She had lost her husband and now her only son. She is broken and weeping. Life is desperate. And then we read: “Jesus saw the woman”. He saw her! And his gut was moved with compassion. I never tire of reading these words. Jesus sees the desperate, young Palestinian woman, who has lost her two dearly loved … Continue reading He sees us!
Prayers for Olive
It has been a while since I’ve woken to the sound of a baby crying. As I heard baby Olive crying in the early hours of this morning, I was reminded of a huge challenge that I have never experienced, living without a roof over my head. And I was thankful for the practical difference … Continue reading Prayers for Olive
The legacy we are writing today!
Father’s Day always reminds me of what matters most in life. It brings many cherished things to the front and centre of my mind, as well as challenges to ponder in my lifelong parenting apprenticeship. Today I breathe in deep and appreciate the sheer joy, privilege and delight of being a father. I celebrate the … Continue reading The legacy we are writing today!
We made it to here!
“But, if we made it to here, maybe we have everything it takes to make it to there?” While taking in the beauty of the Ligurian coastline over recent days, the words of Will Small’s wonderful, pandemic-season poem “We Made it to Here” have been on my mind. The line above came into my head as I … Continue reading We made it to here!
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!
The beauty of St Dunstan’s
St Dunstan in the East church garden is a hidden London gem. I’m so glad I made a visit last week. And beyond its beauty and peacefulness, I will remember the garden as the place I got to road test the emergency call function on my watch. Yes, while taking photos and breathing in this … Continue reading The beauty of St Dunstan’s
So thankful for Old Tom!
As I walked through the streets of Oxford on Tuesday night I came across a classic, small English pub, simply named “Old Tom”. Suddenly my mind was full with memories of my wonderful grandfather Tom. It seemed very appropriate to step inside an enjoy an ale and remember my Tom! I can’t recall how my … Continue reading So thankful for Old Tom!
Raise our voices
Jack is a quietly spoken man. He has a beautiful smile. And he openly shed some tears when we recently spoke. There was no vitriol, rather a humble, challenging request from this proud Kamilaroi man. “Please embrace our invitation. Please walk with us towards reconciliation. We can do this.” And words I won’t forget; I … Continue reading Raise our voices
Three Rs!
In our rapidly changing world, in the midst of uncertainty and anxiety, and navigating between the world that was and the world still to be, leadership is demanding, tiring and stretching. There are added, unique challenges confronting Christian leaders. In such a context, I need to keep reminding myself that I cannot do effective leadership … Continue reading Three Rs!
A big difference!
One of my kids recently told me that she hoped to be “a boss” one day. I replied: “Aim higher. Be a leader, not a boss.” She was getting the two ideas confused and I wanted to help her see the big differences! I rattled off the names of some people who have made such … Continue reading A big difference!
