Restore, Reset, Rebalance.

Yesterday, in her ‘Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood’ framework, Princess Kate says: ‘Modern society is complex. At times, it can feel like the world is filled with mistrust and misunderstanding, leaving many people feeling isolated and vulnerable during difficult times.’

‘…We must invest in humankind. As human beings, we are at our best when we are surrounded by love, safety and security. We thrive when we are connected to one another; when we feel like we belong, feel seen, heard and accepted for who we are… It means getting better at acting with compassion and empathy towards one another…’

‘We must restore, reset and rebalance’.

Thinking of last week’s tragic air crashes in America… Today, 3^rd February, in 1959 the plane carrying Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper crashed. Three of America’s greatest rock ’n’ roll stars died. Don McLean in his song ‘American Pie’ famously described it as ‘the day that music died’.   

Despite his sad death, the legacy that Buddy Holly left, inspired The Beatles, Bob Dylan and countless musicians that came after him. McLean’s pessimism has been proved wrong. Rock ’n’ roll lived on and is very much alive. Music continues to restore, reset, rebalance.

At church yesterday Lou told the story of the mad man in the cemetery. Violent and abusive he’s totally out of control. Attempts to contain and restrain him have failed. He’s seriously self-harmed, rejected by his community; no-one has an answer.

Lou talked about the person, presence and power of Jesus… meeting the man, acting with compassion and, in a story involving demons and pigs Jesus transforming him. We read that, ‘They came to Jesus and saw the madman sitting there wearing decent clothes and making sense, no longer a walking madhouse of a man.’  

He’s restored, reset, rebalanced.

My world is filled with Kate’s mistrust and misunderstanding… McLean’s pessimism… Jesus’ mad men… I look to Kate’s investment in humankind… Jesus’ person, presence and power… with compassion and empathy… Restore, Reset, Rebalance.