Have you ever thought you had so much to do that you couldn’t get ill? I have. What began as several weeks of recurring chest discomfort eventually led me to NHS 111, a walk-in centre and a hospital Emergency Department. The reassuring results brought relief and gratitude, but also prompted some unexpected reflections on asking for help, receiving care, and not taking life for granted.
Category: Meaning of Life
Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2026/09/09/no-time-to-die-mortality-vulnerability-and-the-gift-of-life/
Jun 02
Good news worth sharing?
AS PART of my ministry training, I’m exploring what happens when we share stories of faith and invite others to respond. I’d love to hear your perspective, whatever your beliefs or background.
Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2026/06/02/good-news-worth-sharing/
Dec 24
Listening to the music of the soul: The grandest and rawest outcry
‘LISTENING to the Music of the Soul’ by Guli Francis-Dehqani is divided into 8 chapters inspired by 8 pieces of music. The author invites us to ‘have a go at creating your own Desert Island Discs… to help you better understand yourself and the things that are important to you’. Here’s my eighth and final musical moment.
Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2025/12/24/listening-to-the-music-of-the-soul-the-grandest-and-rawest-outcry/
Dec 22
Listening to the music of the soul: Wisdom in secret things
‘LISTENING to the Music of the Soul’ by Guli Francis-Dehqani is divided into 8 chapters inspired by 8 pieces of music. The author invites us to ‘have a go at creating your own Desert Island Discs… to help you better understand yourself and the things that are important to you’. Here’s my sixth.
Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2025/12/22/listening-to-the-music-of-the-soul-6-wisdom-in-secret-things/
Dec 21
Listening to the music of the soul: Standing at the crossroads
‘LISTENING to the Music of the Soul’ by Guli Francis-Dehqani is divided into 8 chapters inspired by 8 pieces of music. The author invites us to ‘have a go at creating your own Desert Island Discs… to help you better understand yourself and the things that are important to you’. Here’s my fifth.
Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2025/12/21/listening-to-the-music-of-the-soul-5-standing-at-the-crossroads/
Aug 04
Encouraging words build community spirit
LAST MONTH, as part of my training as a Methodist minister, I shared this reflection about the inmportance of sharing encouragement when we can, not waiting until someone leaves or has died to say how we really feel.
Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2025/08/04/encouraging-words-build-community-spirit/
Nov 24
My Christian journey – A testimonal for ministry training
IN MAY 2023 I began the process of applying to begin training as a Methodist minister in 2024. This is the testimonial I wrote for a portfolio as part of my application.
Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2023/11/24/my-christian-journey-a-testimonal-for-ministry-training/
Aug 31
An introspective retrospective – 10 years of blogging
TEN YEARS AGO today (as I turned 42) I began this blog. I wrote a brief retrospective after five years. Here’s an update on the next five: having ‘come out of the Catholic church‘ in 2011, then authorised as a lay leader in Church of England, I have now become a Methodist thanks to its commitment …
Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2022/08/31/an-introspective-retrospective-10-years-of-blogging/
Jan 09
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans – What I learned from the #10YearChallenge
While I don’t usually take part in social media trends, this one seemed worthwhile, as this past ten years has been particularly significant for me.
Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2020/01/09/enjoy-your-achievements-as-well-as-your-plans-what-i-learned-from-the-10yearchallenge/
Dec 13
Will you welcome #HomelessJesus this Christmas?
TODAY the YMCAs in the Liverpool City Region gathered for a carol service in the city’s Parish Church, opposite the world famous Liver Building. As the chaplain for YMCA Liverpool and YMCA St Helens, I gave a reflection on the Christmas story and what it means for the people the YMCA supports
Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2019/12/13/will-you-welcome-homelessjesus-this-christmas/
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