Robert Reich highlights that in a world of chaos, conflict, fear and injustice it’s understandable, that in our humanness, we may choose denial, despair or silence. Reich writes: “When most of us believe that nothing can be done, or assume nothing will be done, or think that silence is the only practical choice, we fuel … Continue reading Refusing to be silent!
Justice
Seeing others!
One of the most powerful things we do in life is to see others, particularly to see those who often feel unseen! Senator Raphael Warnock says “you can’t serve me if you don’t see me”. This week it has been a joy to be with Baptist Mission Australia colleagues in Cambodia, witnessing how they are … Continue reading Seeing others!
Disagreeing in love
I’m an election tragic. I’ve watched many up close over my life. This time round, I’ve been deeply concerned by the vitriol, hatred and lies - dressed up as political comment by people who claim to identify with the ways of Jesus. I’m astounded by the certainty some hold to in their extreme, opinions, claims … Continue reading Disagreeing in love
It always does this!
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!
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!
“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!”
Fear mongering!
No one is getting out of Gaza in a hurry. That’s a fact. “Hamas sympathisers” are not lined up at the airport bound for Australia as Mr Dutton might want us to believe. But fostering immigration fear - no matter what side of politics plays this cheap game - is never concerned with the facts. … Continue reading Fear mongering!
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
Disturb me this Christmas!
I had asked the big man in the red suit for a dragster for Christmas. It was 1975 and I was trying to hold on to my Santa convictions despite the discouragement of my older brother. As was the tradition on Christmas Eve, I was sleeping on an air mattress in my grandparents’ lounge room … Continue reading Disturb me this Christmas!
Be inspired!
We all love stories, and I am finding that my appreciation of First Nations history, perspectives and cultures continues to grows as I intentionally read, listen to and watch stories made by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Be it the disturbing truth-telling of watching The Australian Wars on SBS, or the beauty and heartache … Continue reading Be inspired!
apilgrimpens 