Author Archives: malcolmsmusingscom

Three ways to muse on the past: Thoughtfully I am thoughtfully honest about good and bad, mistakes made and successes enjoyed. Pastor and Minister Nate Larkin faced up to his sex addiction. He formed a support group for those with similar problems: ‘When I listen to the stories of my brothers, I find to myContinue reading “Looking Back”

Mull of Kintyre, oh mist rolling in from the seaMy desire is always to be hereOh Mull of Kintyre Yesterday’s ‘mist rolling in from the sea’… I mused on Paul McCartney’s song. Far have I travelled and much have I seenDark distant mountains with valleys of greenPast painted desert the sunset’s on fireAs he carriesContinue reading “Mull of Kintyre”

Yesterday I heard the expression, ‘He can’t walk and chew gum at the same time’. I was amused. I assumed it was about an inability to multi-task. I was more amused to learn that President Johnson had said it of Gerald Ford, implying that his inability to do two tasks simultaneously demonstrated his limited intelligence.*Continue reading “Flawed Heroes”

Precious Lord, take my hand,Lead me on, let me stand,I am tired, I am weak, I am worn;Through the storm, through the night,Lead me on to the light: Take my hand, precious Lord,Lead me home. Alicia is 17. She has been very unwell recently: ‘I know that this is only a small part of myContinue reading “Precious Lord”

Musing on recent lessons learnt: fears on ‘returning to normal’ Coronavirus Coronavirus has reminded us of our weakness and vulnerability I fear that, focusing on ourselves, we shall lose sight of others still suffering with coronavirus. 10-year-old Rahaf fled Syria with her family seven years ago to an overcrowded Lebanon refugee settlement. The risk ofContinue reading “Learning Lessons and Facing Fears”

There is a balm in GileadTo make the wounded wholeThere is a balm in GileadTo heal the sin-sick soul On Sunday Edward Colston’s statue was dumped in Bristol harbour. Colston was an investor, board member eventually deputy governor of the Royal African Company, the most prolific slave-trading company in British history. During his period itContinue reading “Balm in Gilead”

Yesterday George Floyd’s brother Philonise spoke before the House judiciary committee calling on Congress to act over police violence: ‘…make the necessary changes that make law enforcement the solution – and not the problem… Teach them what it means to treat people with empathy and respect…’ Home Secretary Priti Patel, described in the House ofContinue reading “Black Lives Matter”

When you walk through a stormHold your head up highAnd don’t be afraid of the dark… Carousel tells of millworker Julie Jordan and carousel barker Billy Bigelow. They fall in love and marry. The troubled Billy is violent towards Julie. Involved in a bungled burglary he kills himself. Nettie, Julie’s cousin, sings ‘You’ll Never WalkContinue reading “Two More ‘Passing’ Songs”

Coronavirus has made us consider death… Bishop Michael Curry reflected on George Floyd: “… For one man to place his knee on the neck of another and to… choke the breath of life that God gave out of him… it is unconscionable, it’s unthinkable, and it’s horrible.” Yesterday the mother of suicide victim Caroline FlackContinue reading “Musings on Passing”

Would you know my name If I saw you in heaven? Will it be the same If I saw you in heaven?  I must be strong, and carry on Cause I know I don’t belong Here in heaven.  Eric Clapton wrote this song following his son’s death. Clapton’s musical achievements as a legendary guitarist are well documented, as are hisContinue reading “2 Songs in Passing”