Headless! Look, See, Pray

Two headless birds? The other gull must be traumatised!

Cormorants often “hang themselves out to dry” after fishing. This one is preening its “wing-pit” and his head/neck blend into the background. The flying gull is going away from the camera.

There will be too many political “headless” lines in the next few weeks. Low cunning and devious deceptions will attempt to influence our opinions (and votes). Presenting partial truth, and manipulating facts to suit agendas, such misleading advertising will pass itself off as journalism. They are just lies.

Our society has been pushed out of shape by the truth-twisters. Quick soundbites, sensationalism, and cynicism form the language of politics. Social media is anti-social and often misleading.

This isn’t new- try the Pompeii graffiti and the scandalous pamphlets of the Jacobean era- but it is dangerous.

Public service and political office ought to be built on character and principled living: honour and dignity the currency of social prominence. If only it were so.

Some Biblical wisdom that would benefit leaders and the led…

Proverbs 10:9
“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.”

Romans 12:2
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Philippians 4:8
“Finally, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

Luke 6:31
“And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.”

Reds… Look, See, Pray

Red letter day! First opportunity to start the spring gardening. Spot of rose pruning, tidying away dead growth, collecting all the old fronds from the palms, and trying to work out how so many weeds can ignore the weather that frightens the life out of the posher plants.

A day of surprises too. Pardon the colour clash between the camellia and the ladybird: all is forgiven because of the sterling work the bugs do. Hidden away in hibernation until now, they are popping up all over- I’ve been trying to “spot” them… (Sorry! Couldn’t resist the joke.)

There are so many parallels between gardening and spiritual growth. We all want the pretty flowers and good-to-eat crops. The hard graft is less popular. Digging out deep-rooted weeds/habits; pruning the ordinary in order to develop the extraordinary. Picking up the litter, mowing the grass, fighting the bad bugs-and-slugs… Left unchecked, our neat growth becomes a wilderness – swiftly.

Finding allies and mentors is so important. Having a good notion as to which things will thrive where- and creating special conditions for the ones we treasure but need extra work and care.

Never stop learning: that’s definitely true in both realms.

Finally, knowing the Head Gardener is a “big help” i.e., VITAL. And, of course, remembering that gardens (and lives) are there to be enjoyed as much as possible. All graft and no tea in the shade makes a grouchy human. Stopping to enjoy the wild life- butterflies, birdsong, ladybirds gnashing the aphids… PRICELESS.

There IS a prize. Philippians 1:6 (NLT) says:
“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”

The hard labour is NOT in vain.

Looking for A Hero – Look, See, Pray

Our search for a hero is expressed in so many ways… making idols of sporting teams, flirting with extremist politics, or obsession with the Hollywood myths- like Superman.

What a fabulous kite! Dipping and soaring on the wind, brightly coloured, ingeniously designed- but powerless. Much like the comic book universe that puts our longings into the box office. At one level, much religious activity is based on unfulfilled wishes- so “gods” were manufactured out of wood, stone, or precious metals. The forces of nature are seen as divine: spirits of trees, water, and fire. Even animals can be worshipped. Bulls are strong, lions are courageous, eagles are majestic…

In the 20th century, two colossal wars caused awful loss of life and dreadful destruction. No wonder fictional heroes gained even more attraction. Add the incredible “special effects” of modern film-making, and the impossible happens before our eyes.

Is it surprising that many have abandoned “faith” as hollow and powerless? We have lost trust in politics, church, and morality. Give us Superman! If nothing else, Superman would lift responsibility and guilt from our shoulders… we could leave everything to the superhero.

Now, if Jesus had worn a red cape and Y-fronts over a jumpsuit… Would everybody have thronged to follow Him instead of crucifying Him?

The way of Jesus is the opposite of acting out a superhero fantasy.

Love, grace, life-transforming teaching, some miracles; but embracing Death in order the shatter the power of Death forever.

He could have called 10,000 angels- but instead He chose the path of willing obedience. Out of that humility, new life was birthed through Resurrection- the Father’s “Amen” to the self-giving of Jesus. WE are called to make Jesus our model, inspiration, and goal- not to yearn for “superhero myths” but to walk in humble Love.

“Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.“ (Phil. 2:5)