By Simone Gregor – When thinking about meaning and purpose in life, hearing that someone is referred to as ‘the Author of life’, may be intriguing. In a follow-up from last week’s blog post, we explore that Author of life’s thoughts on His intention for our lives. God’s love has a powerful effect on us….
By Simone Gregor – Finding meaning in purpose and meaning in life seems to be a burning question for many of us. Trying to make sense of this can be daunting – there are many voices telling us what the answer to this question is. In this sometimes-confusing chorus of voices, who actually gets to…
By Katie Campbell – Last week we published part 1 of Bid Us Rise From Slavery. Incase you missed it, you can read it here. Part 2. Part of my research involved studying abolitionist poetry as a method for convincing people of the injustice of slavery, and I want to read one of the poems…
By Katie Campbell – As someone who has made my whole career about studying history (and teaching it to others), I have encountered interesting reactions from others when I tell them what I do. Usually the response involves, ‘I always thought history was really boring in school, but now I wish I knew more about…
By Simone Gregor – Words are important to me. I collect the ones I love, and also have an unwritten list of the words that give me a scratchy feeling (we can discuss whether or not this is weird another time). In my attentiveness to words, and how they’re used, I’ve noticed that sometimes they…
By Caitlin Smithen – One of my best things to do is to watch a live show! A while ago I had the joy of joining a friend to see Cirque Eloize ID. What a treat! The urban-themed production masterfully combined street dance and the circus arts to keep you riveted for close on two…
By Simone Gregor – Dear 2016, Only a few days left before you leave us – some may say goodbye to you with mixed emotions. For some, you meant confusion, chaos and struggle. For others, you brought new beginnings and joy. The world isn’t likely to forget you in a hurry: Brexit, the victory of…
By Simone Gregor – Ever walked an unwilling dog on a leash? Growing up, I had a ridgeback puppy who would flop onto her back when she’d had enough of being obedient – which was pretty much most of the time. Because we were almost equally stubborn, it would end in a tug of war….
By Simone Gregor – They may play on your insecurities, intricately constructing scenarios that rely on past stories with less-than-ideal endings. Slowly, they draw in closer, wearing down resilience and clarity of mind until you believe what they are whispering to you about the circumstances you face. Anxious thoughts about everyday life don’t always loudly…
By Simone Gregor – ‘To be nobody-but-yourself ̶ in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else ̶ means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting.’ – E.E. Cummings E.E. Cummings spoke truth when he said that being ‘nobody-but-yourself‘ can sometimes…
By Simone Gregor – Arms stretched heavenwards, eyes upturned. The atmosphere was reverent. I looked at everyone in their worshipful stances and wondered. I wondered why I felt so far away from what they seemed to be feeling. I wondered why I didn’t have the urge to stretch up my hands and worship. Or even…