Author Archives: malcolmsmusingscom

I’m reading Everett Swanson’s biography. In 1953, working with army chaplains in Korea, he saw starving, freezing, suffering ‘orphans of war’: ‘Preteen girls cowered in hovels, clutching younger siblings to their sides. Malnourished kids fought over scraps in the army garbage piles…’ It’s an image we’re so familiar with today. Swanson’s response was to formContinue reading “Just Ordinary Children”

Yesterday I read about ‘a nine-foot man-eating tiger and a 19-foot python’. I paused. It could have read ‘a nine foot man, eating tiger and a 19-foot python’. Choice of punctuation is important. On Monday we heard President Donald Trump’s inauguration speech. He announced that there were only two genders; he launched an immigration crackdown,Continue reading “When Choice is Important.”

Yesterday I was chatting with Jacquie, a colleague from my school-teaching days, about the staff we used to work with… our differences and strengths. Young enthusiastic teachers brought energy and freshness… experienced professionals with their wisdom and knowledge… the invaluable contribution of caring support staff. All were good adult role models to the children. TheContinue reading “Side by Side, Hand in Hand”

I’m reading ‘What are you going to do?. In the 1950s Everett Swanson, seeing the plight of starving orphans in South Korea, was confronted with the question: ‘What are you going to do?’ The book tells of his response… Four recent conversations… Sunday… two fourteen-year-olds deciding on their options for their GCSEs… whether they’ll doContinue reading “What Are You Going To Do?”

Yesterday at our (Baptist) church I was reminded… How many Baptists does it take to change a lightbulb? At least 15. One to change the lightbulb, and three committees to approve the change and decide who brings the cake. For Balance…How many Anglicans does it take to change a lightbulb? None. They always use candles.Continue reading “Changing a Lightbulb”

I’m no longer a slave to fearI am a child of God At church this morning we shall sing these words repeatedly stating that our relationship with God takes way our fear. It’s simple yet profound message, speaking of my identity as God’s child that brings freedom and strength. You unravel me with a melodyYouContinue reading “No Longer Slaves”

Yesterday we attended Lilian’s funeral service. Lilian has been a respected, longstanding member of our church family. She founded our church Girls Brigade company and was its captain for many years. She was clear-thinking and outspoken, patient, generous and kind. We celebrated Lilian’s life together; heard stories, learnt more about her. Anecdotes were told thatContinue reading “Lilian, Cornelius, and Passing Time,”

Reading Elizabeth Oldfield’s ‘Fully Alive’ has led me to muse on two words… Character: We use character in two contexts: …A person’s character consists of all the qualities that make them distinct from others, particularly their moral qualities. …The people in a book, film or play are the characters that together make up the story.Continue reading “Character and Enthusiasm”

Reading this morning… Moses is negotiating with Pharoah. Sticks become snakes, water becomes blood. There’s a plague of frogs… then a plague of gnats. Pharoah’s magicians say, ‘This is the finger of God…’ Musing… fingers… Small Fingers: I remember ‘twenty tiny fingers’ from children’s radio. My education at home and at school involved my fingers…Continue reading “The Power of the Finger”

Yesterday’s news showed the Princess of Wales visiting the Royal Marsden Hospital, west London, where last year she’d received treatment for her cancer. Catherine thanked staff and talked empathetically with cancer patients… Catherine said she was doing well, adding: ‘Sometimes from the outside we all think you’ve finished treatment and you go back to things.Continue reading “Discovering a New Normal”