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!
The way of Jesus
Never bereft ….
Lament … hope! Overwhelmed ... hope! Darkness … hope! Sorrow ... hope! Uncertainty ... hope! Despair ... hope! Grief ... hope! Brokenness ... hope! Mess ... hope! Displaced ... hope! Searching ... hope! Yearning … hope! Dreaming ... hope! New beginnings ... hope! Tomorrow ... hope! Christmas reminds us we are never bereft of hope! … Continue reading Never bereft ….
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
Clinging to hope!
In Bethlehem: "A re-igniting of hope is how the Mayor of Bethlehem Maher Nicola Canawati described this week's lighting of the Manger Square Christmas tree. The tree wasn't lit in 2023 and 2024 in respect of the Gaza conflict and the loss of so many lives. But the Mayor said this week that he hoped … Continue reading Clinging to hope!
Hope has a name!
Hope sometimes feels wishful, like crossing our fingers and dreaming of a good outcome. Today, we are all hoping for different things – some important, some less so – in this wishful, it may or may not happen way. Each year I hope the Newcastle Knights will win the NRL – and I know how wishful … Continue reading Hope has a name!
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 