Writing in the Guardian today, Bibi Lynch talks honestly (and painfully) about her struggle with childlessness. If this is a live issue for you, it might be too hard to read, but it does give an insight into the despair and frustration that can accompany it. She says: ‘Being a mum has its difficulties – but they are finite and surmountable. If you haven’t had a child, that devastating problem can never be solved…You feel you have lost your identity? …Read More
It might be surprising to know, but I was a pastor in a church for almost 5 years and I have to say, today, I have never felt spiritually lower. I’m not having a crisis of faith. I know Jesus is Lord, I know Jesus is the Son of God; I can declare loudly that he is coming and he is King. But he has become more of an acquaintance than a friend. I think that has happened because I …Read More
Thanks to everyone who’s shared their wisdom and experiences on eating disorders. We’re running the training evenings tomorrow and Thursday evening and I’m feeling a bit nervous. I guess it’s one thing telling your own story, but another to suggest ways of helping other people. If you have any spare prayers, I would really appreciate them. The more I speak with other sufferers and reflect on my own experiences, the more convinced I become that true recovery relies upon Christ. …Read More
‘Yes, but not too much‘, Dutch poet Gerrit Achterberg, in response to his wife’s question: ‘Shall I bake some fried potatoes?’ (he died of a heart attack). ‘Don’t let me die like this, say I said something’. Emiliano Zapata), Mexican revolutionary during the Mexican Revolution. ‘The best of all is: God is with us’. John Wesley. ‘Am I dying, or is this my birthday?’ Lady Nancy Astor. Die, my dear doctor, that’s the last thing I shall do!’ Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount …Read More
I’m writing a training evening for church leaders on ‘Eating Disorders’. And I’m not quite sure what to say. Here’s what I think people (including me!) want to hear. A short explanation of what eating disorders are and who they impact. A description of the warning signs. The names of specialists who’ll deal with the messy bits. A list of practical suggestions on how to support those affected. The problem – and then the solution. I’ve got these things in …Read More
Dear God I spotted you across the way on Sunday morning and waved, but not sure you saw me. Sorry I couldn’t stop, but the roast was in the oven and I wanted to make the most of the sunshine: I’m sure you understand! Maybe we can put a date in for Easter when life’s a little less crazy. Anyway, hope Jesus and the rest of the crew are doing well. As requested, here’s my monthly update – not as …Read More
It’s just one day. For goodness’ sake: there are another 364 potential not mother’s celebrations, right? Okay, that’s not helping. So, how to get through this one? Is it possible to wring a genuine sense of peace from a heart that’s currently sucking on a lemon?.. Seems to me I’ve got a few options: 1. Despair (Very appealing): I’m not pregnant. That’s terrible. I’m terrible. I can’t cope. I’ve screwed up my life and my biology and everything I touch …Read More
It’s tempting to assume that churches are full of people who’ve got it together. The Sunday morning freshly-scrubbed faces and starchy smiles that disguise altogether murkier and choppier depths. The argument that’s tidied away along with the breakfast dishes – or at least until the final hymn. Everyone else is fine. You’re the only one with any issues. Of course, this is a nonsense idea. Church is for those who recognise their need of a Saviour – not those who …Read More
Next week I’m speaking at a conference entitled ‘Beautiful‘. When you hear that word, what springs to mind? A sunset? A film star? A family member or a friend? Would you ever apply it to yourself? I’m guessing the answer is a resounding ‘no’. In fact, I’d go further. I wonder if just the idea of being referred to in this way makes you laugh. – Beautiful? Me? You must be Joking. Except that, it’s not funny. The opposite. When …Read More
– Does it change anything? – Why bother if He already knows what I need? – Should I pray for this, it seems so small? – Should I pray for that, I feel so unworthy? – Can I pray now, I’ve really blown it? – How on earth do I actually talk to God? Prayer. It must be the hardest thing in the world. As a preacher I know it’s the quickest way to get my listeners shuffling in their pews. Mention …Read More
