Sometimes church is a tranquil place, where voices lift in tuneful praise. Sometimes church is a loud and chaotic place, where children feel free to express themselves in noise and movement. Recently I went to church where exactly that happened. We had music, the grown-ups were singing, and the children… well, they were being exactlyContinue reading “Lent 2026: Holy chaos”
Author Archives: karentaylor07
Lent 2026: Held in many ways
Today in the church calendar is Mothering Sunday. Traditionally, this was the day when servants were given time to return to their mother church, their home parish. Over time it has become something slightly different: a day to give thanks for those who nurture and care for us. Perhaps that older meaning still has somethingContinue reading “Lent 2026: Held in many ways”
Lent 2026: Holy Clumsiness
Yesterday I wrote about Panda Theory, the idea that we are loved without having to earn it. I gave the advice to “be more panda”, but today I want to explore that a little further. Pandas are wonderfully clumsy creatures. They roll off platforms, fall out of trees, and, at least judging by the videosContinue reading “Lent 2026: Holy Clumsiness”
Lent 2026: Be more panda
Scrolling social media today I came across a cute picture labelled “Panda Theory.” It explained that pandas are clumsy, slow, and spend most of their day eating… and yet everyone loves them anyway. Naturally, I assumed this must be a real psychological theory. So I looked it up. It isn’t. (There is a book calledContinue reading “Lent 2026: Be more panda”
Lent 2026: Your soul knows the steps
Today we were learning about a spirituality of joy. We listened to a video of Dr Barbara Holmes, a spiritual leader who died in 2024, talk about joy as an essential part of the spiritual life. One memorable quote from the talk was: “No matter their circumstances, we are called to joy.” It was surprisinglyContinue reading “Lent 2026: Your soul knows the steps”
Lent 2026: Tending the flame
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away… Well, ten years ago in a town in the south of England. Fresh from university, I was beginning to explore a possible call to ordained ministry. I spoke to the vicar of my childhood church, and she talked me through the process. She explained thatContinue reading “Lent 2026: Tending the flame”
Lent 2026: Just for you
I love hearing people’s stories. Memories from the past, chance encounters with people who changed everything, embarrassing childhood moments that have somehow become family legend. When people share things that matter to them, you start to see who they really are. It helps me understand them better. It means I know what might make themContinue reading “Lent 2026: Just for you”
Lent 2026: Abiding
There is something soothing about simple, repetitive actions: A gentle sway rocks a baby to sleep. Pacing back and forth can calm anxiety or steady frayed nerves. Slow, deep breathing can centre the mind. Music can do the same thing. I have written about Taizé before, and often talk about music, but here I goContinue reading “Lent 2026: Abiding”
Lent 2026: Practice makes perfect(ish)
This evening I was playing for the college badminton team. We won the match 9–0, mainly because the other team failed to show up… Not wanting to waste the time, we played some friendly matches among ourselves instead. One thing that’s important to know about me is that I started playing badminton when I wasContinue reading “Lent 2026: Practice makes perfect(ish)”
Lent 2026: A prayer for wandering minds
The retreat I’m on this weekend is a structured retreat. There are brief talks/reflections gathered around the meals and worship, along with time set aside for silence and solitude, and fellowship. This morning brought a wonderfully rich reflection. Across the weekend we are spending time in the letter of Jude, and the focus today wasContinue reading “Lent 2026: A prayer for wandering minds”
The Reason for my Hope Blog 