It is difficult - if not impossible - to avoid feeling pressurised by cultural expectations. In this age of instant communication and social media influencers, we can become exhausted by invitations to compare ourselves. We want to measure up; to be the greatest in some acknowledged way. This reflection contemplates the word ‘great’ and invites you to ask what it means - to you.
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Updates from Whirlow
Olympians and the Little Children - the powerful vulnerability of Moses and Simone Biles
Many of us have been inspired by the Olympic athletes competing under challenging circumstances in Tokyo. Inspirational performances have sat comfortably alongside visible emotion and openness about mental health that is refreshing. In this reflection, we relate those testimonies to bible stories about human vulnerability.
Read MoreHave Mercy On Us! Accepting the Reality of Who we Are
Those of us who live comfortable, affluent lives can become addicted to safety, certainty, happiness and constant personal improvement - perhaps more than to other ‘quick fixes’. When we think about our weakness, confusion or hardship, we view them as problems to be solved. This reflection invites us, instead, to accept the mess and uncertainty, and walk free of our addiction to perfection.
Read MoreAre These Weeds or Flowers? A parable about the end times.
Jesus warned us against judging others - and this is almost impossible. Instinctively, human beings want to rid themselves of unpleasant news and experiences by categorising them as ‘bad’. Today’s reflection looks at a story from the Gospel of Matthew, in which we are reminded that we do not always know how to distinguish between good and evil.
Read MoreLifechanging Gestures - the Outstretched Hands of Moses and Jesus
Emotions run high as we relax pandemic rules. How do you feel? Perhaps you long for a hand of reassurance on your shoulder. Perhaps you long to comfort others. Today we remember the outstretched arms of two legendary bible characters, which pointed to open spaces just when life was closing in.
Read MoreFinding Rest for the Weary
Exhortations to ‘keep calm’, ‘take care’ or just to rest are all around us. They sound so simple and inviting. But this, too, requires commitment. We invite you to give yourself the gift of taking a step towards - rather than reaching - these elusive places of calm, self-care or rest.
Read MoreWork Hard, Pray Hard - the work ethic of Jacob and Jesus.
Some of us - whether or not we call ourselves religious - grew up in family and community cultures driven by a religious ‘work ethic’. Today’s reflection looks at bible characters who might have something to say to us about both striving and letting go.
Read MoreSeriously spiritual apostles? Finding the funny in Acts Chapter 12
We might perceive scripture and the biblical characters within it as rather solemn. Today’s reflection looks at a funny (?) story about one of Christianity’s greatest heroes - an olden-day Dwayne Johnson - Simon ‘The Rock’ Peter.r.
Read MoreAbundance versus Scarcity
Talking money is difficult - not least because few religious institutions can boast a ‘clean bill of health’ for the way they have obtained financial support over the years. Today’s recommended scriptures are about giving, though, and so in this reflection we attempt to dive in!
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