How to survive when your world is falling apart

Our world may seem to be falling apart in ways none of us could have foreseen, and this is following 2 of the most challenging years we have ever had to live through.

And yet in the midst of destruction and despair; in the midst of the darkest days and nights; in the midst of so much pain and loss; the human spirit has shown that hope is stronger than despair and love is stronger than hate. People have spoken out against a violent oppressor; they have turned their thoughts and prayers into action and reached out to those in need; they have shown that love can conquer all.

To see, hear and read of the response of our schools, our communities and our Network is truly inspiring and humbling. To know that so many people are offering to open their homes to those in need is a sign of a society that finally understands that we must ‘welcome the stranger, feed the hungry, give clothes to those who need them, look after the sick’ if we want our county to be one that puts social justice first, not capitalism, where we finally understand that it is only in giving that we receive, and where the words of the prophet

Micah ‘To act justly, to love tenderly and walk humbly with God’ are a reality and not just platitudes.

Let us continue to stand together with the people of the Ukraine and all those countries and communities affected by conflict, where people are forced to flee and become refugees. Let us be a people of welcome for all those who are suffering and let us share the great bounty we have with those who have so little.

I read this poem recently from Donna Ashworth and I think it sums up a great deal.

“And just like that, doors everywhere were thrown open. Everything, but love and justice, was cast aside. You’re welcome here, came the resounding cries. And sure enough, kindness was in abundance, wherever you cared to look for it. Despite the struggles of the years just gone, people had not hardened or grown more cynical. They had, in fact, grown more warm, more wise, and far more aware of what really matters. They saw it in the lockdown, you see, what a gift freedom is and how quickly the world can turn. And so, just like that, doors everywhere were thrown open. You’re welcome here, you’re welcome here.”

And so we offer our welcome to all those suffering as a result of conflict, violence and oppression and we can say loudly and with commitment “You are my neighbour” and you are welcome.

PRESENCE ……………………………COMPASSION………………….…………….LIBERATION