I had to preach on Sunday about the cross. And as I was praying about the talk, I felt Jesus say three simple words about himself: “I am enough.” His cross is enough. His passion is enough. We all get things wrong and make mistakes, and because of the cross of Jesus we can knowContinue reading “I am enough”
Author Archives: Helen
Learning to love myself
One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the LordContinue reading “Learning to love myself”
The breaking of the wave
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”
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”
