Tag: truth

An Invitation to Hope

A New Year always arrives quietly. No fanfare, no guarantees, just a clean page waiting for the first mark. It can feel hopeful and heavy all at once. We carry into the New Year the joys we want to protect and the disappointments we’d rather leave behind. And yet, here we are, breathing, still becoming.

This is a gentle reminder that you don’t have to rush. Growth rarely announces itself with fireworks. More often, it looks like small, faithful steps taken when no one is watching. A kinder word spoken. A habit nudged slightly in a healthier direction. A decision to begin again, even if you’ve already begun many times before.

The New Year isn’t a test you can fail. It’s an invitation. An opening to live a little more truthfully, love a little more bravely, and listen a little more deeply, to others, to yourself, and to God. Scripture often speaks of newness not as something dramatic, but as something quietly persistent. Morning by morning, mercies renewed. Strength given for today, not for the whole year at once.

So set your intentions lightly. Hold your plans with humility. Celebrate progress, however modest it seems. And when you stumble, because you will, remember that grace doesn’t run out in February.

May this New Year be shaped not by pressure, but by purpose. Not by fear, but by faith. Step forward with hope, trusting that even unfinished, uncertain steps can still lead somewhere good.

Advent Love Takes Flesh

The Fourth Sunday of Advent draws us close to the mystery at the heart of it all, love. Not a vague sentiment, nor a fleeting warmth, but the fierce and tender love of God made flesh. The angel’s words to Mary ring out: The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. In that overshadowing, love takes on a heartbeat, and the Word begins to dwell among us. Advent love is daring, it breaks into the ordinary with extraordinary promise.

Mary’s response, her quiet yet courageous “I am the Lord’s servant,” shows us what love looks like when it’s received in faith. Love is never simply a feeling; it’s a surrender, a willingness to be caught up in God’s purposes even when they turn our world upside down. As Elizabeth exclaimed, “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfil his promises to her!” Advent love asks us, too, whether we dare to trust that God is at work in us, however unlikely or unready we may feel.

John’s Gospel tells us, The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, full of grace and truth. This is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us first and chose to enter our world, fragile and flawed, to redeem it from within.

So the fourth candle is lit, the candle of love, shining beside the flames of hope, peace, and joy. Together they burn as a testimony that the night is nearly over, the dawn is near. Love holds them all together, for it’s love that sent Christ, love that sustains us in waiting, and love that will one day bring all things to completion.

As Christmas draws close, may our hearts be opened wide to receive this love that comes down, not in power and splendour, but in vulnerability and grace. And may we, like Mary, bear that love into the world, so that others might glimpse in us the light of Christ who is coming.

Staying whole in a fractured world

The world can be a confusing and unsettling place, especially with technology at our fingertips and 24/7 news. Making sense of it all can take its toll on our inner life. In this context, preserving our mental health is essential.

Here’s some strategies that work for me:

Limit your news consumption. Constant exposure to distressing news can lead to anxiety and stress. Set aside specific times to check the news and avoid it during the rest of the day. Consider turning off news notifications on your devices.

Choose reliable news sources. Verify the credibility of the news sources you follow and ask questions, such as, why is this person saying a certain thing, for example. This can reduce fear and uncertainty.

Focus on what you can control. It’s easy to feel powerless in the face of global crises. Concentrate on actions you can take in your own life, like supporting local charities, volunteering, or making environmentally conscious choices.

Establish a daily routine to bring stability and predictability. Regular sleep patterns, exercise, and work schedules can all help you maintain a sense of normality. Do what works for you.

Talk to people. Human connection is vital for mental wellbeing. Even when you can’t meet in person, stay connected with friends and family through phone calls, video chats, or online social groups. Sharing your feelings and experiences can be comforting. Smile at people and talk to strangers.

Develop the art of self-care. Dedicate time to activities that help you relax and unwind. Exercise, meditation, deep breathing, and hobbies can all reduce stress and improve your mood.

Seek help. If you find yourself struggling to cope with the constant stream of negative news, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help. A therapist or counsellor can provide valuable guidance and support.

Stay informed, but not obsessed. Whilst staying informed is important, obsessing over the news can lead to information overload and increased anxiety. Set boundaries and avoid overconsumption.

Remember, preserving your mental health is a priority, it’s okay to take breaks from the news and practice self-compassion. By implementing these strategies, you can better navigate a world of bad news while maintaining your mental wellbeing.