On Wednesday a Palestinian journalist covering an Israeli raid in the Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank was shot dead allegedly by an Israeli soldier, though this was denied by the Israeli military. The killing of a clearly identified member of the press in a conflict area violates international law and the UN has … Continue reading A News Story Worth Telling
Category: Christian
A Walk to Emmaus
The horrors of war and suffering are nothing new, yet this conflict in Ukraine has brought it all much closer to home. As I look around the world at increasing troubles on so many fronts, I fear it will get worse, not better, in the years ahead. My need of God, not a god made … Continue reading A Walk to Emmaus
Holy Saturday
Storks and Sparrows
Ukraine’s National Bird Ukrainians love storks. They come to nest and breed in springtime, then migrate to winter in Southern Africa. They are considered monogamous, often returning with their mate to the same nesting site, where both parents share the feeding of their young. The stork is Ukraine’s national bird, symbolising family, loyalty and patriotism. … Continue reading Storks and Sparrows
Nowruz : Persian New Year
We learned from our Iranian friends their celebration of Nowruz, their New Year traditions at the spring equinox. This ancient festival predates Islam and is celebrated by many countries with links to Persian culture. With its emphasis on new life, darkness to light, barrenness to fruitfulness, I find it easy to incorporate it into my … Continue reading Nowruz : Persian New Year
Prayers for Ukraine
Did you know Ukraine is the world’s largest producer of sunflower seeds, and that the sunflower is their national flower? It is impossible not to be impressed by the courage and solidarity of this nation. Like a field of sunflowers they are standing tall, facing the future together. Prayer: Thank you for the courage and … Continue reading Prayers for Ukraine
Entitlement
Over the past weeks the spirit of entitlement has dominated our news. Despite the appalling situations of ongoing suffering in other parts of the world, here in the UK we have been caught up with the lies and cover- ups of the rich and famous and those in positions of power. Whether it’s been the … Continue reading Entitlement
New Year Aspirations
As we draw our Christmas celebrations to a close and I take down the decorations for another year, I’m thinking about Epiphany (January 6th) that remembers the visit of the wise men from the East. Here are my three personal desires, inspired by them, that I want to take with me into 2022. More Awake … Continue reading New Year Aspirations
The Wonder of Christmas
This week I was chatting with a young mum watching her two-year-old mesmerised by a small revolving Christmas tree. She was sadly anticipating the day when her child would grow up and lose her sense of ‘wonder’. This conversation has made me think about the concept of ‘wonder’, that capacity for rapt awe and amazement. … Continue reading The Wonder of Christmas
Coleus Comeback
Growing up I had a problem with God. I loved the natural world, but was well aware of its dark side. I knew the word ‘gall bladder’ at an early age, because my adorable cat would hunt, catch, torture and eat mice, always leaving that bitter part on the garden path! I loved plants and … Continue reading Coleus Comeback
