive, race-card politics in Australia will keep getting the headlines. But the real story should not be forgotten. The people impacted most by fear-based, populist, political decisions and policies are usually the most vulnerable and those with the least voice. Let’s not let their real stories and needs be overshadowed amid cheap political … Continue reading Compassion amid misinformation
Lingering in story
Between appointments today I had the opportunity to meet John and chat over a coffee. He told me he a few times as we spoke that he didn’t want to hold me up! He wasn’t, as I reminded myself that in this moment there was no where else I needed to be. So we lingered … Continue reading Lingering in story
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
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
Cherishing togetherness
A house full of people last night. Great conversations, good food, stories, listening, laughter and lament. And throw in my daughter and her friends having a sleepover here as well. The joy of community. I wanted to cling on to that last night, even more than usual, in these stretching times. It’s good to journey … Continue reading Cherishing togetherness
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
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
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