Inspired as I stood on Glen Nevis.
Surrounded by the hills,
Enormous,
So high.
All encompassing.
Standing beneath all,
Is me.
Compared to them,
I am tiny!
Yet God almighty,
Who made the heavens and the earth,
Cares for me.
Overwhelmed at the majesty and enormity
of creation.
I stand and cannot really grasp God’s love for me.
Yet God knew me, before I was born.
As tiny as I was.
I stand overwhelmed at God’s love.
God’s love for little me,
God's love for creation.
Then I am reminded:
A child of God, created as were the hills, treasure
And loved today and everyday.
Showing posts with label Theological Reflection. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Theological Reflection. Show all posts
Tuesday, 12 August 2008
Dolphins and faith! A bit random maybe...
One of the joys of my holiday was walking on the shore- (as is seen elsewhere!) watching dolphins. The first time I saw them (two years ago) I was just struck at the awesomeness. Whilst we were walking along the beach at Rosemarkie- once again we saw dolphins! AMAZING! The beach was busy with people dolphin watching. As I reflected and watched the dolphins- leaping out of the water and then losing sight of them as they went down- I was inspired to think about the journey of faith.
Our faith can sometimes be like dolphins; sometimes it glides along, it can be seen clearly. With leaps and jumps. At other times it can only be seen slightly- like the tops of the fins of dolphins- breaking the surface. At other times its barely visible or not visible- yet its always there- still moving along, in the depths of the sea. I’m Reminded of those words; “even when we don’t believe in God, God believes in us”. I’m Reminded that at whatever stage of our faith- God sees us and knows us- whether our faith be visible or not. Eventually it surfaces again! Just as the dolphins do- further across the water!
Our faith can sometimes be like dolphins; sometimes it glides along, it can be seen clearly. With leaps and jumps. At other times it can only be seen slightly- like the tops of the fins of dolphins- breaking the surface. At other times its barely visible or not visible- yet its always there- still moving along, in the depths of the sea. I’m Reminded of those words; “even when we don’t believe in God, God believes in us”. I’m Reminded that at whatever stage of our faith- God sees us and knows us- whether our faith be visible or not. Eventually it surfaces again! Just as the dolphins do- further across the water!
Wednesday, 30 January 2008
the Language of Blessing
Recently I have been doing some theological wrestling! Back in September/ early October an encounter started me out on a journey. Two years ago whilst I was in Lancaster I was given a car. It came from the family of a supernumerary- who had recently died- they had no use for it and said to the Superintendent to give it to someone whose ministry it’d enhance. So the Superintendent asked would I appreciate it- it was a great gift and I saw it as a blessing from God and God providing for my needs. Indeed it did help with foundation training and with my preaching appointments. As some people know I am not the worlds best passenger in the mornings, this was sometimes a challenge- arriving after having been driven round the twists and turns out into the Lune Valley! So having a car meant I didn’t arrive at preaching appointments feeling sick and also meant that I was able to have freedom on my placement- especially with visiting in Silverdale. So I saw my car as provided by God- providing for my needs.
Any way so back early in my time in London, I was asked one night if I would sit outside the shower room in MCH whilst a homeless person used the shower. The woman clearly hadn’t had a shower in weeks and asked was it possible to have one. So without any time to prepare I was sitting outside one of the bathrooms. If I had known in advance I would have had a book to read. But the experience made me stop, think and be challenged.
I had, had 2 showers on this particular day. I began by looking at how fortunate I was- how blessed by God I was. I’d had 2 showers that day and had access to clean water, to showers without having to ask anybody, I could use them with dignity- not having to plead with someone to use their shower. As I sat, I thought- however if I am blessed by God then why should I be blessed by God and not others- EVERYONE ever created I believe is made in the image of God and is a child loved by God. So why therefore do I have the basic necessities that I need to live and not others- ok some people would say well you don’ t need a shower to survive- well no- but at the same time- people are actually dying on the streets of London because they have no shelter.
So I was challenged how do I handle my experience of God as provider and loving all people side by side? Especially in the light of this experience. I wrestled and asked lots of questions- at the moment I conclude that God provides for the world in the widest sense of the word- it is thus important that Christians engage seriously themselves and encourage others to consider what they have, how they steward it and share with those less fortunate, as well as engaging politically with social justice campaigns- to create change. Stewardship is often spoken of- that we might be a blessing to others.
(At some point I’ll add the flow chart I made to work through the issue).
So yes God blesses- but not in some kind of magical way! For too long I think I’ve been in fantasy land! God blessed the world- in creation, in his omnipresence- but God also gave stewardship and free will to humanity. I think there is also the bigger question of how we look at blessing- here its been very focussed on the material things needed for life. Yes perhaps this is wrong- but there are certain things that we do need for life, that a lot of people don’t have.
Following this and being aware that often in the congregations I am in there is the presence of those less fortunate materially- I have also been challenged on the language used about blessing in worship. Especially with reference to the offertory prayer: So often these are done extemporarily and make sweeping comments about God giving us all that we need. How when we make such sweeping comments do we include those who are on the margins of society? This is part of a much wider debate on language and inclusion- it isn’t just masculine/feminine language that is an issue!
As well as developing my understanding on Blessing, the experience has challenged me on a number of areas-
A) to be more aware of sweeping comments we make- they can sometimes be excluding and don’t necessarily express what we really mean when considered in depth.
B) To ask the basic questions of things!
C) Rather than just inheriting and excepting lots of teaching and theology- that what I believe is made my own- that is specific rather than so sweeping and broad!
Any way so back early in my time in London, I was asked one night if I would sit outside the shower room in MCH whilst a homeless person used the shower. The woman clearly hadn’t had a shower in weeks and asked was it possible to have one. So without any time to prepare I was sitting outside one of the bathrooms. If I had known in advance I would have had a book to read. But the experience made me stop, think and be challenged.
I had, had 2 showers on this particular day. I began by looking at how fortunate I was- how blessed by God I was. I’d had 2 showers that day and had access to clean water, to showers without having to ask anybody, I could use them with dignity- not having to plead with someone to use their shower. As I sat, I thought- however if I am blessed by God then why should I be blessed by God and not others- EVERYONE ever created I believe is made in the image of God and is a child loved by God. So why therefore do I have the basic necessities that I need to live and not others- ok some people would say well you don’ t need a shower to survive- well no- but at the same time- people are actually dying on the streets of London because they have no shelter.
So I was challenged how do I handle my experience of God as provider and loving all people side by side? Especially in the light of this experience. I wrestled and asked lots of questions- at the moment I conclude that God provides for the world in the widest sense of the word- it is thus important that Christians engage seriously themselves and encourage others to consider what they have, how they steward it and share with those less fortunate, as well as engaging politically with social justice campaigns- to create change. Stewardship is often spoken of- that we might be a blessing to others.
(At some point I’ll add the flow chart I made to work through the issue).
So yes God blesses- but not in some kind of magical way! For too long I think I’ve been in fantasy land! God blessed the world- in creation, in his omnipresence- but God also gave stewardship and free will to humanity. I think there is also the bigger question of how we look at blessing- here its been very focussed on the material things needed for life. Yes perhaps this is wrong- but there are certain things that we do need for life, that a lot of people don’t have.
Following this and being aware that often in the congregations I am in there is the presence of those less fortunate materially- I have also been challenged on the language used about blessing in worship. Especially with reference to the offertory prayer: So often these are done extemporarily and make sweeping comments about God giving us all that we need. How when we make such sweeping comments do we include those who are on the margins of society? This is part of a much wider debate on language and inclusion- it isn’t just masculine/feminine language that is an issue!
As well as developing my understanding on Blessing, the experience has challenged me on a number of areas-
A) to be more aware of sweeping comments we make- they can sometimes be excluding and don’t necessarily express what we really mean when considered in depth.
B) To ask the basic questions of things!
C) Rather than just inheriting and excepting lots of teaching and theology- that what I believe is made my own- that is specific rather than so sweeping and broad!
Sunday, 27 May 2007
Where is God when it hurts?
On the 2nd March 2005 my Dad was diagnosed with throat cancer. What followed was a journey that was hard and painful for our family. So often people ask the question, how do cancer and God exist. Below is a reflection I wrote during Dad's illness, where is God in cancer? God is there, its not always easy but if we look we can see the presence of God in it all. This is part of my testimony and part of a personal journey of where God was for me and my journey with my family facing cancer.
Where is God when it hurts people ask?He is there, I know for myself.
But how can God be there if he loves us they ask?
Well let’s take a look at what Jesus, God made man experienced himself in his journey to his death.
In the garden of Gethsemane he suffered mentally, as he took up his cross he suffered physically, through this suffering he died and returned. Resurrected giving hope, the message of salvation.
Where is God now when life really hurts?
He is there, I know for myself.
Let us open our eyes to see, it may not be easy but when you look you will see God is there.
God is there in the hug of a friend, as you sit and sob, as others comfort you.
“I don’t know what to say” they say.
A hug and the presence is enough, there is God, in others and through the comfort of the Holy Spirit, sharing in the tears with you.
Where is God when it hurts?
He is there, I know for myself.
In the phone calls, conversations, in the visits, greeting cards and the prayers.
In the hands of those that give the treatment, the doctors, surgeons, nurses, radiotherapists and the support groups.
In the hugs and tears shared with one another.
Just when you begin to look God is everywhere in the cancer, in the courage and battle of it.
God is there in it all,
In the pain, tears and courage.
In the past, in the present and future.
Jesus is the alpha and omega.
God is there, faithful and true,
He’s a beacon in the night.
God is there in his promises,
“I am with you always”
“Nothing can separate us from the love of God”
“His rod and staff they comfort me”.
God is here and there.
God has shared from the beginning,
The words he speaks through his Spirit,
“I am with you always”.
God is here in the comfort from the Spirit and those around us.
Through the hugs and tears.
In these days we trust in God’s unfailing goodness and love he offers us.In the everlasting hope he offers, whatever happens.
Where is God when it hurts people ask?He is there, I know for myself.
But how can God be there if he loves us they ask?
Well let’s take a look at what Jesus, God made man experienced himself in his journey to his death.
In the garden of Gethsemane he suffered mentally, as he took up his cross he suffered physically, through this suffering he died and returned. Resurrected giving hope, the message of salvation.
Where is God now when life really hurts?
He is there, I know for myself.
Let us open our eyes to see, it may not be easy but when you look you will see God is there.
God is there in the hug of a friend, as you sit and sob, as others comfort you.
“I don’t know what to say” they say.
A hug and the presence is enough, there is God, in others and through the comfort of the Holy Spirit, sharing in the tears with you.
Where is God when it hurts?
He is there, I know for myself.
In the phone calls, conversations, in the visits, greeting cards and the prayers.
In the hands of those that give the treatment, the doctors, surgeons, nurses, radiotherapists and the support groups.
In the hugs and tears shared with one another.
Just when you begin to look God is everywhere in the cancer, in the courage and battle of it.
God is there in it all,
In the pain, tears and courage.
In the past, in the present and future.
Jesus is the alpha and omega.
God is there, faithful and true,
He’s a beacon in the night.
God is there in his promises,
“I am with you always”
“Nothing can separate us from the love of God”
“His rod and staff they comfort me”.
God is here and there.
God has shared from the beginning,
The words he speaks through his Spirit,
“I am with you always”.
God is here in the comfort from the Spirit and those around us.
Through the hugs and tears.
In these days we trust in God’s unfailing goodness and love he offers us.In the everlasting hope he offers, whatever happens.
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