Reframe: to change the way something is expressed or considered: to put a picture in a new or different frame. (Cambridge Dictionary)
Reframing a song: At ‘Singing for Health’ yesterday we sung the old Neil Diamond song ‘Sweet Caroline’ with gusto and enjoyment. I’d always assumed that ‘Caroline’ was Diamond’s wife or lover. One old gent said, ‘Caroline was the president’s daughter.’
I googled the song’s origin. Apparently Neil Diamond wrote the song about his wife Marsha. The name ‘Marsha’ didn’t fit the tune, ‘Caroline’ (President Kennedy’s daughter) did.
Sweet Caroline reframed – in my understanding.
Reframing a place: This week’s Lowestoft Journal reported on the Lowestoft evacuees. On June 2nd 1940 more than 3,000 children and teachers left Lowestoft by train to go to rural Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.
In 1940 Lowestoft Station was a place of fear, uncertainty, separation… This week at the station there’s a reunion, reminiscences of safe survival, celebration of life-long friendships.
Lowestoft Station reframed – in 1940 a reminder of war, in 2025 a symbol of peace and cherished memories.
Reframing a purpose: At our Men’s Shed, in discussions about law and order… Bill, an ex-prison officer, is always vocal… exceedingly draconian views are often expressed! Is prison a deterrent… a punishment… an opportunity to reform criminals?
Chuck Colson, discussing prison reform, explains: ‘one common thread which ran through the lives of most inmates: a history of continuous rejection.’ Rejection at home, in school, by society…
Prison reframed – What if the purpose of prison is to change rejection into acceptance?
Reframing life: As a teacher I encouraged children to do their best, try different things, be successful… get more, do more, achieve more… I’ve enjoyed facing challenges… sought to be ‘the best version of myself’…
Yesterday I read: ‘Gratitude turns whatever we have into enough’. The priority isn’t self-improvement, promotion at work, the next holiday… I don’t need more or different; I have enough.
Achievement reframed – Rather than wanting more I focus on enjoying, appreciating, being grateful for all I have.
malcolmsmusings.org 
What a great reminder to look at things from God’s perspective!
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I think the danger is that whoever we are we tend to look just from our own perspective. We are encouraged to have our own opinions!
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And look how ell that works out for us!
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Especially like the quote on gratitude and the thought about the purpose of prison. Thank you, Malcolm. I copied your quote from Colson and may use it one day!
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It’s a good quote, Dana. Colson was reflecting on the contribution to his ministry made by a man he worked with, George Soltau, who concluded that years in prison, ‘leave the individuals sense of self worth so battered that he or she simply cannot comprehend God’s love.’
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So heartbreaking. That is why prison ministry is so important.
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Great examples of how we can reframe. Thanks, Malcolm!
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I’m sure that we could both add to the list of how or where we can reframe. It seems to me, Wynne that it’s such an important principle – to be able to step back and reframe.
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Appealing
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Thank you.
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Chuck Colson’s ministry Prison Fellowship has made a difference in a great many lives. Even in prison, Christ can find us.
Of course, we can be imprisoned w/o ever having been convicted — by our circumstances, by our past. Once a root of bitterness takes hold, our lives can feel bleak. Forgiveness and its sister gratitude are the keys to freedom.
Gratitude is a response to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. In the United States we have been especially blessed materially. Unfortunately, our society tends to view this as an entitlement. That undermines both our joy and peace.
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I’m certainly appreciating reading Coulson’s story, Anna. I’ve learnt a lot from his experiences of prisons, prisoners and his God.
Attitudes of entitlement are certainly prevalent in the UK too – and rob us of a grateful heart.
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