I have been constantly amazed over the past couple of weeks of how individuals are using their time and talents in new and created ways to help and support others. From the post man who is dressing up in different costumes each day to cheer up the residents on his round to Jan who lives in Frodsham who is leading a dance in the streets for her neighbours. Both have responded to the need of others.
As Christians, we believe that it is God’s desire to imagine more than ourselves, to look beyond ourselves and the immediate in order to let all life flourish. This often clashes with the growing ideology in our culture of exceptionalism, entitlement, privilege , building solely our own self-confidence, physical self-improvement and self-congratulation. In turn, our social economic organisation and abuse of the ecosystem is out of sync with God. In the book we are reading in our life group, Barbara Glasson writes, ‘In the earliest Hebrew creation stories Yahweh makes himself a clay model of a man and breaths on it to give it life. It is the supreme confidence, this translation of forms, the capacity to recognise in one thing the potential of another and the willingness to let this potential realise itself, is the stamp of creativity and the birth right that Yahweh gives to all humans.’ As our rhythm of life has changed over the past couple of weeks, I find myself hoping that this might be a time for us all to reflect on and imagine a world where everyone takes their part in holding fast to that which is good, a constant love of their neighbours, a striving for justice and peace in all humanity and for all of creation to feel held in the loving attention by our God of grace. One of my favourite A Cappella Christian singers is a guy called David Wesley (do check him out on YouTube!). He sings a song called shoulders and at a time when things are not as we would imagine in this world, I have found the imagery and words in this song particularly comforting. Hope they are of some comfort to you as well. When confusion’s my companion When despair holds me to ransom I will feel no fear, I know that you are near. When I’m caught deep in the valley With chaos for my company I’ll find my comfort here I know that you are near My help comes from you You’re right here pulling me through You carry my weakness My sickness My brokenness all on your shoulders. My help comes from you You are my rescue I don’t have to see to believe that You’re lifting me up on your shoulders. Naomi Emison
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ReflectionsThe reflections here are written by members of our congregation.
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