Over the past 12 months, in small villages and towns in Africa and Asia, I’ve had the privilege to sit and listen to some amazing, humble women of faith. I've been inspired by their stories, courage and resilience. I’ve wiped tears from my eyes as they have shared their hopes and dreams for their local … Continue reading For such a time as this!
Resilience
When life throws you a curve ball [and jelly!]
My wife believes there is nothing good at all about green jelly and so the only time it gets a run on our family menu is when Megan makes my Dad his favourite Christmas trifle. Well, Christmas has come early this year, with a bowl of sweet and tangy lime jelly on my hospital menu … Continue reading When life throws you a curve ball [and jelly!]
Calling out bullies!
Over recent weeks Megan and I have had to help our youngest child deal with the pain of being bullied at school. You have a heavy heart when your child is distressed about going to school, when you know she usually loves it so much! From the school playground to the workplace, from the sporting … Continue reading Calling out bullies!
Wrestling with the beast
For the past few years, I’ve had doctors telling me “listen to your body”. I have been trying to heed their advice as best I can. I have tried to pace myself. I have slept more than I ever have. I'm often in bed before the kids, much to their amusement. I’ve learnt many lessons. … Continue reading Wrestling with the beast
A moment to be seized
What a privilege to have walked this week on Gurindji country. What a privilege to have walked this week on Gurindji Country. Before me each day was beauty and brokenness. The beauty of humble, inspiring, resilient First Nations’ people and their wonderful lands, hills, rivers and creeks. And yet the brokenness of injustice, disadvantage and … Continue reading A moment to be seized
The in-between days
Saturday The in-between day They were shattered, broken They were uncertain, fearful They were cynical, questioning They were grieving, numb They were longing, yearning They didn’t know what was next It was the in-between day! And here I am, So far removed from that Saturday And yet with so many in-between days in my … Continue reading The in-between days
Exiles Welcome!
For many years now, Megan, our kids and I have had the privilege of sharing our house and dining table with many people who are not like us. And these beautiful people, all with different stories, have taught me, stretched me, grown me and blessed me in so many ways. They have deposited far more … Continue reading Exiles Welcome!
Sky, sound and steps
I sit oustide tonight in the peaceful backyard of my temporary housing. I look up to the sky. I don’t see the stars, but thank God I don’t see fire and smoke. No bombs are being dropped in my neighbourhood. I am a fortunate human being. I am thankful and yet stirred! I hear the … Continue reading Sky, sound and steps
Thank you Alan!
Late on Christmas night in 2006 I was in my house alone. It was a painful first, which comes with the fracturing of families. My mobile phone rang. Someone who didn’t know me all that well, but who had stood by me in difficult times, was on the line. Calling from interstate, he wanted to say … Continue reading Thank you Alan!
We’re all human at the end of the day!
I’m sure most of us have been on the “Bol bandwagon” this past week. And rightly so! Peter Bol’s success has enchanted the nation and will be a long-remembered highlight of the Tokyo Games for many of us. But behind three courageous 800m runs this past week is a beautiful, but challenging story. One that … Continue reading We’re all human at the end of the day!
APilgrimPens 