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
Politics
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!
So little grace
So many Christians, so full of vitriol for our Prime Minister. So quick to throw stones and post things intended to alarm and inflame. So few mentions of praying for him at a time of crisis. So little grace. And I'm left wondering, how do hurtful, vengeful, distasteful words and memes aid a credible, public … Continue reading So little grace
A healing collective
Across the nation we're seeing the beauty of collective grief, compassion, empathy and respect; a quartet that that supports healing and fosters unity. And sadly, but predictably, we also see the ugliness of collective blame, which fuels division and fosters fear and often, more violence. It helps no one at all! We will see more of … Continue reading A healing collective
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
Double down
As I read the news of the world this morning, my heart ached and I was struck by how dire, overwhelming and chaotic things seem. As I was reading, the words "double down" kept echoing in my mind. They are not words I often use. But yes, they are words for me in a season … Continue reading Double down
Stop the horror!
Intolerable, unacceptable and unforgiving! That’s how former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert describes the tragic humanitarian crisis in Gaza. UNICEF reports more than “one million children are at risk of starvation. They are being deprived of food, water and medicine … It is unconscionable that over 45 children have reportably been killed in air strikes … Continue reading Stop the horror!
Refusing to be silent!
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!