I’m on retreat this weekend, a much-needed break from college deadlines. As ever with retreat houses, at least the ones I’ve been to, it feels like the middle of nowhere: a long winding track, surrounded by trees, and very little signal. It’s a strange relief to have an enforced break from technology. (Yes, I realiseContinue reading “Lent 2026: Even me”
Author Archives: karentaylor07
Lent 2026: Ordinary acts, extraordinary faith
Today I was learning about Dorothy Day, an extraordinary woman of faith of the 20th century. She was American, with a heart for social action all of her adult life. She converted to Roman Catholicism as an adult, and her literal interpretation of the bible fueled her social action. She took the words of theContinue reading “Lent 2026: Ordinary acts, extraordinary faith”
Lent 2026: When silence isn’t quiet enough
Does anyone else find it can get noisy in their head? Lots of voices demanding attention. Deadlines. Stress. Self-criticism. Doubt. Shame. To-do lists. Exhaustion. Plans. Regrets. Expectations. Just a small snapshot of my mind on an average day. It can become cluttered and confusing, sometimes overwhelmingly so. And strangely, many of those voices tend toContinue reading “Lent 2026: When silence isn’t quiet enough”
Lent 2026: Attentive Hope
The posts over the last few days have been about hope. Perhaps that isn’t surprising in a blog called The Reason for my Hope! But they have explored a quiet kind of hope, one found in shared light, steady presence, and unexpected kindness. A few years ago, I realised just how much I need hope.Continue reading “Lent 2026: Attentive Hope”
Lent 2026: Unexpected hope
I like it when a thought branches in my mind. One idea leads to another, sending roots and shoots in unexpected directions, inviting me to ponder and look again from a slightly different angle. That has been the case with what I’ve been calling candle theory. First came Stubborn Hope; the choice to share lightContinue reading “Lent 2026: Unexpected hope”
Lent 2026: Present hope
Yesterday I wrote about what I call candle theory; the idea that some things, when shared, do not leave us with less but instead increase what exists. Like light in a dark room. One candle lights another, and suddenly there is more light than before. That reflection reminded me of a Bible passage I preachedContinue reading “Lent 2026: Present hope”
Lent 2026: Stubborn Hope
It seems to me that there is a lot of darkness in the world. The headlines are full of violence and injustice, of powerful people taking advantage, of greed and cruelty. And in smaller, everyday ways too: unexpected illness, the breakdown of relationships, disappointments that arrive uninvited. I won’t lie, there are days when hopingContinue reading “Lent 2026: Stubborn Hope”
Lent 2026: There is love and there is fire in his eyes
There seems to be a theme to this week’s posts: music. I am always listening out for new songs to add to my ever-growing playlists. Some now stretch well beyond twelve hours, which means I often forget what is on them until something resurfaces unexpectedly when shuffle takes over! One such song is Look toContinue reading “Lent 2026: There is love and there is fire in his eyes”
Lent 2026: The importance of community
I have heard a lot of teaching on how humans were made for relationship. Right back in Genesis, God creates Adam and says, “It is not good for man to be alone.” When no suitable companion is found among the animals, God creates Eve. From the very beginning, aloneness was not part of the design.Continue reading “Lent 2026: The importance of community”
Lent 2026: The wonder of love and the power of grace
I’ve often written about music and its place in my faith. The way harmonies and melodies can reach deep into my heart. But sometimes it isn’t the notes that break through. Sometimes it’s the words. A few years ago, a friend introduced me to the song Vagabonds by Stuart Townend. I quickly fell in loveContinue reading “Lent 2026: The wonder of love and the power of grace”
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