Although the word ‘beauty’ evokes such varied impressions for each of us, we all desire it in one form or another. Even if we don’t think about it much, there are certain encounters that take our breath away. The subject of beauty is expansive, wrapped in endless forms – nature, music, speech, colour, form, ideas and ethics, all originating in God’s creation of the … [Read more...] about Beauty, Art and the Kingdom Part 1 Perceptions of beauty
Soul care – the calling of Cathy AJ Hardy
Self-care comes in many forms, for we are complex creatures housing physical, intellectual and emotional components. We are image-bearers of the living God, made to display His glory. Self-care honours our innate purpose. There is no shortage of information on diets, exercise, and other habits meant to promote healthy bodies. Our technological devices offer all kinds of games … [Read more...] about Soul care – the calling of Cathy AJ Hardy
A year like no other, a year of discovering blossoms in the wilderness
The world’s memories of 2020, including Christmas, will forever stand out in history with a kind of bleakness - a wilderness terrain for the whole of humanity. But even in the wilderness, tiny blossoms show up now and then. They convey a kind of hopefulness to move us forward. Thirteen months ago, I took up a new instrument. If anyone had told me I’d ever learn to play the … [Read more...] about A year like no other, a year of discovering blossoms in the wilderness
Lament and the Church: Part 2, in the context of worship
When we accept a theology of suffering there’s the question of how to introduce lament as a truthful, healing practice that leads us back to hope. Worship leader and recording artist Brian Doerksen agrees that offering a space for lament in our worship draws us together as community, reminding us we’re not alone in our feelings of hopelessness and grief. Taking it one step … [Read more...] about Lament and the Church: Part 2, in the context of worship
Lament and the church: Part 1, A theology of lament
Grief. Mourning. Sorrow. Weeping. These are elements of lament. As children of God, we are not immune to feelings of abandonment and desolation. In scripture, most of God’s chosen leaders enter into a time of lament – Jacob, Joseph, David, Job, all the prophets, the people of Israel and even Jesus, whose anguished cry in the Garden of Gethsemane was accompanied by … [Read more...] about Lament and the church: Part 1, A theology of lament