Up From The Ashes…

At church we sing: ‘Up from the ashes hope will arise…’ It sounds like: ‘Up from the ashes soap will arise.’ I smile an irreverent smile.

This week there’s been a lot about women’s football… years of not being able to play… fighting for the right to play… battling misogynistic views… 2,567 watched England lose in the 1984 European Championships final… on Sunday 89,192 at Wembley and a TV audience of 17.4m watched them win!

Up from the ashes…

Chatting to son-in-law-Allan yesterday… He and daughter-Jo have had weeks battling with insurers about damage caused to their car by delivery vans. Hopefully today there will be final resolution, money will be promised and given, the old damaged car will be removed, a new car purchased.

Up from the ashes…

Yesterday I met Graham. Graham’s a comedian, actor and entertainer who has mixed with the rich and famous. He’s already booked to do Pantomime next Christmas with Shane Richie… again…

Graham’s been through some dark times. Work hasn’t always been good… his mental health and relationships have suffered… With the help, love and support of good friends he’s discovered a real faith in God and a new sense of hope. His life has turned around…

Up from the ashes…

Cat’s life has changed dramatically from mess, addiction and self-destruction. Yesterday she wrote:

‘Today my baby and I celebrate 8 years since she came home to live with me, after 3 and a half years living with my parents. Some people think there is no such things as miracles… but I believe in a God of limitless possibilities, who performs miracles every day. And this little girl coming home is the best example of a miracle that I have ever seen.’

Up from the ashes…

Musing… Isaiah writing of his God: ‘…To all who mourn in Israel he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festival praise instead of despair…’ (61:3)

Up from the ashes…