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
Gideon's Identity Crisis: Who is God? Who am I?!
Many of us lack confidence and experience Imposter Syndrome. If we claim religious faith, this can deter us from acting on God’s call - we want to be sure we have not misheard. And that is ok. But, sometimes, as Gideon’s story teaches us, our natural feelings of inadequacy and uncertainty are really not the point.
Read MoreOlympians 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 MoreAbram, Lot and tough separations.
Today’s story is one of separation; of the tensions and potential pain that come with growth. It challenges us to approach changing relationships and circumstances with wisdom and love for others - even though, instinctively, we might be fearful and concerned to protect ourselves.
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!
Read MoreBeing Salt and Light
Jesus invites people to be salt and light; to dig into and mine the secret truths of their being - the Holy places. This is difficult, costly work. But here, in the discovery of our truest self, lies freedom.
Read MoreTaken (where) by Surprise?
Are you afraid of challenge? Are there situations in which you anticipate it? How do you feel when someone puts you on the spot? Today’s reflection considers how Jesus responded in just such a moment - and wonders how we might try to apply such wisdom in our conversations.
Read MoreShelter from the Storm
What storms are you aware of at the moment? What emotional, physical or societal bombardments might be affecting you or others you hold dear? Today’s reflection dwells on one of the bible’s sacred songs and wonders what we do when feeling overwhelmed.
Read MoreBeauty in Hard Places
Our endurance of hard times can depend on moments of beauty or inspiration. These are often very small features of a day, barely noticeable to anyone outside our frame of reference. Where might you look for such things in the ‘everyday’?
Read MoreEnding Well
Transitions and goodbyes are unsettling and at times very painful. We need to allow ourselves to process feelings and shocks contained in endings - but not let those harden our hearts or affect our ability to trust people and the Universe moving forward. A short paragraph in the New Testament, in which Jesus bids his friends farewell, is revealing.
Read MoreCourage to Be
Courage is a virtue - but some of us are wary of being exhorted to adopt it. If a person or group with power over us pressurises us to ‘be brave’ it can suggest to us that we need to do or be more than we are; or should adopt agenda we do not instinctively share. Today’s reflection invites us to spend some time with scripture and with ourselves, to discern where good or godly courage fits into our lives.
Read MoreMaking Space to Recover
Facets of Freedom
Freedom is life-giving but it looks like different things for different people. This reflection inspired by Psalm 31 considers how we might become more free as we emerge from lockdown.
Read MoreAfter a resurrection.... what next?
The period after Easter in the Christian year speaks of hopes fulfilled and dreams realised. It is also ok to feel a strange anti-climax; an uncertainty about what to do with the freedom we have been given; a trepidation about stepping into the light….. This reflection encourages us to hold our nerve and do just that.
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