2020 has been a tough year for so many reasons. Tonight we leave it and move into 2021. As I was praying this morning, I felt like 2020 was a bit like the dying part of a wave where all the water is dragged back and sucked up before the new wave breaks. It hasContinue reading “The breaking of the wave”
Author Archives: Helen
Face to Face with the King
We join the crowd lining a glorious avenue of trees. The day feels fresh and new, and the world is young again – colours dazzle, and all of the senses we never knew had dimmed are renewed with vigour and life. Anticipation and excitement hang on the air as the crowd look down the roadContinue reading “Face to Face with the King”
Remembering (or not)
The saxophonist picks up her instrument. The drummer begins the count, and she is lost. The song, Autumn Leaves, is so familiar her body plays as if asleep – her breathing, fingers, and embouchure working together effortlessly. The song moves on, and she begins to move away from the head, improvising over the internalised chordContinue reading “Remembering (or not)”
Allowing ourselves to hope
“It taught me to hope,” said he, “as I had scarcely ever allowed myself to hope before.” Mr. Darcy – Pride and Prejudice” ― Jane Austen A poem by Alfred, Lord Tennyson: I envy not in any moods The captive void of noble rage, The linnet born within the cage,That never knew the summer woods:Continue reading “Allowing ourselves to hope”
Reaching for hope
For years I have been bleeding. A constant dirtiness, impurity, shame. The kind of dirtiness that cuts me off from family, friends and loved ones. I cannot come close in case I damage them somehow and I am afraid. I have tried everything to get clean – washing, scrubbing, doctors, but still it remains andContinue reading “Reaching for hope”
Reflecting the light
We are pilgrims on a journey, And companions on the road. We are here to help each other Walk the mile and bear the load. ~ Richard Gillard This is my first blog post in a long time. Life has been busy and it still is. Looking after a small boy, working nearly full timeContinue reading “Reflecting the light”
The Torn Curtain
One day when I was about 14 years old, some friends came to visit – two boys, the older one, Luke, was my age and the younger one, Simon, was my sister’s age. We went to the local park together without our parents, and as they were sporty types, they brought along some balls toContinue reading “The Torn Curtain”
Pearl of great price
On Sunday this week we were thinking about maintaining a good life/work balance. I was looking after my 15 month-old son and he was absolutely determined to get out of the church and into the sunshine so I couldn’t stay and listen to the sermon, but what I did hear was enough. The preacher sharedContinue reading “Pearl of great price”
Letting go
My little boy is now 13 months old. He’s cheerful, lively, funny, an excellent eater and sleeper, and very handsome indeed. But unlike most of the other babies in his NCT group, he isn’t walking. He was one of the first to walk holding on to my hands, and he has been cruising around theContinue reading “Letting go”
Pressing On
10 I want to know Christ – yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take holdContinue reading “Pressing On”
