Thought for the week

Tag: apostle Paul

  • The secret of happiness

    Va’aiga Tuigamala, known as “Inga”, has died at the age of 52. He was an outstanding rugby player, a gentle giant of a man. Originally from Samoa, he represented the New Zealand All Blacks in 19 Test Matches, including at the 1991 Rugby World Cup, and later played for Samoa. He played Rugby League in…

  • Light shines in the darkness

    The war on the people of Ukraine is appalling. The relentless bombing of cities and smaller communities wreaks mindless destruction of property and kills men, women and children. It is heart-breaking to see people leaving their homes carrying a few precious possessions with them. Little children carrying only a favourite toy. Thousands of people sheltering…

  • Loving our children and grandchildren

    We are all conscious of the seriousness of climate change. What we are doing now will have serious implications for future generations – our children and grandchildren. Children who have contributed the least to the climate crisis will pay the highest price. Higher temperatures will leave many families living in poverty with less food, less…

  • Time to change

    Is it possible for people to change? How do we cope with things we’ve done in the past which we deeply regret? Our society can be very unforgiving. The lives of those in the public eye are unmercifully scrutinised. Things which people said or did in the past, or posted on social media, are discovered…

  • Be near me when I’m dying

    The House of Lords has been debating the Assisted Dying Bill that proposes making a new law to enable adults who are of sound mind and have six months or less to live to be provided with life-ending medication. The person wanting to end their life would have to sign a declaration approved by two…

  • The Wonder of Reconciliation

    In May 2019, 15-year-old Leah met up with a group of friends in a car park in her hometown of Northallerton. Connor, who was 17 years old, gave Leah MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, a Class A drug. Connor was involved with county lines gangs which target vulnerable teenagers and use them to supply drugs.…

  • The story of Rodwell Khomazana

    On 2 May 9-year-old Rodwell Khomazana was attacked by a hyena and suffered life-changing injuries. The attack took place when Rodwell was with his family at a night religious service at Zviratidzo Zvevapostori Apostolic Church in Zimbabwe and was sleeping. In the attack Rodwell suffered terrible injuries losing his nose, left eye, most of his…

  • Hope in the face of death

    More than 3 million people from more than 200 countries have died from Covid-19. These people come from every strata of society and every age group. Most deaths have been of elderly people but that doesn’t diminish the significance their deaths. None of us can escape the reality of death for ourselves and also for…

  • The God who gives hope

    As we enter a new year one of our great needs is to find hope. The problems of our world are great and there are no easy solutions. In our personal lives and families, we may be experiencing sadness and pain. On Christmas Day a good friend died of Covid-19. Even the dark, damp days…

  • Remembering the Penlee Lifeboat Crew

    Lifeboats are a familiar sight when we are on holiday in Britain. In 2019 lifeboats were launched 8941 times and 372 lives were saved. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, more than 143,000 lives have been saved. More than 600 lifeboat crew lives have also been lost. Most of the people who crew the…