Deportation Principle or Marriage Principle?

The label of this Australian wine reads: ‘19 Crimes is inspired by those who, beginning in 1788 were transported to Australia, for a life of hard labour…’

Each wine bottle’s cork states one of these ’19 crimes’ for which ‘criminals’ could be deported. Recent corks have revealed three of these crimes: 1. GRAND LARCENY, THEFT ABOVE THE VALUE OF ONE SHILLING; 10. STEALING A FISH FROM POND OR RIVER’; 16. BIGAMY’

Deportation Principle: focus on… self-protection… the crime, not on the criminal’s needs… rejection… distancing yourself from problems (sending them to the other side of the world!)

Yesterday Neice-Catherine posted pictures of her son Sam’s wedding on Saturday: ‘What an absolutely amazing day! Congratulations to Sam Jackson and Abby Green, now Mr and Mrs Jackson. We couldn’t be more proud of you both and we love you both so much. Have a wonderful honeymoon!’

Brother-Bryan was involved in the marriage service: ‘…for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part.’ We pray for Sam and Abby’s long, happy marriage.

The marriage principle: focus on… the needs of ‘the other’… long-term up-close love acceptance and commitment… a positive future… optimism and hope.

Songs of Praise yesterday told of Sister Winifred Laver: Born into a well-to-do family in Birkenhead, Merseyside, Winifred became a Methodist deaconess… trained as a nurse… contracted tuberculosis… went to Gateshead – with the worst TB record in the country…

Winifred started a surgery for folk who couldn’t afford a doctor… provided Sunday morning breakfasts before church… had the biggest Girl Guide group in the country… organised Christmas parties for 1,200 people… provided summer seaside outings for the poor… was up each day at 5am to pray…

Musing… Choosing between…

The 19 Crimes deportation principle: Self-comfort and self-improvement… ignoring the needs of others… distancing self from problems;

Sam, Abby & Winifred’s marriage principle: Selfless love, devotion, long-term commitment… involvement with people… facing problems and finding solutions…