Over recent weeks Megan and I have had to help our youngest child deal with the pain of being bullied at school. You have a heavy heart when your child is distressed about going to school, when you know she usually loves it so much! From the school playground to the workplace, from the sporting … Continue reading Calling out bullies!
Wrestling with the beast
For the past few years, I’ve had doctors telling me “listen to your body”. I have been trying to heed their advice as best I can. I have tried to pace myself. I have slept more than I ever have. I'm often in bed before the kids, much to their amusement. I’ve learnt many lessons. … Continue reading Wrestling with the beast
Something to be cherished
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how, in an increasingly polarised world, do followers of Jesus foster unity in diversity. I appreciate, it’s not an easy path to navigate, but as one who has chosen to actively engage in the Baptist movement, unity in diversity is something I cherish. I have the privilege of … Continue reading Something to be cherished
A moment to be seized
What a privilege to have walked this week on Gurindji country. What a privilege to have walked this week on Gurindji Country. Before me each day was beauty and brokenness. The beauty of humble, inspiring, resilient First Nations’ people and their wonderful lands, hills, rivers and creeks. And yet the brokenness of injustice, disadvantage and … Continue reading A moment to be seized
A genuine welcome mat!
What does it look like to be a genuine welcoming gospel community? What does it look like to invite others to your dining table in an expression of genuine hospitality Certainly - as Walter Brueggemann and Sanetta Ponton highlight - it means facing our prejudices and ensuring “people not like us” are invited to our … Continue reading A genuine welcome mat!
“Well, at least … “
Well, at least … "Well, at least I don’t vote Greens." "At least I don’t live in that suburb." "At least my kid's normal." "At least I’m not on benefits." "At least I don't talk like she does." "At least I’m not like him." "And well, God, thank you that my kids are so successful … Continue reading “Well, at least … “
A beautiful invitation
As I was driving today, listening to the radio, a well-known non-Aboriginal commentator admitted he could name many great Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander football players. “But I have to say, I need to go back and learn a lot more about important, historic indigenous issues.” The commentator's honest reflection came on this weekend's AFL’s … Continue reading A beautiful invitation
Competing paths
As a leader, I have before me each day two competing pathways - the street of self-advancement and the road of relinquishment. The first pathway beckons me to personal ascension, accomplishment, acknowledgement and acquisition. These things all attractively play to my innate self-interest. And yet all of these things are at odds with the way … Continue reading Competing paths
The in-between days
Saturday The in-between day They were shattered, broken They were uncertain, fearful They were cynical, questioning They were grieving, numb They were longing, yearning They didn’t know what was next It was the in-between day! And here I am, So far removed from that Saturday And yet with so many in-between days in my … Continue reading The in-between days
God save us!
Palm Sunday, palm leaves. The chorus of “Hosanna” and the prayer "God save us”. God save us from the barbaric evil we see in Ukraine. And from the hatred we can foster and hide in our own hearts. Save us from seeing skin colour, rather than a person’s dignity. And from judging ethnicity through the … Continue reading God save us!
apilgrimpens 