When I ask friends what it means to be a Christian, they sometimes roll their eyes. Press the point and out it comes, “being good.” Given that Jesus comes for sinners, this misses the point. But there’s another problem. “Being good” sounds, well, really bad. Painful. Or worthy, but dull. Goodness sounds like Butlins with the in-laws instead of Vegas with your mates. Socks and sandals instead of fish-net tights. Herbal teas and hold the sugar. But here’s the truth… If you want a good …Read More
I love church. And I love coffee. But post-church coffee? Terrifying. It’s not the people. Individually, they are LOVELY. But there’s something about a group. In a small area. Trying to talk to one another at once. Something that makes me want to stuff my fingers in my ears and lie down in a darkened room. On an island. In space. You’re trying to connect deeply/make small talk but Billy is practising on the drums and you can’t remember that lady’s name even though you’ve …Read More
Guest post from Glen: How do you capture the grief of losing a five year old child? Ryan and Amy Green, a Christian couple from Colorado, made a game about it “That Dragon, Cancer“, which people are calling “the most profound videogame ever.” Since Emma showed it to me, I can’t stop thinking about it. It did not begin life as a memorial. The game was birthed while hopes were high for Joel’s healing. He had been diagnosed with brain cancer …Read More
I’m afraid my daughter takes after me. Tell her she can’t have something and straight away, she wants it. The jagged rock. The rusty tin-opener. The kitchen cleaner. Today we’ve lurched from one potential disaster to another. DON’T PUT YOUR FINGERS IN THE PLUG NO, THAT’S THE CAT’S ANGRY FACE GIVE THE KNIFE TO MUMMY WHAT’S THAT IN YOUR MOUTH? SPIT IT OUT RUBY, SPIT IT OUT Surrounded by stacking rings, spoons, story books, shape sorters, bubbles, blocks and balls, she wants …Read More
My parents are baby-sitting my daughter tomorrow. So I’ve left them instructions. Rules of Parenting: 1. Don’t make her wear a hat or coat – especially if it’s cold outside. She might catch a cold, but suffering is good and will develop her character. 2. If she gets sick, don’t give her medicine. She can get better if she believes she can. 3. Always give her exactly what she wants. For example, if she wants to play near the fire, let …Read More
