As Cher sang, “words are like weapons, they wound sometimes.” [1] We can hurt or help with our words, as well as our actions. All of us have been in situations where, in the heat of the moment, we have said things we do not mean, things calculated to wound, to harm the person we […]
Insects called the Human Race
November 18, 2012 by Leave a Comment
And crawling on the planet’s face Some insects called the human race Lost in time, and lost in space And meaning –“Super Heroes” in The Rocky Horror Picture Show [1] I remember, as a child, looking up at the stars and thinking how very small and insignificant we on earth are compared to the vastness of […]
Drinking Alcohol
November 14, 2012 by Leave a Comment
The Christian world – or at least those parts of it I have come into contact with – has a funny view of alcohol. It ranges from those who do not drink at all and consider it a sin to drink alcohol, to those who say to have very little alcohol, to those who say […]
I Can’t Help You
November 13, 2012 by 9 Comments
I want to help you in your time of trouble. I really do. My heart burns for people suffering, for all suffering, for myself in times of illness. I long to answer the question “Why?” I wish I knew the words that would make everything all right, that would explain why we suffer for no […]
Going to a Conference
November 1, 2012 by 2 Comments
I’m heading off to Edinburgh tomorrow before the Premier Mind and Soul Conference which, as might be suggested, is about Christianity and mental health. I’m really looking forward to it, hoping to meet some nice people and come back with lots of ideas for things to write about! So, till about Monday (because I’m having a […]
Creativity and Mental Health
October 31, 2012 by 3 Comments
It has long been thought that there is a correlation between mental ill-health and creativity. I’m sure everyone is familiar with the idea of the “mad artist” or “tortured genius” where the person’s “madness” is the supposed fuel for their genius. I am no scientist, so I don’t know how whether people in creative professions […]
8 Ways You Can Help When Someone is Mentally Ill
October 29, 2012 by 5 Comments
Perhaps your friend, relative or someone else you know is having an episode of mental illness. Mental illness affects 1 in 4 people in the course of a year. Chances are that you know someone who is, or has been mentally ill. So what do you do when you find out? Firstly, it is really, […]
“It’s Ok, You Can’t Help It”
October 24, 2012 by 2 Comments
Remembering a comment my mother made some time ago when I was depressed has made me think a little. She said, “We didn’t know whether you were ill, or just being unpleasant.” It led me to question how much responsibility I really bear for my behaviour when I am ill. It is true that my […]
On the Road to Emmaus
October 22, 2012 by Leave a Comment
(Luke 24:13-35) The story of what happened to the disciples Cleopas and an unnamed other on the road to Emmaus in Luke’s Gospel is quite a famous one. The scene is just after the crucifixion – Jesus has, apparently, died. His followers are bereft, and they don’t know what to do. Verse 17 says they […]
I won an award
October 19, 2012 by 15 Comments
Just a quick note to say that I have won the Christian New Media Awards’ “Best Newcomer Blog.” (Here is the shortlist. EDIT: That link now takes you to the winners/runnersup/finalist list) I wasn’t able to make it to London for the ceremony, unfortunately (I live faaar away) I’m really pleased, I haven’t won anything […]
Believer's Brain 