Seeing Failure in a Fresh Light

Yesterday…

…I read the Lowestoft Journal. We’ve failed to be shortlisted in the UK Town of Culture competition.

Des, who helped put together Lowestoft’s application, wrote: ‘The bid gave us the chance to celebrate Lowestoft’s cultural heritage and amazing people… From arts groups and music venues to sports clubs, book groups, dance, drama, and so much more! Our town is full of incredible people giving their time to bring culture to life.’

Recognising that Lowestoft’s creative and inspiring isn’t failure!

…We watched the tennis. Arthur Fery lost to Alexander Zverev in the Wimbledon semi-finals, failing to make the final.

Two weeks ago, Arthur was the world number 114; he’d never been beyond a Grand Slam second round. Most Brits lost in the first round; twenty-three-year-old Fery carried British hopes further than anyone imagined. The crowds loved his inspirational fighting spirit. Fery’s now British number one… 36th in the world rankings… taking home £900,000 prize money.

Is this failure?

…I’m reading ‘Black Ice’. In 2010, Corrie Mapp was on combat operations in Afghanistan. His armoured vehicle ran over an IED causing massive injuries… both his legs were amputated.

Cory made an against-the-odds recovery, returning to his regiment. He competed nationally in disabled cricket, was a member of Team GB for sitting volley ball and athletics at the Invictus Games, won gold in the inaugural Para Bobsleigh World Cup competition…

Corie’s a remarkable example of triumph over adversity.

…I read Premier Christianity’. Dr Chloe Lynch writes of man who had a lot of power over her and hurt her badly…

She was advised to bless him… reflecting on Jesus’ words, ‘Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.’ On Paul’s words ‘Bless those who persecute you…’ She writes of praying, blessing ‘his spiritual life and his physical life: health and relationships, resources and work…’

She changed… She describes feelings of freedom, a lessening of emotional weight, forgiveness becoming easier, eventual reconciliation…

…Des, Arthur, Corie and Chloe …helping me to see my failures in a fresh light.