Guest post from Glen What is life: tragedy or comedy? I’m not asking whether life is a barrel of laughs (newsflash: it’s not!), I’m asking a more technical question. In literature, comedy and tragedy are not about the laughs-to-calamities ratio, it’s about the shape of the story. In particular it’s about the ending. A tragedy is shaped like a frown: it travels up to the heights then tumbles down to the depths. A comedy is a smile: down into danger …Read More
Cynicism is the new rock n roll. It tells the world: ‘I’ve been around the block a few times, I won’t be taken in, I’m savvy, street smart and most of all, experienced.’ It seems wise – but it’s completely anti-gospel. In Jesus, I’m called to the very opposite: faith, hope and love. Faith means embracing what cannot be humanly learned. It means receiving what cannot be humanly earned. I’m called to trust when the world, the flesh and the …Read More
How do you feel when times are tough? Like a tiny cork, bobbing on the waves? Alone and overwhelmed? Outnumbered and defeated? Don’t judge by what you see. In 2 Kings 6, the people of God seem to be outflanked and outnumbered by their enemies. Elisha’s servant runs in terror to his master and says, “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answers, “those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Notice what …Read More
Having faith’ doesn’t mean going it alone. Yes, you need prayer, community and the bible. But you can also use medication, counselling and therapy. If we can use doctors for our bodies, we can use doctors for our brains. When Saul was stressed, David played him soothing music. When Elijah was close to breakdown, God told him to sleep and eat. So let’s not be ashamed of using the resources we have been given. It’s not true that if …Read More
