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!
Justice
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
Closing the gap
There is much to celebrate as Australians. I’m so thankful for this amazing, ancient, diverse country I get to call home. And yet rightly we can be thankful and lament at the same time today. I’d prefer that we celebrate our shared national story on a day that many First Nations people could choose to … Continue reading Closing the gap
It shouldn’t be this way!
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!
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
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
Prejudice dressed up as protest
Pauline Hanson’s political playbook hasn’t changed in 30 years. We saw it on display again in Federal Parliament this week. Sure, it was a stunt. She will say it was a protest. But when it comes to Senator Hanson, prejudice is often dressed up as protest. In the Hanson world there is always someone to … Continue reading Prejudice dressed up as protest
A different chorus
Pastors who sing the MAGA chorus are warmly welcomed at the White House. Pastors who stand for the just ways of Jesus alongside immigrant communities are being harassed, detained, arrested and shot at. The power obsessed have never liked the courageous, humble, just voices of the prophets. It’s an unwanted chorus! “Do not neglect the … Continue reading A different chorus
apilgrimpens 