In my last post, I wrote about infertility and IVF, but this is only one of many options. I was reminded of this in a brilliant comment by Ruth, who argues that adoption/fostering is at the heart of what it means to be a Christian; and worth considering before, (or alongside), other treatments. She’s very kindly allowed me to share some of her own experiences; and offers wise advice on how to relate to others in this situation. Thank you Ruth. She writes: “It …Read More
It’s National Fertility Awareness Week. When you want a baby and can’t have one, it’s like a a hole that threatens to suck you and your partner and the whole world dry. It starts as a tiny tear: you’ve been trying for a while and nothing’s happened. You’re waiting to meet the right person. You’ve met The One, but they want something different. But there’s time. So you keep praying and put it to the back of your mind. Time passes. …Read More
How do you feel about being known? Perhaps like me, you long for it – but you’re scared of it too. Yesterday I quizzed Glen and that felt good! – but when the tables are turned and I’m in the answer seat, it’s a whole lot less comfortable. Being known means letting others in: past the politeness and social niceties. Past the chit-chat and past the masks. Opening yourself up – to compliments and to criticism. Considering the world – and your place in …Read More
We tend to get comfy with the people we love. Like furniture, the longer we have them, the more we relax in their company. Sometimes they get the dregs of us; what remains when you subtract the office/children/grumpy customers/traffic jam/puking dog. Sometimes we take them for granted. And sometimes, we forget who they are – and what they mean to us. So, for today’s blog, I’ve decided to interview my husband. And if he wants to, he gets to interview me back. Quid pro …Read More
There are times when I feel more forgiven than others. Days when my selfishness plunks itself dead centre in my eyeline and relationships. Days when little lies trip off my tongue, lies about things that don’t even matter, lies I tell to cover myself, to make me look and feel better . Days when I fret about things I’m too embarrassed to write. Days when I’m tired and grouchy and mean and don’t care about anything but me and can’t be bothered with life. I really dislike …Read More
We follow a suffering Saviour, which means that we too, must carry our cross. But in the midst of the hardship and the endurance, there is a deep, deep joy. And I forget this. Ask me why I’m stressed. Ask me why I’m struggling. Ask me what I’m missing, what’s gone wrong, what I need. I’ll tell you, even if you don’t. But ask me why I have hope; and the words often dry up. … So I ask myself. Who …Read More
My friend Alice has just written a stonking book about sharing Jesus with pre-schoolers. I asked her if she’d talk a bit about it – and her own relationship with God. Is her writing an expression of confident and overflowing spirituality? Or has it been part of the process of learning to walk with Him? You might be surprised by her answer… “Christian writers are people with unshakeable faith in God, right? Well, my first book has just come out and it’s all about Jesus – …Read More
In yesterday’s post I wrote about how God works in the small things as well as the big – especially when it comes to recovery. Today a friend emailed me with a beautiful illustration of this process. I’m grateful to her for allowing me to share some of this with you: “Just over two years ago I was admitted to The Priory with anorexia. I was in danger of sudden death… I felt also that a Christian should be immune from mental health problems. I did not realise …Read More
When we’re struggling with health issues, (our own or others), it’s natural to hope for instant and dramatic change. We see it on TV and we read about it in the papers – the coma patient who suddenly wakes up; the woman who throws away her crutches; the cancer sufferer who’s pronounced miraculously healed. These things happen: and praise God for them! But for every instant miracle, there are a hundred slow or partial recoveries. For every leap into the light, there are years of slow and …Read More
A is for Adam. Married to Eve. Our great-great-great-great-great-great-great … grandfather. Easy on the eye, but not a lot between the ears. Figured he could do life without God – and got what he wanted. We’ve been following in his footsteps ever since. B is for ‘Bible’ – God’s love letters to us. Also ‘Bro.’ Your get-out-of-jail-free card for when you forget someone’s name. And ‘Building Work’ (which is why we need PCC meetings and Bun Sales). C is for Church. It’s not perfect. …Read More
