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”
Tag Archives: 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”
Singing Faith, Sharing Hope
I’ve just returned from a week in Taizé, the community of brothers in France who welcome thousands of young people and pilgrims each year. This was my second visit – different from the first, and yet somehow the same. Different people, same God. Different theme, same rhythm. Different worries, same peace. As I journey home,Continue reading “Singing Faith, Sharing Hope”
Lent 2025: A Cry of the Heart – Finding Hope in Blues and the Psalms
This evening, I treated myself to going to watch a friend’s blues duo. It was a fantastic evening with brilliant music. I’ve seen these musicians before, so I have some favourites they play a lot. Tonight, as I was listening, the words of one of them struck me. “I don’t want to know about evil,Continue reading “Lent 2025: A Cry of the Heart – Finding Hope in Blues and the Psalms”
Lent 2025: No Easy Answers
Yesterday, I was reflecting on a passage from Matthew’s Gospel—Matthew 6:25-34, where Jesus tells His disciples not to worry. He points to the birds of the air, reminding them that sparrows don’t stress about food because God provides for them. He speaks of the flowers in the fields, clothed in vibrant colors, even though theyContinue reading “Lent 2025: No Easy Answers”
2024 40 days of lent: day 8 – Car Crash
On my way to rehearsal this evening, someone drove into the back of me. Coming up to a roundabout, the car in front of me stopped to let a pedestrian cross, I had time to stop but the car behind me didn’t. The noise was the worst bit, but no one was hurt, the carContinue reading “2024 40 days of lent: day 8 – Car Crash”
2024 40 days of lent: day 6 – New every morning
The other morning I was up early. I’m not usually a morning person, but on this particular morning I was up and active early (and slightly tired). And I got the opportunity to see the sky change from dark to slightly grey and then a glorious sun rise. It was beautiful and breathtaking – cloudsContinue reading “2024 40 days of lent: day 6 – New every morning”
I see the daffodils – lent 2023
It’s a sign of spring, seeing the sea of yellow as the daffodils spring up. It’s a sign that the cold of winter is moving into the warmth of summer. It’s a sign of new life, a fresh start. Using limited gardening knowledge, daffodils are planted as bulbs in September and break forth between FebruaryContinue reading “I see the daffodils – lent 2023”
By my side – lent 2023
Today’s post follows a similar theme to yesterday, but using a different passage from the bible. I want to look at a small passage written by Paul to Timothy, a young leader of the early church that Paul had mentored and who, based on the contents of the letters, needed encouragement in his ministry. TheContinue reading “By my side – lent 2023”
Like a candle – lent 2023
A few weeks ago I came across a passage from Isaiah. Isaiah is quite a long book and I’m not sure I’ve actually read all of it, and if I have I definitely haven’t remembered all of it. So this passage was new to me, but also painted a picture that I liked. “If youContinue reading “Like a candle – lent 2023”
The Reason for my Hope Blog 