Category Archives: Uncategorized

‘Lessons must be learnt’ (5) – God?

Coronavirus-world has made many question the god that they believe in. Other world events and situations bring similar questions… 300,000 homeless after the Beirut explosion 70 million refugees in the world… our awareness through recent Channel crossings Global warming and its consequences Land and sea pollution World poverty, famine, suffering Prejudice, inequality, hatred and divisionContinue reading “‘Lessons must be learnt’ (5) – God?”

‘Lessons must be learnt’ (4) – The Dark Side

Coronavirus-world has confronted us with dark experiences and emotions. Many have encountered fear.  Afraid that they may catch ‘the virus’, afraid to leave the house, enter shops, be near other people… Some are fearful of being without employment, money or food; some fear for the health of vulnerable friends or relations. For some fear hasContinue reading “‘Lessons must be learnt’ (4) – The Dark Side”

‘Lessons must be learnt’ (3) – People Matter

Musing further on ‘Lessons we must learn’ from our coronavirus-world… I believe we have seen a greater focus on people: News about hospitals has been about patients, nurses, doctors, cleaning staff, deaths, recoveries… people. News about education has been about teachers, children learning, parents home-schooling, students’ exam results… people. The work-place has been about peopleContinue reading “‘Lessons must be learnt’ (3) – People Matter”

Lessons must be learnt (2) – Fragile, Broken World

I continue to muse on ‘Lessons we must learn’ from our coronavirus-world… Our world is fragile. Racial prejudice and the plight of refugees affects the whole world. They don’t need to affect us directly in this quiet corner of Eastern England. We see pictures of national fragility – the explosion in Beirut, extreme political unrestContinue reading “Lessons must be learnt (2) – Fragile, Broken World”

‘Lessons must be learnt’ (1) – Inclusion & Care

At work, in church, amongst friends I have been told ‘there are lessons that must be learnt’. It was said with a knowing look that implied I should know, understand and learn these lessons. Those who spoke of those ‘lessons’ didn’t give an explicit description of what they were, whether we shared a common understandingContinue reading “‘Lessons must be learnt’ (1) – Inclusion & Care”

Dear Lord and Father of Mankind (2)

With that deep hush subduing allour words and works that drownthe tender whisper of your call,as noiseless let your blessing fallas fell your manna down,as fell your manna down. The American John Whittier was a Quaker. After early political disappointments and a nervous breakdown he campaigned passionately for the abolitionist cause. He was a foundingContinue reading “Dear Lord and Father of Mankind (2)”

You Never Lift a Finger

Musing on Jesus’ words: ‘You load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them.’  (Luke 11:46) Story-summary, Sermon-outline Carry – Religious experts imposed a burden of expectations, demands and rules. Crush – This load was crushingly, back-breakingly, impossible to carry. Condemn – Jesus condemnsContinue reading “You Never Lift a Finger”