Category: Faith and Suffering
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Train(ed) Up: Finding Direction and Endurance in Trials
It was a modern-day nightmare. I’d spent the night in London after attending a conference, and realised that I’d left my phone charger at home when I got to the hotel. Not to worry. I was hopeful the life of my phone would hold on until I returned. On the…
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The Mustard Seed Mum: Mothers Have Meltdowns Too
It was the end of the church service. People were mingling in the foyer and catching up. Children were chasing one another and parents were practicing the art of one eye on their child and the other on the person in front of them. I stand there trying to keep…
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Mercy in Misery
We’ve just entered 2024. As I type, I am thinking about a few people I know who have started the new year with pain and sorrow. Saying ‘Happy New Year’ seems cruel for so many. Starting a new year seems like such a big turning point and our calendars do…
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An interview with John Hindley
It was an immense privilege to endorse John Hindley’s most recent book ‘Weakness Our Strength: Learning From Christ Crucified’. It was also a joy to be able to interview him as we discuss his journey to faith, becoming a pastor, church planter and an author, his brand new book, what…
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A Call To Cry Out
A few days ago, riots broke out in my city. Two teenagers lost their lives, violence ensued in the streets, cars were set on fire and police officers were targeted. Investigations are ongoing to establish the facts surrounding the circumstances that led to their death. In the same week, walking…
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The Sides of Suffering
Yesterday marked two years since I received my own stem cells back after having several days of gruelling high-dose chemotherapy. Having a stem cell transplant to kick the return of Hodgkin Lymphoma after 10 years being cancer free was one of the hardest times of my life. For those wondering…
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Back to the Beginning: A Ministry of Hope
Do you ever cringe when you think about some of the things you used to do or say? As a writer, I look back at some of my earlier work and quietly chuckle to myself hoping no one will ever read it. I know I am my worst critic and…
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An Interview with Tim Challies
It was an immense privilege and joy to have the opportunity to speak with blogger, author, pastor and speaker Tim Challies. I have been reading Tim’s work for many years, and have been encouraged personally in my own writing journey because of him. I am very thankful for his words…
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Dealing with Difficult Decembers
The countdown to Christmas Day is well underway. Shopping, services and sugar are a very typical expectation for this time of year. I saw a church advertise that it’s having five different variations of Christmas Carol services with different kind of music. I honestly don’t know what to say to…
Ruth Clemence – Writer and Blogger 