Can you drink the cup. Part 2 0f 3
Stories of Hope
Raising a glass at a party is a way of saying welcome, I see who you are and am glad you are here with us. Sharing honestly with others even if the story is sad and difficult is important to do, as people crave authentic friendship. A famous proverb goes like this. "A problem shared is a problem halved and a joy shared is a joy doubled"
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Chris Reid. Grandma (GG) and Salvo leader.
Stories of Hope
Chris Reid is a national leader with the Salvation Army and is also a wife, a mother and a grandma, known to her grandchildren as GG. Her life has been a journey of self discovery, incorporating times of tragedy as a young woman and then some quite confronting challenges to her leadership. Chris and her husband Stuart are delightful friends to the lovely Sue and I and we have shared many meals and robust conversations.
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Can you drink the cup? Part 1 of 3
Stories of Hope
Henri Nouwen wrote a book called "Can you drink the cup" It is an invitation to live our lives fully. Drinking deeply of every experience - both the joyful and the sorrowful. But in my experience this requires a great deal of courage and the support of loving community.
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Jamie Lee Dugdale and Daddy Bryce
Stories of Hope
Jamie Lee never knew her father and was homeless by the time she was 17. For many years she has lived on the streets and in youth shelters. She has dyslexia and a variety of mental health conditions. Her life has not been easy. But she has found a place that feels like family at the Salvos and for the last 13 years she has called me Daddy Bryce.
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Leave the comfort zone.
Stories of Hope
It's scary to leave the comforts and security of the known way, but if we trust that whatever we leave will somehow be made up for, we will take the risk. Our dog Maggie left the comfort and security of her mother and the other puppies in her litter, but I can assure you, she gets a much better deal at our place than she did back home.
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Narelle Sketcher. Educator and friend.
Stories of Hope
Narelle Sketcher is the principal of Mt Evelyn Christian School in Melbourne and is a well educated and thoughtful person. She grew up at Camberwell Salvos and thinks deeply about faith and life. She shares her story with honesty and insight and it was great to connect with this lovely friend after so many years.
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Jesus is the question
Stories of Hope
Some Christians say Jesus is the answer, but a book around at the moment is titled "Jesus is the question" Jesus asks far more questions than he answers. We need safe places for conversation and enquiry if we are ever to have robust understandings of life. Change and growth are mysterious things and we do well to allow space and time for ourselves and for others to grow in this way.
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Graeme Golding. From Trombone to bass guitar in Texas USA
Stories of Hope
Graeme Golding is from rich Salvation Army heritage here in Australia, trained as a professional musician and was a Salvo officer for a while. We were great mates at that time and even shared a near death experience together. 25 years ago he met Wendy, the love of his life and has lived and served in the USA ever since.
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The first shall be last.
Stories of Hope
Winning and being the best isn't all it's cracked up to be. Not to say we don't try our best, but we will almost always be out done in some way, by someone. For example, Nigella may be a better cook than the lovely Sue, but Sue will almost always come first in my book.
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Narelle Unicomb. Kayaking Comedienne and more.
Stories of Hope
Narelle is a third generation Salvo and grew up in PNG with her Missionary parents. Her life story is a consistent development of what it means to serve, to be real and to be authentically engaged in community. Narelle loves adventure and doing new things and I suspect she always will.
info_outlinePeople fulfill the loving purposes of God in all sorts of ways and Jesus didn't seem to mind what their background was of even what they believed. He valued their hearts and their service. I once took three guys fresh out of recovery to help me serve at an evacuation centre in Rockhampton after a flood. They did an awesome job and shone brightly with love and dedication. They came home to a hero's welcome.