With many issues in life, we have a choice. We can stay on the sidelines, we can engage symbolically or at a surface-level, or we can wholeheartedly commit to playing our part in bringing real change. This year’s National Reconciliation Week theme “All In - Reciprocity as Reconciliation” - invites us to step off the … Continue reading All in!
Justice
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
Drown out the boos!
Sadly, there will always be those who boo, motivated by voices that foster division, hated and fear. Many more rightly applauded after highly respected and much loved First Nations leaders concluded their Welcome to Country addresses in Sydney and Melbourne today. On a day - whereas a nation we’re called together as a diverse people … Continue reading Drown out the boos!
It shouldn’t be this way!
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!
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
apilgrimpens 